Mirrored Images

by Michelle Larks

  Vanessa opened her mouth then closed it. “Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” She closed her eyes. This couldn’t be happening.

  “As sure as I am about anything right now.” Her face folded into a grimace. “I’m tired, Mommy, really tired. I just want peace. I’m tired of trying to make my husband love me. I’ve tried for over twenty-years, isn’t that long enough?” A sheen of perspiration glistened on her brow. She leaned over the windowsill and rested her arms upon it.

  Moniqa informed Vanessa, that she hated Melissa. How her twin sister took Daddy’s love from her. She explained that when they were girls, she hid behind the couch in the music room to listen to her father and Melissa talk. He never showed her the same affection as he did Melissa. She couldn’t figure out why. She went on to say, how Melissa received Jeremiah’s love and their father’s.

  * * *

  Vanessa left a subdued Moniqa. She rushed to Dr. Ng office and accused her of poisoning her daughter’s mind. “I will see my lawyers and do everything in my power to have my child removed from your facilities and sue you personally. What have you done to my daughter? She would have never agreed to a divorce.” Vanessa yelled out of control and pointed her finger in the doctor’s face.

  Dr. Ng replied serenely, “Mrs. Adams, it’s time for you to go. Do whatever you feel is best for your daughter but let me caution you, your actions alone have brought Moniqa to where she is today. Not mine and not Dr. Jeffries. I think it’s time for you to go until you’re ready to discuss your daughter’s case realistically.”

  Vanessa stumbled out of the room. “I’ll see you in court. You don’t realize who you’re up against.”

  Dr. Ng didn’t bother to respond and continued writing in the open folder on her desk.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Jeremiah’s health continued to improve by leaps and bounds under Melissa’s loving care. Dr. Herman pronounced the cancer in remission and planned to release his patient within the month.

  The couple spent hours catching up on the time spent apart. The love they shared never died, instead it strengthened. With the help of a psychologist, the two helped Jay fight his demons. He had yet to visit or make his peace with his mother.

  Michaela telephoned Jeremiah weekly. Initially, she didn’t speak to Melissa but instead, inquired about her biological mother. The healing process would take time. Last week, Michaela talked to Melissa for the first time. Her biological parents were ecstatic. Michaela planned to join them over the Christmas holidays.

  Jay decided to remain in Atlanta for the time being and planned to return to Howard for the spring semester. Bobo was disappointed with Jay’s decision to go north after trying to talk him into enrolling at Morehouse.

  Late one fall evening, the doorbell chimed. Melissa was in the kitchen preparing dinner and Jay sat in his bedroom on the lower level of the house talking on the telephone. Jeremiah, who was in his den thumbing through a medical journal, answered the door.

  His mouth dropped in surprise. Rodgers was in the doorway with his hand outstretched. The men shook hands. “It’s been a long time, Jeremiah.” Rodgers nodded his head. “I’d like to talk to you.”

  Jeremiah moved to his left side. “Sure. Come in.” They walked into the den. Jeremiah stared curiously at Rodgers for a moment and asked if he’d like a drink. Rodgers declined.

  Melissa strolled inside the room wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Who was at the door?” She caught sight of Rodgers. “Oh.” She scrunched her face in concentration as if trying to remember who he was.

  “This is Rodgers Harrison. He attended Morehouse with me,” Jeremiah explained.

  Rodgers shook Melissa’s hand.

  “Well, I’ll leave you two alone. It was nice seeing you again, Rodgers.”

  “So, what can I do for you?” Jeremiah inquired. He laid a book on the desk then picked up the remote and muted the television set.

  “I’ve been talking to Edward Ross. He told me you’ve been ill. You look well.”

  “I’m doing fine. Thank you.” Jeremiah stroked his chin. “I know you didn’t come all the way to Atlanta to inquire about my health. What else is on your mind?”

  “I’ve never been one to mince words and I’d forgotten how direct you are.” Rodgers smiled. “Edward Ross called me with a wild tale about my being Moniqa’s son’s father.”

  Warning bells went off in Jeremiah’s mind. “There has been some question as to Jay’s paternity. We were both tested during my illness. The results proved Jay wasn’t my biological child.” Jeremiah’s voice deepened when he said biological.

  Rodgers looked at stoically at Jeremiah. “Moniqa and I were in a relationship during the time frame the boy was conceived. So there’s a possibility I’m his father.”

  “What do you want to do?” Jeremiah eyed Rodgers thoughtfully, his hand pressed against his chin.

  “I’d like to meet him if possible and be tested for paternity,” Rodgers requested as he leaned forward in the chair. He nervously rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants.

  “He asked about his biological father a while back. Rodgers why don’t you talk to him yourself, and see what he thinks?” Jeremiah suggested.

  Rodgers expelled a sigh of relief. “I’d appreciate anything you could do.”

  At that moment, Jay walked into the room. “Dad have you seen my chemistry book?” He glimpsed Rodgers out of the corner of his eye. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you had company?” Jay swiveled his head and looked questioningly at Rodgers.

  “Jay, this is an old classmate of mine from Morehouse, Rodgers Harrison.” Jeremiah introduced the two.

  “Another Morehouse man in the house,” Jay joked weakly. “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Harrison.” He returned downstairs.

  “Wow!” Rodgers exclaimed. “He looks a lot like Moniqa.”

  “Yes he does,” Jeremiah agreed.

  The two men stood awkwardly. Rodgers pulled a business card from his wallet and handed it to Jeremiah. “Give me a call. I’ll be in Atlanta another couple of weeks. Give my best to Melissa.” He tilted his head forward and walked outdoors.

  Jeremiah returned to the den and studied the card carefully. He walked into the kitchen to talk to Melissa.

  * * *

  Vanessa decided to go to Mississippi and visit her parents and sister. Since her disheartening exchange with Moniqa, Vanessa hadn’t returned to visit her. Jay still hadn’t returned her calls. For the first time in her life, Vanessa felt helpless and hoped her mother and sister’s company would bolster her spirits.

  Valerie met her at the airport gate after the plane landed. The climate was warm even though it was the middle of September.

  Valerie pressed a button and the windows slid down. She turned the air conditioning button up and put the car into drive. “How are Moniqa and Jay doing?” Valerie asked, fanning herself as perspiration dripped down her forehead.

  Vanessa shook her head sadly. She opened her purse, removed a handkerchief and handed it to Valerie. “I wish I could say they’re fine, but I don’t know. I’ve just about given up on Jay. He still refuses to speak to me. Moniqa is no better. I call Dr. Ng everyday and she just tells me that therapy can take a long time and how Moniqa is doing fine under the circumstances.” Her shoulders slumped forward dejectedly. Valerie had never seen her sister look so despondent.

  “Try not to let it get you down,” Valerie advised as she entered the expressway. “You’re home now. Mama and I will put our heads together and think of something.” She squeezed her sibling’s hand.

  Vanessa nodded listlessly.

  Patricia wore a sleeveless, black and red floral sundress and black sandals stepped outside when she heard the car pull into the driveway.

  She greeted Vanessa with a hug. “Bring her bags inside,” she instructed Valerie.

  After Vanessa’s luggage was stowed in the guest bedroom, the women retired to the kitchen where they sipped cool glasses of lemonade.

  “More?” Patricia
queried as she refilled her glass. “Are you hungry, Vanessa? I have a seafood salad in the fridge.” She noticed her daughter was unusually quiet.

  Vanessa shredded a paper napkin into tiny pieces. “No, Mama. I’m not hungry,” she sighed.

  “How is our girl?” Patricia asked. Vanessa’s face reddened as she slouched lower in her seat.

  “I don’t understand, Mama,” Vanessa complained. “She still won’t see me. She’s even signed the divorce papers. I can’t believe my own daughter is the first person in this family to become divorced.” Vanessa eyes threatened to spill over with tears.

  Pat walked to Vanessa and hugged her. Valerie looked miserable.

  Ed walked into the room. “Ladies. How are you Vanessa?”

  “Not too good,” Vanessa sniffed as she wiped her eyes with a tissue Patricia pressed into her hand.

  “That’s too bad,” Ed observed as he sat opposite his wife.

  “Your mother spoiled you girls rotten,” Ed remarked looking at Valerie and Vanessa. “I sat back and didn’t say a word because in my time mothers raised the children especially the girls.”

  Patricia glared at him. “What purpose will it serve for you to bring that up, Ed? What we need to do is help Vanessa. The situation with Moniqa and Jay is killing her.”

  “If it’s ‘killing her’, as you put it, Pat, then it’s her fault. Did Vanessa tell you she cut off Jay’s allowance?”

  Patricia gasped as her eyes traveled to her daughter’s face. “Well, no, she never mentioned that.”

  Ed banged his fist on the table. “The boy came to me embarrassed as I don’t know what. Of course, I restored his monies out of my own funds.”

  Vanessa shrugged. Her head began to throb. “He’s staying with Jeremiah and Melissa.” She spat the words indignantly. “What did you expect me to do, Daddy?”

  Patricia uneasily interjected. “Ed, that’s enough. Our daughter is hurting. Instead of blaming her for what has happened, you need to be comforting her.”

  Ed’s voice became louder. His face was ravaged with anger. “No, Pat. It’s time Vanessa correct some wrongs she’s done starting with Jay. I don’t know what’s going to happen with Moniqa. I’m sure the doctors at that facility will fix her. But my great-grandson, that’s another story altogether.” He scowled at Vanessa. “At the rate you’re going, Vanessa, he’ll be in the loony bin like his mother.”

  Vanessa reared up, and faced her father angrily. “That’s so unfair of you, Daddy. I’ve done the best I can to ensure my family’s happiness. Don’t blame this on me. It’s Nate’s fault for bringing that bastard home with him in the first place.”

  Ed turned to face his daughter. His face bulged with fury like a fire-breathing dragon. He slapped Vanessa so hard, her neck snapped.

  She touched her blotched face, glared at her father irately, then stalked to her bedroom. Valerie trailed behind her.

  Pat looked at Ed coldly. “What do you think you accomplished by hitting her? Ed, she’s a grown woman. She has a right to live her life the way she sees fit.” She pushed her chair away from the table forcefully.

  “Not at the expense of other people’s lives,” Ed said softly. “That’s the part she doesn’t seem to get.”

  Patricia pouted. She cut her eyes sharply at Ed as she went upstairs to comfort her daughter.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Melissa removed plates and utensils from the kitchen table and laid them into the sink. She reached up into an overhead cabinet, uncapped and shook two pills out of the medicine bottle then poured Jeremiah a glass of water and gave it to him.

  Jay wiped his mouth with a napkin. He pushed his chair away from the table, then complimented Melissa on the meal, and said he had errands to do.

  Jeremiah swallowed the pills and looked at Melissa. She nodded encouragingly. Jeremiah asked Jay to stay put for a minute.

  “Son, I have some news regarding your biological father. I believe I may have located him and he wants to meet you.”

  Jay fell hard against the edge of the chair. His heart pounded like someone was wielding a hammer inside. His mouth fell open. “Who is he?” Is he someone I know?”

  “Actually, you’ve met him,” Jeremiah admitted.

  “You mean he lives here in Atlanta?” Jay queried, folding his arms across his chest.

  “No. Actually he lives in New York,” Jeremiah continued. Melissa sat down at the table. “You meet him a few days ago. Rodgers Harrison.”

  “You mean the guy you went to Morehouse with?” Jay asked wonderingly.

  “Yes. One and the same. He’d like to meet and talk to you. That is, if you’re agreeable to the idea,” Jeremiah said cautiously.

  “Are you okay with me meeting with him?” Jay asked Jeremiah, worried. “I don’t have to do this you know…”

  “I’m fine with all of this.” Jeremiah reached over and patted Jay’s back. “Everyone has a right to know his relatives.” He smiled at his son.

  “Set it up, Dad. I’d like you to come with me if you don’t mind?” Jay asked.

  “Sure.” Jeremiah smiled. He walked to Melissa, slipping his arm around her waist.

  * * *

  Rodgers sat on a teal-colored, wing-backed chair in his hotel room sipping a snifter of Martell cognac. He swirled the amber liquor in the glass. Ironically, the hotel was the same one where Jay had been conceived. He’d just finished talking to his wife, Cara. Rodgers informed her he planned to return home next week. He told her he was convinced Jay was his child.

  Rodgers talked to his daughters. Tiffany, a senior in high school, and Briana, a freshman. They urged him to bring gifts from the Underground mall.

  Cara suggested her husband not get his hopes up about Jay being his child until the tests had been concluded. But Rodgers knew from the moment he laid eyes on him, that Jay was his son. As he’d watched him saunter into the room at Jeremiah’s house, he knew that walk because it was his own. The boy also had his build and facial structure.

  The room was darkened. The picture from the television set the only source of light. Brring, the telephone sounded. Rodgers snatched it up assuming it was one of his daughters again. Instead, it was Jeremiah calling to inform him that he’d spoken to Jay and that he was amendable to meeting Rodgers. The men scheduled the visit for Friday at 7:00 at Jeremiah’s house.

  Rodgers’ lips curled into a smile when he got off the telephone. He looked upward and sighed. Maybe there was a God.

  Later, while Rodgers waiting on room service to deliver his evening meal, he picked up his cell phone and dialed Edward Ross’ number, asking him if he’d add him to the list of visitors to see Moniqa. Edward agreed and promised to call the facility first thing in the morning.

  The next morning, Rodgers rose from bed purposefully and ordered a continental breakfast from room service. After showering, shaving and getting dressed, he looked at his driving directions and headed out to see Moniqa.

  The hospital wasn’t located too far from his hotel. When Rodgers arrived, the clerk instructed him to take a seat in the waiting room.

  Fifteen minutes later, the nurse escorted him down to a common area. Moniqa sat on a sofa twisting her hands nervously.

  Rodgers tried to not to show surprise at her appearance. In reality, he was taken astound by Moniqa’s appearance. She didn’t resemble in any way the “haughty little vixen” he used to call her.

  When she saw him, she patted the seat next to her. Moniqa smiled wryly. “I guess I don’t resemble a diva now?”

  Rodgers sat next to her answering gallantly, “You look fine. A sight for sore eyes.” He kissed her cheek.

  “Bet you say that to all the girls,” she quipped as she nervously smoothed her hair.

  Rodgers laughed. “I see your sense of humor is still intact.”

  “How did you find me?”

  “Actually, your grandfather found me,” Rodgers admitted. He wasn’t sure if he should discuss Jay with Moniqa. He didn’t want to upset her or anythin
g.

  Moniqa sighed. “I just bet he did. He’s taken it upon himself to rehabilitate the family.“ She looked abashed. “Let me guess, he told you about…” She looked at the floor refusing to meet Rodgers’ eyes.

  “Yes, he did,” Rodgers said as he turned her face to his. “Is he mine?”

  Moniqa didn’t answer for a long time. She looked longingly at the door like she wanted to make a mad dash outside the room. “I’m allowed to go outdoors. Why don’t we continue this discussion there?”

  Rodgers felt nervous. “Are you sure it’s all right?”

  Moniqa raised her hand to get the nurses attention. She okayed the pair going outside.

  Rodgers held his arm out to Moniqa. “After you, pretty lady.”

  They walked slowly under the hot Georgia sun to a wooden bench beneath copse of trees. Rodgers felt impatient. He wanted to hear the truth be it yea or nay. But he knew the truth in his heart. Moniqa looked at him impassively and nodded her head.

  A thrill shot through Rodgers body. His hand flew to his chest as he sagged with relief. He wanted to run across the immaculate green lawn, howl and beat his chest like Tarzan. On the other hand, he wanted to smack Moniqa for putting everyone through hell.

  She chewed her lips nervously and opened her mouth to speak. Words remained unspoken. She tugged on her ear lobe.

  Rodgers glanced at her and realized it wouldn’t serve any purpose to physically or verbally castigate his son’s mother. Her face was pale and suggested she suffered mightily.

  He put his index finger on her lips. “Ssh, Moniqa. The reason why doesn’t matter anymore. You’ve told me the truth and that’s really all I came here for.” He took her hand in his and kissed it before departing to his car.

  Moniqa watched him leave, through teary eyes. She covered her eyes with her hands and cried for what could have been. She knew if she hadn’t been obsessed with Jeremiah, Rodgers would have been the one.

  An aide saw her sobbing and led Moniqa back to her room.