Church Whore 3

by Faith

  Lacey climbed on the bed behind him and massaged his back as he ate. When he finished his food and soda he placed the tray on the nightstand.

  Lacey stared at him lovingly. “I love you, Junior Blanks!” she said. Passion filled her eyes. She climbed on top of him and planted kisses all over his chest, neck and face before sucking on his bottom lip.

  “I love you too, Mrs. Edwin Blanks!” Junior said as he ran his hands through her hair.

  They continued to kook deeply into each other’s eyes, and in that moment they became lost in one another. They made hot passionate love to each other, becoming one in the spiritual realm. It was perfect. Their lovemaking session went on and on until they both tapped out.

  ________

  The next morning, Lizzie waited anxiously for Elisea, as she was having the DNC procedure done. Lizzie was worried about her sister. She was used to her mouth, but Elisea was lost in her own thoughts on the way to the hospital.

  Everyone had been texting her to get an update on Elisea. As she returned their texts the double doors opened and a pale, weak looking Elisea was being wheeled out. Lizzie tried to smile, but her heart ached for her sister. No matter the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy, she knew how much her sister wanted this baby.

  “Hey you!” Lizzie smiled. “Everyone’s been checking on you, and Mama has called three times.”

  Elisea plastered a fake smile on her face.

  “So, you want to stop and get something to eat?” Lizzie asked after they got into the car.

  “Nah, I’m good,” Elisea answered dryly.

  “Well, I’m hungry, so I’m going to stop at Cook Out and get some chopped barbeque sandwiches with some good ol’ coleslaw, and an Oreo shake with extra Oreos,” Lizzie taunted as she nudged her, knowing it was her sister’s favorite. “You sure you don’t want anything?”

  Elisea looked over at Lizzie, who was cheesing from ear to ear. “Well… I guess I could eat a little something.”

  “Now that’s my girl!” Lizzie said.

  They pulled into the drive thru, ordered their food then headed home.

  Once inside the house, Elisea made herself comfortable on the couch. Lizzie covered her with a chenille blanket and slid in under it next to her. She watched her sister as she ate.

  Elisea cut her eyes at her. “Would you stop staring at me, woman? I’m fine.”

  “No you’re not, but you will be.”

  Sadness filled Elisea’s eyes, and she cried; really cried. She cried for the loss of her baby, she cried for redemption… she just cried. And Lizzie held her through it all.

  After Elisea released the pain she had been keeping bottled up, they put on “The Twilight Saga”, their favorite movie.

  Five movies later, as “Twilight, Breaking Dawn 2” went off, the doorbell rang. Lizzie went to answer it, and James stood there along with a man she had never seen before. “Hey, James!” She was happy to see him.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t call first.”

  “No, come on in.” Lizzie opened the door wider so the men could step in.

  “Lizzie, this is my older brother, Andrew. Andrew, this is my Lizzie,” James said by way of introduction.

  Lizzie blushed at the way James said her name.

  Andrew held his hand out to shake hers. “Finally I can put a face to a name,” he said.

  “Nice to meet you. Come on in the living room. Elisea and I were just watching ‘The Twilight Saga’”.

  “‘Twilight’?” Andrew asked and made a face.

  Lizzie turned around and squinted her eyes at him. “Hey, don’t start! I get enough of that from your brother!” she laughed.

  “Hey, Elisea, this is my older brother, Andrew. Andrew, this is Lizzie’s sister, Elisea,” James said.

  Andrew smiled. He was in awe of Elisea’s beauty. “Hello!” he said.

  Elisea just gave him a head nod. She wasn’t really in the mood to entertain company. But even in her grief she recognized how fine Andrew was. He resembled James, but was taller. He was 6’3”, and had a muscular build and a pecan-brown complexion.

  “Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you anything?” Lizzie asked.

  “No, I’m good,” James said, looking over at Andrew, who shook his head no.

  Lizzie took a seat next to her sister and asked, “So Andrew, what is that you do?” She already knew a little bit about him because James always talked about his hard working brother.

  “I owned a computer software company, but I just sold it.”

  “Oh wow! Why did you sell it?”

  “Mainly because it wasn’t fun anymore. When I had so many employees that I had a hard time remembering their names, it went downhill from there.”

  “Yeah, Drew likes to be hands-on,” James added.

  “Oh… I see,” Lizzie said. She really didn’t see, but she didn’t know what else to say.

  “But the main reason I sold my baby to the highest bidder was because it took over my life. What’s the point in being successful if you don’t take the time out to enjoy it?” Andrew explained.

  “Oh, we know all about that, don’t we, Elisea?”

  Elisea shot Lizzie a “I don’t want to be bothered” look.

  There was an awkward silence in the room because the brothers caught the look Elisea dished out.

  “So, are you married? Any kids?” Lizzie continued with Andrew’s inquisition.

  “No, I never married, and no kids. That’s another reason. I was too busy for a wife and kids. My business was my wife.”

  “Oh wow! Maybe now you’ll find that special lady.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on. So, when my baby brother called me in a panic about the fire, I jumped on a plane to be here for him. By the way, I’m glad you all made it out safely.”

  “Thank you. We are too.”

  “Plus, I had to see the woman who turned my brother into a love sick puppy!” Andrew teased.

  Lizzie blushed when he said that.

  “Shut up, Drew!” James exclaimed.

  Everyone laughed, and even Elisea managed to smile.

  “Sissy, what do you want to watch now?”

  Elisea just shrugged.

  “Fellas, any ideas?”

  “Anything with Kevin Hart. That cat is funny,” Andrew suggested.

  “Alright, a Kevin Hart movie fest it is,” Lizzie said, getting up to find a movie.

  ________

  Everyone had gathered at Mama Eloise’s house because they were waiting on Junior to bring her home. Lacey and Ruthie had been in the kitchen preparing a delicious, health conscious meal.

  Madear walked into the kitchen. “Y’all babies are cooking it up, but you know Eloise likes her soul food.”

  “Yes Ma’am, but she needs to eat healthier,” Lacey said as she prepared a humongous chef’s salad.

  “Good luck with that!” Madear stated before going back into the living room and mumbling, “Poor babies gonna get their feelings hurt.” She sat down next to Elisea and patted her leg. “Hey, baby, how are you doing?”

  “I’m okay, Madear.” She still didn’t want to be bothered, but she figured if she showed her face once her mother got home, she could slip away to her bedroom.

  “You know, baby, let me share something with you. You know I had a bunch of youngins, but before any of them came into this world, I had three miscarriages.”

  “Did you, Madear?” Elisea asked, deciding not to tune her out.

  “Mm-hmm, sho’ did. I didn’t understand. I was hurt and I was angry, but looking back, I can see what God was doing. The man I lost those three babies with beat me something terrible.”

  “Not you, Madear!” Elisea was shocked. She always saw her as a strong woman. She couldn’t imagine her letting a man put his hands on her.

  “Yes baby, me. I didn’t come out the oven like this, chile. Life will either make you stronger or weaker. It’s all a choice.” Madear reared her head back and laughed a hearty laugh. “I was once young
and dumb baby, and I just knew I was in love. He was my first, and I just knew he was the one. Baby, let me tell that man was the devil! Mean and evil I tell ya! See, many times we don’t know why or understand why God allows bad things to happen to us. But all things—not some things, but all things—work out for the good for those who love the Lord. There is no telling how my life would have turned out had those babies lived. But after I left that fool and came crawling back to my mama, I went to church, and within a month I met my husband. And he was a good man, baby. So, in your pain, know that God won’t take something from you without replacing it with something even better.”

  “Thank you, Madear!” Elisea said and hugged her.

  “Always, baby. Always.”

  The door opened, and Junior and Mama Eloise walked in.

  “Mama!” All of her children, except for Elisea, ran to the door like little kids. They all embraced her.

  “A’ight! Y’all don’t smother my mama!” Junior told them.

  “Hush, boy!” Mama Eloise laughed. Shoot, she was enjoying the attention.

  “Come sit down, Mama,” Mud said, guiding her to her recliner.

  She sat down in her favorite chair, closed her eyes and exhaled. It felt good to be home. Feeling all eyes on her she opened her eyes and made a face. “Ugh! Ugh! Y’all are not gonna be staring at me like y’all are waiting on me to keel over! Now go on and do something!” She shooed them away.

  Not wanting to upset her, the Blanks clan tried to act busy and dispersed throughout the house.

  Mama Eloise looked over at Elisea, who was sitting on the sofa next to her recliner. They looked into each other’s eyes, and she grabbed her daughter’s hand. No words were spoken between the two, but the message was loud and clear. In that moment Elisea knew that everything was going to be alright. She didn’t know when, but she knew she was going to be fine.

  Sitting in between two of the strongest women she knew, Elisea felt comforted by their strength. Their energy surrounded her like a blanket. And if even for a brief moment, Elisea felt more peace then pain.

  “Mama Eloise, we cooked a delicious healthy dinner for you!” Lacey yelled from the kitchen.

  “Healthy? If I can survive a fire, I can keep eating my soul food! Humph!”

  Madear shook her head and laughed. She knew that was what she would say. “I tried to tell them. Just be nice and eat the food.”

  Mama Eloise rolled her big eyes.

  As the ladies set the table the doorbell rang, and Lizzie opened the door to Denard and Maria. “Come in, Deacon. Hello, Ms. Maria.” They embraced and exchanged greetings. “Mama’s in the living room.”

  “Denard!” Madear said in her boisterous voice.

  “Madear! Eloise!” Denard kissed them both on the cheek.

  “Have a seat, Denard. Hey, Maria.”

  “Hello.” Maria seemed nervous and sat closely under Denard.

  “How’s my girl doing?” Madear asked.

  Denard shook his head.

  “What?” Mama Eloise asked.

  “She won’t eat. I don’t know what’s wrong with my sister. She’s being difficult with people. I don’t know what to do.” Denard started to get flustered.

  “I think she’s depressed. She can’t say many words, and it frustrates her,” Maria added.

  “Well, we’re just gonna have to do something about that,” Madear said, looking at Mama Eloise.

  “You got that right! Don’t worry, Denard. We’ll get her together.”

  “Sho’ will!” Madear said.

  “Come on, y’all. Let’s eat!” Lacey said, announcing that dinner was ready.

  Everyone got up and held hands at the table. Before Junior could bless the food, Mama Eloise spoke: “Thank you, Lord for this bountiful blessing. Lord, we thank you for allowing us to be in the number one more time. Bless the hands that prepared it, and the bodies that it shall nourish.” She threw her head back and shook before belting out:

  “One more time,

  One more time.

  He allowed us to come together,

  One more time…?

  The Blanks joined in perfect harmony, and Madear’s alto voice blended right in:

  “One more time,

  One more time.

  He allowed us to come together,

  One more time…”

  The spirit filled the house as the family sang one of Senior’s favorite songs. After everything that they had been through, this song held so much more meaning to all of them. Tears fell from their eyes as they praised the Lord and ushered His presence in.

  “Hallelujah!” Mama Eloise hollered as she did her spiritual two-step. Seeing all her family standing around the table singing again did something to her. “Thank you! Thank you, Father! Thank you, God!” She and Madear started clapping and speaking in tongues.

  Then, to everyone’s surprise when the spirit of the Lord fell on Mud, he went into a full blown praise. Junior looked at Edem; Edem looked at Eddie; and everyone else just watched. Mud had never been caught up in the spirit like that before.

  “Look at God!” Madear shouted when she turned her face up like she smelled something funky and waved her hands.” Praise Him, son! Praise Him!

  After the impromptu praise and worship session as only the Blanks knew how to do, they all sat down to devour the cold but oh so healthy meal that Lacey and Felicia had prepared. They enjoyed each other’s company, and sat around and talked. They all felt blessed to be together as a family.

  After dinner everyone settled around in the living room just bonding and talking amongst each other when the doorbell rang.

  Eddie went to the door and was greeted by Rudy Cheek, who was one of the members of the church and also worked at the fire department. “What’s up, Cheek? Come on in, man.” They gave each other dap. “Everyone’s in the living room.”

  “Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!” Rudy Cheek greeted.

  They all busted out laughing because that’s how he greeted everyone all the time.

  “What’s up, Cheek?” Junior greeted him.

  “I just had to come and check on everybody. I was away on vacation, and I came back and found out what happened. Man, that was crazy shi—” He covered his mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m so glad everybody is okay. I know they said six people died, but I had to come check on everybody.” Rudy walked over to Mama Eloise and Madear and kissed them both on the cheek.

  “Hey, Rudy. It’s good to see you,” Mama Eloise said. “I haven’t seen you at church lately. Where you been hiding?”

  “Oh, for the last few months I’ve been working extra shifts. But you’re doing okay though, Mama Eloise?” he asked.

  “Yes, I’m fine. You know I’m a tough old bird,” she replied.

  “Yeah she is!” Madear cosigned. “Now, do I have to call the fire chief and let him know that you need some Sundays off so you can come to church?”

  “No. I’ll be there Sunday. I promise.”

  “You know I’ma hold you to it. Do you want something to eat? We got plenty,” Mama Eloise asked him.

  “Nah, I’m good. It smells good though.”

  “I bet you want some of that little green monster!” Mud said laughing.

  “Nah, nah. See, I’ve been trying to lay off of that, you know. I got to keep my body right. I got to make sure I bring sexy back!” He busted out laughing, and everybody else did too because his laughter was contagious.

  “Hush your mouth, boy! You so silly! You got to bring sexy back!” Madear laughed. “Rudy I sure do miss your mama. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since she’s been gone.”

  “I know. I still can’t believe she’s gone.”

  “I tell you what though. Can’t nobody fry some chicken like your mama did,” Madear said.

  “I know that’s right, Madear! That woman knew she could so sho’ nuff outcook anybody in the kitchen,” Mama Eloise added.

  “Yeah, she could. I miss her pig feet and her oxtails too,” Rudy said. />
  “So, everybody’s doing okay? The family is okay? “Madear asked him.

  “Yeah, we’re hanging in there.”

  “That’s good. Eh, Cheek, come on in the den with us,” Junior said, stepping in because Madear would be asking a million questions.

  “I know y’all bet’ not be in there drinking on that little green monster!” Mama Eloise joked.

  When the men were out of earshot, she looked over at Lizzie and asked, “What’s a little green monster?”

  The ladies busted out laughing.

  “Mama, you don’t want to know!” Lizzie cracked up at the look on her mother’s face.

  ________

  “Thanks for the save. Madear will talk your ear off,” Rudy said.

  “Don’t we know it!” Junior laughed. “So, what’s the latest? What can you tell us? Do they have any idea on who did it? I mean, we have an idea, but do you know what’s going on?” Edem asked him.

  “Man, this is a high profile case so everybody’s on it. But trust and believe, they’re going to get behind who did this. Who do you think it is?”

  “Like we told them, you know we do have some enemies. But it’s no coincidence that us getting shot at, Mud actually getting shot, and now this, that somebody’s out to get us,” Junior said to him.

  “I don’t mean any harm, but what the hell did y’all do? Which one of y’all slept with somebody’s wife or something?”

  All in the Blanks brothers looked at each other.

  “You know how it is. People just be out to get you sometimes,” Edem chimed in.

  “Haters is one thing, but somebody’s trying to kill you, so this is more than haters. Y’all need to make sure your security is amped all the way up, because what if they had set fire to the sanctuary? I mean the Pavilion is bad enough. I don’t know why, but I suggest y’all need to be careful. That’s all I’m saying.”

  “I feel you. Trust me, we know,” Junior told him.

  “Well, I just wanted to stop by and check on the family. I got to get home, but first I gotta stop at Bojangles’ and get us something to eat.”

  Cheek said his goodbyes, and Junior walked him out to his truck.