The Secret First Lady: The Naked Truth

by Bush, Rose

  Rachel and her children attended church at least twice a week and this time she was praising and worshipping for all the right reasons. Through prayer and counseling, she was able to accept that Chris’ death was not her fault. He took his own life, he had a choice between life and death and it was him who chose the latter. Could Rachel have somehow prevented his death? Perhaps, but in life if we don’t allow God to order our steps, we tend to choose our own route that may intersect or end with death.

  Everything was going great. Too bad things don’t always have a constant flow or go the way, we as humans, expect them to go.

  It was a hot Georgia night when the phone disturbed Ms. Jones’ sleep. “Hello?” Rachel sat up in bed and rubbed some of the crust out of the corner of her eye. Of all people, who would be calling this time of the hour? Ms. Jones wasn’t expecting it to be… “Leah? How did you get my number?”

  “Hi Rachel. I- uhm, uhm, I’m really sorry to be calling this late. I got your number out of Curtis’ phone and I –uh, I just need to talk to you.”

  Rachel almost cursed her out, not only for waking her up, but for her having enough guts to call. She had some nerve after what she told Christina. Rachel was prepared to give her the dial tone, but she was trying this Christian thing out, so she swallowed her pride and gave the surprise caller her attention. “I’m listening.”

  “Well it’s about Curtis and …”

  “Do you think I really care to hear about my ex-husband at two o’clock in the morning? He’s your problem! I couldn’t keep him so you can have him! Do you remember telling my seven year old daughter that BS! But, please know, you could never take anything from me, I gave him to you, sweetie. You thought you were doing something, but without him, I’m still standing!” Rachel’s humility must have got out of her bed and snuck into the living room because she wasn’t holding back any of her words.

  “Rachel? Rachel? I didn’t call to start any trouble. I was calling because I really need your help?”

  “My help? You must be joking. God helps those who help themselves and as far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing that Rachel Jones can do for you.”

  “Rachel, I know you hate me, but…” It was hard for Leah to get her point across because Rachel kept interrupting her.

  “Hate you? Hating takes so much energy and you’re not worth my time nor my energy, so let’s establish that understanding before I allow you to say another word. If you would like this conversation to proceed, I highly suggest that you choose your words more carefully or I’m hanging up.” Even in her new walk of life, being a boss was in Rachel’s blood and she was used to calling the shots.

  “Okay, I’m sorry, Rachel. I just meant we haven’t quite seen eye to eye and before you interrupt me again, please let me explain the reason for my call.” Rachel remained silent. She was actually impressed that Leah was enunciating all of her words correctly. “Well Curtis started using again; we were using together. He’s not trying to get clean, but if I don’t sober up, I’ll lose my kids. Child Protective Services has been conducting random visits and I need a change of environment. I need to get away from Curtis so that I can keep my children.” Leah held her breath as she waited for Rachel to respond.

  “I helped get him clean once. Obviously, he’s become a product of his environment again. Like I said before, he’s your problem, not mine. What do you expect for me to do, Leah?” Rachel was irritated and mad for entertaining the phone call for as long as she did.

  “I was hoping that you could help my children and me?” Leah pleaded hoping Rachel wouldn’t terminate their call.

  “Why would I be foolish enough to help you?” Rachel slammed the phone and dug the back of her head deep into her pillow.

  “You should help her because that’s the Christian thing to do!” The loud thunderous voice that Rachel heard when she first moved into her apartment, was talking to her again.

  Before Rachel realized who she was talking to, she blurted out, “Well maybe I’m not cut out to be a Christian because I’m not helping anyone who tried to destroy me!” Rachel looked around the room, waiting for lightening to strike or for the ceiling to cave in on her. She suddenly remembered her promise she made after Chris’ death. Lord, I promise you, I don’t care who it is that knocks on my door, I vow to help them.

  Why did I ever make that promise? It’s better to keep our mouths shut rather than making God a promise that can’t be or isn’t willing to be kept. Rachel rolled over and tried to catch a few more hours of sleep. She needed to sleep on the idea of helping someone she had so much bad blood with. She had already failed one; well so she thought. This would be a perfect opportunity to redeem herself.

  The Jones family had a busy week. Rachel had finally gotten the opportunity to sleep in. Even the sunlight striking her across the face couldn’t wake Ms. Jones; her kids didn’t even bother waking their mother up from her snoring. Christina directed CJ to wash his face and brush his teeth. She made a somewhat edible breakfast for her and her brother. She even loaded the dishwasher. She was growing up to be a bite size version of her mother. As the kids relaxed, Rachel continued to sleep until Leah, along with her promise, invaded her dreams.

  Chapter Four: The Agreement

  After getting some much needed shuteye, Rachel cleaned up and joined her children in the living room. She appeared to be in her own little world as she wrestled with the idea of helping Leah. Before she became the successful business woman she grew to be, Rachel dreamed and prayed about being in a position that would allow her to help others. She never specified who she was willing to help and now it was time to put her money where her mouth was. She retreated to the balcony to give Leah a call; asking Christina to keep an eye on CJ. She picked up her cell phone and set it back down. She repeated that step five more times until she finally dialed the number.

  “Hello?” The other end yelled through the phone. There was so much commotion going on in the background it sounded like a party. Rachel paused for about thirty seconds, wondering if she should just hang up the phone.

  “How can I help you, Leah?” She never thought in a million years that she would utter those words to the very person that ruined her marriage.

  “Oh, Rachel! Hi! How are you?” Leah tried to be as polite as she knew how to be.

  “I’m well. You said you needed my help…” Rachel tried to keep a steady and somewhat friendly tone.

  “Yes, I need a lot of help and as odd as it may sound, you’re the only person I can turn to.” Leah paused waiting for Rachel to respond. “If I don’t stay clean and get my kids into a better environment, I’m going to lose them. I love my kids and I need them in my life, ya know what I’m saying?”

  Rachel couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice long enough. “No, actually I don’t know what you’re saying.” She sighed and tried not to get irritated all over again. “What exactly do you need? Food, clothes, money?”

  “Well, actually, I would like to move to Atlanta with you. I have no money or transportation at the moment.” Leah patiently waited for Rachel to cuss her out and hang up again. She had to think about what she had just asked the woman that she had brought so much drama to in the past.

  Rachel held her heart and imitated Fred Sanford from Sanford and Son. Surely this had to be the “big one,” as Mr. Sanford would jokingly say. I know this chic ain’t asking me what I think. “Atlanta? Of all places, why here? Look, I left Toledo to leave my drama behind, not to help move it with me! You must be smoking!” Rachel realized what she said, but it was too late. Of course she was smoking, that was the reason for her call to stay sober and clean.

  “Look Rachel, I know it sounds crazy, but I need this. I need to get my life together and you’re a great role model for my kids and me. I admire you. Please help me. I don’t want to lose my kids.” Leah sniffled after every other word.

  Rachel sighed as she tried to register everything that came through the receiver. She chewed the inside of her jaw as she gather
ed her thoughts. Leah butted in to Ms. Jones’ thinking with a final comment that she knew was sure to win Rachel over. “You know Rachel, you may not believe it, but in a way, we’re a lot alike. Maybe if I would’ve had a little more guidance, I would’ve been successful, too. I never met my mom and my father died before I was born. I grew up in so many different homes, I really never had the chance to see what right looks like. But I’m still surviving and that’s what makes us alike; we are survivors.”

  Rachel couldn’t see the comparison, but she did feel sorry for her after hearing how rough she had it. This poor girl went from one man to another searching for love and all she got in return was a bunch of kids. “I’ll help you. When do you want to move?”

  “Oh thank you! Thank you! I need to be in a better place and out of here by next Friday. I just need to pack our clothes. None of the furniture here is worth bringing.”

  “Very well. Give me the full names of your children and I’ll book the flights. I only have a three bedroom apartment. You can stay here for a few days until I get you set up with your own place.” Leah provided the names of her children and Rachel kept her end of the agreement. She couldn’t believe she was actually helping the person who committed adultery with her ex-husband.

  Be careful what you do to others; you never know what the future holds and who you may need. The grave that one may dig for others may very well be the tunnel they rot in themselves.

  Chapter Five: Baggage

  Rachel left her children with her neighbor while she picked up Leah and her bunch from the airport. She had to learn to trust a few people with her children, being that she had no family in Georgia. It was hard but she also spoke with her son and daughter about telling her any and everything; especially, if anyone tried to hurt them or make them feel uncomfortable.

  She sat in the baggage claim area, dressed down but still dolled up. She waited patiently and gawked at every female that walked by in an effort to spot Leah. She had only seen her twice in passing, but figured if she spotted a raggedy looking female with four screaming children, then she’d know her package had arrived. She continued people watching while awaiting the tribe. She noticed a guy wearing a leopard shirt and a pair of red bottom open toe heels. Damn those are bad shoes! He was carrying a medium Louis Vuitton purse and rocking some expensive looking shades. He was walking next to a tall female who was just as fabulous. What a diva! But, then again, this is Hotlanta. Rachel thought to herself as she stared at the pair strutting through the airport.

  Let me call Tausha and see what she’s up to. “Hey, girl!” Rachel exclaimed when her cousin picked up the phone.

  “What’s up, Miss-I-abandon-my-hometown-and-my-entire-family Jones?” Tausha was half joking with her cousin, but she was also a little upset with Rachel for leaving.

  “Oh whatever, Taush. At least you have somewhere to visit.”

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. So what’s up, what are you doing?”

  “Girl, I’m at the airport picking up my temporary house guest.” Rachel knew her cousin was going to flip out when she revealed who the guest was.

  “Okay, you gotta secret lover already and you didn’t tell me! Please tell me he’s not a pastor or are you turning priest out this year!” Tausha couldn’t help but to laugh at her own joke.

  “Ha-ha. Very funny. You are so silly. Actually, I’m picking up Leah and her bunch.” Rachel felt a sweat bead roll down the center of her forehead. It sounded like a crazy idea once she said it aloud, so she knew her cousin would think it was just as peculiar.

  “Leah? The tramp that stole your husband and caused your divorce? What type of shit is that? Maybe you need to come back home if Atlanta is causing you to become a weirdo. I’m just saying that city might not be for you.” Tausha could be downright critical. She wasn’t the type to hold back her feelings.

  “Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but the God in me is helping me to help her. After I allowed Chris to commit suicide, I vowed that I would always help those in need.” Rachel pleaded her case by using Chris’ death as part of her defense.

  “Well, maybe we serve two different Gods. The one I know doesn’t want us to be foolish. When he brings us out of a fire, he doesn’t expect us to run back into the flame. All them college degrees you have, you couldn’t possibly be that dumb. Come on, Rach! Think about what you are doing.”

  “You are just a heartless bitch!” Rachel choked as she laughed at her cousin.

  “Nah, I’m a real bitch. I can’t say I support this, but if she gets out of hand, you know I’m there.” Tausha tried to laugh with her cousin, but deep down inside she felt Rachel was making a huge mistake.

  “I know, cousin. That’s why I love you so much. Plus, yo’ crazy ass balances me out!”

  “Well sometimes I have to act crazy for you. People see you as this classy educated chic who talks proper most of the time and they think they can take advantage of you. I hate that with a passion! I hear you trying to turn “you’re” into “yo’,” but even when you talk a little slang, people don’t hear the true bark or bite that I know about. Plus, you smile too damn much!” Tausha started laughing mid-sentence. “Just be careful, Rach, since you want to sleep with the enemy these days. And they say I’m the crazy one. Girl, you are nuts for doing this!” Both of them burst out into laughter. Rachel laughed so hard she was choking as tears started squeezing from her eyes.

  She spotted a short female wearing a purple tank top, faded jeans that were two sizes too big and a pair of filthy white sneakers. She was holding a baby on her hip, a diaper bag on her shoulder. Two small children were trailing behind her.

  I wonder if that’s her. “Hey Tausha, I think my package has arrived, I’ll call you later.” Rachel stood up so that Leah could spot her.

  “Okay, call me later.” She cautioned her cousin once more before hanging up. “Be careful, Rach!”

  Rachel hung up the phone and headed towards Leah. “Seriously, he played me for this stank hoe.” Rachel mumbled under her breath. “Hey Leah! Is that you?” Rachel pasted a fake grin on her face as she got closer to the short lady. Rachel gave her quick look over. She wasn’t attractive, but with a little grooming she could be average. She had a little pouch in her low stomach that made her appear as if she was in her first trimester of pregnancy.

  “Hi Rachel! We, uh, really appreciate you.” Leah took her free arm and gave Rachel a quick squeeze.

  That was awkward, maybe Tausha is right. “Sure, Leah. Now who is this little lady? I don’t believe we’ve met. Or this little fellow back there. Hey Corey! How are you? Where’s your other son?” Rachel tried to warm up to the bunch. Corey was Curtis’ son and so was the baby girl.

  “Oh, this is Olivia. She’s ten months. This my nine year old. His name is little Terry, after his father. And of course you already know Corey, he’s two now. Isn’t he starting to look just like Curtis and CJ?” Leah popped her gum in her mouth as she spoke. Her voice was shaky. She was just as nervous as Rachel. “My seven year old, well his name is Kevin and he’s staying with his father’s family for now.”

  “How much luggage do you have?” After a two minute conversation she was already tired of hearing Leah speak.

  “We just got two suitcases. I think the flight attendant said our bags would arrive at carousel four.” She popped her gum two more time and motioned for her boys to follow her.

  I guess I can live with a little extra baggage for a day or two. Rachel grabbed the little boy’s hand and walked with them to pick up their luggage.

  Chapter Six: Breaking the News

  “We’re going to have to get her a car seat. I can’t afford a ticket and it’s not very safe for her to be sitting in your lap.” Rachel made a sharp left turn onto exit 228. Good thing she had some tint on her window, otherwise, she would’ve been over ten exits ago.

  Leah dug into her knock off bag and pulled out a fresh stick of gum. She spit the old piece into the wrapper and threw it back in her purse. “Yeah, she outgr
ew the old car seat and I couldn’t afford to purchase a bigger one. I don’t get out much anyway. Not too many people are willing to watch four kids, ya know what I’m saying?”

  Rachel parallel parked her SUV into the Walmart parking lot on Eagles Landing. She pushed open the driver door. “I’ll be back.” It’s funny she could afford whatever her and Curtis was smoking on, but she can’t afford to keep her baby safe. She headed towards the baby aisle. CJ was four, but he was tall enough for a booster seat; she had just given his old one away.

  “Do you need help?” The store associate walked over to where Rachel was standing.

  She looked at the worker who couldn’t have been no more than twenty years old. “That one please.” She pointed at a seat that she knew Oliva could use for a while. He placed the box into the shopping cart. “Thank you, sir.” Rachel showed a little teeth, still frustrated with Leah’s carelessness.

  “Do you need some help out to your car, ma’am?” The young associate called after her.

  “No, but thank you!”

  “You looking real good for having a baby. If you don’t mind me saying, miss.” He looked Rachel up and down and bit his bottom lip.

  Oh hell nah! Is this little boy flirting with me? “Actually, I do mind. Have a good evening, young man.” She pushed the buggy to the checkout line. She was a little flattered, but she couldn’t give him the satisfaction in knowing that.

  Once outside, she properly put the seat in the car and grabbed Olivia from her mother and carefully strapped her in.

  “Thank you, Rachel.”

  “Yup.”

  She drove into the parking lot of her apartment home and clicked the button on her key ring to open the gates. She pulled her vehicle down a hill and into the garage. They hopped out of the car and secured their belongings.