by Ancelli
“No, your mommy and I weren’t married,” he said, getting off the bed. “In order to get a divorce, you have to have been married.”
“So, you married Mrs. Lorie and not mom?” Mia crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. “Why?”
Perry hung his head. Why was Mia asking so many questions? “Why” was a perfect question, but he wasn’t going to tell his older daughter he married Lorie to keep his youngest near, because her next question would then be “why didn’t you marry mommy for me?”
“You loved my mommy once, right?” she asked when he didn’t answer. “Did you, Daddy?”
“I still love your mommy.” Perry winked, knowing she would love that answer.
“I knew it!” Pumping her fist, she raised her voice. “So, you and Mrs. Lorie are not living together anymore?”
Perry shook his head what was up with Mia and the word ‘so’?
“Correct.” He searched his suitcase for an outfit for church. “My relationship with Mrs. Lorie is over.”
“Great!” Mia jumped off the bed, dancing. “Daddy, don’t let anyone hit you or be mean to you again. Mrs. Lorie was very nice to me, but she was too mean to you and I didn’t like it.” She walked up to him and hugged his waist. “You are my everything, Daddy, and you deserve the best and my best is my mommy.”
Perry bent, kissing the top of her head. “Your mom is the best, and you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” He tilted her chin so she could look at him. “I would do anything to make you smile.”
“You know what will make me really happy?” Mia gazed back at him. “If you marry my mommy and we can be a real family.” She sighed. “I wish Tiffany could live with us, too. Will I see my baby sister again?”
“Yes, of course you will.” He kissed her nose. “Nothing will come between you and your sister.”
“You promise?” she held up her pinky.
Perry knew he shouldn’t make promises he might not be able to keep, but he wasn’t going to let Lorie keep his child from him. He circled his pinky around hers. “Promise, princess.”
When he looked toward the door, Alicia was there, listening. She was gorgeous, standing there in a business suit with her hair in a high bun.
“Mia, I have to make a stop and if we don’t leave now we’re going to be late.” Alicia waved her hand. “Come on, you’ll see your daddy there.”
“Daddy, remember what I said, okay?” Mia winked.
“Okay.”
“See you in church,” Alicia said before following Mia.
He closed the door and started getting dressed for church. He hadn’t been raised in a religious home. As a teenager, Alicia’s parents had invited him and he went from time to time to impress them. His aunt Lola attended a Catholic church twice a year, on Easter Sunday and Christmas.
Perry came downstairs, dressed in a pair of black slacks and a blue button-down shirt. “Good morning.” He kissed Mrs. Noreen on her cheek and admired her black, knee-length dress. She was a remarkable woman. “Where’s James?”
“Remember, he’s a deacon. He left an hour ago.” She placed a plate on the table. “Eat up; it’s just you and I.”
He watched her closely. Something was up. Alicia was so much like her mother. They both loved hard and spoke their minds freely. He also knew the signs when it was time to just listen.
He sat, and began eating. “This is so good,” Perry said, covering his mouth.
“Thank you.” She smiled and leaned against the sink, staring at him through eyes that mirrored Alicia’s. “When did you know you loved my daughter?”
Where was this coming from? First his daughter, now Mrs. Noreen. Perry swallowed his food, and cleared his throat. “I fell head over heels for her the moment I saw her. There was something about Alicia. She was metal and I was a magnet. I couldn’t keep away from her, even if I tried. I was a fool for letting your daughter go.”
“You can correct that.” Mrs. Noreen raised an eyebrow. “But if you hurt her again, you will have to deal with me.”
“I understand.” Perry took another bite of his eggs. “I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Perry, I always knew you were a good kid.” She sat in front of him. “You were respectful to us, and the way you treated Alicia brought joy to my heart.”
“You and your husband embraced me, making me feel like family,” Perry added. “It meant a lot.”
“Did you know that Alicia had a crush on you from the very first day she met you?” Mrs. Noreen asked. “We’ve had a very open relationship, and the girls talked to me about anything. I tried never to judge them,” she giggled. “I remember her coming home, talking about some cute Puerto Rican boy at work, and as the weeks went by, you became the number-one topic between Alicia and Milan.”
He chuckled. “Really? I thought she hated me at first.”
“Child, please. Alicia scribbled your initials inside hearts in her notepad.” she smiled. “The evening you asked her out, Alicia strolled into the house, grinning like a fool. I heard her squealing as she told her sister. That other boy she was seeing didn’t even get to second base.”
Perry raised his eyebrow, feeling uncomfortable, but wanting to know at the same time. “How do you know that?”
“Milan and Alicia don’t know how to whisper, and I never let on that I knew what they were up to.” She washed her hands. “You were her first in a lot of things.”
Perry sat up straight. He didn’t want to have a sex talk with Mrs. Noreen, especially one about her daughter.
“You think I didn’t notice when she lost her virginity?” She chuckled, because of the look on his face, he assumed. “It’s all in the eyes.”
“That’s a Caribbean myth.” Perry took a sip of his orange juice. “My aunt says the same thing.”
“Please.” She smirked. “Alicia asked to be placed on birth control pills for some bogus reason, and I allowed it because I didn’t want any grandchildren at the time, and the two of you went against our will and moved in together. Do you remember our conversation when the two of you told us?”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat. They had gathered Alicia’s parents and his aunt. “You told us it was a bad idea, that we should wait awhile.”
“And Alicia said she was eighteen and she could make her own decision.” Mrs. Noreen raised an eyebrow. “How did that work out? You two had to learn on your own, and months later, I asked you why not marry her, versus shacking up with her? You recall that?”
Perry stared back at her, feeling like a kid being scolded because of something he’d done. “Mrs. Noreen, my answer was yes. I’ll marry your daughter.”
“But my hard-headed child said no, that you guys weren’t ready to be married.” She took a sip of her orange juice. “I didn’t miss the look on your face when she said she didn’t want to marry you at that moment. Is that why you never asked her to marry you?”
Perry thought for a few seconds. “I did ask her a few times, and her answer was always that we weren’t ready, and when I thought we had it all, everything fell apart.”
“You had the number-one ingredient in any marriage: love. All other stuff would’ve eventually fallen into place.”
“I wanted to give her all she desired.” Perry moved back the seat and took the plate to the sink and washed it.
“You two had a baby together. What more was needed? I don’t cast all the blame on you. Alicia is to blame, too. It takes two to tango. Did you ask her to marry you when you thought you needed to, or because you wanted to?”
He swallowed, looking away from Mrs. Noreen. Perry had always thought Alicia was going to be his wife, regardless of when he’d asked.
She rubbed his forearm. “We all make mistakes. I just hope this time you two get your shit together really fast.”
“Mrs. Noreen!” He sneered and stood up, grabbing the dishes he’d used, and beginning to dry them. “We’re about to go to church!”
“God knows my heart.” Mrs. Noreen stood. “An
d he knows yours.”
“I don’t think Alicia is interested in what I have to offer. She’s seeing someone else.” Perry watched the older lady to see her reaction.
“Byron?” Her face showed amusement. “Please, he was a distraction. He won’t be around for long.” She grabbed her purse from the counter. “Come on, I don’t like to be late when it comes to church. They’ll try and have us sit in the front.” Perry chuckled as he followed her out the front door, and then she turned to stare at him. “All you’ve done is talk about what you’re going to do. Actions speak louder than words.”
***
Perry entered the fancy church with Mrs. Noreen by his side, saying “hi” to everyone in sight. As soon as Mia saw him, she strolled up and took his hand.
“I saved you a seat, Daddy!” She led him over to the area where Alicia sat. Alicia moved over so Mia could sit next to her, but Mia had other plans. “Daddy, sit there.” Perry sat next to Alicia and Mia took a seat next to him. She placed his arm around her shoulder. “Daddy, I’m happy you came.”
“Me too,” he whispered, squeezing her shoulder.
The choir started singing and praising God. People in the congregation lifted their hands in praise, making Perry smile. Alicia closed her eyes and sang along. Mia swayed from side to side.
After three songs, the choir stopped singing, and one of the women grabbed the microphone. “Mia and Sister Noreen, are you ready to bless us with your voices?”
Mia and Mrs. Noreen stood as the choir started swaying from side to side to the music playing in the background. Perry’s heart swelled when his little girl made her way up to the choir. She took the microphone and another member passed one over to Noreen. Mia stared at Perry as they started singing “God Will Make A Way” by Shirley Ceaser, and his baby girl raised her hand in the air, praising God, mimicking her grandmother. Tears welled up in Perry’s eyes, and he stood, staring at his princess. He bowed his head, thanking God for everything he’d blessed him with. He hadn’t forsaken him, even though Perry had been absent from him for a long time. When Alicia had left him, Perry had left his beliefs behind, too.
All the congregation stood, joining his little girl. He was so proud of Mia.
Alicia took his hands in hers and squeezed his fingers.
“That’s our princess,” he mouthed. “Thank you for giving me so much.” Perry clapped when Mia hit a high note, causing shivers all over his body. “He knows the way out of my problems and situations…he will bring me out…” He repeated the words up on the screen. He’d needed to hear this song.
Alicia smiled, gazing at Mia. She was truly a blessing in their life, even with her sassy attitude. Perry prayed that what she’d witnessed in his home would soon be forgotten. He could imagine Tiffany next to Mia, singing along.
Mia and Mrs. Noreen finished. “That’s my daughter and mother-in-law,” Perry clapped with tear-filled eyes as they made their way to their pew. He picked up his daughter and kissed her cheek. “You were great.”
Mia smiled, showing off her dimples. “Thank you, Daddy. I sang for you!” She kissed him back. He placed her down, when the pastor walked up to the alter.
“I’m so proud of you.”
The pastor opened his Bible and notepad. “Today, we will be talking about the God of second chances. Who here has ever wished they had a second chance?” He glanced around the congregation. “Let me see your hands, how many?”
Perry and Alicia both raised their hands.
“Everyone in this room should have your hands up,” the pastor continued. “What a relief that we worship the God of second chances! If he can give us chances, why is it so hard for us to give others a chance?
“We all sin and He always forgives us. Imagine if He decided to turn his back on us. He has no limits on the times He forgives us, just like there is no limit of His love for us. He makes a way for us to learn from each of our mistakes and move on. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross covered our sins past, present, and future. Every time we sincerely ask for forgiveness, we receive another chance. Don’t misunderstand me: second chances should be given to people who are ready to change, but remember, they aren’t perfect…”
It was as if he was speaking to her. Why were second chances so hard for her to give? Alicia asked herself. Because she didn’t want to get hurt again. However, not giving chances was hurting her more. The pastor finished his sermon, and the choir began singing “My Life Is In Your Hands”.
Perry kissed Mia, then stepped to the center of the aisle and marched out of the church. Alicia took Mia’s hand. “Go with Grandma. I’ll pick you up when I drop Daddy off. Okay?” Mia nodded. “I’m so proud of you.” She kissed her forehead and went after him. Something must be wrong. He wouldn’t just up and leave when church wasn’t over. When she walked out of the church, Perry was leaning on her car.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“Hey is for the horses,” he answered without smiling.
She crossed her arms over her chest.
“I didn’t know Mia could sing like that.” He kicked a rock. “I’m proud of her.”
“Me too.” Alicia walked closer to him. “She’s getting so big. I remember when she was a baby.”
Perry chuckled. “Every time I changed her diaper, she peed on me. I miss those times when it was only you, me, and our little girl.”
“That was then.” Alicia leaned against the car with him. “You have another little girl, and you love her as much.”
He sighed. “I do love Tiffany, but her mother has been my downfall.”
“What do you mean?” She stared at him. “You are the same strong, handsome man you were when we were together. You’ve accomplished everything we used to lie in bed talking about. We may not be together, but I’m so proud of you. You’ve proven the world wrong.”
“Can we go grab some lunch?” Perry finally gazed back at her piercing eyes.
“I would like that, but first, why did you storm out of church?” Alicia opened her purse and searched for her keys.
“I don’t feel comfortable being in church.” He cleared his throat.
“Why, because it makes you think?” Alicia pushed the fob, opening her car doors. “We’re not perfect, far from it. I know people judge me because I come to church when I can, and I don’t follow all the rules. I come for me, not for the people gossiping.”
“You know I don’t care about people gossiping. I feel like hypocrite when I’m in church, because of the way I live my life and because I still want you,” Perry admitted softly.
Alicia smiled. “Only one person can judge us and that’s God. We aren’t perfect. He knows that and he also knows what’s in our hearts. So stop thinking about the way you live now and start thinking on how you want to change it. We both need to open our eyes and do right by our daughter. I love you. Does that make me a bad person? Technically, you’re still a married man,” she confessed freely.
Perry’s lips curled up into a grin. “You just made my day.” He opened the passenger door, and held his hand out for her keys. “Come on, you know how I feel about you driving me around.” She threw him the keys.
“You’re such a goofball,” she said, going into the car. “I don’t see anything wrong with me driving.”
“I know you don’t.” He set the driver’s seat all the way back and down and got in. “I think I should be the one driving my queen,” Perry said, turning on the car. “Where to?”
“Somewhere far,” Alicia said, looking out the window.
Perry pulled out of the church parking lot and headed down the road. He drove to the grocery store and picked up a few things as she waited in the car.
Alicia fell asleep as he drove for about a half hour and parked in the driveway of a big house. Her eyes fluttered open when the car stopped. She looked around and all she could see was trees and bushes. The home was the kind that most kids dreamed of growing up in. It was secluded by huge trees on an exclusive street. She glanced around. Apparent
ly, there was no other house for miles.
“Where are we?” Alicia asked, confused, still admiring the house and the balcony wrapped around the second floor.
“Trust me.” Perry stepped out of the car and grabbed the plastic bags, then walked over to her side. He took her hand in his to help her out. He pulled a set of keys out of his pocket, and opened the front door. They entered and Alicia was in awe of the house. Even though it was being built, and empty, it was gorgeous. She’d once dreamed of living in a house like this, with its high ceilings—there was already a chandelier hanging in the middle of the formal room. The stairs wrapped around, going up to the second floor. She left Perry at the door and looked around the house, stopping in her tracks when she entered the kitchen. Even under construction, it was impressive. She could only imagine how beautiful it was going to turn out.
“Can I see upstairs?” Alicia asked, excited.
“It’s not safe.” Perry slid the glass door open in the back. “Come on. This is what I really wanted to show you.”
Alicia walked out on the porch and instantly knew where they were. Her radiant eyes opened wide and she covered her mouth. “No…” she whispered.
“Can you believe this is the place we first made love? What a change.” Perry sat on the stairs going down to the lake and pulled out a plastic knife, jars of peanut butter and jelly, and a loaf of bread from the grocery bag. “One of my clients owns this land, and he mentioned he was building a vacation home.” He snapped open a pop, as Alicia called it.
“This was our special place.” She looked up at the pier they were also building. “They ruined it.”
“It’s not ruined.” Perry touched her leg. “Our memories are still with us; the lake will always be there. The land has gone through many transitions but deep down it’s still the same as always,” he rambled on. He was trying to tie what was happening to the land to their relationship. “You loved the house before you knew where it stood.”
“It’s beautiful.” Alicia glanced back at the house. “I guess you’re right. Whoever gets to live here will love it the way we used to.”