by Pat Simmons
After dressing, I was a man on a mission as I headed out the door. Twenty minutes later, I parked in front of Mackenzie’s house and eased from under the wheel of my car. Colorful Christmas lights twinkled against a clear night sky, lighting the street for a last go-round before they were packed away until the next year.
I pushed the doorbell and counted to ten. I was about to push it again and then count to twenty, but Mackenzie opened the door.
Greeting me, she hugged me as if we hadn't been together in years instead of hours. Once wasn’t enough so I squeezed her a second time as she struggled to separate as she invited me in. Closing the door, I shook off my coat. When she reached for it, she gave my attire an appreciative nod. “Nice.”
“Nicer.” We both wore dark gray turtlenecks. She matched my gray slacks with a darker gray skirt and boots.
Reaching for and grasping my hand, she tugged me to a small kitchen that would have disappointed a treasure hunter. Where the room lacked in size, it compensated in bright colors, the curtains, place mats, stool cushions, and other accessories. For Mackenzie and her dad, it was accommodating.
Two glasses waited for our attention. A punch bowl and a platter of stacked tiny sandwiches were nearby. “Hmm, so we’re having our own private party before service tonight, huh?”
“Yes.” Mackenzie picked up a glass and handed it to me before taking the other. We exchanged smiles as if we were the lucky bride and groom about to drink from each other’s cup.
Maybe, it seemed we were heading down that road. Pinching a triangle-shaped sandwich, she coaxed me to open my mouth. She shoved it in and stole a quick kiss. I nibbled, enjoying I dare say, the seduction of a woman who I loved.
“I did miss you, Noel,” she confessed while I chewed.
“Good,” I said after swallowing. I didn’t return my confession. Let her stew after the torment she caused me this past week. We grabbed a few more sandwiches and washed them away with punch before going back to the living room. A stack of papers, a package of gold-foiled stickers, and a red marker occupied a glass coffee table.
I lifted a brow. “School work during the holidays, Miss Norton?”
“I’m playing catch-up before school starts again.” She offered me a seat in an overstuffed chair that could fit two. Sinking down, I stretched my legs and checked my wrist watch, pleased that we had an hour before the start of service.
Patting the spot next to me, I beckoned for Mackenzie to join me. Warmth from a gas fireplace serenaded us. Content and relaxed, I closed my eyes and let my mind wander back fifteen years; then without any prompting, I started talking.
“The last song I remember was Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle’s Whole New World. How appropriate. One day, I was a normal curious teenager, and the next morning I woke a deaf mute. I suffered burns—the worst on my chest, and other injuries. Rebellious couldn’t even begin to describe my attitude.”
Mackenzie nudged me and I opened my eyes to see water in hers. I patted her hand. “It’s okay, baby.” Shutting my eyes again, I dropped my head back as my elbow rested on the chair arm. “My parents and brothers were there for me as we enrolled in sign language classes. I had to endure therapy, psychological and medical testing.
“My family and doctors believed that with the advances in implants and hearing aids, something could be done, but not in all cases.” My thumb jabbed my chest. “I was one of those ‘not in all cases’.”
She squeezed my hand as I unearthed the past, releasing pent up emotions. “Society says I have two strikes against me because I’m a black man and I’m deaf. Although I was secure being me, sometimes I didn’t know if one, or the other, or both play against me.”
Mackenzie rubbed my arm, adding pressure that made me look at her again. “I’m confused, Noel. Whom were you talking about a few minutes ago? I don’t know him. I see a confident, educated, and a very handsome man who turned his life over to Christ. I fell in love with that brother.”
I chuckled. I thanked God for giving me my own Biblical character Ruth: loyal, loving, and strong. No wonder Boaz had snatched her up. “What do you know about living in my world—the deaf community, really?”
“I live it in now, Noel.”
“No, baby, you can turn it on and off when you want. Yes, I can talk. I don’t know how I sound, but my world…” I pointed to my chest again. “…is quiet all the time. I want you to experience my world, and see if it’s a proper fit. Will you do that for me?”
Mackenzie edged away. When I was about to protest, she stood and backed away. Her reaction was unexpected, which made me uncertain and her lips didn’t move, neither did her hands.
My eyes coaxed her as my thoughts gave her the words to say, come on, baby, say it, say, yes I’m positive that I can fit in your world. C’mon, talk to me. I was willing her to say it or sign them. I’d take either one. I never spoke my thoughts because she had to speak whatever was in her heart.
Something behind me got her attention, and she didn’t appear to be too happy as she positioned her hands on her hips. Glancing over my shoulder, a bear-size man who wasn’t smiling briefly startled me. Evidently there was another hiding place beyond the kitchen.
He squinted as curiosity filled his eyes, then anger. Sternness puckered his lips, and balled fists at his side. He defined a man who would not to be crossed or tolerate much, including people—me, perhaps. Maybe I was reading him wrong. I didn’t need Mackenzie to make an introduction.
Also standing, I stepped forward, extending my hand. “Mr. Norton.”
“Noel Richardson, huh? Mackenzie said I’d be pleased and impressed. So far, I’m neither.”
When the bearded man didn’t stir to reciprocate my greeting, Mackenzie moved to my left side, took my hand, and gave it a squeeze. A gesture Mr. Norton didn’t miss or seem to like.
Pulling back my hand, I stuffed it in my pocket while he sized me up. The man didn’t know me besides a name, yet his expression showed nothing, but contempt.
“Stop it, Daddy. I’m not nine. I’m twenty-nine.”
“I’m sorry, sir, I meant no disrespect.” The kiss outside his door must’ve really angered him, so apologizing seemed the proper—although unnecessary—thing to do. I wanted to get beyond that.
“Well, Mr. Richardson, sit down. Let’s get this show on the road.”
“Show on the road?” I frowned and looked at Mackenzie for an explanation, but she shrugged. Mr. Norton’s body language told me I’d missed some of his words. When I turned back to face him, I lip-read “…you’re going to hit the road.”
Stepping carefully in front of him, I cupped my right hand and pointed it down into the palm of my flat left hand, signing repeat. “I’m deaf.”
“Ah naw,” Fred Norton responded, rolling his head as he dived for me.
Mackenzie jumped and barricaded me. I gently pushed her out of harm’s way. I would try my best not to hurt the man, but I steeled my body for him to get it his best shot before I would restrain him.
When I dodged his first swing, I had to admit this wasn’t how I imagined my year would end.
CHAPTER 24
I had seen Mackenzie mad before, but never had she been so upset that her body was shaking. She switched her focus from her father to me and then her father again.
Taking a deep breath, Mackenzie shoved me to the closet where she dragged our coats off the hangers. We were almost out the door when she and her father exchanged heated words.
It was ludicrous. Was her father for real? I’m not a man easily frightened, but I was unprepared for his wrath. How I got out Mackenzie’s house unscathed was a miracle.
Any other man besides Mackenzie’s father, he would’ve been going down. God, I did not return to church to fight this kind of battle.
Gripping the steering wheel, I couldn’t face Mackenzie as I drove to church. Her dad was crazy, I was angry, and Mackenzie was embarrassed. “What just happened?”
When the light turned red, she tapped me. “It
’s not about you, Noel. Daddy acts like that with all the men who try and take me out. He’s gone too far this time. I am beyond humiliated.”
“Well, it’s about me now.” The light changed. I proceeded with caution, not with my driving. I didn’t care about the boyfriends before me or if they had lived to tell about it.
Her father really didn’t want to tangle with me, because instead of Mackenzie holding me back, God would. I didn’t want to apologize to her or repent to Jesus. Another light flashed red. I angled my head when she tapped me again.
“I’m really sorry. I’ve never seen him so hostile. I thought he was going to have a stroke. He just forced my hand. I’m going to look for a condo immediately.”
Still fuming, I didn’t encourage her one way or the other. The last fight I had was in high school. Evidently, I had shouted too loud from the stands during a basketball game. The game had barely ended when a giraffe-like tall player rushed in the stands and accused me of making him miss a crucial basket.
At seventeen, I had height, too. The stadium seating gave me more. He threw the first punch and missed. I threw the second punch and didn’t miss. After a swollen jaw and a black eye, we were cool.
“Mackenzie, if there is a next time, don’t get in the way.” I pumped my brakes as a third red light caught me. God, are You trying to tell me something besides slow down? I thought, glancing at Mackenzie again.
I prayed that I wouldn’t physically fight her father, but I was a man just like Mr. Norton. It was in his best interest and mine that he respected that.
I frowned at Mackenzie’s last readable words to her father. “Daddy, he’s a committed man of God who I’ve chosen to love. Noel is a good man. It’s not like we’re getting married.”
The woman had no idea of my intentions, and neither did her father. They would know when I knew for sure.
***
Clearing my mind, I tried to prepare for Watch meeting. I knew Catholics had a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, but this was a first for me. The hour was late, but the crowd’s energy wasn’t lacking as they made a mad rush into the sanctuary.
Many were dressed for some serious celebrations: expressive hats, expensive suits and fresh haircuts. There was definitely a party going on, and I didn’t want to miss it. I forced the incident with Mr. Norton to the back of my mind.
Although Mackenzie’s obligations wouldn’t allow us to sit together during service, we always prayed together on our knees before she reported to her designated spot. I would never get used to the house of worship being our place of separation.
Valerie entered sanctuary. She eyed me with an unreadable expression. Some things never change, I thought. God, I sure hope this drama tonight is for Your glory because from where I’m sitting, there must be a miscommunication.
Opening my Bible, I flipped through the pages, looking for a scripture, anything that would give me a clue of what was happening with Valerie. Romans 5: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation works patience. God, come on, patience is definitely not my strong point.
I looked up to see Mackenzie and Valerie staring at each other. I groaned, now what? I relaxed when they embraced in a hardy hug.
The choir was massive, swelling with people I’d never seen. Their purple robes had one wide streak of red. I don’t know how many songs they sung, but the vibrations were powerful.
A peace descended on me, causing my lids to drift closed as my spirit worshipped God in a secret place, a place where neither Mackenzie nor the pastor could take me. Then I heard the voice of God. Noel, the work that I have performed in you, I will finish.
Lord, help me to understand what that work is exactly, I pleaded. When God didn’t respond, I opened my eyes.
Pastor Coleman was just beginning his sermon. “Turn to 1 Corinthians 15:51, ‘Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed.’ Listen church, God’s referring to those who died believing on His promise. For those of us awake, let us not go into the New Year sleep walking, spiritually asleep. That won’t cut it, be on full alert. We are closer now than we were this morning.
“Don’t take a nap on Jesus. Be ready in season and out, night, day, by the minute or hour. Verse 52: ‘In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.’ If I die, let me die in Christ. If I live, let me live for Christ. Remember in a twinkling, a blink, some will be raised to live again.”
He paused, rubbing his chin and looking out in the audience. “Let me just say this on the authority of God. Others will rise in a corruptible body that will continuously die corruptible again and again and again,” Mackenzie signed.
Finally, Pastor Coleman closed his Bible and bowed his head to pray. I followed suit and vowed to spend more time with God. Looking up, Mackenzie’s eyes met mine, asking for forgiveness. I nodded, conveying that I was trying to forgive and forget, but for her I would try harder.
I checked the wall clock in the back, which was the size of a window. It was synchronized with my watch, exactly twenty minutes before midnight. The crowd was lively and waiting.
When the choir stood, there was a surprise waiting for me. The vibrations of their voices rattled my chest cavity. On one accord, they lifted their hands and signed a song called “Celebrate.” I was in awe at their ministry. I marveled at the possible melody. The scene was breathtaking and I glanced at Mackenzie. Her smile was so sweet.
Impressive was the only way to describe the service from beginning to the end. Afterwards, Nick slapped men’s backs in greetings, kissed babies, and hugged church mothers before approaching me.
“Happy New Year’s, brother,” he said, slapping his right hand into mine in a gripping handshake. I challenged his with a crush of my own. He smirked. “It’s going to be a great year. I feel it.”
After the clutch I gave Nick, he better hope he still had feeling in his hand. “Yes, it is.”
Nodding, he turned to walk away then paused. Glancing back, Nick continued to grin at me then left. I raised my brow, wondering what he was up to now. Peering over heads, I located Mackenzie swallowed up in the crowd. When she resurfaced, Valerie pulled her aside. Within minutes, Nick pulled Valerie aside.
My little girlfriends tugged on my pants. Kneeling, I welcomed Keisha and Daphne’s kisses and hugs. Despite their exhilaration, their eyes drooped with sleepiness.
Mrs. Campbell introduced me to her husband who seemed to be just as drained as his daughters. “Honey, I told Brother Noel that the girls think he favors your brother and that’s why he can’t get rid of him.”
“You do. I’m Albert and it’s nice to meet you.” I stood and we shook hands before the girls gave me one more wave goodnight.
When I made eye contact with Mackenzie, she shot me daggers. I grinned at her mocked jealousy, but then she whirled around and stormed away. Surely she wasn’t threatened by the Campbell sisters.
Perplexed, I weaved around saints to gather our coats and my Bible. When I caught up with her, she gathered her things from me and pushed the church door opened, dismissing my attempt at chivalry. She walked ahead of me. Clueless, I slowed my gait. She rode with me, so she wasn’t going anywhere.
“Mackenzie, it’s a new year, what’s wrong already?” I asked when I was near my car. God deliver me from moody people.
She did an about face. Walking back, she came within inches of my face. Her lips moved slow enough for a new student of interpretation to understand. “How could you do what I asked you not to do?”
It was almost one o’clock in the morning, my energy was fading fast, and my irritation was building. My mental capacity could only hold so much. “Talk to me, baby.”
“I’ll talk to you, all right. Noel, I asked to not to mention anything to Valerie.”
Grimacing, I rolled my eyes. “God spoke to me, Mackenzie, not you. I had to do His bidding.” I pointed to my chest. “With you
or without you, it was God’s timing, not ours.”
“Then you shouldn’t have promised me,” she argued, finding her hip under her coat and planting a fist on it. “If I recall, I didn’t force you to say it. Valerie seemed down tonight after service. God may have told you to talk to her, but at least I could’ve told you how to approach her. I’ve known her longer than you, Noel.”
I checked my watch, which infuriated her more. I grabbed her hands that were wearing the gloves I had bought.
After I had her attention, I released it and began to sign, “Baby, get rid of the attitude. It’s not all about you, you, you! I’m deaf, Mackenzie, but I’m not stupid, and the voice I hear is God’s. For weeks, I’ve been yielding to your wants, needs, your feelings, and shutting out my world for you.
“That’s one-sided. I don’t need your permission. I’m not a puppet. I let you call the shots because I love you, but you don’t call all the shots. If you really care about me and are committed to this relationship, then let’s make some changes. To start, what’s stopping you from coming into my world, Mackenzie? Or is it too quiet?”
Indignant, she snarled. “Of course not, I’m an interpreter, remember?”
“Yeah, how can I forget? I fell in love with your hands first, then those sexy eyes and everything else that is you, and finally your heart. I’m not going to beg you, Mackenzie.
“You say you love me, and I believe you. I don’t need you to prove it. I’m asking as a man who wants to fall deeper in love with you, that for the next month, you’ll explore my world.” Finished with what I had to say, I opened the car door and drove her home to her crazy father.
CHAPTER 25
A week later, it was business as usual. Mackenzie was back in the classroom. My staff and I were tweaking proposals for this year’s government grants, reviewing our lists of contributors, contemplating fundraising events, and mulling over requests for our agency’s intervention.