Soulful Strut

by Emery, Lynn

  After three knocks, Danica stuck her head in Monette’s door without coming in. “Hi. At the risk of getting something thrown at me, I’m going to ask anyway. How’s it going?”

  “I’ve sworn off violence, so you’re safe. And I think you already know how it’s going.” Monette motioned for her to enter.

  Danica nodded as she walked in. She sat down in a chair facing Monette’s desk. “Yes. Some days if it ain’t one thing it’s another; or a hundred.”

  “How do you deal with these social workers and paper shufflers all day without slapping somebody?” Monette rubbed her stiff neck muscles. “Makes me think about the crap they put me through.”

  “Then you know why I keep at it. Too much is at stake. Besides, most of them really want to do the right thing. I try to make them allies. Works ninety percent of the time.” Danica beamed with youthful optimism.

  “You’re young and still confident you can change the world. I like that.” Monette smiled back at her. “I’m going to search hard until I find the silver lining, too.” “Excellent.” Danica’s bright expression turned serious. “I read that article in the newspaper. Don’t take that kind of poison inside. Shrug it off.”

  Monette felt heaviness in her chest when she thought about Winn and the pardon hearing. “I want the record cleaned up for the sake of my kids. I need them to have a reason to be proud of me.”

  “I’m sure they are proud of you, Monette. Look at all you’ve done. Sure, your lawyer helped you get out of prison, but you had to convince him to help you. You had what it took to persuade him. Just like you have the skills to persuade the Pardon Board to do the right thing.”

  “We’re talking about the criminal justice system. When did doing the right thing become a priority with them? You’ve seen how it grinds up people.”

  “I’ve met people in the system who really do want justice. You have to believe in them. The governor looked at the facts and supported your parole request. There is a bright side,” Danica insisted.

  “Self-pity won’t help, right?” Monette looked out of the window of her office.

  “Exactly,” Danica said.

  Monette sat straight and grinned at her. “Now I really understand how you started out with nothing and built this program. You’re a real motivator, girl. Thanks for the pep talk.”

  “So are you. We make a good team. Thanks to you, Mr. Odum will be teaching a class on what it takes to start a business.”

  Monette blushed at the compliment, mostly because she didn’t deserve it. She’d offered to ask Jayson before anyone else could make suggestions. “He’s happy to do it.”

  “And I’ve been thinking about something.” Danica sat forward in the chair. Her eyes lit up.

  “I know that look. A new project, right?” Monette looked ahead and saw long hours for the staff.

  “Right. I got a call from the Jennings Foundation this morning about the grant I applied for. We got it.” Danica slapped her palms together.

  “Congratulations. Honey, you are a powerhouse.”

  “Thanks. Now for my idea. I want to start a program for adult women, with you as the coordinator. Now hear me out before you say no,” Danica rushed on when Monette started to speak.

  “Okay, but I’ve never been in charge of anything,” Monette said.

  “You’ve got leadership skills, believe me. Anyway, I’ve been thinking about this for a while. After meeting most of the girls’ mothers, I see the need to address their issues. When I’ve tried to find services like counseling or career development, I hit a wall. Those programs just don’t exist. I think you’re right for the job as coordinator.” Danica sat back and stared at Monette, waiting for her reaction.

  “This city is full of folks a lot more qualified than I am, girl. I’m talking resumes packed with impressive experience.” Monette shook her head. “I don’t know.”

  “We need you. The experience you bring is priceless. You’ve faced some of the same challenges they have. A lot of times talking to another professional with a lot of degrees isn’t what they need,” Danica said.

  “Yeah, but I’m not convinced it’s me they need instead. And I’ve got a book to finish, a radio show and that pardon hearing.” Monette did not mention the invisible threat of whatever Winn Barron had in store for her. She felt swamped at the thought of taking on another project.

  “You’ll have two staff working with you to handle a lot of details. Both of them will be seasoned social services professionals. That’s how I wrote the job descriptions,” Danica replied, as though she were a psychic reading Monette’s mind.

  “Humph. I also know a little bit about those grants. You have to put in a general description of the coordinator’s qualifications. I’m not papered up, you know.” Monette crossed her arms. “Now how do you plan to handle that little detail?”

  “Simple. I made it clear that someone who has demonstrated leadership qualities and communications skills would be considered. You fit that description. You’ve taken college courses in public policy and business.”

  “Community college courses while I was in prison,” Monette put in, skeptical the foundation would be as convinced as Danica.

  “So what?” Danica brushed off Monette’s objection with a shrug and went on. “We can offer services to women referred by other programs, including New Beginnings.”Monette blinked at her in surprise. “Wow. I wasn’t expecting that one.”

  “And for the first few months you can count those hours as community service. Just don’t take a salary. We save grant money and you rack up lots of hours. Not to mention you can have the job later. That would be a big plus with the Pardon Board.” Danica sat back, crossed her legs, and wore a satisfied smile.

  “Damn, you’re good. I thought I could fast-talk folks into doing stuff.” Monette gazed at her in admiration.

  “So, you’ll do it?” Danica leaned forward.

  Monette laughed hard. “I can’t think of a reason to say no, not when you did such a perfect presentation. Girl, you could sell ice at the North Pole in winter.”

  Danica grinned and stood. “Like I said, we make a great team. Better go. I’ve got a meeting.”

  “Okay, Ms. Mover and Shaker. Do your thing,” Monette replied.

  “We had strong competition, so getting this grant was a long shot. I’m sending up praises for this blessing. The program is going to be fantastic. I know it already.” Danica waved at her, then left.

  Once Danica was gone, Monette began to have doubts. “I’m sending up prayers I don’t fall on my face.”

  ***

  “I’m telling you, this is a win-win situation, Trudy,” Monette ended after twenty minutes of a sales pitch.

  That evening at the halfway house Monette had convinced Sherrial and Trudy to have a group meeting with some of the women. A furrow between Trudy’s eyebrows showed she was skeptical of the plan. Tyeisha, Candi and Lenore looked nervous. Sherrial nodded with a wide grin. She alone seemed to have the right mixture of optimism and enthusiasm.

  “I think it’s a wonderful idea, Trudy. What better way for three of our ladies to further their education and get good jobs?” Sherrial started to go on, when Trudy raised a hand like a traffic cop to stop her.

  “Are you all prepared to study and work?” Trudy glanced at the three women.

  “Yeah, I guess,” Lenore said finally. Tyeisha merely nodded.

  “I dunno,” Candi blurted out. She looked at Monette as though she’d lost her mind. “I haven’t even gotten my GED yet.”

  “You’re this close, Candi. All you need is to pass the math section. You can slam-dunk it,” Monette said with forced cheer. She hoped Candi read the signal in her eyes. Apparently not, judging by the fish-eyed expression of fear on Candi’s face.

  “Me? I’ve never slam-dunked a test in my damn life. Er, excuse my slip,” she sputtered.

  “You ran the prison gift shop better than anybody. The assistant warden said so. Candi could do those books without batting a
n eye. Got your skills making money on the street,” Monette teased.

  “I don’t think we want to emphasize talents that led these ladies to prison.” Trudy pursed her lips to show her displeasure with Monette’s examples.

  The other women laughed in spite of the director’s words. Monette shrugged with a half smile. “I’m just showing how we can use her potential for good rather than evil.”

  “I think that’s called rehabilitation, Trudy. One important component of our mission statement,” Sherrial said with a straight face.

  Candi looked at Lenore. “What about your dream of owning a beauty salon?”

  “Yeah. School ain’t my thing, Monette. Not that I don’t appreciate what you’re trying to do. Ramone might not—” Lenore stopped short.

  “Look, you need money to start any business. Most successful entrepreneurs work for other people while they’re working toward their dream,” Monette said. “Candi, you told me that you’re sick of being a cook. Okay, here’s your chance to get out of the kitchen. Tyeisha, you could start off making fifteen dollars an hour. How’s that for being able to support your little girl?”

  “Wow.” Tyeisha blinked hard. “I’ve never made that kind of money in my life.”

  “Yeah, all twenty-three long years of it,” Candi teased. She poked Tyeisha in the ribs playfully like a big sister.

  “Look, Lenore. All you can do is try. We can’t guarantee you’ll get a job. But don’t you want more choices? You can’t save up much money gluing fake fingernails on women who don’t even leave you tips.” Monette could see she had scored points with Tyeisha. Candi’s joke meant she was warming to the idea. Lenore alone seemed hesitant

  “Come on, Lenore. What have we got to lose but some time?” Tyeisha grabbed Lenore’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

  Lenore wore a tentative smile. “I guess so. But I can’t take off days from work,” she said quickly.

  “We’re arranging for late afternoon and Saturday classes at the community college.” Monette had checked the summer schedule at the college. “The instructors don’t teach these courses as part of the regular schedule. This is a special deal for us. Of course the fall classes will be different.”

  “Surrounded by preppies,” Candi said.

  “Don’t worry about your wardrobe, Candi. That funky, secondhand prison clothes look is in with the kids these days,” Monette wisecracked.

  “I’m gonna fit right in. When can we get started?” Tyeisha grinned.

  Monette took the applications from a folder under her chair. She passed them out. ‘Tonight.”

  Sherrial peered over Candi’s shoulder at the form she held. “Looks simple enough. We can do them together.”

  “Well, I’ll leave you ladies to it then. I’ll go on with the eight o’clock group session in the big living room.” Trudy stood.

  “Thanks, Trudy. I hope you don’t mind if I come to you for help sometime. I mean, you have so much valuable experience in administering successful programs.” Monette ignored the soft kissing sounds Candi made.

  “Certainly. I want my ladies to be all they can be. Let me know if you need anything,” Trudy said, giving them all an encouraging smile before she left.

  “Hell, are we joining the army?” Candi mumbled.

  “Be nice and watch your language.” Sherrial worked hard not to laugh.

  “I thought that was your natural color, girl. Now I know the real reason your nose is brown,” Candi said to Monette. She laughed when Monette pretended she was going to hit her with the file folder.

  “Girl, you crazy,” Tyeisha said with a giggle.

  “Ai, I’m going to school again. I dunno.” Lenore twisted her hands together. “Ramone always says educated women are too uppity.”

  Candi waved a forefinger. “Don’t even quote that chump to me, Lenore.”

  Monette swatted Candi’s finger out of the air. “Stop. This is about getting ahead. Just tell Ramone that once you start making better money you’ll buy him something nice.”

  “Humph, that oughta satisfy the scrub,” Candi said under her breath.

  “Save some of that energy for studying, Candi,” Monette snapped. “You’re going to need it.”

  “Hey, we’re gonna be college girls. Party with cute guys and stuff.” Candi moved her shoulders to a beat only she could hear.

  “Nope. Between working and studying your butt off, you won’t have the time or the juice to do anything else. Put some real effort into this, Candi.” Monette wondered if maybe including Candi had been a mistake.

  “Jeez, loosen them tight panties ridin’ up your butt. I’m just kiddin’ around.” Candi rolled her eyes. When Monette didn’t smile, she adopted a serious look. “Okay. I’m straight now.”

  “Listen, Candi. This goes for y’all, too,” Sherrial said to Tyeisha and Lenore. “Don’t blow this chance. I’ll help you get tutoring if the academic part is a problem.”“That’s great, Sherrial. ’Cause I didn’t pay enough attention in class. You know, it wasn’t too cool with my posse back then.” Lenore lifted a shoulder.

  “Mine either,” Tyeisha agreed. “Plus I was more into hanging out with my boyfriend than studying for good grades.”

  “Well, this is another opportunity to do good. All of you have brains. I’m not even worried about that. Just keep your focus.” Monette started to mention that she had as much on the line getting them in the program, but she decided that went without saying.

  Yarva came into the room still wearing her work uniform with her name stitched on the shirt. She leaned against the doorframe. “Hey. I missed the bulletin announcing this meeting.”

  “Monette got us into ha program at Second Chances. It’s called Opportunity Knocking,” Tyeisha said. She looked at Monette with a smile. “I’m getting excited the more I think about it. Especially since I’ll be with y’all.”

  “Whoop-dee-doo. A new sitcom called Ghetto Goes to College.” Yarva shot a glance at Candi, who did not look at her.

  Monette swallowed the stream of four-letter words she wanted to spit at her. Instead she ignored Yarva. ‘The applications are short and sweet, ladies. Sherrial has already printed out background summaries with her recommendation.”

  “I also got your parole and probation officers to fax over their approvals,” Sherrial said, taking Monette’s cue to ignore Yarva.

  “You counted on us saying yes. Pretty sneaky.” Lenore shook her head with a smile.

  As the women put their heads together to fill in the blanks on the two-page form, Yarva gave a grunt of derision. When no one paid attention to her, she grabbed a magazine, sat down and pretended to ignore them. Monette helped Candi write in the answers. They got into a good-natured quarrel as Monette teased her about being the last one to finish.

  “You can’t be lazy and expect I’m going to hold your hand. So get that out of your head right now.” Monette carefully slid the paperwork back into her folder.

  “I’m not used to all of them big words. Besides, ain’t you supposed to be our mentor?” Candi said in a crabby tone.

  “Don’t confuse mentor with me being your chump,” Monette flung back at her.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m exhausted from all this brain work. A warm shower is in my immediate future.” Candi stretched.

  “You’re gonna do good. I know it,” Monette said.

  “We’ll see,” Candi replied.

  Lenore stared at the folder in Monette’s lap as though she wanted to grab her application back. “I’m not going to say anything to Ramone just yet. I mean, not until I’m sure this will work out”

  Sherrial cut in before Monette could speak. “That’s up to you, Lenore. Of course if he really cares about you, Ramone will be supportive.”

  “Men don’t always see things the same way. I’m not even sure taking classes is right for me. But I’m willing to try.” Lenore gave them a weak smile.

  Monette followed Sherrial to her office. Once the door closed, she let out a noisy sigh. “I sure hope it’s
not this much work the whole time they’re in the program. I’m drained.”

  “Yes, I know what you mean, Tyeisha sees the potential.” Sherrial frowned for a few seconds, and then her face cleared. “I think once they get into Opportunity Knocking, Candi and Lenore will see it too.”

  Sherrial started in on finishing up the rest of the paperwork. As she watched the social worker print out her summaries, Monette decided she would buy into Sherrial’s optimistic outlook. Getting her friends to agree had been the hard part, especially Candi. Now all she had to do was make sure they did not get discouraged. Minutes later they walked down the hall to have the women sign the completed forms.

  “Maybe you’re right. Everybody wants something to look forward to in life.” Monette began to believe her own words. “Once they all see the possibilities, they’ll buy into it”

  “Assuming they don’t listen to Yarva.” Sherrial grimaced as though she could see Yarva’s permanent sour expression.

  “Amen to that, sister,” Monette agreed with vigor.

  “I’ve got an idea. Include Yarva in the group,” Sherrial said low as they got to the door to the small living room.

  “Girl, that joke ain’t even funny,” Monette retorted. She looked at Sherrial, who nodded eagerly. “No.”

  Sherrial’s idealistic zeal made her brown eyes light up. “The best way to neutralize an opponent is to make her a partner. Yarva is so negative because she doesn’t have much to look forward to, Monette.”

  Monette snorted loudly. “Next you’re gonna click your ruby slippers together and chant, ‘There’s no place like home.’ Wake up, Dorothy.”

  “I’m serious. Yarva could benefit like the others.” Sherrial turned and almost bumped into Yarva.

  “I got better things to do anyway,” Yarva said.

  “Quit bitchin’ about your job and the way folks treat you. Apply and prove Monette is wrong,” Candi called from across the room. Then she looked at Monette. “In your book you said even the toughest case deserves a chance.”