Blessed Trinity

by Vanessa Davis Griggs

  Having overheard Johnnie Mae calling Pastor Landris by the name “Landris” a couple of times (she later learned that was her term of endearment), Faith instantly fell in love with it. She decided she would call Thomas, Landris, as well. However, after only a few times doing it, Faith found that it set her teeth on edge. It was too sugary for her taste. She ditched it and changed her loving term for Thomas to TL. She liked that much better; it wasn’t as sweet. She needed something that would be all her own, anyway.

  Faith recalled how fine Thomas had looked that first day, standing there in his tailor-made suit. She adored a man who thought enough of himself to care about how he presented himself when he stepped out in public. It did pain her to see Thomas looking a bit shabby these days. But that was due to his recent mental state—so much pressure.

  Maybe he was a little depressed. But in this day and age, who doesn’t get depressed from time to time? Faith didn’t totally buy into him being bipolar like people were trying to say he was. And so what if he was? Maurice Benard, who plays Sonny on her favorite soap, General Hospital, is bipolar and nobody was trying to put him away.

  Sapphire irked Faith. She can tell everybody else what’s wrong with them, but can’t see she has problems of her own. Faith couldn’t understand how Sapphire could be over forty, never married, still holding on to her virginity; yet, running off a potentially great husband by inferring that he’s crazy…mentally unstable. Now, that’s what’s crazy. Faith figured the virgin story was solely a ploy on Sapphire’s part to get Thomas to marry her. Don’t give away the milk for free; make him buy the whole cow. In Faith’s opinion, it might have worked, too, had Sapphire not been such a nag. Faith knew Thomas wanted her, which was why they were getting married tomorrow. And it hadn’t taken a long courtship or her having to give away free milk for Faith to land him at the altar, either.

  Faith could tell lots of women at Divine Conquerors wanted Thomas. But she had stepped up in there that first day with her hair laid perfect as always, dress hitting and fitting in all the right places, perfume perfectly applied (not too much—a man still needs to be able to breathe when you ’re around), her heels (name-brand, of course) high enough to cause her behind to hypnotize a man if he was foolish enough to look. Her makeup was applied just right as her brown eyes drew in anyone who dared look into them, her lips sparkling wetalicious (a word Faith made up) with hints of glitter that Alexis Vogel had been known to slip into her Feisty red lip gloss, and her legs (which Charity always made her business to cover up) so toned and shapely even Faith had to stop from time to time to admire herself.

  When Thomas saw her walk in, he never stood a chance. Faith knew he’d come find her as soon as the service was over. She knew that in the way he had leaned to the side, as though he wasn’t sure it was her, but was praying it was. Reverend Walker preached a good sermon, although Faith felt he had nothing on Pastor Landris. Folks shouted, but for the life of her, she couldn’t see how anything he’d said would honestly make one iota of a difference in anyone’s life. For certain, Faith didn’t go back to that church the following Sunday because of the service. It was the one fringe benefit they had that had hooked her.

  Faith came back because Thomas wanted her there with him. And she’d told him from the get-go, “I don’t play games. If you have something you want to say, I’d suggest you say it. I don’t read minds, and I don’t care to try to figure out the message between the lines. If we have an understanding, we can proceed. Otherwise, there’s the door.”

  Thomas told her she was his kind of woman. And they made a deal to lay everything out on the table. She told him all about Hope and Charity. Well, not the fact that the three of them shared the same body. Charity often called it sharing a vehicle…their one mode of transportation. Faith thought that was cute. But anything she felt was relevant, Faith had told him. He knew the other two existed, even if Thomas still never quite believed he had been talking to Charity instead of her when he’d called that time.

  “Charity sounded too much like you, but in a fake way,” Thomas had said after she returned his call when Charity answered. “I realize sisters can sound alike, but that was just too much alike for me to believe it wasn’t you just not wanting to talk to me. I tell you what: put Charity on the phone and both of you talk at the same time.”

  Of course Faith couldn’t do that.

  Thomas had told Faith that he knew something wasn’t right all the time inside his head, but that he was praying and believing God that he’d be able to manage it without having to take medication. Reverend Walker had told him he just needed more faith.

  “I don’t think Reverend Walker was referring to me when he told you that,” Faith said, teasing him.

  “Woman, you know I know that. I just believe that was a prophetic Word. I needed more faith to be able to cope, and God sent me more Faith to be able to cope,” he said.

  “The first time I saw you I ‘named it’ and ‘claimed it.’ I had a Word we would be together. And you were a man of God on top of all this.” Faith touched his face and straightened his necktie. “I knew you and Sapphire weren’t going to last. And having spent more time around her self-righteous self, I can see why you sent her packing.”

  “To be honest, I thought you had your eye on my brother,” Thomas said.

  “Who are you talking about? Pastor Landris? You mean, Mr. Henpecked himself?”

  “He’s not henpecked, although I did say that to him once. Johnnie Mae is a good woman. I see why he’s like he is about her. George is totally, madly in love with her.”

  “Listen, your brother doesn’t have anything on you. You’re fine, smart, and good-looking all swirled into one. I’ll let you in on a secret. I told Hope you were going to be mine when you were with Sapphire…that I claimed you for myself. She said I couldn’t claim somebody else’s man…that I couldn’t impose my will on someone else’s.”

  “She’s right, you know.”

  “She might be right in theory and principle, but in reality, you’re here with me now. So whatever.” Faith threw her hand up in the air and laughed.

  Now Faith was about to become Mrs. Landris. One more day and Thomas wouldn’t have to worry about fighting his brother—or anyone else, for that matter. Faith would be the one who would decide whether he went into a hospital or not. With her standing by his side, Faith knew he wouldn’t have to worry about being betrayed. She couldn’t help but wonder: Why is it that people always think they know what’s best for someone else?

  Faith couldn’t see how Thomas was hurting anyone—the torment he was going through was all his own. Faith truly believed Thomas would know if and when things were too much for him to bear. And if he needed help, he could now feel confident in coming to her, with the assurance that she would help him without judgment.

  Likewise, she believed he’d do the same for her. She also believed when she and Thomas said “I do” tomorrow in front of their pastor, Reverend Walker—Charity and Hope would go away for good and leave her in peace to be with her new husband.

  To Faith, it only made sense.

  Chapter 51

  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

  Pastor Landris had gone down to probate court to file a petition, essentially to have his brother committed. That’s not how people referred to it in this day and age, but that was what he was trying to do. And on top of everything, he didn’t have a lot of time left.

  Therein was the problem.

  There were things Pastor Landris would need to know to fill out the form. And because Pastor Landris wasn’t Thomas’s legal guardian, they admitted they wouldn’t be so quick to approve the petition, have him picked up by the police, then brought to a hospital against his will. Pastor Landris was told that because he wasn’t the legal gu
ardian, it could take months longer.

  “Then who would be the best person?” Pastor Landris asked the woman as they sat in the small conference room. Three days had already been lost.

  “A spouse.”

  “He’s not married. In fact, that’s what we’re trying to stop him from doing now, which is why time is so crucial.”

  “If he gets married before this is approved, you realize this application becomes null and void. His wife would have to file the petition in order for us to proceed.”

  “But he’s not married right now. In this particular case, who would be considered his legal guardian?”

  “A parent.”

  “My mother can come do this quicker than myself?” Pastor Landris asked.

  “Of course. She’s still considered his legal guardian until he transfers that right to someone else, be it via a legal document or marriage, which technically is a legal document.”

  “If my mother filled this out, is there any chance we could expedite the process and have him put in a hospital before December 4?” Pastor Landris asked. “This is important.”

  “Get his mother to come in, and we’ll see what we can do. I can’t promise anything because it still has to be approved by the judge. Keep in mind—we will be closed for the Thanksgiving holidays, too.”

  Pastor Landris left the courthouse. He called his mother from his cell phone and explained everything that was going on with Thomas.

  “I felt it the past few times I’ve spoken with him,” his mother, Virginia LeBoeuf said. “He talks a lot lately—almost nonstop. And he jumps all over the place about subjects that aren’t related. He wrote me a letter a month ago telling me about this woman named Faith. I suppose that’s the one he’s trying to marry now. The letter was eighteen pages long! And he had the nerve to stuff it in a regular-size, white envelope. When I got it, I thought he was sending me a piece of clothing or something, the envelope was so big.”

  “Can you fly here immediately and file this petition?”

  “Well, I have a doctor’s appointment later this week. I have to go—it can’t be changed. My doctor says it’s a must.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “We’ll talk about that some other time. Right now, we need to help Thomas. I’m so sorry all of this is happening. It’s hard when you see your children suffer and you know you can’t do much to make things better.”

  “But there is something that can be done to help Thomas. He won’t do it for himself, so we have to do what we can. I’ll get your ticket to you. The courthouse is closed on the weekends. Would you prefer to fly in Saturday, Sunday, or wait until Monday morning?”

  “I’d like to spend time with you and Johnnie Mae. I can’t wait to see your new house. And the church…you’re moving into the new church, not this Sunday, but next Sunday, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, and we’re excited. It’s kind of stressful around here, though, so I don’t know how much I’m actually appreciating the experience.”

  “Then fly me in Saturday. That way I can go to church with you in the old place, and stay for your first service in the new sanctuary. Hopefully, we’ll get things squared away with Thomas on Monday, and they can get him in a hospital room by Tuesday.”

  “I hope you know Thomas is probably not going to appreciate this,” Pastor Landris said.

  “He might not now, but one day, I believe he will. I have faith that he will.”

  Chapter 52

  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

  (1 Corinthians 13:1)

  Faith and Thomas were ready to take their vows. The ceremony would not be at his house as originally planned. Faith had gone over there to see what would need to be done the day before, and she couldn’t believe how wrecked the house looked.

  “I hope you know, I’m not cleaning this mess,” Faith said as she stood outside the great room. “There’s nowhere to even walk in here. And why are clothes piled up on the floor in here, of all places?”

  “I was cleaning, and I haven’t finished.”

  “This is not cleaning. This is demolition,” Faith said, turning up her nose. “And it stinks in here.” She pinched her nose and hurried back outside.

  Thomas came outside with her. “I think something may have died in the piles, I don’t know. When I finish cleaning, I’ll find it and get the smell out.”

  “I’m not staying in this place. Not like this. And we definitely are not going to get married here.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll call Reverend Walker and see what he suggests.”

  “Do you have to ask Reverend Walker everything? Do you have to ask him if you can take a shower?” Faith leaned over and sniffed him. “How long has it been since you took a shower?”

  “I’ve been busy this week, Faith. I told you, I’ve been cleaning. And you know I work a lot down at the church. They gave me three weeks off, starting this week. I know you understand vacations.” Thomas rubbed his scrubby face. “I need to shave, too, huh?” He smiled.

  “Yeah. You know how I am. If you’re going to be with me, you have to be an asset and not a liability. I don’t want people looking at you and wondering what’s wrong with me that I have to be with someone who looks like I picked him up on his way to the homeless shelter.”

  “You do know people have been following me. It’s just hard to take care of your business when you’re under surveillance. My mother called. She’s in town.”

  “I hope you didn’t invite her over,” Faith said as she placed her hand on her hip.

  “Of course not. I’m sure George called her to come. She’s trying to talk me out of marrying you. I’m glad she’s here, though. I’d like to invite her to our wedding tomorrow.”

  “Do you think she’s cool with you marrying me? I don’t want any drama at our ceremony. That’s exactly why none of my sisters will be there. Charity has been trying to rear her head, but she must have forgotten who she’s messing with. I’m not letting anything or anyone stop me from marrying you. That includes your mother.”

  Thomas took her by the hand. “Are we doing the right thing? Getting married right now? We don’t really have to rush, if you’re not sure.”

  “What will we be waiting for? For you to see if there’s anyone else you’d rather be with? For me to see? If we wait, why would we be waiting?”

  “You’re right. You’re right.”

  “And this way, I can protect you like I’ve protected Charity. If they try to send you to a mental institution, I’ll be your wife, and they will have to go through me to get to you,” Faith said. She placed her hand on her head.

  “Headache again?”

  She nodded. “It will pass.”

  “Is it bad? Do you need anything for it?”

  She tried to smile as she grimaced and pressed her lips tight. “I’m strong. I got this one,” Faith said. She lowered her hand from her head and let out a long sigh. “You need to go call Reverend Walker right now so we’ll know where we’re going to have the wedding. Then you need to start getting ready…today. Haircut, shave, shower, make sure the suit and shirt you plan to wear are all in good shape.”

  “I bought new clothes for this. I want you to be proud of your man.”

  She patted him softly on his face. “I’m sure I’ll be proud. I’ll just be glad when this is all over, so I can breathe easily again.”

  He reached out and touched her hair.

  “Don’t touch my hair, okay? I’m getting it done tomorrow, so I’ll be looking fabulous as usual. Let’s just get through tomorrow,” Faith said. She grabbed her head with both hands and pressed hard. “After tomorrow,” she closed her eyes and let her head extend backward, “I believe we both will be home,” she grimaced again, “free.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes. Charity is not going to get the best of me this time. Not this time. Not before tomorrow is come and gone. I’ll fight he
r with every fiber I have left in my being. That much, I promise.”

  “What?”

  She shook her head. “Just talking to myself.” She managed a smile. “Merely talking to my…self.”

  Chapter 53

  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

  (Hebrews 8:6)

  Pastor Landris had taken his mother down to the courthouse on Monday to file the petition on behalf of Thomas. She filled out the paperwork and signed it. The woman told them they would probably hear something by the next day—if it was approved. There was one quandary—they needed a doctor or therapist’s evaluation. It was one thing to say a person was acting crazy, something else entirely to provide medical proof.

  Thomas was not going to a doctor, which was why they had to go this route now. On the other hand, were he to have a total breakdown and go to the hospital or get picked up by the police, who would be able to see that something was going on mentally, or that he posed a danger to himself or others, that would be enough to commit him.

  Having a mother who hadn’t seen him in over a year, and a brother who was a pastor, stating that a person was bipolar was not enough for them to have him arbitrarily picked up.

  “Sapphire is a therapist,” Pastor Landris said to the woman in the courthouse office. “This is her field. She has spent time with him and was the one who diagnosed him as bipolar.”

  “That would work. But this will delay my being able to hand it over to the judge for at least another day. Get the medical write-up, get it notarized, and we’ll proceed,” the woman said.

  “We’re cutting this close,” Pastor Landris’s mother said.

  “I’m sorry, but this is how things work. There are rules in place for a reason. I know you care about your son, Ms. LeBoeuf,” she said to Virginia, “and your brother, but he still has civil rights. We can’t just ignore his rights because you think something is best for him. Today is Wednesday. We still have two more days until the week is over.”