by H. H. Fowler
Asia will be there to steal your attention; that’s why I prefer we go somewhere private. So that I can have you all to myself. Candi thought it, but she knew better than to say it. She feigned a look of desperation, but all her best attempts weren’t working. Izaiah seemed determined to eat dinner at home.
“Okay, we’ll eat at home,” Candi said in defeat. “But promise me that we’ll go out later and have some fun.”
Izaiah smirked. “What are you trying to do to me? Kill me before I’m thirty? I’m a bit sore from yesterday’s kayaking, and when added to the energy I pushed out today at the pulpit, all I want to do is take a shower, eat and go to sleep.”
“May I remind you that I go back to work tomorrow,” Candi warned. “You won’t have me all day like you had last week. Make the best of it.”
“Okay, Candi, maybe we can watch the game later.”
“Awesome! Who’s playing?”
“Celtics against the Spurs.”
Candi made a face. “Not my favorite, but it’ll work.” She began to pull on Izaiah’s arm. “In the meantime, come with me. I went to the store and bought you a little something.”
Izaiah obediently fell in stride with Candi, but his thoughts had floated somewhere else. If only Asia would show me this much attention, it would make my stay in Bliss Haven that more pleasant.
Chapter Nineteen
Dallis tiptoed into the kitchen, but was immediately thrown off course when she saw Miss Rose shuffling at the stove. Dallis was not used to plotting and scheming like her sisters, but what she was about to do was important and would require her to act out of her element. Dallis straightened her walk and then greeted Miss Rose like she normally did. The rotund maid with the heavy accent spun away from the stove with a bubbly grin on her face.
“Mornin’ Dallis…I wondered if someone had tied you up in bed.”
Dallis felt her cheeks flushed. “Why would you say something like that?”
“Because you didn’t come down last night for dinner and you didn’t show for breakfast this mornin’. Now it’s almost time for Sunday’s meal.” Miss Rose reached over and rested the back of her hand against Dallis’ right cheek. “You might be comin’ down with somethin’. You rarely miss church on Sunday. And you rarely miss swim practice.”
“I’m fine, Rose,” Dallis said with a bit of annoyance. She moved away from the maid toward the refrigerator, eager to shift the conversation in another direction. “I need you to check on my mother.”
Miss Rose’s heart slapped once against her chest. Dana had just returned home from the hospital a few days ago and Miss Rose had been on edge ever since. She stared at Dallis through eyes creased with concern. “Somethin’ wrong with boss lady? She was fine when I left her room two hours ago.”
“I heard her groaning a bit…maybe her wound needs tending to.” Lord, please forgive me for twisting the truth, but I need Rose out of the kitchen for a few minutes. “Could you do me that small favor?”
Miss Rose was already cleaning her hands on her oil-spattered apron. “Say no more, child. I’ll be back shortly to spread the table. Your father should be here any minute.”
As soon as Miss Rose turned away to leave, Dallis jumped into action, grabbing a handful of fruit from a wooden bowl that was on the counter. She stuffed it in bag and then turned her attention to the pantry where all of the snacks were kept. Once she had raided that area, she ran to the refrigerator and pulled out a gallon of water. With her heart pounding down to the bottom of her feet, she hurried out of the kitchen and ran up the stairs to her bedroom.
Dallis leaned against her door to catch her breath. She then walked over to her walk-in closet and stood with her back toward it. She was extremely relieved that her little jaunt had been successful.
“Okay Anwar, it’s safe to come out.”
The closet doors rattled open and out came the boy Dallis had risked everything to save. Though he had a significant bump on one side of his forehead, Anwar’s flawless, mango skin filled Dallis’ gaze. His deep set, hazel eyes and straight nose would be the envy of any model. Of course, the battle between right and wrong raged on within Dallis’ mind. She was thankful that Anwar was alive, but she couldn’t explain the rationale behind her actions.
That day in the parking lot of the police station, she wasn’t sure the text had come from Anwar. But she gave him the benefit of the doubt and waited for his call as he’d promised. She recognized raw exhaustion in his voice, as he explained that he was on the run to save his life. He needed her help, because there was no one else he could turn to.
His attackers were searching for him and if he went home to St. Elmo’s Valley, he may be putting his parents in harm’s way. She listened to his account over the phone with mixed emotions. She was upset because Anwar had repeatedly lied to her, but at the same time she was relieved he was still breathing. The ultimate decision came when she heard Anwar’s voice dithering with tears. It pushed Dallis to her breaking point, causing her to finally cave in to the compassion of her heart. The conversation would be one she would remember for many weeks to come.
“Please, Dallis, help me. I don’t have anywhere to go.”
“Who are these people who are after you?”
“I don’t know…but they killed my friend. I overheard them talking about it.”
“I’ve had enough of your lies to last me a lifetime! How do I know you’re not running from the police? For all I know you could have killed your friend and now you’re trying to get away with it. Your face is plastered all over the news; you’re wanted for questioning.”
“I swear to you, Dallis, I had nothing to do with my friend’s murder –”
“You can stop being evasive, because I figured it out. I know that you are talking about Jorge Bentley.”
There was a pause, and Dallis thought for a second that the line had dropped.
“So, I’m right?” she probed and then repeated for effect. “Jorge Bentley – the boy who made Asia lose all of her senses.”
“I was planning to tell you.”
“When? Don’t you realize how suspicious you sound right now? Why keep your friendship with Jorge a secret all this time? You knew he was dating my sister, but chose not to say a word about it to me. That is very sneaky, Anwar and I don’t appreciate that one bit.”
“Dallis, I’ve gotten myself involved in some situations I can’t discuss over the phone. Everything is so crazy and so confusing.”
“What is it you’re not telling me? Tell me, or else I’m hanging up this phone!”
“Please, don’t do that,” Anwar’s voice cracked. “I need you...you’re the only one that I can trust.”
“Then tell me what’s going on and I want to know now!”
“Okay…okay…I will tell you as much as I can.”
Anwar suddenly broke down in a fit of uncontrollable sobs. It was a first for him to lose his composure that way, but he’d never experienced terror like he had in the last several days. By the time the entire security team had been alerted of Anwar’s escape, he was already out of the secret gate. Ms. V’s men chased him for over half a mile on foot, firing their guns in an effort to stop him. Finding a barrel of debris, Anwar dove headfirst into it to save his life. Out of breath, he called Dallis to contact his parents. He feared he was going to be killed and no one would ever know what happened to him or to Jorge.
Ms. V’s men fired several shots in the air and then ran past the barrel without having a clue that he was hiding inside. Anwar then attempted to resume his conversation with Dallis, but soon realized his phone battery had gone dead. He remained in the barrel for the rest of the day, fearing he would be caught if he climbed out too soon.
“What did you have to do in exchange for membership in this secret club?” Dallis broke in after hearing parts of Anwar’s story.
“Don’t make me tell you,” Anwar pleaded. “I don’t know what you would think of me if you knew what I did.”
“If you want m
e to help you,” Dallis said firmly. “You’d better tell me everything.”
Painful as it was, Dallis listened as Anwar painted a pathetic picture of his arrogance. He explained the sexual escapades he’d had in exchange for money and materialistic possessions. However, Anwar kept both the location and Gregory’s name a secret, simply because he knew Dallis wouldn’t be able to digest the complete truth. He did not want to be the one to crush the relationship between her and her father.
The conversation ended with Dallis promising to pick Anwar up at the location he’d given her. To Dallis, Anwar was like poison candy. He was sweet and engaging on the outside, but was only a shallow covering of bad boy persona, which was sure to be the end of her. She stiffened when he stepped into her personal space and pulled her in to him for a gentle embrace. She couldn’t believe she had snuck Anwar onto the estate and was hiding him in her room.
“Thank you, Dallis, for helping me – even though it goes against everything that you believe in. I can see the pain I’ve caused. Please forgive me for my sins against you.”
Dallis closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the warmth of Anwar’s body. She wrapped her arms around Anwar’s waist, and then rested her head against his chest. She could feel his chin gently pressing down on her head. She cried because he had hurt her. She cried because she was afraid of the outcome. She cried because she had fallen deeply in love with a boy she wanted to hate. Feeling so many emotions at one time, her heart felt as if it wanted to burst. But she just stood there in Anwar’s arms and let her tears roll down her cheeks.
Chapter Twenty
Gregory, Izaiah and Candi walked into the house through the kitchen entrance. Half of the drive had been dedicated to accolades of Izaiah’s performance at church that morning. It made Gregory feel as if he made the right decision when he’d decided to take some time off to reconnect with his spiritual roots. He did not choose any of the senior ministers in the church because most of them were suffering from a similar form of spiritual decay. He knew that they would not be able to handle the level of influence needed to change the hearts of the people. Even more so, it was he – as the leader of St. Donovan’s Chapel who needed a heart change and Gregory felt as if Izaiah was off to a great start toward making that happen.
“Good, you’re all here!” Miss Rose exclaimed. “I’ve just finished settin’ the table. Go ahead and take a seat. Meal will be served in a few minutes.”
Gregory draped his coat around one of the dining chairs and then turned to face Miss Rose with a rare expression of concern. “How is my wife?”
Miss Rose swallowed her amazement. When since you started callin’ her your wife again? Everthin’ is Dana do this, and Dana do that. You come to your senses, eh? I always thought you was crazy in the head anyway for treatin’ boss lady like—”
“Rose!” Gregory called firmly. “I asked you a question.”
“Boss lady is fine, sir. I just checked on her.” She turned away abruptly. “Excuse me, let me bring your meal.”
Candi smirked at the maid’s behavior. “Daddy, I can’t believe you missed the surprised look on Rose’s face,” she said. “I don’t blame her, though…you haven’t shown any concern for my mother since –”
The look on Gregory’s face caused Candi to pause and think about what she was about to say. Her mouth had always run ahead of everyone else’s and had gotten her into problems many times with her parents. To save face, she picked up a glass of water that was on the dining table and took a huge gulp. Maybe she should keep her mouth shut for the rest of the evening.
Asia walked by, attired in a black fitted dress, tastefully hitched at the knees. A small black hat with a translucent veil covered her eyes. The black heels she wore to complete the look gave her an extra four-inch lift from the floor. Basically, she looked like a young widow in mourning. Gregory’s gaze followed her like a tracking device. They still were not communicating with each other and it really showed when Asia acknowledged everyone in the room except Gregory. At that moment, however, Gregory couldn’t care less about Asia’s discourtesy toward him, because he had a strong suspicion that she was about to do something he wouldn’t approve of.
“Where are you going dressed up like that at two in the afternoon?” he flung at her.
When Asia wanted to ignore someone she would execute the silent treatment, while she simultaneously avoided eye-contact. A lethal combination that was sure to start a combustion. Her body language showed how defiant she had grown toward her father and that there was nothing he could do or say that would allow him to get back into her good graces.
Gregory suddenly slapped the dining table and frightened everyone. “I am talking to you, Asia! Where the hell are you going?”
“To Jorge’s funeral,” she snapped at him and then walked off.
Nostrils flaring, Gregory jumped to his feet. He marched behind Asia, tailing her all the way to the driveway. It was there where things exploded between father and daughter.
“I have had it with your rotten attitude,” he yelled at her. “What is the matter with you, comporting like some spoil rich kid?”
“Maybe because it’s exactly the way you raised me to be,” Asia countered. “And now you wanna complain about it!”
Gregory jabbed his finger in Asia’s face. “You are not going to that funeral!”
“You killed him! The least you could do is confess and show some remorse!”
Gregory raised his hand to backhand Asia in her mouth, but Candi stopped him. She and Izaiah had followed the action to the outside and were glad they had.
“It’s not going to solve anything,” Candi told her father. “You guys need to sit down and talk things through.”
“Talk?” Asia spat incredulously. “I’d have better luck milking orange juice from a cow! There’s no talking with Daddy...only control! I’m going to Jorge’s funeral and that is that!”
“Asia, don’t make me take drastic measures,” Gregory warned. “Get back into that house and don’t stop until you get to your room!”
“I’m nineteen years old! Who do think you’re talking to like that? That is why we can’t get along. You’re still stuck in my childhood years!”
Izaiah stepped forward, in spite of him wrestling with the decision to interfere with a family situation. But he simply could not stand to witness a total annihilation of a father and daughter relationship.
“Sir, I will go along with Asia to Jorge’s funeral,” he offered. “I’ll make sure she’s safe.”
Both Gregory and Candi shouted “no” at the same time, but for entirely different reasons.
“I thought you said you needed to rest,” Candi said. “Do you know how long funerals are in Bliss Haven? You certainly wouldn’t be home before dark.”
“All the more reason for me to accompany Asia,” Izaiah rejoined.
“I won’t let you join Asia in her mess,” Gregory said. “She needs to learn how to subject herself to my authority. Until then, I refuse to give her the satisfaction of me giving in to her churlishness.”
“It’s not churlishness,” Asia said. “It’s called I’ve grown up and you can’t force me to bend to your rules anymore. I’m an adult and I should be free to make my own decisions.”
“Well, you go on to the funeral,” Gregory threatened. “But don’t you return to this house!”
“Fine by me,” Asia said coolly. “I was looking for an excuse to get away from you anyway.”
Those words punctured Gregory’s soul, but he couldn’t bring himself to make peace with his daughter. Her disrespect was simply too much for him. He turned toward the house, while Asia turned toward the street. She had planned on hitching a ride to St. Elmo’s Valley since her miserable father refused to give her the keys to her car.
Seeing that Asia was determined to go to Jorge’s funeral, Izaiah jumped behind the wheel of the Wrangler. He wasn’t about to let her walk there in the hot sun. Candi, however, accosted Izaiah by pushing her body
in way that prevented him from closing the jeep door.
“Where are you going? Have you forgotten that we made plans for this evening?”
“Those plans will have to be put on hold,” Izaiah replied. “I’m not about to let your sister walk to St. Elmo’s Valley.”
“Asia made herself a bed of thorns, Izaiah. Let her lay in it and stop interfering.”
The tips of Izaiah’s ears burned, a sure sign that his anger was rising. He knew if Candi didn’t get out of his face at that moment, he would say something he would regret. Candi was only concerned about fulfilling her wants and desires, and that immensely bothered Izaiah. He nudged her a little with the car door.
“Excuse me,” he said in a firm tone. “I think you should go inside and console your father. He will need someone to talk to.”
Begrudgingly, Candi took a step back and allowed Izaiah to close the door. She watched as he reversed down the driveway and rolled the jeep right next to Asia. A few words were exchanged. The next thing Candi saw was Asia climbing into the passenger seat. With a jealous scowl, Candi spun around and stomped back into the house. She nearly slammed the door off its hinges.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away
- Revelation 21:4
Chapter Twenty-One
Three minutes into the drive to St. Elmo’s Valley, Izaiah wanted to break the silence. But what should he say in a moment like this when it seemed as if Asia’s world had fallen apart? He couldn’t recall ever being placed in such a position, where it felt like his entire nervous system was being controlled by a woman’s presence. His attraction to Asia was enough to keep his words continuously fumbling out of his mouth, which would probably end up alienating Asia more than she already was. But it pained him, not being able to say anything that would dry those wretched tears from her eyes.