“I can do that,” I promise.
Shortly after twelve, Rhyann walks into the salon. “Kylie, what are you doing here?”
“Miss Marilee gave me a job. I’m the receptionist.” I nervously check her reaction. “You didn’t want the job, did you?” The last thing I want to do is betray the girl who has been so nice to me.
A wave of relief washes over me when Rhyann shakes her head. “I like washing hair and being in the back. I’d be bored to death sitting up here waiting for the phone to ring or having to deal with the money. I only like touching my own dollars.”
I don’t want Rhyann getting it twisted, so I say, “It’s a job and I’m happy to have one, so I’ll do whatever I have to do.”
“Kylie, I’m so glad you’re here,” Rhyann tells me, a big grin on her face. “We can get to know each other better.”
“Thanks for telling Miss Marilee that I needed my hair washed and stuff. I wouldn’t have this job if it wasn’t for you.”
“Girl, it wasn’t me—it was you. Miss Marilee knows good people when she sees them. So do I.”
Her words thrill me.
Rhyann goes off to work, and China comes to relieve me.
“We ordered pizza for everyone,” she tells me. “Go on to the break room and grab a couple of slices, Kylie. If you wait until the others get to it, there won’t be anything left.”
I chuckle.
“There’s some soda in the fridge. We keep coffee, bottled water, soda, and snacks stocked for the staff and the clients. Mama sometimes brings in her homemade lemon cake or sour cream pound cake.”
“I brought in some fruit,” I say. “It’s two apples and two oranges.”
“You can keep them in the fridge with the other fruit or in a bag with your name on it.”
“It looks like everybody shares, so I don’t mind sharing.”
She approves of this spirit. “We’re a team, Kylie. We function as a unit, and that is why I believe the shop is so successful. You’ll see that we all genuinely care for one another.”
“I’ll eat quickly, because I know that you have a one thirty appointment.”
China breaks into a smile. “Take your time, Kylie. We don’t want you choking or anything, okay?”
I’m still not sure. “I just don’t want to mess around and be late. I don’t want to lose my job before the ink is dry on my paperwork.”
China laughs. “Just relax, Kylie. You’re fine.”
I walk to the back of the salon and into the break room. Rhyann joins me a few minutes later. We each get two slices of pepperoni pizza and sit down at the table.
“They bought out the Pizza Joint,” Rhyann says. “I love pizza days. I usually eat at least four or five slices.”
I eye the stack of pizza boxes. “They sure bought a lot of them. Do you think I can have one more slice?”
“Gurl, they’d be insulted if you didn’t,” Ryann responds. “Eat up. We’ve got a busy day ahead.”
Rhyann was right. After lunch, we are busy with clients everywhere. Before I even realize it, my workday is over.
Rhyann and I walk to the bus stop together.
“I hate riding public transportation,” she groans.
“I’m not a fan of it, either,” I confess. “But it’s the only way I can get anywhere.”
Rhyann looks impatiently down the street. “I can’t wait to get a car.”
I glance over at Rhyann and inquire, “When are you getting one?”
“Hopefully, sometime this summer,” she responds. “My aunt says that it’s going to be a graduation present, but I’m trying to talk her down.”
Rhyann’s bus comes first.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I murmur and wave as she disappears on the bus.
Mine shows up five minutes later.
Just as she promised, Miss Lucy is waiting for me.
“You feeling any better?” I ask her.
She nods. “Much better. Praise the Lord for His healing power.”
When we sit down to eat dinner in the dining hall thirty minutes later, Miss Lucy asks, “So how was your first day on the job?”
“It was good,” I respond between bites. “Everybody in the salon was real nice to me. China—that’s Miss Marilee’s daughter—is just as nice as her mother is. She told me that she would braid my hair again if I want it, but I should wait for about a month and not get a perm. I think I’m gonna stay away from braids for now.”
I tear off a piece of my roll and stick it in my mouth. After I swallow, I say, “You should come meet Miss Marilee. You would like her. She was nice enough to make sure I had some clothes to work in, and she even gave me a bus pass.”
“I believe that I will, Kylie. She sounds like a nice lady.”
I lean toward Miss Lucy and whisper, “I made five dollars in tips today. I washed this lady’s hair and she gave me five dollars.”
“Did you have anything to eat besides the fruit you took with you?”
I nod. “They ordered pizza for the staff. I think Miss Marilee was concerned that I didn’t have any money for lunch, so this was her way of making sure that I ate something. They keep soda and snacks in the break room for staff and the clients. Miss Marilee gives the clients fruit, muffins, cake . . . you name it. She’s special, and that’s why all her clients love her.”
“I know that’s right.” Miss Lucy tries to smile, but suddenly she wipes her brow with a napkin.
“Are you okay?” I inquire. She just doesn’t really seem like herself to me. I’ve got to find a way to get Miss Lucy to a doctor.
She nods.
“Miss Lucy, I can tell that you don’t look like you’re feeling well. What’s wrong?”
I worry about Miss Lucy, and I don’t want to lose her—she’s all I have right now. I don’t know how kids survive on these streets. It scares me to death.
“Miss Lucy, please tell me what’s wrong?” I plead.
She takes my hand in hers. “I’m just tired, baby. I have these days when I’m so tired that it hurts to move. I have this long-lasting pain and tenderness in my muscles, joints, and tendons from time to time. I have a condition called fibromyalgia on top of my scoliosis.”
“So what can be done about it?”
She sticks a forkful of rice into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully.
“There isn’t a cure for it,” Miss Lucy says. “But there are meds that can ease the pain. I probably need some PT, too.”
“PT? What’s that?” I ask.
“Physical therapy,” Miss Lucy answers.
“Then we need to get the medicine,” I state. “We’ll get them when I get paid.”
Miss Lucy shakes her head. “Kylie, I want you to save your money. The meds I need is too expensive. I’ll be fine, honey.”
“We’re a team,” I say. “If you need medicine, then I’m gonna get you some. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
She embraces me. “I’m not going anywhere, Kylie. I just ache from time to time, but God gives me the strength to go on. When it starts to get bad, I just say over and over again ‘By Jesus’ stripes, I’m healed.’ That’s what the word of God says, and I believe it.”
I let the matter drop for now, but I intend to get the medicine that will help Miss Lucy. It’s the least I can do for all she’s done for me.
She eyes me before saying, “I know what you’re thinking. Kylie, I’m telling you that I want you to save your money. We are gonna get into one of those transitional houses so that you can get back into school and I can go after my veteran benefits. See, I have a plan for myself.”
“But until you get your benefits, let me help you.”
Miss Lucy shakes her head. “I’ll be fine. God is going to take good care of me until I can get to the VA hospital.”
I pray silently that she is right. I have already lost my grandmother and my mama. I do not want to lose another person. I can’t handle another loss.
Chapter 4
Kylie, where are you living?” Miss Marilee inquires the next day while we are cleaning up for the evening. “Are you still staying at one of the missions, or have you been able to move into a shelter?” She has waited until we’re the only two left in the shop besides China and her husband. He’s the police officer people have seen hanging around.
“Yes, ma’am,” I respond, sweeping up the hair and other debris from the floor. “I’m staying at the Safe Harbor Mission.”
“I hate the thought of you being out here all alone with no family. I’m surprised you haven’t been placed in foster care.”
“I want to be emancipated. Now that I have a job, I can get the process started.”
She was thinking along different lines, though. “I’ve been thinking about your situation, and I might have something for you. I have an empty studio apartment available in a building I own on Sixth Street. You can have it if you want.”
I stop sweeping. “How much is the rent?”
“It will be considered part of your salary.”
I can’t believe my good luck, yet I have to think for two now. “Miss Marilee, can I have someone stay there with me?” I ask. “There’s this woman—her name is Miss Lucy and she’s been watching over me on the streets. She is real sick, although she doesn’t think that I know it. I just don’t feel right just leaving her alone after everything she’s done for me.”
“I’d like to meet her first,” Miss Marilee responds, “before I give you an answer.”
I hate to make things hard, but I have to tell her. “She gets tired a lot, and she doesn’t like to ride the bus because of her back. It’s not a comfortable ride for her.”
After finishing her report, Miss Marilee takes the money out of the register and sticks it into a zippered pouch. “Then I’ll just come to her. I’ll give you a ride to the mission.”
“She’s most likely at the bus stop. She waits there for me every day. Miss Lucy is very protective of me.” I tell her about the way she went after Lucky D with a baseball bat to save me.
“She is a very brave woman,” Miss Marilee replies. “We don’t want her to worry, so I’ll just stop by and pick her up, and then we’ll head over to the apartment.”
It’s like a good angel has come into my life. “Miss Marilee, I can’t thank you enough for all this stuff that you’ve done for me.”
“Kylie, you are such a dear. I can see how hard you’re working to build a life for yourself. Sometimes people need a helping hand.”
“My grandma used to always talk about how people blessed her. Miss Marilee, you’ve really blessed me.”
“I feel the same way about you.”
We hop into her car and drive until I see Miss Lucy. “There she is.”
We pull off the street into an empty parking space.
“Miss Lucy, this is Miss Marilee,” I say as I step out of her car. “She’s wanted to meet you because she offered me a studio apartment. She’s gonna take us over there to see it.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Lucy,” Miss Marilee says in greeting.
The two women are cordial to one another.
I get into the backseat of the Volvo so that they can talk and get to know each other. I pray that Miss Marilee will let me share the apartment with Miss Lucy. I’ve come to realize that I’m not ready to live alone.
“You look so familiar to me,” Miss Marilee tells her. “I know you from somewhere.”
“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing,” Miss Lucy responds. “I was in the army for almost sixteen years.”
“That’s it,” Miss Marilee says. “We met when my daughter graduated from high school—it’s been about three years. I sat with you and your sister, and we talked about your military career. Your niece was graduating.”
“That’s right. Lydia graduated.” Miss Lucy’s smile disappears. “She and my sister died a month later in a car accident.”
Miss Marilee is sympathetic. “I remember that. My daughter China attended the funeral.”
Miss Lucy nods. “It took a toll on me, losing them both like that.”
“How did you end up here?” Miss Marilee wants to know. “What happened?”
“I was depressed a lot, and I turned to alcohol to take the edge off,” Miss Lucy confessed. “Then, as I prepared to deploy to the Persian Gulf, the army discovered I had scoliosis and gave me a medical discharge. I think we talked about that.”
Miss Marilee nods in agreement. “You had just gotten a job, and you were very excited about it.”
Miss Lucy sighs. “Well, it didn’t last long. I was unable to sit or stand for long periods, so I couldn’t keep a job too long. On top of that, I had a drinking problem. I later found out that I also have fibromyalgia. I’ve been out of work since 2000, on and off drugs for ten years, and last March I lost the apartment I’ve had since 2005.”
Miss Marilee parked the car. “Have you seen a doctor about your scoliosis?”
Miss Lucy shakes her head. “There’s not much a doctor can do for me for that. I can take meds for the fibromyalgia as soon as I get my benefits.”
“I just don’t think that she needs to be out on the streets in her condition,” I blurt out. “Miss Marilee, she gets tired a lot, and some days she can hardly move.”
“I agree with you, Kylie. The only thing I have available right now is the studio apartment, but perhaps we can put a sofa bed in there.”
I nod in agreement. “Honestly, Miss Marilee, I don’t mind sleeping on the floor as long as I have a roof over my head. Miss Lucy needs a real bed.”
Miss Lucy holds up a hand in protest. “Marilee, you don’t have to do this for me. The child really needs to get off the streets. I would feel better if I know that she’s safe.”
“As you mentioned, she is a child,” Miss Marilee replies thoughtfully. “I think it’s a good idea to have you there with her. She looks to you as her guardian. I think once you all are settled, it would be a good idea to make it legal, especially with her mother gone. I think it’s better than Kylie trying to get emancipated.”
I pray Miss Lucy doesn’t say anything about my mama being alive and well.
“Would you like to see your new home?” Miss Marilee asks. “I had it cleaned this morning. You can move in today if you want. There is a queen-size bed in the apartment, and I’ll bring over an air mattress. Kylie, you can use it until you get the sofa bed.”
“Thank you, Marilee,” Miss Lucy says. “May God continue to pour His blessings upon you for your kindness. God bless you.”
“I wish the same for you,” Miss Marilee responds. “It’s a blessing for you to take care of a motherless child and protect her like you have.”
She drives us over to West Sixth Street and parks in front of a building covered in peach-colored brick and stone. It’s accented with an arched doorway, a cobblestone walkway lined by bright green grass, and colorful beds of flowers.
“This is nice,” I murmur. My mama’s building is not as clean or secure-looking as this one. I cannot wait to see the actual apartment, especially if the outside is so pretty.
We get out of the car and follow Miss Marilee inside.
“This is a beautiful building,” Miss Lucy says. “Nice and clean.”
“I do my best to keep it looking good. I know how I like to live,” Miss Marilee comments. “I want the same for my tenants.”
We take the elevator up to the second floor.
“Well, here we are,” Miss Marilee says to us as she opens the front door of apartment 204. “This is where you and Kylie will live.”
I step aside to let Miss Lucy enter first.
I don’t know about Miss Lucy, but I fall instantly in love with the huge, square, eggshell-colored apartment with hardwood floor, a small kitchen area, and a bathroom.
“There is a large walk-in closet,” Miss Marilee points out. “I believe it’s big enough for the two of you to share for now.”
Miss Lucy and I agree. It’s not like we have a lot
of clothes. Neither one of us has much of anything.
A nice four-poster bed sits against the back wall.
“That bed is pretty,” I tell Miss Lucy.
“It sure is.”
I turn to Miss Marilee and ask, “You’re really gonna let us stay here in this beautiful apartment? I know you say this is part of my salary, but aren’t you losing money?”
“I’m not losing money, Kylie. I value my employees, and I want to be fair to them. Lisa lives in apartment 208 just down the hall. Some days you might be able to ride to work with her.”
Lisa works in Crowning Glory and is really nice. I like knowing that we have a friendly face in the building.
I hug Miss Marilee. “I promise we won’t mess up this pretty apartment. We’re gonna keep it nice and clean.”
“I have no doubt that you will,” she responds with a smile. “I’m going to go pick up some things for you two. I’ll be back in a little while.” Miss Marilee walks to the front door. “Oh, what would you like to eat?”
“It doesn’t matter to me,” I say. I’m just happy to have a roof over my head and not having to stand in line in hopes of getting a bed for the night. I still plan on going back to the mission to help out from time to time, but I never want to have to stay there again.
“How about Chinese food?” Miss Marilee suggests. “Sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, and egg rolls?”
“That’s fine,” Miss Lucy and I say in unison.
“I’ll be back in a little while.” She smiles. “Make yourself comfortable. This is your new home.”
“Miss Lucy, we got us a place to live,” I announce, dancing around the small apartment. “We stepping in high cotton now.”
“Ain’t that the truth?” Miss Lucy’s eyes travel the room. “This place is so nice and clean, too. Marilee is not like some landlords I’ve dealt with in the past—she keeps her building spotless.”
“We don’t have to worry about beds or standing in those long lines to take showers anymore.”
“Praise the Lord for what He has done,” Miss Lucy cries. “We are truly blessed.” She begins walking around the apartment chanting a prayer. She always says that you can’t thank God enough. I don’t want to seem ungrateful, so I start thanking Him, too.
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