Butterfly Secrets

by G. L. Blackhouse

“That’s it, walk away, pretty boy. At least some of your screwed-up families got some damn sense,” Roy said with a chuckle.

  I quickly helped Aunt Georgia and Julie escort, Jimmy, into the courthouse and away from Roy.

  We walked in, and Jimmy, Julie, and Aunt Georgia took seats on the side where I was sitting. No one was sitting on my side of the courtroom other than the three of them and Old Doc Cecil, who had been a good friend of Grandma’s.

  “Good luck, Em. It’s a shame the town’s too scared to come here and fight for what’s right. They’re all afraid they’ll get burned out or die, I guess. I’m old, and I don’t give a damn about either one,” he said.

  On Roy’s side sat the three men from outside and even a local politician and preacher.

  Roy had a fancy lawyer in a black pin-striped suit and black slicked-back hair. He looked even more sleazy than Roy if that was at all possible.

  Roy’s lawyer looked me up and down condescendingly and then gave a smirk as though he had already won the case.

  Jackson motioned me over to him. He was wearing a gray suit that brought out his gray eyes and a navy-blue tie with a light blue shirt. My heart pounded at just the sight of him. I cleared my throat as I tried to compose myself.

  “You look nice,” Jackson said with a smile.

  “Oh, I bet you are telling me that because I’m your client, and you are just trying to make me feel better,” I said.

  “No, actually. I shouldn’t say that because you are my client,” he said, blushing.

  Jackson had me follow him to the back room of the courthouse. The room had a simple desk and two chairs across from one another.

  “Don’t let Roy intimidate you. We’ve got the will, and it clearly states that your mama and daddy wanted you to have the farm. As far as I’m concerned, it’s an open and shut case,” Jackson said.

  “But why the fancy lawyer, and why is everyone sitting on Roy’s side?” I asked with a look of worry.

  “He wants to scare you, Em. My guess is he’s paid half those people to sit there, hopin’ that you would be intimidated enough to call it all off and leave,” Jackson said.

  “But, no one is sitting on my side except Aunt Georgia Julie, and Jimmy and Old Man Cecil. All those people sitting on Roy’s side must know something that I don’t,” I said nervously.

  “Like, I said, he’s either paid them or scared them, but trust me, every one of them knows that house and the land are yours, Em,” Jackson said as he patted my back to comfort me.

  “What about the judge? Is the judge trustworthy? Has Roy paid him off, too?” I asked.

  “I don’t think so, Em. It would be hard to pay off the judge when your mama and daddy already have the place willed to you,” Jackson replied.

  “Okay. Well, I’m ready. Let’s go get this over with,” I said as I took a deep breath.

  “That’s the girl we all know and love,” Jackson said with a smile.

  As awkward as the morning had been, with me practically pushing Jackson out the door because I didn’t want to get close to him, I was glad he was here. At least Roy hadn’t paid off Jackson as far as I could tell.

  Jackson and I walked into the courtroom.

  A deputy walked forward and spoke, “All rise.”

  The judge entered the room and took a seat. Judge Collins looked to be in his late 60’s. His hair was white, and he wore glasses. Judge Collins was the third cousin of Reverend Collins. The Collins family seemed to have a tradition of practicing law, whether it was God’s or human law.

  “Smith versus Johnson. The honorable Judge Collins presiding.”

  “Mr. Roderick, please bring up your documentation,” The judge said, looking at Jackson.

  Jackson looked at me and smiled. “It’s fine. It will be over in a few minutes. Open and shut case, remember?” he whispered.

  Jackson walked up to the judge and handed him the papers. The judge looked over them and then spoke.

  “It’s right here in the will that Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Smith deed the property mentioned above to our plaintiff, Ms. Amelia Smith,” the judge said.

  “Your Honor, we have new documentation that we would like to present if I may, sir,” the lawyer said in a city accent.

  “Please bring it forward,” the judge said, motioning the man forward.

  The judge looked over the papers and then spoke.

  “This does present a problem. It says here that Ms. Jennifer Smith hereby leaves the mentioned property to Roy Johnson.”

  Sighs were heard from my side of the room. There was clapping from Roy’s side of the room.

  “That ain’t true, and ya know it, Roy! Your no-good son of a…” Jimmy exclaimed as he jumped up from his seat.

  “One more word, Jimmy, and I will have you for contempt of court. Need I remind you that you were just released from jail no more than a month ago,” the judge said with an angry look on his face.

  Aunt Georgia and Julie pulled Jimmy back down in his seat. I mouthed to Jim that it would be okay even though on the inside, I was about to explode.

  “But, your Honor?” Jackson asked in shock.

  “Mr. Roderick and Mr. Otero, I would like to see you in my chambers, please,” the judge said.

  “Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding,” Jackson whispered to me.

  My heart was pounding, and my hands shook. I suddenly felt dizzy. I couldn’t believe it. Surely, Jackson was right, and it was a misunderstanding. Mama wouldn’t have been crazy enough to give it all to Roy, would she? Grandma would roll over in her grave if she knew Roy got the farm. It just wasn’t right.

  Jackson came back out of the chambers with a look of dread. Roy’s lawyer came out with a huge grin. I looked over at Roy, and he shot me a smirk as though he already knew everything that had been said.

  Jackson sat beside me. “It looks legal. Even deputy Gaines witnessed it, but I’ll fix it,” Jackson whispered. Roy’s lawyer took a seat beside Roy.

  The judge sat back down and then spoke.

  “In light of the new evidence. We will have to prolong the case in order to look over the remainder of the evidence properly. The court will reconvene on the matter in two weeks. Court adjourned,” The judge said, banging his gavel.

  My heart raced as I sat there in silence and shock. Of course, I had vacation days, but two weeks was out of the question. I would go crazy here. This place caused me too much pain. It forced me to feel things that I had worked too many years to numb. I felt queasy and light-headed. It was almost too much to take.

  “You’ll get the farm even if I have to kill Roy myself!” Jimmy said heatedly.

  “Jim, you hush that. You are in a house of the law. You’ll do no such thing!” Aunt Georgia said, shooting him a disapproving glare.

  “Sorry, Cuz. Jackson will help ya get it all straightened out,” Julie said as she patted my back.

  “We’ll get it worked out, Em,” Jackson said lightly, placing his hand on mine.

  “How, Jackson? Roy has a fancy lawyer and money. He’s paid off half the town. I mean, really, what’s the use?” I said with tears in my eyes.

  “It’s not over, Em. I’m sure it is a misunderstanding. It was no secret that your mama was afraid of Roy, but she would never have left him the farm. She knew it would break your Grandma May‘s heart,” Jackson said.

  “Would she really? I mean, after all, she stayed with Roy knowing that he hid food from Jordy and me, and half the time, we went to bed hungry. So, I’m asking you, would she really give a damn if I got the place?” I said, still crying as I got up to leave.

  “Wait, Em. I’m not the one on trial here. I am only trying to help,” Jackson pleaded.

  “I’m done today, Jackson. I’m done,” I said with my hands shaking.

  “C’mon, Honey, all you need is a good meal. Let’s me, you, and Julie go on home,” Aunt Georgia said, ushering me out the door.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Aunt Georgia mouthing to Jackson th
at it would be alright.

  “She don’t need that, Mama. Your pie’s good, but it ain’t gonna help her forget about the hurt of her mama leavin’ the farm to Roy. Only one thing gonna help her forget the pain, and you ain’t got it,” Jimmy said

  “Jim’s right, Aunt Georgia. A stiff drink. It’s just what I need,” I said, shocked even by my own words. All I wanted to do was to forget about it. Forget about Mama, Roy, Jordy, Grandma, Daddy, and Jackson, too, for that matter. I needed just to numb it all if even if it was only for a moment.

  “Lord, Em. You don’t want to do that. You don’t want to end up in jail, too,” Aunt Georgia said with a worried look.

  “We’ll go to her house, Mama. Em’s been through enough. She needs to forget,” Jimmy said firmly.

  Jimmy and I walked out of the door, then we got into his car, and he sped away.

  As Jim drove, he talked about how angry he was at Roy. How Roy had paid off half of the town and how he hoped that Roy tried to come over to the house tonight because if he broke in that he could legally shoot and kill him.

  Jimmy stopped the car at the local liquor store.

  “Be right back,” Jimmy said, closing the door.

  Minutes later Jimmy got into the car, holding two large, brown paper bags.

  “Whiskey and tequila. I figured you were probably a wine girl, but you know what they say, Wine’s fine, but liquor’s quicker,” Jimmy said with a wide grin.

  “Old Jose and little Jack will help ya forget all ya troubles, Em. Why those two are practically my best buddies. Soon ya won’t have a worry in the world.”

  I knew that getting drunk with Jimmy was by far about the stupidest thing I had ever done. But for now, I didn’t care. I grabbed the bag with tequila in it and opened the bottle and took a big swig and, immediately started coughing.

  “Wow, that’s strong!” I said, wiping my mouth and reaching for a bottle of water that I had in the car.

  “Woo! Hoo! That’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout little Cuz! Party!” Jimmy said, laughing and slapping the wheel as he turned up the music and sang.

  “A few more swigs of that, and you won’t even know who in the hell Roy is,” Jimmy shouted loudly over the music.

  I nodded and took another big drink.

  About fifteen minutes later, we arrived at the house. I opened the car door and stumbled getting out as I held my tequila bottle in the brown paper bag.

  “Don’t drink that much, do ya Cuz? Need some help?” Jimmy said, laughing as I stumbled to the door carrying the whiskey as he opened up the bottle and started drinking.

  “I can take care of myself, Jim. I’m tired of everyone thinking I can’t,” I said, slurring my words and staggering.

  “Okay. Was just tryin’ to help,” Jimmy said, throwing his hands up in the air as a peace offering.

  We walked in, and immediately Tiny was at the door and nipping at Jimmy’s heels.

  “She’s spunky like you,” Jimmy said, looking at Tiny.

  I smiled widely and gave Tiny a bone. She sat on her cushion and gnawed on it.

  Jimmy and I sat on the couch as we poured shot after shot. Jimmy and I talked about how we would like to kick Roy’s butt and make him pay for what he did to our family.

  We were interrupted by the sound of Jimmy’s phone ringing.

  “Ah, man! That’s Tiff,” Jimmy said as he answered his phone.

  “Hey, Tiff. Yep, sittin’ over here with Em. Yeah, court was messed up. Yeah, I miss you too, baby. I wish I could. I do miss you... you know that. I know you would pick me up, but.....”

  I patted Jimmy on the arm. “Hang on a minute, baby,” he said as he covered the phone with his hand and looked up at me.

  “Jim, go on, let her pick you up. No reason for both of us being alone tonight. I’m fine, really,” I said, forcing a smile.

  “But, I mean Roy. I don’t want you here by yourself,” Jimmy said, slurring his words.

  “What did I tell ya, Jim? I can take care of myself, and besides, I got the gun you gave me, too.”

  “Alright,” Jimmy said reluctantly.

  “Okay, yeah, c’mon and get me, baby. Yeah, I can’t wait to see you, too,” Jimmy said as he uncovered the phone and spoke to Tiffany.

  Minutes later, Tiffany was outside and honking the horn.

  “I’ll just leave my ride here, okay?” Jimmy asked.

  I nodded.

  “Now, don’t be gettin’ any ideas and drivin’ it to kick Roy’s ass or nothin,” Jimmy said jokingly.

  I smiled.

  “On second thought, I know how stubborn you are. Better take my keys with me,” Jimmy said as he put the keys in his pocket.

  “Really?” I asked as I took another swig of my drink.

  Jimmy said goodbye and was on his way.

  I closed the door behind him and walked back into the living room.

  The house was so quiet. I called Tiny over to me, and she lay in my lap as I petted her.

  “At least I got you, Tiny, that’s all I need,” I said as I continued drinking my tequila.

  Everything felt fuzzy, and I could barely focus. I knew that I would have a terrible hangover tomorrow morning, but for now, I didn’t care.

  I just wanted to numb the pain. I needed to forget about Jordy, Mama, Daddy, and what happened with Kevin. I wanted to numb my growing feelings for Jackson. I had to turn it all off even if just for a little while. I felt terrible for the way that I had spoken to Jackson in court. He was just trying to help. I was surprised at how much I cared about Jackson’s feelings. Was it possible that I was really beginning to fall for him again despite how hard I had fought to keep him away? I smacked my forehead, “Grandma, I can’t do this, I can’t open up my heart only for it to be broken again.”

  “If you want me to stay here, Grandma, you have to give me a sign.”

  Suddenly, I jumped as Grandma’s Bible hit the floor. I placed my hand on my heart and looked at Tiny, reasoning she had to have knocked it off.

  It had to be Tiny, right? I thought. I clumsily leaned down to pick up the old Bible as it lay open on the floor. There, stuck in between the pages, was a picture of Grandma May and Grandpa Warren as a young couple. They were standing in front of the old farmhouse. Grandma May was holding a baby in her arms. It was Mama. I flipped the old black and white picture over. On the back written in Grandma May’s handwriting were the words The Smith Family, and underneath it, the date was written. I could hardly believe my eyes. It was the same date as today only the year was different. I put the picture back inside and placed the Bible back on top of the old coffee table.

  CHAPTER 17- ALTERED STATE

  I sat on the couch, nearly finishing off my tequila and thumbed through an old book of recipes that Mama had. Looking at recipes strangely seemed to calm me. It reminded me of happier times as a child cooking with Grandma May.

  Suddenly, Tiny ran to the door and began barking wildly. I sat there for a few moments trying to process why Tiny was making a fuss. My vision was becoming blurry, and it was hard to focus on anything.

  I jumped at the sound of a loud boom outside. I stumbled toward the door and grabbed the gun and cocked it.

  “I’m not afraid of you, Roy!” I yelled as I held the gun and pointed it toward the door with my hands shaking.

  There were several loud knocks, and then the door swung open. My heart pounded.

  I wasn’t going to let Roy just come in without a fight. If he wanted the house that bad, he would have to kill me first.

  In my altered state of, mind I fired the shotgun and heard a loud boom followed by the sound of a plant in the corner falling to the ground from the busted vase.

  “Em, what are you doing? It’s me, Jackson,” he said as he walked in with a look of shock.

  Slowly, I dropped the gun and sat on the ground and began to cry.

  “I’m so sorry. I thought that you were Roy,” I said slowly, trying to form my words with tears in my eyes.

  “Was he here? D
id he try to hurt you?” Jackson asked with a look of concern as he bent down and looked me in the eyes. God, he was hot. His gray eyes seemed to sparkle. He wore a white fitted tee and faded jeans perfectly. He looked like a Greek god, sitting before me. A blurry one, but still divine.

  “I don’t know. I just heard a loud noisssse,” I said, slurring my words.

  “You are drunk, aren’t you?” Jackson accused.

  “So what if I am? I’m a big girl,” I said, sloppily waving my arms.

  “Where’s Jimmy?” Jackson asked.

  “Gone. Tiff picked him up a while ago,” I said, taking another large gulp of my drink.

  “Let me guess, he is the one who talked you into this?” Jackson said, frustrated.

  “He’s the only one who knows how to have fun around here and help me forget,” I said, taking another swig from my bottle.

  “You don’t need to be drinking and trying to shoot a gun. You could’ve killed me or worse yet, yourself,” Jackson scolded.

  “Well, I didn’t. Everyone is still alive,” I said proudly, taking another gulp from my bottle.

  Jackson slowly reached for my bottle.

  “Em, why don’t we put that up for a while?” Jackson pleaded.

  “I’ll decide when I put it up and when I don’t,” I said as I took another drink and waved my bottle in the air.

  My head hurt, and the room was starting to spin. I decided to hand Jackson the bottle.

  “I think I will put this up for a while. Maybe I have had too much,” I said.

  “Good idea,” he said with a look of relief.

  I stared at his hypnotic gray eyes and full lips.

  I looked at his lips and wanted so badly to kiss him. It had been so long since our first and only kiss. I wondered if his kiss would be as good as it was when I was a teen. But I knew deep down that no one had ever made me feel like Jackson ever!

  “Let’s get you to bed and let you rest for a while,” Jackson said as he stood up, reached for my hand and helped me off the ground.

  Now he was talking. I would go to bed, but only if he came with me.

  “God, you smell good. You want to kiss me, don’t you,” I said as I deeply inhaled his scent.