Mattie's Call

by Stacy Campbell

  Frightened, Joshua held onto Ennis as he hyperventilated. He managed to get him down on the ground. “Stay with me, Ennis. I’m getting Langston.”

  Joshua ran to the door and beat it until Langston and his friends came out. Langston darted toward Ennis, Joshua close behind. He knelt to his dad and asked Joshua, “What happened?”

  “Call nine-one-one, Langston!”

  “No! He’s having a panic attack. Help me get him inside. I know what to do.”

  Joshua, Langston, and Dallas hoisted Ennis’s body and carried him inside. The living room became a makeshift emergency room as Langston took off Ennis’s hoodie.

  “Belly breath, dad. Come on, Enny C, you can get through this.” The calmness with which he spoke to Ennis gave Joshua pause. No blood between them but so much love.

  As he rubbed his father’s arm, he said to Dallas, “Go to the upstairs bathroom and bring the bottle of Ativan.”

  Dallas rushed upstairs, retrieved the bottle, and went to the kitchen for a glass of water.

  “Concentrate on your breathing, Dad. In and out.”

  Dallas uncapped the bottle, pouring two pills in Langston’s hand. Langston sat Ennis up and dropped the meds in his mouth like a bird feeding her babies in a nest. Water fell down Ennis’s side as he gulped hard. Langston wiped his face with his T-shirt sleeve. They all watched as his labored breathing settled.

  “Tell me what you need now, Dad.”

  Ennis shook his head and laid cold, steely eyes on Joshua. “Leave.”

  “Dad, who is he?”

  Ennis squeezed out the word once more. “Leave. Leave my family alone.”

  All eyes pierced Joshua as he walked out of the condo.

  • • •

  At the Swainsboro exit, her calls came back to back. He answered, ready to endure her wrath.

  “What were you thinking, Joshua?” she yelled.

  “About my son.”

  “I told you I would introduce you when the time was right! You knew what was going on with Ennis.”

  “Don’t you understand my position?”

  She sighed. “I apologized for keeping you in the dark. Lang told me how he handled Ennis’s panic attack. He loves that man so much. Are you that insensitive that you were willing to blurt out the truth? What would you do if someone told you Mr. Daniel wasn’t your father? How would you take the news?” After the lengthy pause, she said, “Exactly.”

  “Deborah, I came to see you and talk about arrangements. I meant—”

  “Your intentions were loud and clear. I don’t have a perfect marriage, and the last thing I need to do is make things worse.”

  “At least let me—”

  “Come near us again and I’ll get a restraining order against you.”

   26

  Smile And Be Personable

  “Gigi, one more note like that and you’ll be the CEO,” said Nanette.

  Katisha sucked her teeth and chomped her turkey sandwich as they sat in the break room. She twirled her ponytail around her finger with her free hand and addressed Nanette. “Once the newness of the job wears off, she’ll be sick of these customers just like we are.”

  Nanette shook her head at Katisha’s salty attitude. “You’re being hateful, Katisha.”

  “I’m not. You know how people are all gung-ho at first, then fall off the longer they work.”

  “I’ve been out of work for a long time. Getting back into the swing of things has been good.”

  Nanette needled Katisha more. “Don’t you think it’s commendable that at least three customers have taken the time to send personal notes to the store about Gigi’s performance?”

  “Probably corporate plants.”

  “Still, that means she’s doing a good job regardless of who’s watching.”

  “Whatever.”

  Katisha popped the top off a Tupperware container of fresh, sliced peaches. Her hair and nail colors this week, burgundy and fuchsia, were tamer than the last rainbow. She grabbed a few peaches with her super-long nails and wolfed them down.

  “Slow down. We have time before we get back to the floor.”

  “Nanette, I’m eating so I can smoke before I go back.” She wiped peach juice from her mouth with a napkin.

  “You smoke?” asked Gabrielle. She didn’t mean the question to sound so judgmental. Her face flushed as Katisha’s lips turned upward.

  “Yes.” Katisha’s terse response drew air from the room.

  Gabrielle backpedaled. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I’d never seen you smoke, that’s all.”

  “I guess you’ll be the smoking police, too. What with all your exemplary qualities.”

  “Katisha, what’s up with you today?” Nanette asked.

  Katisha abandoned her uneaten food, yanked her purse from the coat hanger, and poured Kool-Aid from a Styrofoam cup into the sink. She stalked out of the room.

  Nanette and Gabrielle stared at each other. Seconds passed and they giggled at her antics.

  “She’s doing the most today.”

  “Gigi, don’t pay her any attention. Some days she can be semi-nice, other days it’s like she spent the night in a hornet’s nest. She’s so rude.”

  “Why does she still have a job?”

  “She knows the system well enough not to go off the deep end. She works the points system to her advantage, and she does adequate work. Nothing above and beyond, though.”

  “That must be tiring.”

  “Wait ’til she gets back from smoking. She has no idea you all are working in Women’s Clothing together.”

  “Oh no. Who told you that?”

  “I overheard Bertha telling Herb she could learn a lot from you.”

  “I’m not in the mood for this today. I can’t influence anyone.”

  “I sure hope you’ll rub off on her.” Nanette scanned the room and leaned in to Gabrielle. “Gigi, she’s on probation and doesn’t know it. Three more incidents and she’s out.” Nanette made a cutting gesture across her throat. “You’re attractive and a customer magnet. I don’t know what it is about you, but customers are drawn to you. They tell you their business, take your advice.”

  “I follow the general customer service rule. Smile and be personable.”

  “When was the last time you saw Katisha smile?”

  “Never.”

  “That’s what I’m talking about. All the coaching and talk-withs haven’t worked. I tried to be a fly on the wall and listen to Herb when he was talking about her, but he lowered his voice when I was near. There’s a reason they’ve kept her this long. I don’t know what it is.”

  Gabrielle shook off the notion of mentoring Katisha. “All I can do is try to help her. She may be too far gone.”

  “Hey, nothing beats a failure but a try.”

  “Say that again.”

  “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” Nanette wadded up her Burger King bag and tossed it in the trash, basketball court swish style.

  “My mother used to say that phrase all the time.”

  “Used to?”

  “Yes. She died a few months ago.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Gigi. Had she been sick?”

  Gabrielle rarely discussed Mattie’s disappearance. For all the conflict they’d experienced, she missed her mother, ached for her. She’d give anything to hear Mattie laugh, to spit out a piece of advice or wisdom, to put her in check.

  “Do you remember the woman who disappeared from the nursing home?”

  “The Mattie’s Call woman?”

  Gabrielle nodded. “That was my mother.”

  Nanette took Gabrielle’s hands and caressed them. “I’m so sorry.” Fury crossed her face. “I would have sued that nursing home for every dime.”

  “We’re looking into it. We’re trying to get adjusted to not having her anymore.”

  “A lot of people here were talking about the incident. I read her obituary and my heart went out to you all. I didn’t realize you were one of her three c
hildren.”

  “If I could see her one more time. I have so many things to say to her. If your mother is still alive, Nanette, cherish her. You only get one.”

  “I know and I do. You don’t have to tell me twice. There is no woman in the world like Mrs. Alva Jean Coles.”

  They didn’t hear Katisha walk in. “I hate to break up the love party, but we need to get back to the floor.”

  The three of them headed to the floor and were stopped by Herb. “Katisha and Gabrielle, may I speak with you?”

  Nanette gave Gabrielle a sheepish grin and headed toward electronics.

  “Katisha, you will be working with Gabrielle in Women’s for the duration of your shift.”

  “No hell I won’t!”

  “Katisha!” Herb and Gabrielle said in unison.

  “I’ve warned you about your tone, Katisha,” Herb chided.

  She rocked back on her heels. “Before lunch, I was almost done restocking the frozen meats. Why would you make me go to another department now?”

  “Last time I checked, I was your boss. Also, you need to be cross-trained.”

  Katisha put her hands on her hips. “That’s way too much people involvement!”

  “You need to have a variety of skills if you want to keep the job, Katisha. Gabrielle is good with customers and could teach you valuable pointers.”

  “Oh, so somebody here less than two months can teach me how to do my job?”

  “Coaching, write-up, or suspension if you don’t go. Take your pick,” said Herb.

  Katisha’s lips tightened in an angry line. She rolled her eyes and made a beeline to Women’s. Herb and Gabrielle followed her.

  Gabrielle ran her finger through her hair. “Are you sure you want to do this, Herb?”

  “It needs to be done. She has a short time to turn things around or else…”

  Stifling her desire to pry, Gabrielle interrupted him with, “I’ll work with her. Nothing beats a failure but a try.”

   27

  One Hand Washes The Other

  Alice wiped off her desk and took the last of the books and snacks she’d left at the library.

  “This resignation feels funny.”

  “I could have brought the box to your house.”

  “I’ve been missing you, Syn. I haven’t warmed up to anybody in years and I wish we could go back to the way things were before I went back home.”

  Synaria gave Alice a warm bear hug. “We’re all waiting for you to come back. The library is different now that you’re gone.” She’d tread the waters lightly. After the night Alice chose to stay with her husband, she immersed herself in reading about domestic violence. She wanted to show support by not blaming Alice or pushing her away. She wouldn’t mention Joshua, either.

  Alice’s face blanched. “You all haven’t missed me.” She avoided eye contact with Synaria.

  She lifted her chin. “We have. Especially Sabir Martin.”

  “The genealogy buff?”

  “Of course. You always assisted him with research. I was a little offended when he wouldn’t accept my help.”

  Alice chuckled. “I forgot about him.”

  “Don’t forget Mrs. Martha Wide. You’re the only one who could calm those rowdy grandchildren of hers during story time. She credits you for lighting the spark that now makes her oldest granddaughter read voraciously.”

  “That wasn’t me; that was Harry Potter for Melissa. Remember how the baby girl, Marta, fell in love with Virginia Hamilton’s stories?”

  “Don’t be so modest. You are a valuable member of the team.”

  Alice sighed and placed a watch in her box. They’d planned to get a replacement battery at the mall on their lunch break a few weeks ago. They never went. She picked up her belongings and headed toward the exit with Synaria. A sense of longing gnawed at her as she watched patrons check out books, job hunt on computers, and sit in study groups. The library was her escape; being home didn’t compare.

  Synaria snapped her out of the daze. “How did you get here? Is Beryl waiting outside for you?”

  She hesitated. “I drove.”

  “Really?” Synaria didn’t realize how loud she’d gotten until someone shushed her. She lowered her voice. “Since when have you started driving places in the family car?”

  “I’ve been doing lots of new things.”

  Synaria swallowed hard in an attempt to mask her skepticism. “If this is what you want, I’ll support you.” She stopped short of offering her house again.

  “Synaria, I know you and my family aren’t happy about my decision, but Beryl is changing.” So am I.

  “It’s your life, Alice.” I don’t want to see you dead on the six-o’clock news.

  “I have to get to my two-o’clock appointment, so I’ll be going now.”

  Synaria walked her to the car. “Keep in touch. We need to do lunch like old times.”

  “I will. As a matter of fact, I’ll have you over for lunch at my house, so we don’t have to spend any money.”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise. I’ll even make my legendary strawberry cake for you.”

  She waited until Synaria went back inside the library and drove off. Excitement and electricity filled her body. She knew they all thought she was pitiful, but she wasn’t poor Alice anymore. Beryl was so caught up in their “kiss and make-up” honeymoon phase, he hadn’t noticed the subtle changes in her. His indiscretion with muskrat Davina had given her unbelievable leverage. He handed over the car keys, took her out to dinner, and hinted at getting a Cialis prescription. She blushed at his advances outwardly, but inside her master plan was underway. By day, she logged on to Savannah State’s website with the laptop Beryl had purchased for her and took classes toward her degree. No longer did he dole out thirty dollars a pop to her; he gave her his credit card and asked her to get her hair and nails done. He complimented her and told her it took almost losing her to realize how much he loved her, how important their marriage was to him.

  Humph. I’ll show you love. Her phone rang as she took the Statesboro exit. When his name flashed, she answered.

  “Are you near?” he asked.

  “Yes. Harvey’s parking lot, correct?”

  “Yes.” A few seconds passed. “See you soon.”

  She ended their call and drove a few more miles. She saw his Infiniti parked in the grocery store lot. She pulled up in the space next to him, waved, and waited. When he cast nervous eyes on her, she instructed him to let his window down. “Do you want me to get in your car?”

  “Sure.” He eyed people walking in and out of Harvey’s.

  She slid into his car and wondered if Gigi met men in parking lots. He was more handsome than she remembered when they attended church.

  “I’ll make this quick. I have to get back home soon and I want to know if you’re going to help me.”

  “Did you bring the evidence?”

  “Not so fast. Are you in?”

  “Depends on what you have in mind.”

  “Robert, I didn’t want to do this. I was in the dark about everything, too.”

  “I never thought Davina would cheat. I thought I provided a good life for her.”

  “Is that why you introduced us to that charlatan who took our money?”

  Robert caressed the steering wheel. He’d become a pariah in Savannah since the Ponzi scheme. He arrived at church a few Sundays ago to changed locks and scowling faces. His members no longer trusted his leadership and put him out. He had been fleeced along with his congregation and lost a significant amount of money. Davina promised she’d be by his side, but she’d grown as distant as his flock. When Alice called him to say she’d caught Davina with Beryl, he didn’t want to believe her. Curiosity got the better of him when she said she had evidence.

  “I apologize for what happened. I thought I was doing everyone a favor. I’d seen other churches flourish and I wanted my members to prosper as well.”

  She wanted him to offer a better expl
anation. When he didn’t, she asked, “What’s going on with the investigation?”

  “He’s still in hiding.”

  “I had a bad feeling about him the moment he set foot in the pulpit.”

  Robert shook away the thought and returned to the reason for the meeting. “About Davina. What evidence do you have?”

  Alice opened her purse and removed a small plastic bag. She gave Robert the wedding band and engraved bracelet. His face fell as he touched the ring.

  “She took them off upstairs. I scared them, so she forgot to pick them up. You hadn’t noticed it was missing?”

  “I’ve bought her lots of sets over the years. This one was the most special, though. I gave her this set after my father died. She’d been so helpful toward him as he transitioned. I wanted to show her how much she meant to me. The rings, trips, and gifts over the years were my way of letting her know her barren state didn’t bother me.”

  “She can’t have children?”

  “Nope. She also has a glandular issue, hence the odor.”

  “You’ve been with her through all that?”

  “I’m no saint, but yes. I love Davina. She put up with my philandering in the beginning of our marriage. When I said for better or worse, I meant it.”

  Alice sat back in her seat. She wasn’t into breaking up marriages. A part of her wanted Robert to hurt as badly as she’d been. Looking at his face now, she felt regret. She shouldn’t have called him. She touched his arm.

  “I feel like I’ve ruined your life and your marriage, Robert.”

  “I’ve had a hand in both. Don’t apologize. I felt Davina was tipping out. I just wasn’t sure who it was. You’ve endured a lot, too.”

  “How so?”

  “I’m not blind. I saw the bruises when you attended church. Sometimes I wondered if you were wearing shades to be fashionable or if something else happened behind closed doors.”

  Alice looked away from Robert. “I had no idea anyone noticed.”

  He cupped her face and turned her head to face him. “Maybe it’s time we both moved on. I’ll broach the subject when I get home since I’m moving out.”