BOMAW 10-12

by Mercedes Keyes

  Vivian smiled and nodded, "I know you did, let's go home."

  He leaned towards her, kissed her lips, "Yes, let's."

  They arrived back at Shanna's and sure enough, that night, he was on her again.

  Monday morning, Vivian rolled to her back groaning. Sunlight was shinning through the bedroom window. The bed was empty beside her. She looked at the clock, it was 9:30 in the morning. If her memory served her right, it had been dark outside when she received a kiss to her temple, with the words, "See you at lunch." followed by a gentle pat on her behind with a slight squeeze. That had been the last she'd seen of him, she'd peaked through a slit of one eye to see the blurred red numbers on the bedside clock that read, 4:20am. As far as she was concerned, that was in the middle of the night, or, ridiculously early.

  She rolled to sit up, always feeling tender, sensitive now, a never ending feeling that he'd been deep in her body, riding her once more. She sat a moment, legs hanging off the side of the bed. She supposed she should have been up earlier, after all, her instructions had been given. Get into town to the small local bank there, and open them a new checking and savings account. He'd left her his extra drivers license, the one for operating cars only; he carried his semi-license on him. He left her the truck and took Shawn's motorcycle again; agreeing to take her by their new/old home when he was off work.

  Stepping out of the shower, coating her wet body with baby oil, and then patting dry, she looked at her hair and was tempted to change her look; however instead, opted towards something more simple, she plucked her brows for a more thin, more mature look. Standing back from the mirror, turning her head this way and that to look at her handy work, she decided, not bad. Because it was a beautiful day, she wanted to dress in one of her spring colored ensembles. Putting on her panties and bra, she opened the closet to look at the dresses she snuck into her luggage to bring with her. Pushing the hangers apart, she looked them over chewing on the inside of her lip. Every time she made up her mind on one, she would see Jake's reaction to her wearing it. The harder the decision became for her, the more irritated she grew. "This don't make no sense! I cannot believe I'm standing up in here letting that man influence my dress decisions, hell!" Feeling defiant she took out a mid-thigh little number perfect for summer, with matching sandals. The style of it displayed a portion of her back with a hole in it, another in the front flashed her flat stomach, and smaller on each side showed the top rounded portion of her hips; with a bit of her cleavage showing as well. It was a beautiful color and it fit her dark body like a dream. But the longer she held it up before her, the weaker her resolve. Basically, no matter how much right, she had to wear what she wanted, she knew Jake would hit the ceiling. If she was going to share her life with him, she had little choice but to respect his wishes concerning certain choices made with dressing herself. Their previous fight over her clothing came to mind, and she didn't want to go through it again.

  Sighing, she put it back on the hanger, and back into the closet; choosing one of her more modest dresses, a red and white floral print, very stylish, past her knees, very feminine, proper, and cute. Even it showed her figure because of the clingy fabric, but she wasn't putting it back; at least it did cover her all over from chest to shin and to her elbows, looking more proper than the last choice, while hugging her figure, emphasizing her tiny waist and shapely rear. Slipping her feet into the wood sole sandals that matched it, she made up her eyes and waited until after she ate breakfast to put on lipstick. She stood looking in the refrigerator and saw nothing that she wanted to eat. In fact, she had no appetite, so made herself a couple of slices of toast, with cream cheese; had a glass of orange juice; and cleaned up the small mess. Back in the bathroom, she rinsed out her mouth, quickly brushed her teeth once more to whiten them up, added lipstick, grabbed her little purse and other necessities and headed out the door, down the steps to the truck. With her hand on the door handle, her gaze went towards the sky, it was clear; the sun was shinning, and the morning was lovely. Smiling, she opened her purse, put on her sun glasses and decided she was going to walk to town. It would be her first time actually going into the small town. All other times she was there, she'd been with Sylvia, Shanna or Gert going other places, but never into this town.

  Due to the time of day, there was hardly anyone around, the occasional car would pass her by and to her surprise, she was waved at. The first two that did it caught her so off guard that she didn't respond, but when she made it onto main street in town, she saw a few more people here and there going in and out of the store, post office, phone company, beauty parlor, and each that looked up and saw her, smiled and waved saying, "Mornin'!"

  Vivian felt giddy all over, smiling she returned, "Good morning." She couldn't believe it, she hadn't seen a black face yet, but the ones that she did see, white faces; greeted her warmly, making her feel so good, she was already warming to living in such a community. She made her way to the little bank, Royal bank it was called, and stepped inside. She could smell fresh coffee brewing. There was a line with two people before her; they turned to see who was entering. Noting that she was a stranger in town, they still smiled. "Good mornin'!" Both persons, an older man first, a middle aged woman second, greeted her.

  "Good morning," She returned softly, smiling.

  "You're new in town," The middle aged woman cut right to the chase stating, "I'm Mary Jo, your name?" she held her hand out for a shake.

  "Vivian, nice to meet you." Vivian shook her hand.

  "I know all the faces from around here, don't remember yours, where you from?"

  "Chicago, I've moved up here now."

  "You by yourself? Had another colored woman move here a couple of years back, Sylvia's her name, you know her? Think she was from Chicago."

  "Yes, I know her, we're best friends."

  "She married herself a looker from around here, he lived right across from her."

  "Yes, I know, I was at the wedding."

  "I see, you two so close you move here too huh?"

  "Well actually, I'm moving here, because - well, her husband's brother and I, will be getting married later this summer."

  The clerk behind the counter looked up, and the man standing before them turned around interested. "Them McPhersons," He shook his head, "His brother Jake? That's the only one left I'm thinkin', you marrying him?" The man asked.

  Vivian smiled, "That's the one."

  "Hear he bought Ol'man Sparky's property, you two be movin' in there I'm supposin'." He continued.

  "To be honest, I haven't seen it yet. He's told me about it, we'll be going by there once he's home from work."

  "Mighty fine property, nice lot o'land, 8 acres, can do a lot with 8 acres. That house the only one like it left in this area. Most all others new homes, or just plain ol'farm houses. Got pictures o'when that house was in it's prime. That's b'fore his wife up an' left him, place started going down hill then; once his kids left, it really went to pot. He died not long ago. I wouldn't be knockin' it down I were you. Looks rough, but it's built solid, strong good wood in that structure, worth restoring."

  "Yes, that's the plan, to restore it." She assured him.

  The clerk behind the counter was gazing at her hand, or more likely, the ring on her finger, "I can't believe that Jake's gettin' married, he's not the marryin' kind you know, got quite the reputation."

  "Yes, so I've heard." Vivian commented, wishing they would get on with it so she could get her business taken care of, she looked at the clock on the wall, it was just after eleven, she wondered what time Jake would be coming home for lunch, he hadn't said.

  "So when you gettin' married, you two?" The clerk asked.

  "Later this summer, August," She answered and then looked at the clock again, hoping that the clerk and other two, would get the hint.

  "I went out with him a few times, some years ago - he was after only one thing."

  "Yes, well - thanks for the chit chat, but - I really must get going, can we move thi
ngs along please?" Vivian asked gently.

  "Oh, I'm sorry, sure." The clerk smiled, she seemed to be without malice, just curious. In fact, she couldn't keep her eyes off of Vivian, it was like she was trying to pick out of Vivian's features, the things that made a man like Jake, fall for her. She was especially paying close attention when it was her turn, to hear that she was opening a joint bank account, she was only too eager to assist. Vivian gave her the address that Jake had written down for their home. She wasn't used to seeing rural addresses, but the clerk had no problem. When it was all done, she went on to say, "You'll probably wanna go on by the phone company, get that scheduled to turn on, they handle your cable TV and internet there, all in one place." She informed her.

  "I think the phone is already taken care of, but as for the rest, maybe I will, we still have time - I believe there's a great deal to be done at the house. But I'll see what Jake thinks. Thanks a lot, see you later." Vivian turned and left the bank, deciding to venture into the little store. Walking in, she caught Mary Jo, telling the store keeper about her. They both grew quiet, quickly smiling and nodding at her when she made her way towards the aisles, shaking her head in wonder, thinking, "Ah, the small town news reporter, spreading it already - Sheila would love it here." She mumbled to herself walking through each lane, looking around to see if anything caught her eye. She made it to the meat counter and couldn't believe the delicious looking steaks cut to perfection. She picked up all that she saw, thinking Jake would no doubt love a juicy t-bone for dinner tonight. She wasn't so sure about lunch, something told her, food would be the last thing on his mind.

  By the time she returned, it was twelve-fifteen, no Jake yet. She put the steaks and other things she bought to prepare with it away. Laid the bank brochures, new bank book, and receipts from the deposits she made; three hundred in their checking and one hundred-thirty in the savings. She kept thinking about the steaks and thought, "What the heck, I think I'll fix him one." While prepping it the phone rang.

  To her surprise, it was Sheila, "Hey girl!"

  "Hey my en'! You been gone three days, ain' even tried to call me. It's a good thing I got Shanna's number, else ain't no tellin' when I'ah hear from you!" She started fussing.

  "I was gone call you tonight." Vivian informed her.

  "Em hm, sure you was."

  "I was gone call you, girl the stuff that's been going on."

  "What's been goin' on? Bet'not be no big shit - and you ain't called me? Oh hell naw, spill it!"

  "Let me give you the light weight insignificant shit first."

  "Lay it on me."

  "Sheila, I swear fo'God! I ain't never had so much sex in all my natural born days!"

  "Woooo-weee!" Sheila started laughing.

  "Sheila, I swear, how in the hell does any woman, any where, have the wherewithal to be a prostitute? My shit so tender, my hips hurt, my thighs sore, I feel like I been working out."

  "Shit, you have been. You'ah get used to it, they all like that, they get a piece in reach, and they be reaching for it all the time. Dennis was the same way, every time I turn around, he was after some more."

  "Were you sore from it?"

  "Yeah, I ain't care though, I like that shit girl - hell wit' the rest." Sheila laughed.

  "Shoot, I'm waiting on his butt now, talkin' about he gone get some more when he get here."

  "You be all right, just learn to like it."

  "It's not that I don't like it, but every damn day?!"

  "What's wrong with everyday? Ain't nothing wrong with everyday!"

  "Yo'horny ass would say something like that! He ain't wearin' my shit out."

  "Stick wit' one man, it don't wear out. God knew exactly what he was doin'! You just got used to that China man and his lil pee-pee."

  "I beg your pardon, I liked him just fine thank you! No pain - and not every damn day!"

  "You know he tryin' to get you pregnant, what you expect? Better hope it happen quick, else he gone be in there all the time."

  "That would be just my luck."

  "You bes' get prayin' - now, off of that, what's the heavy shit?"

  "Meribel - in the hospital - was critical condition! She'd just woken up last night when we left."

  "WHAT?! When? How? What the hell! And you ain't call me? Yo'ungrateful ass! You bes' tell me what happened, don't leave shit out!"

  Vivian went on to relate everything she knew of what occurred up until they left the night before. "Everyone else still there, Jake had to work, that's why we came home."

  "All this shit scientist comin' up with, they need to invent a psycho light - to shine on crazy ass people so normal people can avoid them like the plague, don't make no damn sense, now her brother got to serve time because the bitch psycho and shouldn't even be on the streets, let alone in no damn school teachin'."

  "Well I can give you her information, room number and stuff so you can check on her."

  "Please, I'll send some flowers too. And next time don't let me have to call yo'ass to find shit out! Heifa!"

  "I told you I was gone call you tonight."

  "Hell wit' that! I want shit fo' it hit the press! Keep it up, I'm gone have to give yo'ass up fo'adoption!"

  Vivian laughed, "You love me too much, I ain't even worried. Besides, I was busy-..."

  "Busy screwin' - gettin' yo'toes curled! Next time, tell Jake ass to wait goddammit - I got to call Sheila! Hell wit' the bullshit, he can knock yo'ass up later."

  All Vivian could do was laugh, "You missin' me already."

  "I ain't missin' nobody, yo'ass just done left, gettin' uppity, don't know how to call - I'm yo'elda' - you supposed to be calling me."

  "I'm fix'in'ta hang up this phone on you, bye!"

  "Don't you hang up this phone! You know I miss you - heifa!"

  "Aaaaah, I knew you did, gone try and lie to me, you know you ain't got but one baby girl, and that's me."

  Sheila was laughing next, "Spoiled yo'ass! Knew I would regret that shit one day - get off this phone and fix that man his lunch."

  "I was fixin' it when you called."

  "That's right! Know I taught you well, make me proud now - take care of your business."

  "As I always do - uh oh, here he comes, I can hear the bike, oh he's home! Gotta go! I love you!"

  "Love you too baby girl, call me later!"

  "I will! Call the hospital!"

  "Right after I hang up from you."

  Vivian hung up the phone, watching the door and sure enough, she could hear his heavy foot steps on the porch, crossing it to the door, opening it and walking in, "Lil'girl - I'm home for a quickie." He announced loud and clear, locking the door behind him, "Oooh, perfect, wearing a dress, all I gotta do is lift it. Where you want it?"

  Vivian whimpered.

  * * *

  Earlier that same morning...

  Ben knew that perhaps it was a bit early for this; even so, he didn't want to put it off any longer. After parking his car at the curb of Gail's house, he mustered up his courage and made his way to her front door, ringing the bell. Her mother answered. Her gaze was clear that she wasn't very pleased with him. "Good morning Ben, how can I help you?"

  "Can I talk to Gail please?"

  "I would have thought all that needed to be said, would have been."

  "Please?"

  Right then, they both heard her coming down the stairs, "Who's at the door mom?" Gail finished stopping by her mother to look out at him. "Hi Ben."

  "Hi, can we talk?"

  "Sure, ah mom, we'll be in the back." Gail agreed, passing her mother as she made her destination clear, heading outside to join him. She lead him down a familiar path by the side of the house to their spacious back garden, and to her favorite spot, the gazebo. Once there, she took up a spot on the long bench, while Ben sat on the wood frame chair, facing her.

  They gazed at each other a few moments, each settling with the thoughts that went through their mind and Ben felt obliged to go first, "How are you?"

>   "How am I? Uhm, I'm okay. I mean, I'll live - tomorrow is always another day. The suns shining brightly, the birds are singing, and the flowers are still pretty, in other words, life goes on."

  Ben nodded agreeing.

  "And you, how are you?"

  "Me? Ha, well - let's just say, that I'm probably right where I deserve to be."

  "Where's that?"

  "On my own."

  "I see, that mean, that she ah, well - rejected you?"

  Ben quirked a brow at her, "It's okay, you can smile about it, you don't have to look sorry for me."

  She giggled, then covered her mother, "Sorry - I didn't mean to giggle, honestly I didn't."

  Ben smiled, "It's okay, you're allowed, it makes me feel good to see you able, to giggle, smile, it's all right."

  Shaking her head, looking at the table, and then back at him with the loveliest twinkle in her eyes; she'd always been so pretty. That had been one of the reasons he wanted her. She was the dream girl; the one desired by most men. Blue eyes, blonde hair, cherished and adored as Ms Popularity to all that she joined when they were in high school. And sitting before her, he realized that he'd wanted her, to make himself feel good about what and who he was. The entire time they'd been together, not once had he felt any feelings of adoration or love, or longing for a future together down the road.

  "Not having any regrets are you Ben?" She asked because of the way he was looking at her.

  Ben shook his head, "Not the kind, you might be thinking. It was right, that I end this with you - you deserve so much more, things would have never gotten any better between us, I've always known that. My father - the man who sired me, said as much to me and he was right. I let this - what we had, go too long, and - too far."

  "Oh, so you've spoken to him, about us?"

  "Once I found out, that he was my father, and he found out, that he was my father - it wasn't easy for him because, well - he felt he should have been the man to raise me. In that talk, you came up."

  She nodded, thinking, and then asked, "Why her Ben, and - not me? Wasn't I good to you?"