When he approached Emerald Estates, cars filled the driveway and lined the street. Stiles had to park a few houses down. He walked the short distance, and once inside, he was met by a room full of friends and family. He sat down and mixed and mingled with them although he was still fuming over Francesca’s insensitivity. Pastor was in his bedroom taking a nap, one of the church members informed Stiles.
A knock on the front door pulled him from their conversation. He went and opened the door and was presently surprised when he saw Detria standing there. Out of sight from the guests, he affectionately pulled her into his arms and squeezed her.
When he released her, he stepped back and looked in her eyes and grinned widely.
“Wow, what was that all about?” Detria said and placed one hand on her hip and returned his smile with an uplifted brow.
“God sent me a much needed deterrent from what I’m doing, and I must say you are a welcome deterrent. Come on in.” He stepped aside to open the door wider and ushered her inside.
“I’ve never been called a deterrent,” she said as she strolled inside. Her hair lightly bounced. “But I’ll accept being a deterrent, since I am welcome.” She stopped in the kitchen and smoothly turned around. She saw trays of covered food almost on every space.
Stiles rubbed his head with his hand. “I guess that’s not exactly the word I was looking for,” he said and looked rather embarrassed. “What I should have said is that I’m relieved that the knock on the door came and there you were, standing on the other side looking gorgeous and my heart goes, yes.” Stiles used his body to evoke a round of positive emotion.
Detria pointed a finger. “Now that worked,” she said and laughed. “I thought I’d stop by since I was on my way home. I wanted to know if there’s anything I can do to help you get some things done,” Detria said seriously.
“You are truly a godsend, Detria. I’ve spent the past couple of hours talking with a house full of guests. Those from out of town who said they were coming are here, so that’s not the problem.”
Detria walked into the family room, and with a fresh smile, she introduced herself to those who didn’t know her and chatted lightly with church members who did know her.
She excused herself and told Stiles. “I’m going to go in the kitchen and make sure all of that food is stored properly. I’ll take some of it to your house for the people over there,” she told Stiles who followed behind her. When she looked at him, she saw the frustrated look on his face. She stood in her tracks. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No,” he rubbed his hair back with his hand. “I guess I’m just frustrated. You know I went to see if Francesca was going to come to Memphis. Pastor was looking forward to her being her.”
“And what happened?” asked Detria.
“You see she isn’t here.” He stretched out his hands. “I don’t know if she’s even going to come. Pastor will be devastated. Detria, I don’t know what to do.” Tears crested in his eyes.
Detria’s heart swelled with hurt when she saw the discouraged look on his face. “Stiles, pray. Trust in God. That’s all you can do. It’s Francesca’s decision whether she’s coming or not. As for Pastor, keep doing what you’re doing; loving him and sticking by him.”
“But you don’t understand, Detria. Mother’s viewing is tomorrow, and her funeral is the day after tomorrow. I haven’t had a free moment to look over her eulogy. Instead, I feel like I’m having an out of body experience or something.”
“Why don’t you go to your church office? I’ll stay here with Pastor and your relatives. Plus, there are some church members in there who I know are just waiting to help out in any way that they can.” Detria patted Stiles’s shoulder. “Now go. You don’t have to worry about a thing. We’ll make sure everything is fine. Where is Pastor anyway? I didn’t see him in there.” Detria asked.
“He’s in his room taking a nap.”
“See, it’s the perfect time for you to get out of here.” She shoved him playfully. “Go. Stay away as long as you need to.”
Stiles leaned down and kissed Detria on the cheek. “God bless you, sister.” He felt inside of his pants pocket for his keys. Finding them, he exited through the side door and left.
Chapter Twenty
“If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
1 John 1:10
Rena folded the last few items and placed them neatly in the small suitcase. She was planning on being gone for one, maybe two days at the most. At first she turned down Robert’s offer to accompany her to Audrey’s funeral, but after more thought, she agreed with him when he told her that she needed someone to lean on. Her parents would have each other, but facing Stiles and Francesca was going to be a chore for Rena. Folding her dark navy fitting dress, Rena thought about something Francesca had told her. “Wantin folks to think you so much. You deceived my brotha. You tricked him into believing that you were so pure, so holy, when all the time you just as nasty as me.”
“Rena, are you in there?” she heard the voice of her mother calling her out of her daydream.
“Yes,” she hollered back. “I’m back here in my bedroom,” she answered.
Her mother came into Rena’s bedroom and saw the clothes and suitcase lying on the bed.
“I saw your car in the drive. I rang the doorbell and I knocked, then I just used my key to let myself in when you didn’t answer. I wanted to make sure you were all right. I guess you were in one of your trances, huh?” Her mother knew Rena like the back of her hand.
“Yeah, I was just thinking.” Rena sat down on her bed. “Momma,” she said solemnly, “I’ve messed my life up so bad.”
“Now, Rena, don’t go doing this to yourself,” she told her daughter and sat down next to her. She wrapped her arm around Rena’s shoulder. “What have I told you about self-condemnation? Whatever you’ve done wrong, you’ve asked God to forgive you . . . right?”
“Yes.”
“And He has. Your sins are scattered now as far as the east is from the west. God has thrown them into the sea of forgiveness, never to be remembered again. Are you bothered about the fact you’ll see Stiles and Francesca?” her mother asked, already knowing the answer that her daughter was going to give.
“Yes. And I don’t want to cause a scene. I guess I’m having second thoughts. Maybe you and Daddy should go. I know how ugly Francesca can get, and Stiles, well, when we talked he sounded nice enough, but I still can’t understand his motive for calling me, and that was before Audrey died. I did call and extend my condolences to him after you told me about her death. His phone went straight to voice mail.”
“Did you leave a message for him?”
“Yes, ma’am, but I didn’t leave my telephone number. I don’t want him to have free access to call me whenever he chooses.”
Mrs. Jackson continued to embrace her daughter. “Rena, I think Robert’s offer to go with you is great. He’s a nice man, you know.”
Rena raised her head from off her mother’s shoulder and gazed at her.
“Don’t say a thing.” Mrs. Jackson stopped Rena before she could say one word. “All I said is that Robert is a nice man. And he is. One day you’ll open your heart again and allow love to come in. It might be Robert that you let come into your life and share the wonderful love the two of you can give to each other. Then again, it might be someone you’ve yet to cross paths with. Whoever it is, God is going to restore all that the enemy has taken from you, my child. We’ve all messed up and that means me and your poppa too. You’re not the only one in this world that feels ashamed about something they’ve done in life, Rena, and you won’t be the last. But give whatever it is you’re trying to carry on your own shoulders, over to God. He’s the only one whose shoulders are large enough to carry our burdens.”
Rena laid her head against her mother’s shoulder again and the two of them sat silently.
Robert called Rena’s cell phone early a
nd woke Rena from her troubled sleep. She had spent the night at her parents house to make it easier for Robert since he was going to drive his car to Boston Logan Airport. He would only have to make the one stop to pick everyone up for the thirty-minute drive. Rena turned to her side and sleepily looked at the clock.
“Good mornin’,” she said groggily.
“Time to get your pretty self up. Our flight leaves at nine thirty. We need to get our bags checked through security at least an hour before the flight departure.”
“Yeah, I know. I hear Momma and Daddy in their room shuffling around. Sounds like they’ve been up for a while,” she said as she sat up fully in the bed and the sleep began to leave. It felt awkward sleeping at her parents’ house in her old room. But it worked out fine so Robert could pick them up all at one place.
“I’ll be there to pick y’all up by seven,” he told her.
“Are you still going to park your car in short-term parking?” Rena asked and flopped both legs out and on to the side of the bed. She yawned again and stood. The sun was barely up. “What about Isabelle and Robbie?” Rena asked with concern. “You never told me who’s going to watch them.”
“Didn’t I tell you not to worry about them? If you just have to know, my sister is here right now. She’s going to sleep over here with the kids until I get back. She’ll get them off to school and daycare. So that’s settled. Now get your fanny moving, and tell Mr. and Mrs. Jackson that I’m on my way.”
“Believe me; they remember what time you told them to be ready. I’m surprised they hadn’t pounded on my door before you called to wake me up.” Rena placed her hand over her mouth to stifle another yawn. “Let me get dressed. I already have everything packed and sitting by the door, so see, I’ve been a good girl.” Rena laughed into the phone.
“You might just get a special treat for that,” Robert joked. “See ya,” he said and ended the call.
Rena stretched on her way to open the door to her bedroom. “Morning, Mom. Morning, Dad,” she yelled out into the hallway.
“Good morning, baby,” they replied in unison.
“Robert said he’s on his way,” Rena yelled again. “He should be here by seven o’clock.”
“We know. We’re ready. Do you want some breakfast?” Rena’s mother asked when she walked out of the bedroom fully dressed with Rena’s father right behind her.
“I’ll have something light. Like a slice of sour dough toast and a cup of grape juice,” Rena answered.
“Okay, you finish getting ready, and we’ll see you downstairs.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Rena closed her bedroom door and went into the small connecting bathroom to take a bath.
She refused to let more negative thoughts control her mind. She finished her bath, and after drying off, she lotioned her body, squirted a dab of perfume on her wrists, and then put on the clothes she had laid out the night before to wear to the airport. Summers in Memphis could be hot and being that it was the end of June, Rena had prepared to dress cool and comfortable. She slipped on a bold Caribbean green tieback sundress and a pair of open toed sandals. She was ready in a jiffy. She grabbed her one carry-on bag, and then went downstairs to join her parents for a light breakfast before Robert arrived.
The twenty-four mile ride to Boston Logan airport was a mixture of quiet, chattering between mother and daughter, and Robert and Mr. Jackson talking politics. Robert and Mr. Jackson sat in the front, and Rena and her mother in the back, which was orchestrated by her father.
The foursome arrived at Boston Logan, parked, and completed check-in and security check effortlessly. It wasn’t until they were boarded safely on the Air Tran flight that Rena felt like she could finally relax a bit. She sat next to Robert and looked across him and saw her parents involved in conversation as the plane took off. Rena leaned her head against the semi-soft head cushion and closed her eyes.
Robert laid his hand on top of hers as the plane’s altitude heightened. Rena fell to sleep quickly, while Robert pulled out a science magazine and started reading. Rena slept until the pilot announced that they were about to land in Atlanta. They had a one hour layover which went by rapidly once they waited their turns to exit the plane, helped Rena’s parents get their carry-ons, and then caught one of the airport carts so they could make it in time to get on the flight that would take them into Memphis.
“Robert, thank you for coming with me.” Rena sat next to a window in the plane but her eyes were on Robert. “You know you didn’t have to do this,” Rena told him and squeezed his hand lightly.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” he answered. “I did have to do this. You mean a lot to me, Rena. You’re near and dear to my heart.” His voice was sensuous and his stare was certain.
Rena relaxed her head against his shoulder, then she popped it up again.
“What is it?” Robert asked.
“The kids.” She looked at her watch. “I wonder how they’re doing. They’re not used to you leaving them, except when you’re at work, of course. This is going to be a huge adjustment for them, Robert,” Rena sounded worried.
“Stop it, will you? The kids love their aunt. I’ve not only told you that, but you’ve witnessed it for yourself. You’ve met her, and you know she’s great with the kids. As far as the kids are concerned, it’s like I’m at work anyway. She’s already taken Isabelle to school and Robbie to daycare. She was leaving to take them at the same time I was leaving to come and pick you and your parents up this morning. So they’re fine.” He kissed her on the cheek and grinned. “I’m glad she’s staying at my house too.”
“Okay, I give.” Rena sighed. “You’re right. That way, maybe they won’t miss you as much.”
“Good, finally that’s settled.” Robert chuckled and leaned his head back against the headrest.
“Robert, on second thought,” Rena blurted suddenly, “we should have brought Robbie like we said we were going to do originally.”
“I think we,” he said, “made the right decision. If I had taken Robbie, then Isabelle would be that much lonelier. By both of them being together, Isabelle gets to practice on her big sister skills, and they both can keep one another company.”
Rena patted the side of Robert’s arm like she was puffing up a pillow. Content with the answers Robert had given her, she laid her head on it.
Rena’s tummy bubbled with nervousness. Audrey’s viewing was in five hours. In between that time, Robert had to pick up the rental car and then they had to check into their hotel. It was going to be a long day, but one that Rena was prepared to endure for the sake of the Graham family.
They arrived in Memphis safely. They checked in at the Radisson Hotel. Robert and Mr. Jackson shared one room, and Rena and Mrs. Jackson shared another. The men placed the luggage in the adjoining rooms, and the four of them had a quick bite in the hotel restaurant before they returned to their rooms to get ready for the viewing.
The viewing was just as Rena had imagined. Flowers were everywhere. She walked farther into Holy Rock. The sanctuary was packed with people. They had to stand in line to sign Audrey’s guest registry. Robert must have noticed Rena’s nervousness because she felt his hand go gently around her waist. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at him.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson stood in front of Robert and Rena. The line moved slowly, but the Jacksons didn’t seem to be bothered as they greeted familiar faces from their years of having once lived in Memphis.
Rena found herself consumed in saying hello to people too; some whose names she’d forgotten, but whose faces she remembered well. When it was her turn to sign, she perused the long list of names that had already signed the guest registry and then proceeded to add her name. She stepped to the side and allowed Robert to sign in before they weaved through the crowd and into the church.
When they finished chattering and greeting people, they soon arrived in front of Audrey’s casket. Rena placed her hand against her mouth, and Robert planted his strong hands on
each side of her shoulders.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson stood and looked down on Audrey’s lifeless body. Mrs. Jackson saw the tears streaming down her daughter’s face and she hugged her lightly.
“I’ve got her,” Robert softly whispered. Mrs. Jackson nodded, and Mr. Jackson led her away to find a seat. Rena was motionless. She was face to face with the woman who once loved her like a daughter, but in the end despised her like her worst enemy. She didn’t know why her tears were so heavy, but they were. Strong arms surrounded her and she was glad because she felt like she would collapse if they had not.
The woman lying in the casket looks so peaceful, so at rest. Could this be Audrey? Rena thought as she stared intensely. Audrey would be proud of the way Pastor, Stiles, and Francesca had her fixed up. She always had to be the center of everyone’s attention. Rena wanted to touch her. She wanted to touch the platinum white couture fabric. The front neck and waist panels were encrusted with beads and rhinestones. The matching camisole and skirt completed the fashion statement that only First Lady Audrey Graham could pull off. Even in death, she looked like a million bucks. Rena half smiled, and then reached for Robert’s shoulder. She was ready to be seated.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson had saved a space for Rena and Robert. Rena heard people talking all around her, but she was oblivious to what they were saying. She couldn’t draw her eyes away from the woman lying in the casket. They were several rows away, but Rena felt like she was sitting right next to Audrey. She replayed Audrey’s wicked words over in her mind. ‘You deceitful little tramp Audrey had called Rena just after she d hit her so hard that it sent blood pouring from Rena’s mouth. Rena reached inside of her purse for tissue. But Robert offered her his handkerchief, which she accepted.
My Son's Ex-Wife: The Aftermath Page 18