Stolen Lives

by Joy Redmond

  After her prayer, she slipped out of bed and peeked through a crack in the door. Jane was still sitting in the rocker, a cigarette in one hand and a bottle in the other. The cigarette dropped to the floor, and just as Ali started into the front room to pick it up, Jane said a nasty word and reached down for it.

  Ali crept back to bed, whispering to Mr. Puss, “I guess I can tell Jane I love her tomorrow. She’s too drunk tonight.”

  Later that night, Ali awoke to Mr. Puss tapping her head with his paw and meowing loudly. She sat up, choking and coughing and rubbed her stinging eyes, and ran to the bedroom door. When she tried to turn the doorknob, it burned her hand.

  Mr. Puss was sitting on the windowsill, pawing at the screen and meowing loudly. Ali kicked out the screen and Mr. Puss jumped out with Ali following right behind him. Once they had reached the ground, Ali picked up Mr. Puss and raced toward Toots’ house. As she ran, she heard a loud explosion from behind her. She whirled around just in time to see every window of the house shatter, sending huge clouds of glass into the air. She stood frozen, watching the flames leap high into the night sky. Tears streamed down her face as she watched their three-room shack go up in flames.

  Alone on the sidewalk, hugging Mr. Puss, Ali sobbed, “I love you too, Mama Jane.”

  Chapter Four

  Ali felt as if she was watching a nightmare unfold before her eyes. It seemed as if hundreds of people were on the sidewalk and in the street. Then she suddenly felt a set of arms around her, holding her tightly and a voice saying, “I’ve got you, honey. You’re safe.”

  Ali recognized the voice as Nancy, Toots’ mom.

  “Mama Jane is still in there!” Ali shrieked, trying to wrestle free. “We’ve got to get her out!”

  “Honey, it’s too late. Nobody can get to her,” Nancy said, holding Ali even tighter.

  Sirens were blaring as fire trucks pulled up, and soon firemen were spraying the old shack with powerful streams of water. Ali watched, hoping to see Mama Jane come running from the house.

  It took more than an hour to bring the flames under control, but by then there was nothing left but a pile of smoldering ashes.

  As the firemen rolled up their hoses and left, Nancy led Ali away, still holding Mr. Puss. Ali buried her face in his soft fur and sobbed, “Mama Jane is gone. We’ve got no home. All we’ve got is each other.”

  The next thing Ali knew, she was sitting on the couch with Toots by her side and Mr. Puss in her lap. She burst into tears and cried, “I want Aunt July. Please call her.”

  Nancy patted Ali’s shoulder and said, “What’s your aunt’s last name? I’ll see if I can find her in the phone book.”

  “I guess it’s Monroe. She never got married.”

  Nancy found the number, called Aunt July, and gave her the news. Ali heard Nancy say, “Sure. She’ll be fine with us until tomorrow.” When Nancy hung up, she turned toward Ali and said, “Your aunt is very distraught, but she says she doesn’t see well enough to drive at night, so she’ll pick you up in the morning. Okay, honey?”

  Ali vaguely heard herself mumble, “Okay” as she rested her head on a couch pillow, feeling as if the life had been drained from her body. She slept until she heard a loud rapping on the front door. Before Ali could even sit up, Nancy was answering the door. Ali realized it was morning. She heard a voice say, “I’m July Monroe. I’m here to pick up my niece.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Nancy answered. “Please come in.”

  When Aunt July stepped into the room, Ali ran to her and threw her arms around the large woman. Aunt July stroked Ali’s hair and said, “There, there, honey. I know you’ve been through a terrible ordeal, but God will see you through it. You’re coming home with me.”

  “Mama Jane is dead! She got burned up in the fire!” Ali sobbed.

  “I know, child,” Aunt July answered, “but we need to get you out of here.”

  Nancy said, “All she has is her nightgown. Let me find some clothes that Toots has outgrown—and maybe a pair of sandals.”

  Toots walked to Ali’s side and said softly, “You can live with us. If you go with Aunt July, I won’t ever see you again.”

  Aunt July sharply said, “She’s my niece and she belongs with family. She doesn’t belong in this neighborhood!”

  Aunt July’s size and the harshness of her voice seemed to scare Toots. Ali watched as Toots backed away from her. A moment later, Nancy returned with a sundress, some underwear, and a pair of sandals. Handing them to Ali, she said, “Here, sweetie, put these on.”

  Ali got dressed, then hugged Toots and Nancy, said goodbye, then picked up Mr. Puss and followed Aunt July out to the car. Mr. Puss put up a fuss when Aunt July started the car, but Ali patted him, assuring him that God would see them through. She hoped she was right.

  Ali looked at Aunt July. Her expression was casual, as if it was just another day. She thought it strange that she showed no sadness, knowing her baby sister was dead. Then her heart raced as she remembered overhearing her aunt tell her grandparents that animals didn’t belong in the house. The thought that Mr. Puss wouldn’t be allowed inside terrified her.

  As Aunt July pulled the car into the garage, Ali said firmly, “If Mr. Puss can’t live inside with me he’ll surely die. Please let me take him with me!”

  Aunt July sighed, then said, “Well, I think your little heart has been broken enough. Mr. Puss can come inside, but you’ll have to train him to stay on the floor. I won’t stand for cat hair on my furniture.”

  Ali’s eyes brightened. “No kidding sure enough?”

  Aunt July slightly smiled and said flatly, “No kidding, sure enough. Just remember the rules.”

  “I will. I’ll fix him a doings-box, and he’ll stay on the floor. I promise,” said Ali. Then she added, “But he’s always slept with me. If he can’t sleep with me, we’ll both surely die!”

  Again, Aunt July smiled. “Well, we can’t have you and your cat dying. He can sleep with you. Now dry your tears and let’s get in the house. Ma and Pa are on their way.”

  Just as Ali and Aunt July walked inside the house, Grandpa and Grandma pulled into the driveway. Ali stood at the door to wait for them, and she threw her arms around Grandma the moment she walked into the room, sobs wracking her little body.

  Grandma patted her head, but didn’t say a word while Grandpa stood rod-straight, offering no comfort. Ali looked into their faces. There was no sign of tears or grief.

  After an awkward silence, Grandpa said, “We need to get downtown and take care of some business. Then we’ll come back and eat lunch, and after we eat we’ll go shopping and get whatever Ali needs. This means two trips this week for shopping. I’m a working man and I have chores to do.”

  Ali looked up at her grandpa and said, “Mama Jane is dead! Don’t you care?”

  His voice as cold as ice water, Grandpa replied, “Jane has been dead to us for years.”

  Grandma tucked her head and said nothing.

  Ali stepped back and cried, “Well, she just died last night to me—I don’t feel like going anywhere with you.” At that moment she hated her grandparents. “I guess Mama Jane didn’t know she wasn’t supposed to die on a Monday and cause you to make an extra trip to town on Tuesday!”

  Aunt July gasped, put her arm around Ali’s shoulder, and said, “Don’t sass, dear. I can make your dresses. I’m a good seamstress and I’m fast. I can have several made in a day or two. All you’ll need is some shoes. Don’t be expecting all that much from Ma and Pa from now on.”

  Ali thought the tone in Aunt July’s voice sounded as if she was afraid of Grandpa.

  Sighing deeply, Grandma said, “We’ll buy you some nice Sunday shoes, child. You’ll be going to church with us from now on.”

  Grandpa’s face was red as he headed out the front door and Grandma followed him as if she was a robot. When the car pulled out of the driveway, Ali asked, “Aunt July, may I please go outside by myself for a few minutes?”

  “Why, yes,
child. I’ll fix us something to eat, and when Ma and Pa get back we’ll have lunch together.”

  Ali said, “Thanks.” She picked up Mr. Puss, and once they were outside, she put him down. He followed as she walked into the backyard, stood under the dogwood tree, folded her hands, closed her eyes, and began to pray. “Dear Mr. God, I asked you to make Mama Jane happy, and I guess the only way you could do that was to take her to heaven, so I guess I’m supposed to thank you, but it’s breaking my heart. Now if I can ask for something else, please keep her with you and let her be happy. Give her the biggest and prettiest mansion you’ve got and tell her to be watching for me and Mr. Puss when it’s our time to come live with her. Yours truly, Ali Monroe.”

  As she headed back toward the house, she mumbled, “I hope Aunt July won’t bust a gut because she has to fix lunch for Grandma and Grandpa twice this week. I’m beginning to hate them like Mama Jane did. Well, maybe not hate them, just the way they act. Sometimes I think their hearts are made out of stone.”

  Picking up Mr. Puss, she added, “As soon as I’m old enough, me and you are going to run away. Maybe we’ll go to Florida and live on the beach. Mama Jane always said she wanted to live where she could go to the beach every day. I’m only ten, but we’ll head out as soon as I’m sixteen.”

  In the house, Ali found Aunt July in the kitchen, setting the table. Ali set Mr. Puss down and walked over to the sink, where she filled a glass with water. She didn’t say anything to Aunt July and Aunt July didn’t acknowledge that she was in the room. Mr. Puss wandered out to the living room while Ali drank the water.

  When Ali walked into the living room, Mr. Puss wasn’t on the floor. Looking around quickly, Ali was horrified to see him perched on the windowsill, bathing in the warm morning sun. Ali threw her hand to her mouth and started in his direction, but she’d only taken a step or two when Aunt July walked into the room.

  Ali waited for the explosion, but Aunt July only smiled and said, “Well, he seems happy in the sun. I think I’m going to like that cat. Let him be so he can take a nap. He’s been through an ordeal, too.”

  Ali let out a deep sigh of relief. “He does look happy. He’s never had a windowsill to lay in before.”

  Aunt July said, “Go wash your hands. Ma and Pa will be back soon and they’ll be hungry. I’ve fixed some tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.”

  Just as Ali was emerging from the bathroom, Grandma and Grandpa came into the house. Grandpa eyed Mr. Puss, then said harshly, “July, animals don’t belong in the house. What’s that blessed cat doing in the window?”

  Aunt July replied, “He’s enjoying the sun, Pa. Ali has lost enough and I’m not going to take her cat away, too. He’s just fine right where he is.” Then she turned toward the kitchen and announced, “Lunch is ready.”

  When Grandpa and Grandma went into the bathroom to wash up, Ali ran to the window and picked up Mr. Puss as if she was afraid Grandpa would toss him out the window.

  Soon they were all sitting at the kitchen table, Mr. Puss on Ali’s lap.

  Aunt July said, “Ali, I’m afraid the cat won’t be allowed at the table. Please put him down. He can eat out of his bowl over there in the corner. I fixed him some tuna.”

  As if he understood, Mr. Puss jumped down, ambled to the corner, and began eating. Ali sighed again, then reached for her sandwich, but Grandpa swatted her hand. “Don’t touch that food before I say the blessing,” he snapped.

  Ali bowed her head as Grandpa blessed the food and the hands that prepared it. Then everyone said amen—except Ali. She didn’t make a move until Aunt July had passed the bowl of soup to Grandpa.

  “Pa always gets the first helping,” Aunt July explained. “Then it’s passed around to the rest of us.”

  Grandpa spooned soup from the large bowl then passed it to Grandma. Ali was the last one to be served. As they ate lunch, Grandpa began with a speech that seemed to be rehearsed. “Ali, there’s going to be a lot of rules you’ll have to learn. Life will never be like it was with Jane. You won’t be getting store-bought dresses and petticoats. If July needs help with the rest of your expenses, we’ll help, but you won’t be getting everything you want. We won’t spoil you anymore.” He paused, then added, “You’ll also attend church every Sunday. No exceptions. If you’re sick, you’ll attend and be prayed over.”

  Ali swallowed hard and said, “That’s fine. I won’t ask for much and I never get sick, but I was wondering about a funeral for Mama Jane. Nobody’s mentioned it. I’d like her to have a funeral—and a headstone.”

  As Aunt July and Grandma sat in silence, Grandpa snapped, “There will be no funeral! There’s no body and no need for a headstone. It’s just a waste of money. Jane didn’t believe, and that’s the end of the conversation. Don’t ever bring it up again.”

  Ali jumped up, tears running down her face. She snatched up Mr. Puss, ran into the spare bedroom, and sat on the foot of the bed.

  A moment later, she felt a slight breeze blow across her cheek. Mr. Puss squirmed as if he had felt it, too. Ali looked up and saw a transparent figure standing at the foot of the bed. At first she thought it was an angel, but it didn’t have wings. Looking closely, she realized that the figure had Mama Jane’s face—and it was wearing a smile unlike any Ali had ever seen. “Mama Jane?” Ali whispered, reaching out. But just as quickly as it had come, the figure disappeared.

  Ali looked at Mr. Puss and whispered, “Did you see her? It was Mama Jane! She came to say goodbye—and she was happy! My prayer was answered.” Wiping her cheeks, she said softly, “Bye, Mama Jane. Me and Mr. Puss will come live with you when it’s our time. Tell God thanks for making you happy.”

  Ali walked down the hallway and stood behind the door frame so she could hear what was going on in the living room. The phone rang and she heard Aunt July answer. There was a long pause then Aunt July said, “No, there’s nobody who will claim any remains. The county can do what they want to do with whatever they find. Yes, I’m sure. Thank you.”

  When Aunt July hung up the phone, Grandpa said, “You did the right thing.”

  Peeking out from her hiding place, Ali saw Aunt July dab at her eyes with her apron. “I’m not sure it was the right thing or not, Pa. I just did what you wanted me to do.”

  Ali was about to turn around and head back to the bedroom but she decided to stay a bit longer.

  Grandma said, “Well it’s a sad situation, but God works in mysterious ways. He knows that child deserves a good Christian upbringing and He knows that you’ll give it to her, July.”

  She heard Grandpa say, “Well, I think our prayers have been answered after all these years.”

  Ali marched into the living room, hands on her hips, and said, “Sure, Aunt July finally got me—and it didn’t cost her a dime. I hope that makes all of you happy! ”

  His face a mask of rage, Grandpa stood and took a step toward Ali, but Aunt July jumped up from the couch, stepped in front of her father, and said, “Pa, please. She belongs to me now and I’ll take care of her. She’s in shock. She’ll come around. You’ll see.”

  After a long, uncomfortable silence, Grandpa said, “Come on, Ma. It’s time for us to get the shopping done so we can head home.”

  As he turned and started for the door, Grandma touched Aunt July’s arm and said, “You’re going to have your work cut out for you. She’s just like Jane. But with God’s help, we’ll be able to save her. You two will be in our prayers.”

  Grandma turned and followed Grandpa outside.

  Ali retreated to the bedroom. “There ain’t no way we’re going to survive these crazy people, Mr. Puss,” she said, holding the cat close to her chest.

  A few moments later, Aunt July came into the bedroom and said, “I’m going to my sewing room to find some material I’ve got stored somewhere. Then I’ll start making a dress for you.”

  Ali nodded silently. Her mind couldn’t wrap around all that was happening. Her heart was breaking, but Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt July w
ere acting as if it was just another day.

  An hour passed before Grandma and Grandpa returned. Grandma set a shopping bag on the floor. Neither of them offered to give Ali a hug. Grandma just said, “Ali, we bought you a pair of Sunday shoes, a long petticoat, and a new nightgown. We’ll see you in church this Sunday.” Then they both turned and left as if they were in a hurry.

  Ali was glad they had left so fast. The cold look in Grandpa’s eyes gave her chills. By the time Aunt July walked into the living room, Grandpa and Grandma were gone.

  “Well, I guess they were in a hurry,” Aunt July said, shaking her head. “Pa does have a lot of chores to do. I found some nice material and I started on your dress. You can watch me sew if you like.”

  “I think I’ll just stay here and let Mr. Puss lay in the sun some more,” Ali replied.

  “That’s fine, dear. I’ll be in my sewing room if you need me,” Aunt July said as she turned back toward the sewing room.

  Ali figured Aunt July would be busy the rest of the day and wouldn’t be concerned about her whereabouts, so she picked up Mr. Puss and went outside. She stood in the driveway for a few moments, looking around, and said, “I think we’ll go this way.”

  Ali walked for several blocks and sweat was running down her face. She put Mr. Puss down, wiped her face with her skirt, and said, “I know it’s hot, but we’ve got to keep going.”

  After a long walk, Ali finally reached her old neighborhood. When she saw Toots’ house, she picked up her pace, bounded up the steps, and banged on the door.

  Toots opened the door and yelled, “Ali!” as she threw her arms around her friend. “Get in here and stand in front of the fan. I’ll get you and Mr. Puss some water. You look like you’re about to have a heat stroke.”

  Just as Toots returned with water for Ali and Mr. Puss, Nancy came through the front door. She gasped when she saw Ali, and then asked, “Honey, did you walk all the way over here in this heat?”