The Bad Twin

by Shelia Goss

  They hugged and he swung her around. “If I would have known I was going to get this type of reaction, I would have tried to track you down years ago.”

  “Why didn’t you? You know I’m a single lady now.”

  Pierre took her hand and they walked through the backyard. “I kind of heard about that. You’re looking fly as usual.”

  She leaned her head back and grinned. “Compliments like that might get you somewhere.”

  He said admiringly, “My, my, my. Little Violet has grown up. The last time I saw you, you had just graduated from college and was about to marry some buster brown looking dude.”

  “Come on. If you wouldn’t have abandoned me, I would have saved myself for you.”

  “Please. Your daddy wasn’t going to let you marry me. He wouldn’t even let you accept my phone calls.”

  “Phone calls?” Violet asked, with a quizzical look on her face.

  “Yes, when I left for the service, I tried to call you and you were always conveniently out, so I assumed you had moved on without me.”

  Violet was stunned, because she was heart broken when she hadn’t heard from Pierre. He had claimed to understand why she wanted to remain a virgin until marriage. She assumed he didn’t want her anymore and had found him someone more experienced. “I’m learning something new tonight.”

  They walked until they stood in front of Pierre’s truck. He let the back of the truck down and they sat and talked for a while. He held her hand and said, “I guess we had some communication problems.”

  “Ain’t that the truth?” Violet said. “So why don’t you catch me up on what’s been going on with you. Seems like you’ve gotten the 4-1-1 on me already.”

  Pierre looked out into the night while he went over his life. “I’m now divorced and I try to see my two kids, Jalen, who’s ten and Justice, who’s eight, every chance I get. Lately, because of work, it’s only been every other weekend as stated in the custody papers.”

  They talked for at least an hour catching up with one another.

  “Well, here we are now,” Pierre stated.

  She sat there and admired him as he talked. She wanted to reach out and touch his face. His hazel eyes still sparkled when he laughed.

  Audrey yelled from the back door, “Violet, where are you?”

  Violet responded, “I’m right here.”

  Audrey went on to say, “Everyone was wondering where you were.”

  “Just tell them I’m enjoying the night air. I’ll be back in shortly.”

  Violet and Pierre heard the screen door shut. Pierre stood up and held her hand as she jumped down from the back of the truck. “Ms Lady, looks like I’ve taken up enough of your time.” He hesitated before saying, “I’ll let you get back to your family.” He walked her back to the porch. “I would like to take you out at least once while you’re here, if you don’t mind.”

  Violet smiled and in a flirty tone responded, “Maybe. Call me at my mom’s and we’ll see what happens.”

  He tipped his hat. “I’ll do that. Good night.”

  She went back into the house and from the way things looked, everyone had split up and were in different parts of the house. The older people were in one room, while the younger adults and kids were in another. She found her mother and sat down on the floor beside her.

  Pearle leaned down and whispered, “Why don’t you go mingle with some of your cousins?”

  “Actually, I’m really tired, so if you don’t mind, I’ll see if I can catch a ride back to the house.”

  Pearle looked at the time and decided to leave as well. “Go see if Rose is ready to leave. If she isn’t, tell her she’ll need to catch a ride with someone else.”

  She uncrossed her legs and went to search for Rose. Everyone in the room was joking and laughing. She stopped and talked to some of her relatives. When she saw Rose, she said, “Mama said she’s ready to go, but if you would like to stay, just have someone drop you off.”

  Rose responded, “Audrey and several of us are going to the riverboat casinos. Do you want to come?”

  “I don’t think so,” Violet stated. “I don’t really gamble.”

  Audrey walked over and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. “Come on. Besides, we haven’t hung out in ages. You don’t have to gamble; you can just watch us. It’ll be fun.”

  Violet shook her head no. “Maybe next time.”

  “Please,” Audrey begged.

  Violet started to feel guilty for being anti-social. “Okay. I’ll go this time.”

  They all grabbed their keys and purses and headed for the door. Violet went to inform Pearle of her change of plans. Pearle was thrilled she had decided to hang out with her cousins and sister. Pearle hugged her and said, “Don’t worry about coming in late. I’ll keep the porch light on for you girls.”

  She looked forward to hanging out with her cousins, but hoped she didn’t have to ride in the same car as Rose.

  52

  ROSE

  I’m surprised Violet’s coming. Actually, I didn’t expect her to say yes, even after Audrey asked her. I guess, she decided not to be anti-social after all. I’m only taking a thousand dollars with me, or else I will end up at the casino all night. I should have worn something more casual. Oh well, I never know who I’ll run into.

  Rose and Violet rode in Audrey’s burgundy Ford Taurus. Rose sat in the front with Audrey and Violet sat in the back seat next to two of their other cousins, Shaye and Michelle.

  Audrey lowered the music. “Violet, I heard a blast from your past showed up tonight.”

  Rose turned her head slightly so she wouldn’t miss any of the conversation. Violet responded, “Yes. He heard I was here and came over.”

  Audrey acted as if she wanted to say something, but stopped in mid-sentence. Instead she said, “He’s divorced and doing quite nicely for himself.”

  “And fine as I don’t know what too,” Shaye chimed in and said.

  Rose remained quiet, but the others continued talking about how fine and sexy Pierre looked.

  When the three carloads of relatives got to the casino, the parking lot was full. Rose paid for all of them to valet park so they wouldn’t have to worry about walking a mile to get from and to their cars.

  Before separating in the casino, they all synchronized their watches and vowed to meet back in the same spot within two hours. When they went through the security entrance to the casino section, the agent asked to see Rose’s license and looked at her twice. He acted excited to see her. “Ma’am, do you think I could get your autograph?”

  Rose, not wanting to hold up the line behind her, told him, “I’ll do it on my way out.” He accepted her response and she waited on the side while her sister and cousins were carded.

  Shaye blurted out, “They must be carding everyone.”

  “Either that or they’re blind. I look every bit of thirty,” Audrey seriously stated.

  Everyone turned and looked at Audrey. Rose said, what she assumed everybody was thinking, “Thirty. If you’re just thirty, that makes us all a day shy of twenty-one.”

  Audrey laughed. “I remember my twenties.”

  They laughed and all went separate ways. Some went in the direction of the slot machines, while others went toward the roulette and poker tables. Rose stood there and tried to decide if she wanted to play black jack or roulette. She decided on black jack. She won a couple hands and took her chances on playing the slot machines.

  Word had gotten out that she was in the casino. People were beginning to stare no matter where she went. While she stood in line to cash in her chips and get change for the slot machines, the manager on duty walked over to her and asked, “Ms. Purdue, are you enjoying your time here?”

  Rose turned around hoping not to cause a scene. “Yes. Thanks. There is no need for special treatment.”

  He extended his hands out. “If by chance the attention becomes overwhelming, please don’t hesitate to use our security.”

  Rose sh
ook his hand. The line had moved and she now stood in front of the cashier. She found an empty slot machine and after sitting down, she noticed Violet sitting two seats down.

  As soon as the seat next to her became vacant, Rose got up and went to it. She plopped down with her bucket of coins. “Hi. Violet.”

  Violet looked up. “Hi.”

  “How are the slots playing?” Rose asked her. “I’ve been playing the tables most of the night.”

  Violet continued to pull the lever while talking. “They’re okay. I just started playing. I was watching some of the others at the tables and got bored.”

  Rose placed a quarter in the machine and won twenty dollars on her first pull. “I think I might stay at this one.” She turned her attention back to Violet. “It can get boring after a minute. Especially when you’re not playing or if you’re losing.”

  Violet didn’t say anything else to her, so Rose continued to play in silence. Audrey walked up behind them and said, “There you two are. We’re ready to blow this joint and head over to another casino.”

  Everyone cashed in their coins or chips. They piled into the cars and drove over to another casino located across the river. Before Audrey made it to the other casino, Rose balled over in pain. “Ladies, I don’t mean to ruin your night, but I need to go home.”

  Audrey slowed the car down. “What’s wrong?”

  “My side is killing me. It feels like someone has a sledgehammer pounding it repeatedly.”

  Audrey called Shaye from her cell phone and informed them of their change of plans.

  “Where are we going?” Rose asked, after Audrey made a quick u-turn.

  “It could be your kidney, appendix or anything but I’m no doctor, so I’m not taking any chances.”

  “I want to go to my mama’s.”

  “You will only if the doctor says you’re fine,” Audrey insisted.

  When they pulled up to Lifeway Hospital, James, Audrey’s brother, carried her in. Violet had remained quiet the entire trip.

  Rose tried to tell the nurse her symptoms through the pain. At first the admitting nurse wanted to direct them to the state hospital, but as soon as she recognized who Rose was, she quickly changed her tune. Rose was soon admitted into the hospital. They ran several tests. Rose felt completely exhausted. She couldn’t remember who was there with her, because the pain medication they had injected began to take effect.

  The pain medicine allowed her to sleep throughout the night. The next morning when she woke up, she noticed Pearle, Aunt Mae, and Violet surrounding her. She tried to shake off the drowsiness. “Hey there. Why is everyone looking so gloomy?

  Pearle held her hand. “You had us worried for a minute.”

  Aunt Mae came closer to the bed and stated, “The doctor is making his rounds now, so he’ll be by any minute.”

  Rose watched as Violet turned the page of her newspaper. Before she could say anything, the door opened and as if on cue, Doctor Frieson and a nurse walked in. Dr. Frieson asked, “How’s our patient this morning?”

  Rose tried to sit up. “Better than when I came in last night, that’s for sure.”

  He started probing and then continued to say, “I’ve looked over your tests and you no longer have a fever, so we’re going to release you today, but I need to inform you of some things.”

  “What?” Rose asked, as her family gathered around to listen.

  “You have a bladder infection, and the early stages of pneumonia. Have you been feeling ill?”

  “No, not until tonight,” Rose responded.

  “Well we kept you overnight because you were dehydrated and to make sure we got some antibiotics in your system. Fortunately we caught the pneumonia in time and once treated, you’ll be all right. I would suggest that you drink more water and lay off the alcohol and soda.” He handed her a couple of prescriptions. “I also suggest that you get plenty of rest. I want you to follow up with your personal physician when you get back home. If you start feeling worse, call my office.”

  “Thank you Doctor Frieson.”

  “Just get well, that’s all the thanks I need.” He shook her hand and then he and the nurse exited the room.

  Rose was released from the hospital and once she made it to Pearle’s house, she headed straight to her bedroom. The doctor insisted she get plenty of rest and she intended to do so, at least for the next few days.

  53

  VIOLET

  I didn’t plan on spending part of my vacation catering to the Drama Queen. Mom has to go down to south Louisiana with Aunt Mae today to check on another relative, so now I’m stuck with making sure Rose is comfortable. She was asleep when I checked on her a few minutes ago. I don’t see why Mom always has to be the good Samaritan in the family.

  ***

  Violet cooked a hearty breakfast. She placed some grits, scrambled eggs, and two slices of bacon and a slice of toast on a plate and then put it on a tray. She also made sure she included a pitcher of ice water. She carried the tray upstairs. She knocked on the door before entering Rose’s room. She heard Rose say something, and assumed she said come in, so she opened the door and placed the tray on a little table in the room.

  “I brought you a little something, since you’re supposed to keep your strength up.”

  “Thanks,” Rose said. “You can leave it there. I need to get up so I can at least wash my face and hands.”

  Violet couldn’t remember seeing Rose act this dependent since they were kids. “Let me help you.”

  Rose leaned on her while getting up out of the bed. “Wow. I didn’t realize this medicine would keep me in the bed like this. I had different plans for my mini-vacation.”

  “I know what you mean,” Violet said as she helped her up. “Me too.”

  Rose was able to walk to the bathroom and Violet waited to make sure she was okay. When she returned, Violet sat the table closer to the bed and left Rose alone. The doorbell was ringing as she walked down the stairs. She looked out of the peephole and after recognizing who was on the other end she opened the door. “Pierre.”

  Pierre gave her a hug. “How are you beautiful?”

  They walked into the living room and each took a seat on the couch. Violet asked, “What brings you over this way?”

  “I was driving by and was going to call, and opted for stopping by instead. Hoping your mom didn’t throw me out before I had a chance to see you again.”

  She laughed. “My mom is not here and she wouldn’t have done that.”

  “Sure. I think your whole family conspired against me.”

  “Yes, we took it upon ourselves to cause you grief,” Violet said sarcastically.

  “I’m sorry,” he said as he took her hand in his. “What got you in a foul mood?”

  Violet responded, “Nothing. Rose got sick and now she has to be on bed rest for a few days and I got stuck taking care of her while my Mom goes to see about another sick relative.”

  “Calm down. Come here and lean on my shoulder.”

  She leaned on him and she felt as if the strain from being at home had lifted and released itself, just from Pierre surrounding her with his arms. “I’m sorry. I know you didn’t come over to hear about my issues.”

  He brushed her hair slightly with his hand. “I came to see you and to find out if I still stood a chance after all of these years.”

  Violet looked at him with a bewildered look. “Pierre, our lives have taken different paths. We can’t go back to the way we were. I didn’t even know what being a woman was about back then. I’ll be celebrating my fortieth birthday this year.”

  He took her hand in his again and looked into her eyes. “You are as beautiful today as you were twenty something years ago. I don’t expect to pick up where we left off, because I too have matured. I want the opportunity to see you again.”

  She held her hand up in protest. “Don’t. We both know that relationships seem to be destined to doom, let alone a long distance one. Besides, I’m working on a project that wil
l keep me busy for at least the next few years.”

  He planted a kiss on the back of her hand. “I’m not going to give up on you. It’ll be an adjustment, but it can work. I’ll let it drop for now, because I know you have a lot going on.”

  She sighed with relief. “Thank you.”

  He looked down at his watch and as he stood up, he said, “I need to get back to work, but think about it.”

  Violet walked him to the door. The chemistry between them was undeniable and before Pierre could leave, he kissed her passionately. She tried to suppress a moan, but failed. They kissed for what seemed like hours, but it was only a few seconds. She pulled away. “You better get going.”

  “I will, only if you promise to see me again before you leave.”

  She pushed him out the door. “I promise. Now go.”

  He waved as he backed out of the driveway. She waved back and then closed the door. When she turned around, Rose was standing at the head of the stairways. She asked, “How long have you been there?”

  “Long enough to see the long and I do mean long heated kiss.”

  Violet smiled for the first time at something her sister had said since they had been at their mom’s. “Don’t read more into it, than what it was. It was just a kiss.”

  “Whatever you say. I was coming downstairs to get me some more water. I’ve been guzzling it down all morning,” Rose handed her the pitcher.

  “I’ll bring some more up in a minute.”

  Violet walked to the kitchen. Before opening the refrigerator, she paused and placed her index finger over her lips. She could still feel the effects from Pierre’s kiss.

  54

  ROSE

  Although I came here to see Mom, I’m glad she left when she did, so Violet could be here to help me. I was actually feeling better the day Mom left for South Louisiana, but didn’t want to pass on the chance of having Violet wait on me hand and foot .At least we’re communicating now. Today will be the day I let them know that I’m one hundred percent better and treat them both to a nice dinner out.