The Yin Yang Effect

by Dana Littlejohn

  The Yin Yang Effect

  By Dana Littlejohn

  Warning

  This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language. It may be considered offensive to some readers. Ocean’s Mist Press’ e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase.

  Copyright (c) 2006 by Dana Littlejohn

  ISBN: 1-934057-00-2

  Cover art and design (c) 2006 by Jinger Heaston

  Look for us on the Web

  www.oceansmistpress.com

  Dedication

  First, I’d like to thank God for this gift and the courage to share it.

  To my mother, Beverly Hill… for reading everything I shoved your way.

  To my husband, Johnny, and our children, Lattie, Tajawa, Lee and Dejai… for putting up with the late night writing, the late dinners, no dinners and the blatant displays of schizophrenia I showed, while trying to get this book from my head to paper.

  Finally, to my dad, the late Henry Hill…who isn’t here to share this with me. RIP

  A hug, a kiss and big thanks to you all.

  Chapter 1

  On the start of a bright and hot work day, Pearl Jefferson waved goodbye to her twin sister, Opal. Opal flipped an impatient wave back at her, as she paced the floor, waiting for their roommate and best friend Debbie, to appear.

  “Come on, Deb, let’s go!” she screamed up the stairs for the third time.

  “I’m coming! I’m coming!”

  Hearing the phone ring, Opal stomped into the living room with an exasperated breath and sat heavily on the couch.

  “Yeah, hello,” she snapped and peeked over her shoulder, hearing Debbie run down the stairs.

  “Hello, may I speak with Debra Flores?” a man with a heavy Spanish accent said.

  She sat up and softened her tone. “Oh, yes, umm, who’s calling?”

  “Uncle Carlos.”

  “Ok, hold on.” She handed Debbie the phone when she walked in. “It’s for you. Uncle Carlos.”

  “Uncle Carlos? No way!” she said excitedly and plopped down next to her, snatching the phone. “Uncle Carlos!”

  Opal leaned back with her arms wrapped around her chest, as Debbie plunged into a loud Spanish conversation. Hanging up, more than half an hour later, she smiled at Opal’s scowl.

  “You know we don’t have time for breakfast now, right?”

  “Sorry, Chica, but that was Uncle Carlos.”

  “So he said.” She picked up her purse and grabbed Debbie’s hand, pulling her to the door.

  “So, Uncle Carlos is who?”

  “I’ve told you about him before. He’s my mother’s oldest brother.”

  “Oh yeah!” Opal locked the door behind them. “So what did this Uncle Carlos want?” She pushed her to the car.

  “Wait, wait, I think I forgot something.”

  “Tough.”

  “But…”

  She almost fell out the car as Opal pulled out onto the street. Frantically, she closed the door.

  “You know, just once I’d like to sit down and eat breakfast instead of wolfing down a bagel with jelly or a BLT.” She sent several quick looks between her and the road. “Is that so much to ask?”

  She dropped her head back. “Damn, Chica, do we have to go through this everyday?”

  “Yes, because you’re slow as hell everyday.”

  She sucked her teeth. “Not everyday. You can be such a bitch when you don’t eat. I swear!”

  “Hey! This isn’t bitchy. If I don’t get some food in the next 15 minutes--then you’ll see bitchy!”

  “Yeah, yeah. Same crap, different day. Anyway, Uncle Carlos wants me to come visit.”

  “Really?”

  “Yup, and guess what?”

  She turned into a McDonald’s drive thru. “What?”

  “Uncle Carlos says I can bring my roommates if I want,” she said with a triumphant smile.

  “Woo hoo! We’re going to New York City!”

  “Well, you’re at McDonald’s now. May I take your order?”

  She covered her mouth giggling. “Sorry.”

  After ordering, they drove off to the beauty shop that they co-owned with Pearl, ‘Double the Beauty’.

  “My, my, look at the time. A whole ten minutes to eat before everyone gets here.”

  The sarcasm dripped from her words, as she unlocked the door. “Whatever will I do with the time.

  “Will you just shut up and go in the back. I’ll turn on the lights and the stations before everyone gets here.” She shook her head as she watched her disappear in a back room.

  “Honey, you’re suppose to have all this done before we get here,” a male voice said from behind her.

  “Yeah? Well, you’re early and you always have the option to wait outside.”

  “Thanks, but no,” he said closing the door. “I’ll take care of my own station for you and watch you work on the others, girlfriend.” He sashayed over to the second station on the right and unloaded his duffel bag.

  Debbie continued the opening ritual as the other stylists showed up one by one.

  Opal came from the backroom and grabbed the appointment book from the front desk, before joining her crew on the floor.

  “Ok, ladies--and Sean--let’s make the world beautiful,” she said, pleasantly.

  “Humph, sister girl must have gotten some food this morning,” whispered a blonde girl to the left of Sean.

  “You didn’t have to single me out like that, girl.”

  “Aww, I’m sorry, Sean. Next time I’ll just stick with ‘ladies’, ok?” She gave him a quick smile then consulted the book. “Well, let’s see…Debbie, your favorite client will be in today at 9:30.” She sent a wink at her.

  “Great.” She sucked her teeth and sat heavily in her chair.

  “Shit, girl, if you don’t want him, just send his fine ass my way. I’ll sure take him.”

  “Sean, please leave that man alone. Just let him come in today and get his hair braided in peace. Ok?”

  His hand went to his chest. “Opal, you wound me with your accusations. I’m just as pleasant and social as anyone. Can’t I admire the incoming beauty like everyone else?” He said innocently, batting his eyes.

  “Whatever, Sean.”

  He snickered and spun in his chair.

  “He is a cutie, Debbie. Why don’t you want him?” the girl to the left of Sean asked.

  “Because he knows he’s a cutie, that’s why.”

  Sean stared at the girl on his left. “Girl, what have you done to your hair this time?”

  She ran her fingers through her pixie-cut, cotton candy pink hair and smiled. “You like it? I’m looking for a new summer color for this year.”

  He shook his head and sighed.

  “Ok, ok,” Opal said with a chuckle. “Let’s move on. Debbie you also have ‘Grandma’ coming in later around 11 o’clock, she said.”

  “Ok.” She went about setting up her station.

  “Angel, you have Mrs. Summers at 8 o’clock…” She took a quick look at the clock. “So, you’d better get ready. You know she hates to wait.”

  “Ok,” the girl with the pink hair said.

  “Sean, your girlfriend changed her appointment from 10:00 to 11:00.”

  “Of course she did. She’s never on time anyway.”

  “You know, Sean, if you ever get back on track and decide to date women, she’d be the first one in line,” said the blonde with a small laugh.

  He twisted his lips, looking her up and down. Her long blonde hair was twisted in the front, and the camouflage bandana she wore was tied backwards around her head.

  “I know you did not go there with me, girlfriend. You’re the l
ast one to be talking about getting back on track, when you look like Camouflage Barbie, Krystal.”

  Krystal rolled her eyes and smoothed her camouflage crop top while everyone laughed.

  “Ok, ok, settle down. Krystal, there’s a 12:30 hair appointment, a newcomer. I’m giving her to you, and Roxie is coming at 2:30 for a manicure and pedicure, ok?”

  “Gotcha, boss lady. Will there be any other techs in, or will I get all the walk-ins?”

  “Ming will be here today, but she won’t be in until after 12:00.” She closed the book. “Ok, ladies…” she said, sending a quick wink at Sean, who smiled at her, “that’s all the appointments for today. Remember our motto: treat the walk-ins with respect and courtesy and they’ll become our regulars.”

  She reached the desk just as bells on the back of the door rang, letting her know someone was coming in.

  “Hi, Mrs. Summers.” She slid the book across the desk. “Angel is all ready for you.”

  “Good morning, Opal. Thank you.” She walked across the floor to Angel’s station. “Good morning ladies…Sean.”

  He smiled at her then rolled his eyes.

  “Hi, Mrs. Summers.” She wrapped the cape around her neck. “What can I do for you today?”

  “Hook me up, girl. Tonight is date night with my husband!”

  Debbie walked to the desk. “Chica, call Pearl and tell her to meet us for lunch so we can tell her about New York.”

  “Ok.” She sat down and dialed her sister’s job.

  “Thank you for calling Little People Academy. How can I help you?” A pleasant female voice said.

  “Hi, Janet, it’s Opal. Can I speak to Pearl?”

  “Sure, Opal. How are you? Did you tell Sean I wanted my hair done Friday?”

  “I’m cool, girl, as always, and yes, I told him. Five fifteen, right?”

  “Yup. Hold on, I’ll transfer you.”

  There was a short pause while Opal tapped her pencil on the desk before Pearl came on the line.

  “Hello, this is Pearl Jefferson.”

  “Hello, baby sister,” she sang.

  “I don’t think two minutes makes me a baby sister, Opal.”

  “You’re not the baby sister by age, Puddin’, but by experience. Any who, what are your plans for lunch?”

  “A sandwich and salad in the break room is the working plan. Why, are you offering me something better?”

  “Yup. How about we come pick you up about noon?”

  “Hmm, you sound way to chipper for the A.M. What’s happened?”

  “You’re just going to have to wait until lunch time for that info, aren’t you?”

  “You suck,” she said laughing. “See you at noon.”

  “Bye. Ok, she’ll be ready. Where are we going?”

  “Hmm, how about…”

  “Applebee’s!” they said together. Laughing, they turned to the door as the bells sounded.

  “Ooh, who’s going to Applebee’s? Their riblets are delicious, child.”

  “Hi, Miss Betty. How are you?”

  “I’m fine, Opal, dear. How are you Debbie?”

  “I’m great, Miss Betty. I thought your usual day was Friday, it’s only Wednesday. I know you’re not that old.” She covered her mouth, snickering.

  “No, child, it’s not that bad…not yet.” She chuckled. “I was talking online with one of my male friends and he finally wants to meet. We’re meeting at the mall for lunch. So, I was wondering if someone could squeeze me in.”

  “Oh, you know better than that, Miss Betty. Anything for you.” She took her arm, linking it with her own, and walked her to the styling floor as Debbie followed.

  “Now, do you think this is wise, Miss Betty?”

  “Is what wise?”

  “You know…meeting some strange man online in real time. It could be dangerous. People don’t usually tell the truth out in cyberspace.”

  “Oh no, it’s not dangerous at all. My daughter Robin meets men from online all the time and everything turns out fine. Besides, I’m just a nice old lady looking for a nice old man to spend some time with. How dangerous can an old man be?” she asked.

  Opal and Debbie exchanged looks and sighed.

  “Ok, Miss Betty, if you say so. Debbie, can you get her washed? I’m gonna fix her hair myself.”

  “Sure, Chica. Come on, Miss Betty, let’s get you started.”

  Walk-ins and appointments kept the shop busy all morning. Opal and Debbie slipped out just before noon to pick Pearl up and headed out to Applebee’s.

  “All I’m saying is it sounds like a lack of trust to me,” Opal said, walking into the restaurant.

  “Uggh! What? All I said was I just can’t show up late from lunch whenever I want. All I get is an hour,” her sister said, coming in behind her. “That’s why I drove my own car.”

  “So, you don’t trust us to get you back to work on time. Well, you could be a few minutes late if you worked at the shop that you owned, you know.”

  “I don’t want to work at the shop anymore. I like working with the kids at the preschool.”

  Debbie shook her, coming up behind them. “Don’t mind them, they do this all the time. Three for nonsmoking, please,” she said to the greeter.

  She smiled. “Ok, follow me.”

  The twins argued as they followed the greeter and at the table, stopping only to order their drinks.

  “Hey, enough! Shit! You guys will drive anybody to drink.” She took a long sip from her glass and stared at it. “To bad it’s the middle of a work day or I’d be able to add something to this Sprite. Now…” she put the glass down, “…let’s get down to why we’re here, ok?”

  “Sorry, Deb, you’re right. What’s your news?”

  “Ok, this morning my Uncle Carlos called and he wants me to visit.”

  “Uncle Carlos? Isn’t that your mom’s oldest brother?”

  Debbie twisted her lips at Opal. “Hmm, see Chica, Pearl pays attention.”

  Opal rolled her eyes and sipped her lemonade.

  “Anyway, yeah, that’s him. He wants me to visit and he says I can bring my roommates with me.”

  “What? Us in New York City? That would be so cool.”

  “Yeah, I know. I haven’t been there for years. He wants us there for the 4th of July. Every year he and my other uncles get together for a kick ass barbecue.”

  “The 4th? That’s in two weeks.”

  “Not a problem for us, baby sister. That’s one of the perks to being your own boss.”

  “Stop calling me baby sister. It is kind of short notice, isn‘t it Debbie?”

  “Its two weeks advance notice. How much time does it take to get things in order for you to go?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’ll ask anyway. How long will we stay?”

  “He wants us to stay for at least a week. Come on, Pearl, work it out. He’s paying for everything.”

  She smiled. “Ok, I’ll see what I can do.”

  Chapter 2

  After lunch they went their separate ways, finishing out the day and meeting back at home for dinner.

  “I have to leave right after dinner, ok?” Pearl said, pulling apart a head of lettuce in the sink.

  “Why?” Opal asked.

  “Because, Chica, she’s got a booty call with her mystery man again,” she said, in a teasing voice.

  “That’s right.” She giggled. “So, don’t wait up.”

  “Don’t wait up, huh? You’ve got school tomorrow, young lady.” She shook her finger at her, smiling.

  “Don’t worry about that, I’ll be there.”

  “So, umm, when do we meet this boyfriend of yours?”

  “He’s not my boyfriend,” she said quickly, then cleared her throat. “We just hook up every now and then, that’s all.”

  “Hmm, so what’s wrong with him?” Opal asked putting breadsticks in the oven.

  She stopped smiling. “Nothing is wrong with him.”

  “So why are you hiding him?”<
br />
  “I’m not hiding him.” She tried to hide the edge in her voice as she ripped at the lettuce. “I don’t question you guys on your booty calls.”

  “Yeah, but you’ve been sneaking around seeing this guy for months. A booty call is when you call him, you let him tap it, and you don’t call him again until you want some again.” She pointed at her. “But you’ve been hanging out with this guy as well as giving him some. That puts him in a whole different category. So, I think you’re either hiding him or he doesn’t exist.” She waited for a reply that never came. With her hands on her hips she sighed and turned to Debbie.

  “Can I get a ruling on this one, Deb?”

  Debbie dumped the spaghetti into the colander and turned on the water while the twins stared at her.

  “Well?”

  She sighed and looked at Pearl. “Well, I think I’m going to have to side with Chica this time, Pearl.”

  She threw her hands up. “There’s a big shock.”

  “Hey! Don’t be like that. I don’t side with her on everything.”

  “Ain’t that the truth!”

  “Chica, shut up. Now look, Pearl, you have been sneaking around with this guy for a minute and we still don’t know him. He doesn’t take you anywhere but to his house to fuck you. Something is clearly wrong with that. He doesn’t even call you. He could be a killer or something for all we know...for all you know, for that matter.”

  She sighed and sat down. “He’s not a murderous killer. He’s so sweet and loving… It’s not that he doesn’t want to meet you guys, he does.” She sighed again and her voice was smaller. “It’s…it’s me.”

  They looked at each other and sat across from her. Debbie lifted her head.

  “Why?”

  She turned away from her. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  Opal and Debbie looked at each other, sighed and finished making dinner.

  ***

  “So now what?” Opal said, sitting on the couch after dinner.

  “I don’t know.”

  “I don‘t either, but if she won‘t talk to us…” She sighed and refilled her glass.

  “Hey, you know who we haven’t seen for a while?”

  Debbie shook her head and held out her glass.

  “Roy, our little boy toy.”