“They keep talking about that hurricane that might possibly hit New Orleans. I hope they aren’t in harm’s way.”
“Me, too. Mona was so adamant about this trip. I don’t know why it was so important to go now, but it’s what she wanted.”
“There’s going to be some jealous sisters in your group. And Ms. Rachel might as well get over it.”
“She’ll come around.”
“Sylvia, there’s a car in your driveway.”
“It’s Ashley.”
Kenny pulled beside Ashley and Sylvia rolled the window down.
“You okay, sweetie?” Sylvia asked.
“No,” was Ashley’s weak reply. “Do you mind if I stay with you tonight? I left William at the house, and I can’t go back.”
“Sure, Ash. You’re always welcome.”
Sylvia rolled up the window and Kenny parked the car.
“I guess that concludes our romantic evening. Good looking out, Lord,” Kenny said, laughing.
“The Lord knows you’re a no-good heathen—bringing me home so you can play how far can I go.” Sylvia giggled.
“Sylvia, don’t even go there, woman. You wanted me to push the button so you would fall into my trap and ask for forgiveness later. I know you. Remember that.”
“Well, Ashley has seen to it that we aren’t going to push any buttons. I was really hoping for a sloppy kiss.”
“Woman, you are greedy. Look, I better get out of here because I might have to give Ashley hotel money. You’re already pushing my buttons, and you haven’t even touched me.”
“Kenny Richmond, there are so many things I want to do to you. I might have to push the wedding date up if we’re going to stay celibate.”
“Oh, Lord, Lord, Lord. I do like the way you talk to me, woman. But right now, Ashley has other ideas because she’s standing outside of her car, wondering what in the hell we’re still doing in the car.”
“Kenny, stop,” Sylvia said playfully, letting her hands fall down the length of his chest. “We are not going to act like the horny human beings we are. I think you better take your cue to leave. I’ll call you in the morning to remind you to pick me up to get my car.
“Today was perfect, Kenny—even with the rain. You made it so special and I feel on top of the world. I love you, and I thank you for loving me in return. A chance meeting at the supermarket turned out all right after all.”
“I love you too, Sylvia. I’m going to make every day special for you. I’ll be anticipating your call in the morning. Now go in and see how you can help Ashley.”
“Thanks, Kenny.”
Sylvia placed a light kiss on Kenny’s lips and exited the car. She watched as her man drove out of the driveway, then turned and smiled at a sad, pathetic-looking Ashley.
“What’s up, Ashley?”
“I need your help, Sylvia.”
Jacqueline Monique Baptiste
The flight had been rather rough, but Mona and Michael arrived safely in New Orleans. Although it was early evening, the city had a balmy feel to it. They picked up the rental car and headed to the heart of the city.
It was a carnival atmosphere when they reached Michael’s sister’s house. Colorful streamers in salmon, red, blue, and yellow decorated the walls, and a large WELCOME HOME MICHAEL banner hung in the family room. A gathering of some fifty or more well-wishers greeted them, and Caribbean music floated through the air along with the smell of seafood and island spice.
Michael’s parents had come to the United States approximately five years ago from Trinidad-Tobago, to live with their daughter. Other relatives had migrated to New Orleans years before.
“That storm is near,” Michael’s mother warned in her Caribbean accent. “We may have to go to higher ground. But right now, it’s so good to see you, my son and Ms. Baptiste also.”
“It’s so good to see everybody. It’s been awhile, Mommy.”
“Well, all your sisters, brudders, cuzins, uncles, aunties—everybody—are here to celebrate your coming home,” Mrs. Broussard said.
Everyone swirled around Mona, trying to get the four-one-one on the beautiful lady Michael had brought to New Orleans with him. Mona felt their warmth although she wasn’t used to people fawning all over her, asking a thousand questions as if she were being interrogated for a crime. She was ready to be alone with Michael at the hotel and perhaps later a stroll in the city ending up in the French Quarter. It had been an awfully long time since she had been home.
Mona watched as everyone made merry. She looked at her watch. They had been in town for more than three hours and she had yet to call home. She didn’t know why she was apprehensive about doing so, but the longer she took to make the call, the harder it would be.
Michael was in seventh heaven mingling, eating and dancing with his family. They were a noisy bunch, but there was so much love in the room. Mona reasoned that all families should experience the effects of being in this room. On that note, she knew it was time to call her parents.
Just as Mona turned to go outside and make her phone call, one of the partygoers touched her elbow. “Don’t I know you?” the woman demanded, sipping her beer.
“No, I don’t think so,” Mona replied. “I’ve never met you.”
“Your name sounds so familiar…Mona Baptiste…” The woman rolled Mona’s name around on her tongue as if she could taste it.
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a phone call.”
“By all means.” The woman took a last look at Mona and left.
Mona trembled. There was something unsettling in the woman’s voice. She’d indulge Michael’s family a few more hours and then insist on leaving.
The phone rang twice before Mona heard her mother’s voice at the other end.
“Hello, Mommy, this is Jacqueline. I’m in New Orleans with a friend, and I’d like to visit with you and Papa.”
“Jean Claude, it’s Jacqueline on the line,” Mona heard her mother say. “Jacqueline, how are you doing, baby? How long has it been? We thought…we thought…it doesn’t matter, it’s good to hear your voice.”
“Yours, too, Mommy.”
“Jacqueline, this is Papa.”
“Hi, Papa.”
“Where are you, my girl?”
“Here in New Orleans, Papa. I want to come by tomorrow and see you and Mommy.”
“Come by and have dinner. You know that big hurricane might pass this way. Thought this might be the last time you saw your mama and papa, huh?”
“No, nothing like that, Papa. I just wanted to see you. A friend has traveled to New Orleans with me, and I’d like for you all to meet—”
“Sure, Jacqueline,” Mrs. Baptiste said.
“Whatever happened to your husband…what was his name?” Mr. Baptiste asked.
“Timothy,” Mona replied. “And I haven’t seen him in years.”
“Oh. Well, your Mommy and I will expect you at three for dinner tomorrow. Good-bye.”
“Yes, and good-bye, Jacqueline. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” Mrs. Baptiste said.
“Me, too, good-bye.”
Mona flipped her cell closed. That was the hardest call she had to make, but she was glad it was over. Her parents hadn’t even bothered to say ‘I love you.’ While she had wanted to, she couldn’t bring herself to say it, either.
Laughter filled Mona’s ears when she went back inside the house. One of the cousins was telling a joke, and everyone seemed glued to his every word. Even Michael was caught up in the antics as he waited along with the crowd for the big climax. When it came, people stomped their feet and screamed out loud. Mona was not amused, just ready to leave.
Finally getting Michael’s attention, Mona strode to him as he stretched out his arm to embrace her and introduce her to another one of his many cousins. Standing off to the side was the woman who had spoken to her earlier. She seemed to watch Mona’s every movement; it made Mona uncomfortable.
Mona whispered into Michael’s ear. “Who’s
that lady standing on the far side of the room? She keeps staring at me.”
“It’s your imagination, Mona.”
“Michael, I tell you that lady is watching me. She even asked me if she knew me.”
“Her name is Sadie, and she is the ex-wife of one of my cousins. She’s been a good friend to the family all these years, and we invite her to all of our family events. She’s harmless as a fly.”
“If you say so.”
“I say so. Now enjoy yourself. Everyone loves you.”
No matter what Michael said, Mona knew differently. That woman had not let her out of her sight, but now curiosity had gotten the better of Mona. She needed to know why she fascinated this woman so. Mona picked up a can of soda, braced herself and went over to face Sadie.
“May I speak with you a moment?” Mona said to her.
“What do we have to speak about? You said you didn’t know me.”
“Then why are you watching me?”
“Curiosity, I guess.”
“Curiosity about what? Let’s go outside.” If this got ugly, Mona didn’t want to show her ugly side in front of Michael’s family. Once they were out of earshot, Mona said, “So out with it. I don’t mean to be rude, but you leave me no choice but to be blunt.”
“Your name again?”
“My name? I told you it’s Mona. However, my given name is Jacqueline Monique Baptiste. Satisfied?”
“I’m sorry if you feel insulted or whatever, but I just needed to know,” Sadie replied.
“To know what?”
“Were you married before?”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Mona was exasperated.
“You’ll know in a moment. Indulge me, Ms. Baptiste.”
“Yes, I was married, but it didn’t last long. I found out that he was already married.”
“Was your husband’s name Timothy Sosa?”
Mona’s drink slipped from her hand. “Who are you?” she asked.
“I’m Timothy’s first wife. I thought your voice sounded familiar even after all this time, although it was your name that caught my attention.”
“Michael said that you are the ex-wife of…oh, my God…his cousin.” Mona covered her face with her hands. “I remember saying to myself that Michael had a strong resemblance to someone I knew. Jesus, never in a million years would I have thought…”
“So you have not seen Timothy.”
“No, not since he left me those many years ago and came back to New Orleans.”
“So you don’t know.”
“I don’t know what, Sadie?”
“Timothy is a doctor. That was always his plan—his life’s goal.”
“I remember,” Mona said sarcastically.
“Well, he completed medical school and interned in New Orleans. But it was never his dream to stay here. He wanted to go to the big city. In fact, he’s on staff at one of the big hospitals in Atlanta.”
Mona’s jaw dropped. She stared without saying a word. When the cat released her tongue, the question rolled out. “How long has Timothy been in Atlanta?”
“Three years.” Sadie hesitated. “That’s how long we’ve been divorced.”
In some way, Mona felt the tears that streamed down Sadie’s face. This was the woman she silently envied after Timothy left her. This was the woman who had been his wife and had borne his children. This was the woman Mona hated when she thought of her empty womb, her empty bed and her empty soul, when she realized she had forsaken her family to be with a man who was never really hers in the first place.
Mona took Sadie’s hands. “I guess we share something in common. While I blamed you for so many things, I know it was not your fault. It was Timothy’s. Let’s look past that and go on, but I’d like to ask a favor of you, Sadie.”
“What is it?”
“Please don’t share this with anyone, especially Michael. I really like Michael. In fact, I’m in love with him. I would have never known that he was related to Timothy. I’m not sure why I’m telling you this, but I’m pregnant with Michael’s baby.” Mona hesitated and went on. “I was pregnant with Timothy’s baby.”
Sadie let out a small gasp. “He never told me.”
“I miscarried. I’m sure it was a relief to him. Now I have a chance again, but if Michael knew that I was married to his cousin, I think things would change between us.”
“I will not tell a soul. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet you, Mona. I always wondered why Timothy liked you so—he talked about you often.”
Mona was shocked and unable to hide her surprise.
“You are beautiful just like he said, but you have intellect, too.”
Mona smiled. “Thank you, Sadie, for being in the right place at the right time. I hope our paths cross again.”
“I’m sure they will,” Sadie said and smiled.
“There you are,” Michael said. “I’ve been looking all over for you. I see you and Sadie have gotten to know one another. Mona thought you were watching her, Sadie.”
“I was, Michael. I was admiring her beauty. You are a lucky man.”
“Indeed I am, Sadie.”
Going Home
They awakened to the wind beating against the window. Mona wore a contented smile on her face, and Michael lay on his side watching Sleeping Beauty rise from her sleep. After stomachs were filled with spicy Caribbean food and the dancing subsided last evening, Michael and Mona bid farewell after a long day and went to their hotel. They made passionate love, whispering promises of love and commitment to each other.
“Would you like a cup of coffee, Ms. Baptiste?”
Mona smiled. “Yes, I’d love some.”
Mona sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. Her stomach began to churn, and she jumped from the bed and ran into the bathroom, throwing up the contents of last evening’s meal. She fell to the floor and placed her arms around the porcelain bowl and vomited again.
“Are you all right, Mona? One moment you were fine and the next minute you—”
Mona waved her hand to stop the battery of questions.
“I’ll be fine in a moment. It must have been the spicy food.”
“Let me call room service and get you some toast and a hardboiled egg. That will help to coat your stomach.”
“I don’t deserve you, Michael Broussard,” Mona was finally able to say.
“I don’t deserve you, Mona Baptiste.”
Mona got up from the floor, washed her face and brushed her teeth. She felt much better now. Today she would see her parents and she wanted to be at her best.
“What time is it, Michael?”
“It’s almost noon.”
“Oh, my God. We’re supposed to be at my parents’ house at three. We’ve got to hurry, Michael. I don’t want to be late. This is important to me.”
“Calm down, Mona. Everything is going to be all right. We’ll get there on time.”
The drive was silent except for the rain that had increased in strength. The rural highway was littered with travelers heading north. The Baptistes lived in a mansion on a four-acre lot surrounded by trees. Michael stole glances at Mona to make sure she was all right, stroking her arm for comfort every few minutes.
“Is this where you grew up?” Michael asked, when the mansion came into view.
“Yes. My home is quite old, but my father has people who keep it in tip-top shape.”
“My family was poor,” Michael reflected. “We didn’t have a fancy house or car growing up. My parents were farmers, but made a decent living. I saw a magazine once that the mailman left by accident. There were pictures in it of beautiful homes like yours. Right then I knew that I wanted a better life for myself, and I set out to get it when I was old enough.”
“So you’ve made your money by working hard.”
“It’s paid off.”
Mona rubbed her stomach. That queasy feeling was trying to return, but somehow she had to get past it. Michael stopped the car in the circular drivewa
y at Mona’s instruction. A tall, elderly gentleman came from the side of the house and asked for the keys to the car and drove it away once Michael and Mona were safely out of the way.
They walked up the few stairs to the porch when the door suddenly opened. A large, woman stood grinning as Mona and Michael stared back.
“Come on in out of the rain, Ms. Jacqueline,” the woman said.
Michael looked puzzled but didn’t say a word.
“Rita, is that you?” Mona asked.
“Yes, child, it’s your nanny, Rita. Let me take your wraps. I’m still here with your momma and daddy. You’s a sight for sore eyes. It’s been so long, Ms. Jacqueline, so long. Your momma and daddy have waited so long for this day.”
“Yes, we have, Jacqueline,” Ms. Baptiste said softly as she walked up the path that led to the side of the house. Happiness was written all over Mona’s face.
“Hello, Mommy. This is my friend, Dr. Michael Broussard.”
“Hello, Dr. Broussard.”
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Baptiste. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Where’s Papa?”
“He’ll be here in a minute.” Mrs. Baptiste seemed short on words and seemed relieved when she saw Jean Claude coming down the path to join her.
Mona jumped, startled by the sudden appearance of her father. He looked old, not as vibrant as she once knew him to be.
“Hello, Papa.”
“Jacqueline. It’s been a long time, my love. Let me see you.” He held his daughter by her shoulders and took a good look at her. “You’re so beautiful.”
Jean Claude Baptiste turned toward Michael and gave him the once-over.
“Papa, this is my friend, Dr. Michael Broussard. He’s an orthopedic surgeon.”
“Nice to meet you, Dr. Broussard. Cigar?”
Mona smiled. Her father never offered a cigar to anyone unless he liked them.
“Dinner will be served in five minutes,” Rita said.
“Thank you, Rita. Jacqueline, your sisters and brothers would have been here today, but they took their families and headed north. The mayor is talking about evacuating the city because of the strength of Hurricane Katrina. They seem to be sure that it will hit New Orleans,” Mrs. Baptiste said.
Ex-Terminator Life After Marriage Page 26