by Tiece
“Nicole,” Shannon called out, trying to hold her sister back.
“Naaaaah, I’ll show this bitch Ratchet.” Nicole said with a jerk of the neck. The store wasn’t that crowded, but an elderly lady had stopped to see the action as she stood there listening.
“Show me,” Lauren said, ready to get ‘bout it ‘bout it. Nicole was definitely putting on a show like she just wanted to fight so badly. Lauren laughed at her, looking like a fool. “I’m telling you, sweetie. This ain’t what you want. You standing here talking about my sister, but have you looked in the mirror lately with them duck lips and feet that look like they’re a size 13 in men shoes. Girl Bye!”
Nicole attempted to reach around Shannon and hit Lauren, but Shannon pushed her back. “Not here,” she said. “Let’s just go. Ain’t nobody got time to be going to jail.”
“I wish that bitch would’ve put her hands on me.” Lauren stated through gritted teeth, just as Shannon was getting Nicole to turn around and leave the confrontation. Before they could leave the aisle good, Kerry bent the corner to see what the chaos was about after hearing Lauren’s foul mouth from close by. She bumped right into Shannon and Nicole, causing Shannon to drop the pregnancy tests that she was holding on the floor.
Kerry looked from Shannon’s stunned face down to the floor, noticing the pregnancy tests. The look on her face was flustered as her eyes went back to Shannon.
“You better get your sister before I beat her ass.” Nicole said with an attitude as Lauren walked up behind them.
“Nicole!” Shannon called out to hush her. “Let’s just go.” She didn’t want any trouble. Plus, she knew that Kerry had already threatened her at Ciara’s school before and she fully believed those threats.
“First off, I don’t take threats lightly and if you put one finger on my sister I will beat you senseless in this muthafuckin’ store. You got that, bitch!” Kerry said.
“BITCH-” Nicole yelled out, but was cut off just as Kerry grabbed her around the neck of her shirt and rammed her into the shelf behind them. Kerry had hit her about two times as Shannon attempted to get in a lick in hopes of helping her sister, but was quickly pushed to the floor by Lauren. A large man came out of nowhere to break up the tussle between the girls. It was really no fight, because it was broken up pretty quickly.
“We’ll get them, Sis. Don’t worry.” Shannon said like she now had an attitude since Lauren had shoved her on the floor. Nicole was struggling to get loose from the man as Kerry and Lauren just stood there hoping that she was successful so they could drag her ass. Unfortunately, Mrs. Ware stepped around the corner and ordered her girls out of Walgreens. She was pissed that they’d act like that in public.
The guy that was holding Nicole led her and Shannon to the back of the store so that they could cool off. He was hoping to give Kerry and Lauren time to leave so that no one went to jail for disorderly conduct.
Outside, Mrs. Ware was letting the girls have it as they made it to the car. “What in the hell is wrong with y’all? Who were those women that y’all were about to fight?” She questioned as she hit the unlock button to get inside of the car.
Kerry got in first, now feeling somewhat embarrassed as Lauren’s big mouth started going in. “Mom that was the trick who Justin is with now. You know, the lil young girl name Shannon.” She said, trying to be funny. “Can you believe that they were actually standing there talking about Kerry like a dog, not knowing that I was listening to them.”
“So, why didn’t you just let them talk? Words never hurt anybody.” Mrs. Ware said as she glimpsed in the rearview mirror at a now quiet Kerry who was sitting behind her.
“I wasn’t saying anything at first, but then her sister started with me after she realized who I was. You know I wasn’t having that.”
Mrs. Ware shook her head. “Y’all need to learn to control your mouths and your tempers.”
“And mom, can you believe that Shannon was actually buying a pregnancy test?” Lauren said, glimpsing in the back seat at Kerry. “Who does she think she is trying to fight somebody and she could possibly be pregnant? I would’ve stomped a mud hole in her scrawny behind.”
Mrs. Ware knew that Lauren would drag something out if she could and Kerry apparently seemed hurt by that revealing information. “Well, what do we care? Kerry has clearly moved on since she signed the divorce papers. Right, sweetie?”
“Right mom,” Kerry nonchalantly responded, but she was definitely hurt. Justin had been lying, saying that he and Shannon weren’t sexually active. How could I be so stupid to believe him? She pondered in her mind.
“Kerry, are you okay? You seem distant after what happened.”
“I’m good, mom. If Justin has started another family with his lil girlfriend then more power to him. I’m done with him. So, I don’t care what he does anymore.” She responded, but at the same time she was fighting back the tears that wanted to fall. She didn’t want to seem weak for a man that she had supposedly left alone nearly a year ago. She was certainly hurt beyond repair at the moment and couldn’t wait until she faced Justin’s nasty ass again.
Mrs. Ware was still bitter about the incident and couldn’t let it go as she started scolding her daughters again. “I just don’t know what to say about y’all girls sometimes. If your father finds out about this he’s gonna have a fit. You both know better than to be out in a public place showing your asses. It’s a time and a place for everything.”
“I’m sorry, mom.” Lauren said just wanting her to let it go. She definitely didn’t want their dad to get in on this because he could get on them so bad that they’d forget they were grown.
“Yeah, me too,” Kerry agreed. “It won’t happen again.” The truth was that she couldn’t wait to see Nicole out somewhere, because she was going to make it her business to beat her down for having such a big mouth like she was this bad ass.
“So, any word from Janay?” Mrs. Ware asked. “Is she going to make it to Jewel’s birthday party? I really wanted to see Brison this weekend.”
“Bianca said that she called her, but Janay hasn’t been feeling well. So, she may not make it.”
Mrs. Ware felt bad for her daughter. “My poor baby, I believe she has post partum depression. She has really been in a funk lately.”
“I told her the same thing. She did say that she’d made a doctor’s appointment so hopefully somebody can tell her something.” Kerry finally chimed in.
“Plus, she’s home sick. She’s just ready to move back and with Finn in the church like he is, it’s making the move kinda hard.” Lauren added.
“Well, I’m planning on going to see her soon. I think she’ll feel better if I’m around her.” Mrs. Ware said.
“I think that would totally make her feel better.” Kerry said. “But, I’ll call her later tonight to see if she may make it to Jewel’s birthday party. She’s gonna be disappointed to miss out on that. You know Tory and Bianca are going all out. Tory feels like a proud dad; especially since he signed those adoption papers. Kory must feel good to see his baby being well taken care of.”
“God bless the dead,” Lauren added.
“Yeah, God bless the dead.” Kerry agreed.
Chapter 7
Janay looked over at her husband Finn and smiled at him as he drove toward Finn’s parent’s house. Her eyes followed from his handsome face down to the sleeve of tattoos on his arm. He was certainly sexy as hell in his own right. She reached over and rubbed her fingertips lightly across the firm muscle of his bicep, touching the two engraved keys linked by a chain. Her name, Janay, was written inside of one of the keys and their son’s name, Brison, was written inside the other key. They were a symbolization of being the keys to Finn’s heart.
“You like that tattoo, don’t you?” Finn asked with a smile on his face.
“It’s my favorite.” Janay responded. “I feel so excited, babe.” she said, looking in the backseat at their seven month old, chubby cheek, curly head baby boy as he slept peacefull
y, strapped in his car seat. “We’re moving in the country. I still can’t get over you taking me out to dinner when you returned home just to surprise me with the papers to our new home.”
Finn glanced over at the big smile on his wife’s face. It made him happy to be able to please her. “Well, I know the move is not back to Augusta where your family is at, but I figured since we were moving out a bit further from the city and in a nice, exclusive neighborhood that’d be at least like meeting you half way.”
“As long as we weren’t moving in with your mother or close by her then I’m good.” Janay said, feeling that she and Finn’s mother were like oil and water. They definitely didn’t mix. “I’m just glad that your father has bounced back to good health and he’s getting back in the church, which relieves you of some of those duties.”
“I know,” Finn agreed. “Don’t get me wrong. I love being in the church. I love mingling with the congregation and the administration, but I could use the break. My family needs me more right now.”
“Well, you’re not completely out of the church. I think it’s great that Pops asked you to be the Assistant Pastor on third Sundays.”
“I like that better than having to be accountable for showing up every Sunday,” he said with a light chuckle.
“You go anyway, on Wednesdays its choir rehearsal and Thursday’s its Bible study, but I get what you’re saying.” Janay responded with a smile.
“So, how have you been feeling baby? You seem to be in better spirits.” He said.
“I am. I just have my moments. Good thing I go to the doctor on Monday though. I wanted to go to Jewel’s birthday party on Sunday, but I don’t want to have to drive back up here just to make sure I make my appointment. I did send her a nice gift from us and Bianca should get it by UPS on Saturday.”
“Well, I think that’s sweet of you.” Finn said.
“Now, why are we going to your mom’s house tonight? You know I’m not in the mood for any of this.” Janay said, feeling like she wasn’t in the mood for Mrs. Carter’s shade throwing.
“Babe, you need to get out the house. Plus, Aunt Lily cooked a nice meal and wants to see you and Brison.”
She smiled, because Aunt Lily was definitely sweet on her. She made her feel at home and she definitely didn’t mind being around her.
“I just wish your mom acted more like her then it wouldn’t be so bad.” She said, looking over at Finn with a disappointed expression on her face.
“Love, just chill for me, please. Mom is coming around. I don’t see how you can’t tell the difference. She has been nicer to you and she’s making an effort. Just give her a chance.”
Janay looked over at Finn. He was sincere in what he was saying and the truth was that she had noticed change in Mrs. Carter. Maybe she did need to give her a chance. “Okay, we’ll see.” She responded as they pulled up in the driveway of the Carter’s modest two-story home. “Who are these other people here? I didn’t know that they were having a party.”
Finn shrugged his shoulders. “Me, either.” He responded.
He parked their 2013 Range Rover, and then they stepped out of the vehicle. “Baby, what does your mom have up her sleeve?”
“I honestly don’t know. All I know is that she invited us over and that Aunt Lily was cooking.” Finn said as he got Brison out of the backseat. Janay was slightly persuaded. A part of her didn’t mind attending a family dinner then another part of her was definitely unsure.
“Okay well, when I’m ready to leave; can we leave?” She asked.
“As soon as you’re ready, we can leave.” He promised her as she smiled and they headed up to the front door. As soon as they stepped into the house all they heard was, “SURPRISE!” Brison jumped in Finn’s arms and woke up crying.
****
Thirty minutes later, Janay found herself outside sitting next to Aunt Lily as they shared small talk. Aunt Lily was interested in knowing all about the new woman that her nephew had married and she also wanted her to know more about who she was.
Janay sipped from her wine glass and looked over at Aunt Lily. “I’m thankful for this dinner party that you and Mrs. Carter decided to throw for us. It only made me that more excited about moving into our new home.”
“We’re just so proud of Finn. He has grown up to become such a responsible young man. He’s a great husband, father, and an awesome provider. Thank you, Lord.” She said then drank from her glass of wine with a smile on her face. Janay just smiled, because it was all true. “I can only imagine what my son would’ve been doing if he were still here with us.”
Janay looked over at her with saddened eyes. “You had a son? Finn never mentioned that to me.” Janay asked, not really wanting to pry, but wanting to pry.
“Yes, I once had a son.” She said with a soft smile. “He died at the young age of sixteen years old. He was my only child. He and Finn were the same age, only months a part.” She explained.
“Wow, I didn’t know. Finn never spoke of this.” Janay sadly said.
“No one speaks of it. They think that it’ll send me back into a deep depression.” She softly smiled to lighten the load of speaking about it. “But, I’m good. I had gone through a lot back then and I survived.”
“Finn did say that you were married once. What happened to your husband, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“My husband wasn’t the same after that. He actually died ten years ago.”
“Wow, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Oh it’s okay.” Aunt Lily said.
“You said that your son was killed?”
“Yes, he was outside in the back of our home. Someone had struck him in the head and left him there to die. He was dead by the time I found him.”
“Wow,” Janay said, definitely needing another drink as she extended her glass for Aunt Lily to give her a refill.
“My husband was so confused. He didn’t know who could’ve done that to our boy. Hell, till this day it baffles me how someone could’ve done that and got away with it. He was distraught and after that he was just never the same man anymore.”
“I’m so sorry to hear about this,” Janay said.
“Don’t be sorry for me, sweetie. I’m good now. That’s why I feel such closeness to Finn. He’s like the son I lost. I imagine my son to have grown up just like him, a sweet, loving child.”
“Now, I see why you take to him the way that you do. I appreciate you sharing your story with me, you didn’t have to.”
“No, I just wanted you to know a little bit about me.” She said, now pouring her a little bit more of the red wine. “I like you. I like my son being with you.”
Janay frowned. “You mean your nephew.”
“Yes, my nephew. Must be the wine talking,” she said, holding up an already empty glass.
“Yes, it must be. Think I’ve had my share as well.” Janay said, noticing that they’d almost knocked off a whole wine bottle by themselves.
“Look, don’t mention any of this to Finn or my sister. They’ll think that I’ve started rambling again and I definitely don’t want them to feel like I’m having another breakdown. They mean well, but they are definitely over protective because of the situation.”
“I can understand,” Janay said. “I won’t say a word.” She then smiled at Aunt Lily. “If only your sister was more like you, I’d feel more at ease when I come around. She just doesn’t like me much.”
Aunt Lily shook her head. “Liz just doesn’t know you, that’s all. She is a good person, though. She really is.”
“I’m willing to give our relationship a chance. I just hope that she doesn’t try any more sneaky mess with trying to set Finn up with his ex.”
“Are you talking about Heather?” Aunt Lily asked.
“The one and only,” Janay responded.
“Heather isn’t a bad girl. She grew up next door to Finn as youngsters. Her parents are best friends with Liz and Larry.” She said speaking of her sister, Mrs. Carter, and her b
rother-n-law, Mr. Carter.
“Yeah, I’ve heard.” Janay nonchalantly responded.
“Don’t be threatened by their relationship, though. Yes, they used to date and the only reason why they broke up was because Finn moved to Augusta and she didn’t want to go with him. Then he moved on and so did she. Just let it go and allow them to be friends. He loves you and that’s all that matters.”
“I guess you’re right,” Janay said, feeling like they needed to join everyone else inside the family home. She’d sat with Aunt Lily long enough and now she just wanted to be around her husband. She stood up, feeling a little tipsy but smiled as she played it off. “I’m gonna join my hubby inside now. It was good talking with you, as always.”
“You too, baby.” Aunt Lily said, finishing off the rest of the wine in the bottle. “I’ll be in shortly.” She had a distasteful expression on her face. Janay figured it was from all the wine that she’d drank as she entered the home, leaving Aunt Lily to her thoughts.
****
Janay entered the house with a smile on her face. She was feeling good and for once she didn’t feel out of place. Finn’s father walked over to her and gave her a warm hug. “Hey daughter,” he spoke in the sincerest of tones. Finn looked so much like him. It was almost like watching an older Finn walking around the house.
“Hi dad,” she spoke back. He always welcomed her in their home and was always gracious around her.
“How are things with you and the baby? I’ve been hearing that you’ve not been feeling so well, lately.”
Nobody told you that but Mrs. Carter, she thought. “I’ve been better,” she responded.
“Me too, and it feels good to be surrounded by family and friends. Whatever you do, take care of yourself for my son and that precious grandbaby of ours.” He said, just as Mrs. Carter walked up holding Brison.
“There goes your mommy,” Mrs. Carter said as Janay smiled and reached for her little one. “Whew, you smell that? Let me go change him right quick.”
“Nooo,” Janay said to stop her. “I’ll change him.”