“I’ll get my purse and change. I’ll be right back.”
Aunjanue took her purse from the chair and went to the bathroom. She turned the faucet on and scrounged around in her purse for a sharp object. She knew a fingernail file would make a small dent in her plan, but she couldn’t find it. Lasheera gave her a hard time about keeping a junky purse; today she understood why. Were it not for moving the church programs and her mini sketch pads around, she would have missed it. She removed the black box from her purse and set it on the counter. She’d kept the key in a separate compartment in her bag. She removed it and opened the box for the first time. Photos and paper filled the top of the box. She turned the water off and sat on the toilet to view the pictures. Ms. Mag, her husband, and Felicia stood outside a church on Easter. The red brick façade of the church was the perfect backdrop for their pastel ensembles and the huge Easter basket Felicia cradled. Aunjanue flipped through photo after photo, then shifted to the strips of paper underneath the photos. Ms. Mag had scribbled illegible messages on the slips. Felicia. Fight. Don’t let Henry get by. Aunjanue set the papers aside and noticed a second compartment in the box. She unlocked it as well, then noticed the items. She slipped one of the items in her bra, flushed the toilet, and rejoined Todd in bed, cradling his back. He removed her arms.
“Did you take care of what you needed?”
“I did. Is everything okay? You seem different all of a sudden. Did I do something wrong?”
“A woman’s cycle is an intimate time. I don’t want to disturb your flow of life.”
“You’re not disturbing me.”
“Listen, I’m going to get some ice.”
“Wait, don’t go.” She undid the bed covers, wrapped herself in a sheet, and asked Todd to lie down. He listened to her; his discomfort increasing as she mounted him.
“I wanted to thank you for bringing us here. We’re going to have such a good time. I’ve waited a long time to be with you. Close your eyes so I can kiss you.”
He smiled and did as he was told. She removed the mace from her bra and vigorously sprayed his face. He screamed and rubbed his eyes, clawing and grasping at the air to find her. He made it to the floor and stumbled. She kicked him, held the sheet tighter to her body, and grabbed her purse. She ran from the room and didn’t care who saw her, or what anyone thought. She took the stairs to the front lobby, grateful they’d only gone to the second floor.
“Please help me!” she said to the front desk clerk. “The man I came with is my teacher and he tried to rape me.”
The clerk eyed her suspiciously, then remembered the Amber Alert.
“Come back here in the office while I call the police.”
Aunjanue followed her, giving her key information about the situation. Her heart raced, and all she wanted to do was hear her family’s voices.
“Ma’am, please let me call my family before the authorities get here.”
The clerk obliged and gave Aunjanue the phone and privacy.
“I’ll be waiting right out here ’til the police come. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Chapter 53
Todd Sibley was arrested outside Fairfield Suites in his underwear. Authorities found passports and a large amount of spending money in the trunk of his second vehicle. One officer held up a pair of handcuffs from the car. Aunjanue, still inside the hotel, stared straight ahead, her voice never rising above a whisper. She sipped on hot chocolate the clerk had given her and was grateful her clothes were retrieved from the trunk of Todd’s car.
“You’re a very brave young lady,” said the officer. “It took a lot of quick thinking on your part to bring this guy down. He’s wanted in three states.”
Aunjanue nodded and looked at her watch. Hours had passed, and she felt a bit of relief that one predator was off the streets. Still, she couldn’t wait until Lake and Lasheera arrived.
“Did you want to lie down?” the clerk asked.
“No, I’m fine right here.”
She didn’t want to see the television, nor could she stomach anything news related. First, her mother, then Lasheera, and now the Amber Alert. It seemed they were magnets for drama and strife. She sat in the hotel wondering how she could put an end to the chaos that was her life. She would be leaving for Spelman in August, and she wanted nothing more than the last five years of her life to disappear.
“Onnie,” Lasheera said as she walked into the hotel’s office.
Aunjanue’s face beamed as Lasheera walked in the room. She was equally excited to see Lake and Tawatha. For the first time, she’d felt kinship with Tawatha.
“Aunjanue, I’m so sorry this happened!” That was all Lasheera could say before the tears fell. The four of them fell into an embrace, and Aunjanue, still shaken, wished they could stay clustered in the circle forever. She never wanted to be left alone, nor was she sure she could trust again.
“Tarsha wanted to come, but her parents wouldn’t allow it,” said Lasheera.
“Ditto for Roger. They said they would come tomorrow if you are up for company,” said Lake. “I told them that would be your call.”
“I’m not up for company. I want to go home and stay there. I was only one class away from completion. I hope I’ll be allowed to take the class at home.”
“Don’t isolate yourself, Onnie,” said Tawatha.
Aunjanue stared at Tawatha. After all the resentment she harbored for her mother, she looked at the woman who saved her life. Had she not witnessed Tawatha’s errant behavior, or opened the black box and embraced Ms. Mag’s gift from the grave, she’d still be in Todd’s hands.
“I’m not isolating myself, Momma. I need time to sort things out.”
Lasheera ended the tension. “We have a long ride to Indianapolis in the morning. Let’s get a room here in the city tonight and head back tomorrow.”
They agreed and left Fairfield Inn, the family forming a shield around Aunjanue.
Chapter 54
Victoria gave her invitation to the receptionist at the ballroom entry. She checked them in, Faulk, party of four, and directed them toward the Grand Ballroom.
“Are you nervous?” Yvette asked.
“Not really. I’m more… I can’t explain it. It’s not nervousness, though. I want to get this over.”
“We’re here for backup,” quipped Emory.
“You need armed guards if this thing goes downhill,” said Carl.
Victoria sighed and punched Carl’s arm. They were seated at table forty-one, and made their way through the ever-growing crowd.
“Check out this setup,” Yvette whispered to Victoria.
“It is very elegant,” said Victoria.
The tropical theme was breathtaking. Emory, Carl, Victoria, and Yvette sat at an oblong table decked in white linen and pink and yellow plumerias. Lush greenery filled the room. The warm and inviting evening, perfect for a party, was just the right vibe for the night’s happenings.
“All we’re missing is a beach and sand,” said Emory.
“Speaking of which, don’t forget the Cancun trip in July. I’ve taken off work for some fun in the sun,” said Carl.
Victoria smiled at Carl. This would be the first time she’d taken a couples trip since her divorce. Victoria scanned the faces and saw a few familiars. “There’s Aruba’s grandmother, Maxie,” she said to Yvette. “I’m going over to speak to her.”
Victoria made her way to Aruba’s grandmother. Maxie stopped talking midsentence to greet her.
“Victoria! I’m so glad you made it. I saw your name on the guest list and hoped you’d be here.”
“I wanted to be here. After I ran into Bria, I missed the fellowship we used to have.” She pointed to her table. “I’m over here with my friends, Yvette and Carl, and my fiancé, Emory. Would you like to meet them?”
“I most certainly would.”
Maxie made her way through the crowd, greeting friends and family members, and hugging a few of the neighbors who’d driven to Atlanta fr
om Harlem.
“Everyone, this is Maxie, Aruba’s grandmother. Maxie, this is my friend, Yvette, and her husband, Carl. This handsome stunner is my fiancé, Emory Wilkerson.”
Emory kissed Maxine’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Maxie.”
Maxie feigned dizziness. “You still know how to pick ’em.”
She sat at the table with them and made small talk. She stopped the waiters and took champagne from the tray. Carl, Yvette, Emory, and Victoria followed her lead.
“This party almost didn’t happen,” said Maxie.
“Why?” asked Victoria.
“You know my granddaughter is a stubborn old mule. She’s still not ready to remarry, but James insisted on some celebration to let family and friends know they’d reunited.”
“That’s awesome,” said Victoria. After five years, she spoke sincerely and wished Aruba well.
“Here they come now,” said Maxie. “Old lovebirds.”
Aruba and James entered the ballroom arm in arm. The crowd stood and applauded. Victoria took in Aruba’s Greek goddess attire. The white, Grecian silk dress stopped just above her knees. Her diamond headpiece accented her thick Goddess braids perfectly. The love flowing between Aruba and James was undeniable as they greeted guests throughout the room. When they neared Victoria’s table, Aruba’s face lit up. She embraced her old friend with a lingering hug. Victoria welcomed the tight squeeze.
“You look incredible, Aruba. It’s good to see you also, James.”
James greeted Victoria as well. “I’m glad you came, Victoria.” James eyed her guests.
“Excuse my manners. These are my friends, Yvette and Carl. This is my fiancé, Emory.”
The word fiancé widened James’s eyes. “Nice to meet you all.” He turned to Aruba. “Baby, I’m going to check on the drinks. I’ll be back.” He kissed her lips and headed to the bar.
“Aruba, may I speak with you in private?”
Yvette winced at the request. “Are you sure this is a good time, Victoria? It’s a party, after all.”
“It’s okay,” said Aruba.
Victoria followed Aruba to a room in back of the ballroom. She’d rehearsed her speech a million times at home, but decided to speak from her heart. Aruba smoothed her braids and took a seat on a sofa in the room.
“I want to get this off my chest while I have the chance. I have been so angry with you since my marriage ended that I didn’t know what to do. When Bria told me about the suicide attempt, I had a change of heart. If you had died, I would have never gotten a chance to see you face-to-face to start the healing process, and I would have never got a chance to say, I forgive you.”
Aruba teared up.
“I blamed you for so many things. I hate to admit this, but I did wish you had died. The thought of you taking your life brought me back to reality. Jeremiah would be motherless, and a lot of people would be without your friendship.”
“But I did so many horrible things to you.”
“Winston and I had been distant for a long time. I think the attention you gave him made him realize he was missing genuine partnership. If it hadn’t been you, it would have been another woman.”
“Don’t let me off the hook.”
“I’m not. I wouldn’t wish your payback on anyone.”
Aruba cried now. Victoria found some Kleenex and gave them to her old friend.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry. I wanted you to know everything is all right.”
“I’m happy for you and Emory. He seems like a wonderful man.”
“He is. I got a winner. Trust me when I tell you I won’t take him for granted. By the way, it’s good to see you and James back together.”
“We still have a long way to go, but I didn’t realize how much I still loved him until…”
Victoria held her friend’s hand, hoping the mention of suicide wouldn’t darken the conversation. This was supposed to be a happy time.
“Wait, you hear it?” asked Aruba, patting her feet.
“Theme song, right?”
Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack’s “Back Together Again” wafted in the room.
“James has it playing at the top of every hour with the sole purpose of everyone doing the Electric Slide.”
Aruba saw the concern on Victoria’s face.
“Come on, Victoria, it’s a group dance. You can do it. You can dance next to me.”
They doubled over in laughter, reminiscing about Victoria’s lack of rhythm.
“You lead the way, old friend,” said Victoria
“Gladly,” said Aruba.
They joined everyone on the dance floor. Emory took Victoria’s hand, leading her through the steps. James and Aruba danced next to them, the four of them pumping their fists and reciting lyrics. “Doo doo doo doo doo, Doo doo doo doo yeah, Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. Back together again.”
Chapter 55
Families descended on the Indiana State Fairgrounds for North Central High School’s graduation. Aunjanue mailed out invitations three months ago, and she was pleased at the response she’d received from family members and friends. Her greatest joy came when her grandfather, Shirley Gipson, RSVP’d. Now confined to a wheelchair and in constant need of an oxygen tank, she was elated he’d agreed to make the trip. She was also excited that her aunts and uncle, Candice, Connie, and Carson, would be attendance.
Tawatha helped her dress for the special occasion after Aunjanue requested her presence. Lasheera couldn’t mask her disappointment, but she relented, hoping their mother-daughter relationship would be mended over time. Tawatha asked Aunjanue to step back for one last glance.
“You look beautiful, baby. The dress suits you. You’re a chip off the old block.”
“Thanks, Momma. Help me zip up my gown.”
Tawatha helped her zip up the gown and place her cap on. Aunjanue took in the bittersweet moment. She wished her siblings could be there to see her walk across the stage to receive her diploma. The “They’re smiling down from heaven” cliché wasn’t soothing her today. If they were alive, they’d run up to her, give her a bear hug, and rip her cap off or play with her tassel. Those were the siblings and memories she embraced.
“What are you thinking about, Onnie?”
“S’n’c’r’ty, Grant, and Sims. I wish they were here.”
“They are. In spirit.”
“Momma, give me my perfume,” she said, ignoring Tawatha’s words.
Tawatha sprayed Aunjanue with Shower Fresh. She wanted Aunjanue to do as little as possible on her special day.
“I’m going to join everyone else in the stands,” she said.
“Remember, Momma, no screaming or yelling in the stands. You’ll be removed from the stadium if you do.”
“We’ll be as quiet as church mice. I promise.”
Aunjanue shook her head. She knew how loud her mother was, and she didn’t want to be embarrassed.
“Who’s in the stands?” she asked.
“The family and Stephanie.”
“I didn’t think she’d accept my invitation. I feel terrible about what happened with Ca… Todd.”
“She wants to make things up to you. She feels guilty about bringing him to the city.”
“I can’t wait to hold CJ later tonight. I bet he’s getting chunkier by the day.”
Tawatha closed in on the space between them. “Onnie, I’m so proud of you. Not just on your graduation, but weathering so many storms. You’ve had to deal with more drama and pain than most people will ever experience. I want you to stay strong.”
“I’m not strong, Momma. I want better than I’ve seen all my life.”
“I’ve said it a million times, but I’m sorry about the fire. I’m trying to do better, baby. Jamilah hooked me up with a counselor, and I’m working now and taking care of business for myself.”
“I know, Momma.”
“I’m trying to apologize for bringing all those men around when you all were small. I wanted you
all to have a father figure, but I didn’t know how to do it without sacrificing myself.”
“Momma, do you know you saved me from Todd?”
“What do you mean?”
“I remembered how you pulled a fast one on Big Jake one night. How you fooled him into giving you money for the lights and the groceries. I heard everything and saw how you used him.”
“I…”
“Don’t be ashamed. I used the same game on Todd. He fell for it and thought I loved him. I wouldn’t be here with you if I hadn’t seen you work your magic.”
“I’m embarrassed. I’m not that person anymore, Onnie. I’m trying to get better day by day.”
“It’s good you’ve had a paradigm shift.”
“You sound like Royce.” Tawatha unzipped her purse. “By the way, he sent you this card and gift. I’m sure it’s money inside. He delivered it to Jamilah since I’ve been banned from his premises.”
“I’ll send him a thank you card with everyone else’s.” Aunjanue adjusted her cap once more. “I have to join my classmates. Thanks for your help, Momma.”
Tawatha left the bathroom and waved to Tarsha and Roger, who were outside waiting for Aunjanue. She watched as the three of them joined the processional.
“How is she doing?” Lasheera asked. Tawatha sat in the family’s designated rows in the stands.
“She’s nervous but ready for this night to be over. She says she’s okay, but I’m worried about her.”
“How’s my granddaughter doing in there?” Shirley asked.
“Our granddaughter is doing well. It’s good to see you, Shirley,” said Roberta.
They gave each other a knowing glance that said time had healed the wounds between them. J.B. held Roberta closer.
Lake and Lasheera held CJ. Stephanie was quiet, paranoid the family blamed her for the incidents that unfolded. She wanted to attend the graduation because she’d grown to think of the Carvins as family. She refused to visit Todd in jail, and filed for divorce the night of the arrest. There was nothing he could say to her or her son, and there would be no turning back with him. He’d made a fool of her, knowing he preferred young girls instead of women. Perhaps she could make it up to Aunjanue in time.
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