“Marvin Thomas, I love you. God gave me a second chance, maybe a third, but I don’t want to blow it. I had already made up my mind that I would be by your side where it concerns Denise. She deserves the love the members of this group give one another. Now about my man, I’ll have to fight her on that one.”
Brrng, brrng, brrng, brrng. Brrng, brrng, brrng, brrng.
“Let me get this. I promise you a day you won’t forget. It won’t be about the sex because I will make pure love to you, Rachel.”
Rachel threw Marvin a kiss, pressing her fingers to her lips and flinging them his way. She watched as Marvin took the phone call and finally the smile evaporating from his face. He looked up, then away and ended the phone call. “Denise is on her way over.”
Rachel sighed.
“Denise is at the door. I’m going to have to be firm with her. She can’t just show up here anytime she gets ready.”
Rachel remained silent.
“Sweetheart, hand me that shirt on the chair next to you. I’m trying to be patient and do right by her, but I’ve just about had it. She is not going to dictate my life.”
“Calm down, sweetie. You’ll get through this. I’ll hang out here until she’s gone.”
“No, you’re going downstairs with me. We have nothing to hide. I’m in charge here.”
“That’s my baby. Got any aspirin? I’m getting one of my headaches.”
“We’ve got to see someone who can help you.”
“Taking charge of my life? I ain’t mad. In fact, I kinda like it, boo.”
“I kinda like it, too. Now let’s go downstairs before Denise rings the doorbell again. How about a little kiss to get me through this moment?”
“There will be a whole lot of those kisses. But here’s to the moment.”
They pecked and went downstairs.
“What took you so long?” Denise shouted when Marvin answered the door. “I’ve been standing out here waiting for almost twenty minutes.” She pushed her way in, then froze when she saw Rachel.
“Hi, Denise,” Rachel said.
“So this is what this is about. A booty call, Marvin?”
“Denise, you came to my house. What goes on here is my business.”
“I stopped by to tell Marvin that we have not heard from Mona or Michael,” Rachel explained.
“What about Mona?”
“She’s in New Orleans, and if you’ve listened to the news you know that—”
“Hurricane Katrina. Oh, my God.”
“Has Sylvia heard anything?” Marvin asked.
“No, and everyone is worried. We don’t have her parents’ number so we can’t call them, either.”
“Remember, the power is down and I believe one of the newscasters said something about no phone service, either.”
Denise sat down. “I don’t believe this.”
“Neither do we,” Rachel said. “I wish there was something I could do. I feel so helpless.”
“Why don’t you call Sylvia again?” Marvin said. “Maybe she’s heard something.”
“I’m sure she would have called with the news, but I’ll call her anyway.”
Rachel dialed Sylvia’s number while Denise and Marvin looked on. For the first time, Rachel saw compassion written in Denise’s face.So she is capable of caring .
“Sylvia, this is Rachel. Any word?”
“No, girl. I’m a nervous wreck. I ended up not going to work.”
“You and me both. I drove around downtown for God knows how long this morning. Then I finally called Marvin to see if he had heard anything. I knew I was grasping for straws, but I had hoped someone had heard from her.”
“Look, why don’t you and Marvin come on over? We can continue this vigil together.”
“Come over to your house? Well, Denise is here at Marvin’s and she may not feel like coming to your house.”
“I’m part of the group. I’m in,” Denise said, then began saying a prayer for Mona.
“It looks like we’ll be over. We’ll see you in a few. Don’t forget to call Claudette and Tyrone. Do you want us to bring anything?”
“Just your faith. I’ll order pizza.”
Rachel ended her call. She had faith, but it seemed as if Denise had more faith than she did. Denise was pouring her heart out to God, and all Rachel could do was listen. Rachel stood behind Denise and placed her hand on her shoulder. Marvin followed suit.
“Lord, please protect Mona and everyone else who’s been affected by Katrina,” Denise prayed. “Keep her safe from hurt, harm and danger, we pray. Amen.”
Rachel began to weep.
EX-Files
Marvin sped through the streets of Atlanta anxious to join the other members of Ex-Files to await word from Mona. Light music floated through the Escalade while Mona and Denise stared at the scenery that flew by, no one willing to make small talk to pass the time. The days were getting shorter, but there was still plenty of good light left on this September day. There was no hint that the remnants of a devastating hurricane had come and gone in Atlanta save for the broken limbs and leaves that were scattered across rain-soaked lawns.
Several cars were parked in Sylvia’s driveway when Marvin turned the corner and pulled up in front of Sylvia’s house.
“Ashley and Claudette are here,” Rachel announced. “I don’t recognize the other car.”
“That’s Anika’s car,” Denise said in a low voice. “She’s a sweet girl, and she deserves better than the jerk she had for a husband.”
“She told me her story when were at the spa,” Rachel said not wanting to be outdone by Denise. “Her parents spent a lot of money on her wedding and it didn’t even last two years.”
Denise was silent again. She didn’t stir until Marvin came around and opened the door to the truck. She hesitated and frowned when Marvin held out his hand for her, but turned her frown into a smile when Marvin smiled back. Rachel watched from the sidewalk, but ignored Denise’s attempts to seduce Marvin. For the very first time, Rachel was confident in the fact that no matter how many times Denise threw herself at Marvin, he was in love with her and only her.
The threesome walked together. Sylvia hugged each one as they entered the door, taking coats and scarves. They found the rest of the group lounging in the family room in front of the television, holding their post while waiting for word about Mona and Michael.
“Hey, everybody,” Marvin said, followed by Rachel and Denise.
Hugs went around the room, some holding on longer for their sister Mona.
“I’ve got pizza,” Sylvia said. “And if you all plan to camp out here all night, dinner will be on you.”
“Dinner will be on me,” Marvin said, not giving it another thought.
Marvin and Rachel sat in the love seat, while Denise reluctantly sat in the recliner that Tyrone gave up for her. Denise glanced at Marvin and Rachel and turned away. She kept her eyes glued to the television.
“How are you feeling, Denise?” Claudette asked.
With surprise in her eyes, Denise said, “I feel pretty good. I can’t wait for the surgery to be over.”
Everyone’s attention was on Denise.
“You are brave,” Claudette said.
“It’s not about being brave, Claudette; it’s about survival. I don’t want to die; I want to see my daughter grow up.” Denise swallowed while fighting back tears. “I don’t want to die.”
Everyone gathered around.
“We are going to be with you during your surgery,” Sylvia said.
“And we are going to be there to help you when you come home,” Rachel interjected.
“Whatever you need, we will be there for you,” Marvin said. “We mean it, Denise.”
“I’ll be there to give you massages and make you beautiful,” Anika added. “Not that you aren’t already beautiful.”
Ashley remained silent and looked on.
“We’re family,” Tyrone said, wanting to put his five cents in.
“Th
ank you all. I really do appreciate your support. I’ve never had friends like you all.” Denise looked at Marvin. “Thank you, Marvin, for what you have already done. I owe a lot to you. I would not have made it this far without you.”
She looked at Rachel and back to Marvin.
“Marvin, you are extremely lucky to have Rachel. She’s given me a run for my money.”
Rachel frowned.
“Don’t worry, Rachel. It’s clear to me now that the two of you belong together.”
“Okay.” Rachel still didn’t trust Denise and wasn’t planning on letting her guard down anytime soon.
Dinnng, donnng, dinnng, donnng.The group jumped at the sound of the doorbell. Sylvia went to the door with a smile on her face.
“Hello, everyone,” Kenny said upon entering the room.
“Hey, Kenny,” everyone said in return.
“I’m Denise Thomas,” Denise said, as she stood and extended her hand for the handsome gentleman to shake.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“Kenny, this is Anika,” Sylvia pointed out. “She keeps our faces in tip-top shape.”
It was then that Rachel noticed it. Long, extended fingers found their way around Kenny’s neck as Sylvia stopped to give her man a hello kiss. Sylvia seemed to be flaunting her ring as the noonday sun captured its essence. It was probably Rachel’s imagination, but the rock that sat on Sylvia’s finger was not.
Rachel grabbed Sylvia’s hand as she passed by the couch.
“So when did this happen?”
“When did what happen?” Sylvia smirked.
“I mean, this rock on your hand must weigh a ton,” Rachel said, her eyes passing back and forth between Sylvia and Kenny.
“We were engaged on Friday,” Kenny stated.
Denise was immediately disappointed.
Rachel was shocked, and it registered on her face. She looked at Marvin, who stared straight ahead.
“Well, damn,” Claudette said. “Somebody say congratulations! You know Mona, uhh…”
“Mona what, Claudette?” Rachel inquired. “Is Mona engaged, too, and you just ‘forgot’ to tell us about it?”
“Rachel, what is wrong with you?” Marvin asked. “We should be happy for Sylvia and Kenny.”
“Kenny, I don’t know what it is about you,” Tyrone said, “but the drama always begins when you show up.”
“What can I say?” Kenny said, giving Tyrone a brotherly handshake.
And Denise began to laugh. She laughed and laughed and laughed. She couldn’t stop. “Oh…Rachel, you should see your face.” And she laughed some more.
Ashley remained silent. No one seemed to pay her any attention.
“Folks, we are gathered here this afternoon to await word about our friend Mona and her boyfriend, fiancé, whatever he is,” Sylvia said. “Kenny and I are going to be married. We love each other very much and we hope that you will join us in celebrating that love. If you don’t like it, oh well. This is my life, and I’m going to live it with Kenny Richmond—maybe have his baby, if I’m not too old. Bottom line is we are more than just an item. We love each other and we’ll let you know when the wedding date has been set.”
Rachel bit her bottom lip. “I’m sorry, Sylvia.”
“No need to be. Kenny and I know what we’ve got. Come here, baby.”
Kenny came and stood next to Sylvia, an arm around her waist. She kissed Kenny long and hard in front of everyone. This was out of character for Sylvia.
“Forget it,” Rachel said. “You’re right, Mona is our number-one concern.”
Denise began to cackle uncontrollably, and the others just stared at Rachel.
“Congratulations,” Anika said. “I wish you a long and happy life together.”
“Thanks, Anika.” Sylvia hugged her. “Thanks, again.”
“Congratulations to the happy couple!” Claudette hollered. “Now give me my hug.”
Everyone clapped and passed out hugs. Ashley left the room and Rachel stood in the corner sulking. Rachel watched as Kenny stopped in front of her.
“I know that you and Sylvia are close, Rachel, but I’m a different man now. The person I was when Sylvia and I were together back then is long gone. You don’t have to like me, but I’m going to be with Sylvia for the rest of my life—when we’re sitting on the front porch watching the young folks, when we’re old and wrinkled, when Medicaid has said they will no longer service us because we’ve lived too long. I love her, Rachel, and I hope in time you’ll be able to accept that. Besides, you’ve got a good man yourself, so don’t hate on Sylvia.”
Rachel’s face softened and turned into a smile. “Thanks, Kenny. I needed that slap in the face. I love Sylvia, too, and I want her to be happy. If she says she’s happy with you, I’m happy for her.”
“That’s all I need to hear, Rachel. Time will bear me out.”
“It better.” Rachel and Kenny hugged, and Sylvia’s smile radiated across the room.
Concerned
“Has anyone tried calling Mona again?” Marvin asked.
“Just three times in the last half hour,” Rachel replied.
Dusk had settled over Atlanta, and there was still no word about Mona. Denise was asleep on the recliner. Claudette, Tyrone and Anika were glued to the television. Sylvia and Kenny sat in the kitchen away from the others, sharing moments of love and tenderness. Ashley lay across the bed in Sylvia’s guest room with her eyes wide open.
“Look!” Claudette shouted. “Look, look, look! There’s Mona and Michael!”
Sylvia and Kenny flew from the kitchen into the family room. Denise wiped her eyes as she sat up to see what Claudette was making all that noise about. Ashley got up and came to the doorway.
“That is Mona!” Rachel exclaimed. “They’re stranded on top of the house.”
“Somebody help them,” Rachel cried out. “Somebody help them. Can’t you people see them on the rooftop?”
“Calm down, Rachel,” Claudette said, rubbing Rachel’s back. “I’m sure if the cameraman is shooting this picture, the rescuers are not far behind. Thank you, God, for this blessing.”
“Yes, thank you, God, for this blessing,” Denise repeated, now standing in front of the television. “If you can do this for Mona, surely you can make a miracle happen for me.”
Marvin went to Denise. “God will be right with you, along with the rest of us. You’re going to be all right.” He hugged her.
“Can you believe all that water?” Kenny said. “As much as I like the ocean, this is unbelievable. How can a whole city be swallowed up like that?”
“You see who has been affected the most,” Sylvia said. “The poor black folks that didn’t have a way to get out of the city. They’re saying the whole Ninth Ward is underwater. It’s so devastating that so many didn’t get out of the city.”
“What a shame,” Tyrone said.
“Look!” Claudette exclaimed. “Rescuers in a lifeboat are helping Mona and Michael off the roof. Jesus, You are so good. Mona looks fatigued.”
“And looks like she had on one of her nice sundresses,” Rachel chimed in. “Should have known that Mona wasn’t going to look shabby when it was time for the spotlight.”
“I hope she didn’t lose the baby,” Claudette said without thinking.
“Baby?” Sylvia shouted. “What baby?”
“What’s the use of hiding it now?” Claudette said. “Just before Mona left, she told me she was pregnant with Michael’s baby.”
“Damn,” Rachel said. “Everybody has good news to share except for me.”
“Rachel,” Denise began, “you get on my nerves. You have a good man standing by your side—a good man who loves you. If I could have a second chance with Marvin, I would stop at nothing to give him what he deserves. But I won’t get that chance because he’s in love with you. Don’t take that love for granted. It must be nurtured. There must be trust and understanding, and first of all you must be friends.
“Sister, you need to
hang up that constant whining before you wind up with nothing at all. I told you that once before, but I guess you thought I didn’t know what I was talking about. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about. It’s time for you to be happy for someone else, and when your turn comes they will celebrate with you. When that happens, don’t mind me if I sit that one out. Now can we get some love for Mona and Michael?”
“That was beautiful, Denise. Your level head was what we were missing with this group. Sylvia’s got a level head, but two level heads ain’t bad. We’re going to be celebrating your miracle soon.”
“Thanks, Claudette. I feel…” Denise began to cry. “I feel like God has already worked a miracle. Being in y’alls company today has been an eye-opening experience. It’s okay to be angry as long as you replace it with love. I’m happy for Mona.”
“We all are,” Sylvia said.
Everyone watched as Mona and Michael were rescued. They were placed in a boat and paddled away.
“I wonder if Mona’s and Michael’s families are okay. They didn’t show anyone else,” Marvin said.
“Shhh,” said Claudette. “Let’s hear what the broadcaster is saying.”
“Another courageous rescue marred with tragedy. Mona Baptiste and Michael Broussard were just rescued from the top of Ms. Baptiste’s parents’ home. Ms. Baptiste has sustained some injuries and will eventually be taken to a hospital in Houston.
“Ms. Baptiste’s parents, who were also in the house, did not survive the ordeal. Rescuers found the bodies of Jean Claude and Rosalyn Baptiste in a first-floor bedroom. It appears a tree fell on the house, causing the roof to cave in on them.”
“Oh my, God,” Rachel said. “Mona’s got to be devastated. She’s been through so much.”
“She can stay with me when she returns,” Claudette said. “No ifs, ands or buts about it. Since I work at home, I am better suited to do this.”
“That’s if she wants to stay with you, Claudette. She may want to stay with her fiancé,” Rachel said.
“Whatever, but if she doesn’t go with Michael, she’s staying at my house.”
“You got it, Claudette,” Sylvia said. “Nobody’s going to mess with your thunder.”
Ex-Terminator Life After Marriage Page 29