Crossroads: An Anthology

by LaShaun, Elizabeth

  Janelle played on her dumb comrade’s pain. She repeatedly told her how Riley was playing her. Pointed out the gigs she had missed to spend time with him. By the time they pulled off Chantrese felt nothing but pure hatred for Riley.

  ***

  Jiya’s bronzed face was twisted with fury as she listened to Chad. He was definitely his father’s child, giving long speeches instead of spitting it out. At the end Jiya came to the translation of: The fuck was good while it last, but I am going back to my girl. This motherfucker has lost his mind, she thought as shook her right leg vigorously while sitting on the bed.

  “Listen, Jiya don’t go off on me, I never told you we were a couple,” Chad readily told her.

  He could see the steam coming from her head. He planned to break the news to her this morning, but she caught him in the shower and he was preoccupied. They had to check out in ten minutes and he wanted her to leave understanding where they stood.

  “Oh I understand Chad,” Jiya began, her voice calm but her eyes blazing. “I understand that you must think I am a damned fool to agree to this bullshit,” Chad shook his head at her ghetto antics. “Where was your girlfriend when I was sucking your dick,” she asked him.

  Chad knew he had messed up and didn’t have answer for her. Sighing he lamely told her, “I love her”. Jiya recoiled from the sincerity in his words and stomped out of the room. She really needed to text Pastor now.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Riley worked on autopilot. He didn’t remember pairing the outfits or switching garments that didn’t compliment the models body types but he did it.

  “Great job Riley,” Pierre, the photographer told him.

  Riley threw him a thank you and continued getting the next shoots wardrobe prepped. He was supposed to be online researching trends but he couldn’t focus. He hated being on the computer. He could perform his real job, dressing with his eyes clothes. He loved the space he was given to work with. It reminded him of his humble beginnings in his first apartment.

  Riley always had an eye for fashion, but was too afraid to pursue it. What straight man from the projects would be a stylist? When he first got his own apartment he dabbled in selling weed and a little bit of cocaine, but Ms. Mary put a stop to that. She came over to his house, of course unannounced, and told him to stop bullshitting himself. Riley laughed now thinking of Ms. Mary’s straightforward attitude. He would never forget the words she told him, ‘boy I know the game and I know that everybody won’t have a nine to five. If I thought you didn’t have nothing to offer but being on the corner I would keep my mouth shut, but you do. Stop being afraid of what others think, because nobody is taking care of you’.

  The next day Riley enrolled in school. He had created his best work in a room similar to the one he was in now, small, with peeling yellowed wallpaper. The room was the size of a small living room and had over forty clothes racks crammed in the space allowing only enough room for a narrow walkway. “This would look perfect on Stacy,” he thought regarding a gold, sequin mini dress, immediately having a sour taste in his mouth.

  He hated that he always thought about her. Face the fact that she doesn’t want your ass, his mind threw at him. Sighing, Riley resolved he would leave Stacy alone. If she wanted to be with a nothing like Chad, that was fine with him. He couldn’t stop that or be mad at her; it was her decision to make. What hurt was the way she talked about the baby. She made it sound like he wouldn’t take care of the baby like it was his own child. He loved every part of her and that included the baby.

  The models had begun to spill into the tight room hoping to get the best outfits. Riley again did his job his mind, still on Stacy.

  “Riley, you didn’t notice me,” Chantrese asked him after he pushed an outfit in her hands. Riley looked up and immediately apologized. “It’s been a long day baby,” he said with a sigh and absently giving her a quick peck. I just bet it has, she thought but asked if they could go out later.

  Declining was Riley’s first thought but he knew he needed to move on. He would always be there for Stacy but he had to live his life. “I would love too”.

  ***

  Chad felt like a complete jackass as he drove his Volvo to the banquet. He had a beautiful woman that wanted nothing more than to love him and he was busy fucking his ex. Glancing at Stacy, she smiled lighting up his world. A smile appeared on his face when he thought about her reaction to seeing him after almost two weeks. She rushed to him planting hungry kisses on his lips. After several minutes he pulled away and was able to take her in. She was absolutely stunning in the lavender silk halter dress. Her pearl accessories went great with the dress. On her feet were deep purple stilettos. Due to it being a church banquet, Chad understood the shawl but he wanted her to take it off now. Nothing was going to hinder his view of her in the gown.

  “So how was the retreat,” Stacy asked bringing him back to the present.

  Chad groaned as he thought of the lies he would have to tell her. “It was really nice,” he told her hoping she would let it go, but she didn’t.

  For the next twenty minutes Chad told her the lie he had concocted.

  ***

  Stacy had never been to a church banquet before but she never expected such grandeur. A massive and exquisite chandelier illuminated the foyer of the pavilion. The doormen at the door were dressed in black tuxedo’s directing them to the corridor that led to the grand ballroom. Stacy oohed and aahed at the expressive artwork that lined the ways, causing Chad to chuckle. He had never met anyone as appreciative as Stacy. She never expected anything and was grateful for everything. Unable to help himself, he kissed her lips with great passion.

  “Boy we are at a church banquet,” she scolded putting emphasis on church. “That is beautiful,” Stacy said as she stared at the colossal hand crafted wooden door that held the festivities.

  Chad squeezed her hand and turned slightly hearing the steps of running children. Hearing Stacy gasp he returned his attention to the forefront.

  Chad had to admit his father had really outdone himself this time. The silver, silk and suede blend drapes hung beautifully on the walls, giving the room a majestic atmosphere. Turning to his right he noticed the purple lighting against the walls.

  “This is beautiful,” Stacy whispered in utter shock. “Look at the tulip centerpieces against the silver and purple place settings.” Chad squeezed her hand once more and continued to survey the room. I shoulda known, he thought seeing Alderman Southby and his wife.

  ***

  Of all the fucking people, Pastor Toplin thought, noticing his son, and more importantly his date as soon as they entered the ballroom. Pastor diverted his eyes to his black Armani tuxedo sleeve for five seconds, not wanting to stare too long. He was sure he knew the young lady, but it had been years since he had seen her. Returning his eyes to the couple, his jaw clenched as he saw the evidence proving it was indeed her. The young lady had a shawl draped around her shoulders but a small portion of her back was exposed, revealing the grotesque burn. This boy is constantly fucking up, he inwardly fuming taking a sip of his water, wishing like hell it were brandy.

  ***

  Stacy indulged herself and ate her lemon tart as well as Chad’s. She always ate when she was stressed and today was no exception. She could feel the storm brewing and no matter how many reassuring hand squeezes Chad gave it seemed to be moving fast. A couple of warnings went off in her head. The first one being that they had been at the banquet for a little over an hour and Chad’s parents had not made their way to the table to greet them. She told Chad they should go over but he said later. Noting the longing in Chad’s mother’s eyes, she could tell his father was the one that refused to interact with them. Pastor Toplin was vaguely familiar, but Stacy couldn’t put her finger on how she knew him.

  “Hello there Chad,” Alderman Southby said walking to the table, his wife in tow.

  “Hello Alderman,” Chad greeted putting on his phoniest smile ever.

  Stacy knew
that Chad didn’t like the man from their previous conversations, but greeted them both amiably when he introduced her as his girlfriend. The two had never put a title on their relationship and a genuine smile was on Stacy’s face as she shook Mrs. Southby’s hand. The woman’s eyes were filled with misery and her handshake was weak. Is that a bruise, she wondered seeing where makeup had worn from the woman’s wrist. The look in Mrs. Southby’s eyes confirmed her suspicious as she quickly covered her hand with her purse.

  I can not believe this is happening, Chad thought as he noticed Jiya sweep into the ballroom. The Alderman was still talking about God knows what as his focus remained on Jiya. He couldn’t believe how angelic she looked in her long crème gown. She looked so innocent and sweet. Deep lines creased his forehead as he watched his father hug her and rather loudly say, “She was almost my daughter-in-law, I hope she will be,” locking eyes with Chad.

  From the start Chad knew his father didn’t approve of Stacy, his dismissive behavior speaking volumes. Taking a sideways glance to gauge Stacy’s expression, he couldn’t, her tresses concealing the profile of her face.

  Finally the Alderman got a clue and excused himself. Pastor Toplin was laughing with one of the Trustees close to the door, away from his wife. “Let’s go speak to my mother baby,” Chad told Stacy, who readily agreed. Stacy’s stomach began to flip as she walked the dreaded twenty feet to his mother. She was stunning in her black silk gown and matching jacket. Her hair was in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, giving her beautiful pecan skin its just attention.

  “Mama this is…”

  “Boy, hush,” First Lady Toplin shooed Chad. “This is a beautiful young lady,” she finished his sentence with a radiant smile. “My name is Tabitha and yours is,” First Lady asked shocking Chad. His mother never told anyone her first name it was always First Lady Toplin. With shaky hands Stacy shook her hand and introduced herself.

  “Nice to meet you ma’am and I’m sorry I didn’t introduce myself earlier,” she told her giving Chad a sideways glance.

  “Well why don’t you introduce yourself now,” Pastor Toplin said sneaking up on Chad and Stacy from behind.

  “I heard your name is Stacy, but you are who to my son,” he asked amiably.

  Stacy saw the smile but she could feel and see the coldness coming off the good Pastor. Stacy thought Chad would say something but when he didn’t she spoke up, “I am dating your son.”

  “Really,” Pastor said looking at his son before returning his eyes to Stacy. “You don’t remember me do you,” he asked with a smirk.

  Stacy shook her head no, but added that he did look familiar. “I use to counsel you at Ms. Mary’s,” Pastor Toplin said as recollection hit Stacy full on. “How is your father? Is he still drinking,” he asked the smile never leaving his face.

  “Excuse me,” Stacy quickly said her face full of shame as she retreated to the restroom.

  Pastor Toplin saw the look his wife gave him but disregarded it as he turned his attention to his son. In a low growl he spoke, “How dare you bring that trash in here,” his eyes blazing.

  “You will never have a political career if you marry her.” Chad was sick he actually felt the bile begin to rise.

  “I love her so fuck you and politics,” he hissed his eyes meeting his father’s.

  “You’re fucking with the right one,” Pastor Toplin said in his ear, right before Mother Patterson asked the two to take a picture.

  ***

  “Why him,” Stacy whimpered as the tears cleansed her face. She had locked the bathroom door after she had thrown up her dinner and prized tarts. Looking in the mirror she shook her head as she thought about the things she shared with Pastor Toplin, her father’s alcoholism, the fire, her pain, her fear. The rape, her mind threw at her causing her to shudder from the recollection. She had never told a soul until Pastor Toplin came along.

  Ms. Mary told her that the pastor was a newly changed man and he was here to talk to her. Stacy didn’t trust him, but Ms. Mary explained that God was there for her and she should talk. At first, they played board games and cards during his visits. Slowly gaining her trust, Stacy told him about her father and his drinking. She recalled the night of the fire and the fear she had of sleeping.

  “Stacy, you are not telling me everything,” Pastor Toplin told her one day. “You don’t trust me,” he asked.

  A then twelve-year-old Stacy felt the pastor was her friend and she didn’t want to upset him. She explained that Riley had gotten in trouble for beating up Justin.

  “Why did he beat him up,” he asked.

  Stacy said he was taking up for her providing nothing else. Pastor Toplin knew there was more to the story and forced Stacy to tell him what Justin had done, which she reluctantly did.

  “Well you should be happy right,” the pastor asked confused. “But he wasn’t there to protect me the other times he did it,” Stacy said before breaking down in heavy sobs.

  Banging on the door brought Stacy back to the present. Fixing her face and preparing to leave the washroom, Stacy realized the relationship was over. She saw first hand that Chad couldn’t stand up to his father. Without thinking she dialed Riley’s number, but hung up on the second ring, remembering he had a relationship. Exiting the door she saw Chad and his father posing for a picture. Shaking her head she headed for the exit.

  “Excuse me,” Jiya said running to Stacy before she left the ballroom.

  “Yes,” Stacy returned warily.

  “You’re Chad’s girlfriend right,” Jiya baited not waiting for a response. “Well Chad left this and if you could be a doll please return them,” she finished handing Stacy the bag. Looking inside Stacy saw the red polo and jeans she’d brought him as a gift inside. She also saw a few of his underwear. Hearing her name being called she looked up with teary eyes to see Chad running towards her. Outdone, Stacy dropped the bag and took off running, Chad hot on her tail. She made it outside and was about to go down the first step when Chad grabbed her arm. Furious and with all her might, Stacy yanked away loosing her balance and tumbling down nine marble-tiled stairs. Her head and back hit the pavement with a loud thump, blood oozing from her head and between her legs.

  “Stacy,” Chad screamed yearning to be at her side but being pulled away by his father and three deacons as someone rushed and called 911.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Riley took hurried and fearful steps toward the hospital. He had received a call while he was at dinner with Chantrese. The nurse was vague only saying that someone he knew was in the intensive care unit. Finally making it through the long white corridor, Riley rounded the corner looking for the nurses’ station. Tons of people were huddled inside the small emergency room waiting area. Mustering the small amount of self control he had, Riley waited behind the Spanish man as he tried to check in.

  “Boy relax,” Ms. Mary scolded him, while he sighed heavily. Riley had picked her up as soon as he received the phone call. Though they never said her name, Riley knew in his heart of hearts that it was Stacy.

  Ms. Mary decided to take control the situation and asked the nurse if Stacy was a patient. She steeled her self as the Middle Eastern nurse typed in the information in the system. “She is in ICU room twenty three,” the nurse replied without emotion, her eyes still on the screen. Instantly, Ms. Mary began to pray as Riley all but dragged her to the elevator. Glancing at Riley she could see the deep concern and fear in his eyes. He was walking so fast that she was actually trotting to keep up.

  “Naw, Stacy,” Riley mumbled astonished as he entered the room.

  He had tried to prepare himself as they made their way to Stacy’s room. ICU was no joke and he had resolved himself to be strong for Ms. Mary. Quickly his resolve left as soon as he saw Stacy. She was not swollen, there weren’t various tubes covering her body. She appeared, she looked, dead. Riley was rocked to his core, approaching the bed. She is still warm, he thought expecting her to be cold. Touching her face, he brushed her cheeked sof
tly and whispered that he was there.

  “Hold on Stacy, please,” he pleaded, praying that she heard him.

  With his hand still in hers, Riley studied the monitor that registered her vital signs. He had watched enough medical series to know that her blood pressure and pulse were weak. Rage filled him as the thought of losing her began to creep into his mind.

  She was supposed to be at fucking banquet, he thought behind closed eyes. Opening them, he saw Ms. Mary standing in the shadows with her eyes closed, praying he was sure. On closer observation he could see the tears steadily roll down her tired and wrinkled face. Ms. Mary was a plain lady, wearing a flowered dress and casual walking shoes. Kissing Stacy on the cheek, Riley swiftly passed Ms. Mary and was out the door; the pain of possibly losing the love of his life, and the woman who raised him broken, too much for him to bear.

  ***

  “Is she going to make it doctor,” a distraught Chad asked the doctor. The nurse told him who the doctor was and he was lucky enough to stop him as he left another patient’s room. “Right now it is too early to tell. Ms. Wilson has lost a substantial amount of blood. She also has some edema on her brain,” he frowned from the look Chad gave. “She has swelling. Where you with her during the accident,” he asked Chad.

  “Yes I…”

  “We were all present,” Pastor Toplin cut in while the other deacons present nodded in the affirmative. “It was a horrible accident,” he added refusing to go into details. He didn’t want to incriminate them in anyway. A scandal of this magnitude could be detrimental to Chad’s career. Doctor Blackman immediately had a bad feeling about the pastor and returned his attention to Chad.

  “I understand that she fell down the stairs, but with the injuries she sustained there had to be great momentum,” the doctor said looking into the Chad’s eyes. “As if she was pushed,” he added regarding the young man closely. ‘Can you tell me what happened?”