Down Home Blues

by Phyllis R. Dixon

  CECELIA

  Cecelia finished her teeth whitening treatment, then laid out her undergarments, including Spanx to hold in and smooth out her rolls and folds. She weighed almost the same as when she graduated from college. As a teen, she was jealous of her sisters’ curves and boobs. Now, she realized it was a blessing since she did not struggle with weight like they did, although, the pounds had shifted. Even though she was now a grandmother and her hot date was only with Chuck E. Cheese, she didn’t want to look like a grandmother.

  Cecelia searched through ten boxes before finally finding her navy Jimmy Choo shoes. She worked six days a week, and rarely wore heels, but that hadn’t stopped her from amassing an extensive shoe collection. She had even more boxes in storage. The shoes would look perfect with the jeans and ruffled powder blue blouse she planned to wear to the party. The jeans were almost two years old, but she had only worn them once. They were a little tight now, so she decided to skip breakfast and only eat a salad at the party so her stomach wouldn’t poke out. The blouse was last year’s color, but she could pair it with pewter accessories and it would still look classy.

  She had come a long way since her shopaholic days, when every event required a new outfit. Not having a credit card helped. Filing for bankruptcy had been a humbling experience, but didn’t curb her shopping. The bankruptcy erased their maxed out credit card debt. Then to her delight and Michael’s chagrin, they received even more credit card offers. The banks were eager to sign her up since she had a clean slate. Before she knew it, the new cards were at the limit. Michael said it was the last straw, but he didn’t complain when she bought him new golf clubs, or got the furnace fixed. After she paid her divorce attorney, and helped with her daughter’s tuition, she was broke again. But now, she didn’t have shopping as an escape. Credit card offers weren’t filling her mailbox and paying bills by herself was a struggle. So shopping was a thing of the past. She even cut back on her casino trips. Designer names and nightly take out dinners didn’t look as appealing when she had to pay cash. Cecelia got a secured card with a small line for emergencies and was learning to survive without plastic. It was definitely inconvenient though. She needed to get down to Eden to see what was going on, but she didn’t have the money for a plane ticket and didn’t have enough time to drive or take the train. Now she realized spur of the moment trips had to be planned and she didn’t have to buy something new with each paycheck, or for each event, especially since she spent most of her time in hospital scrubs. When she moved from the house, she was embarrassed by the number of items that still had price tags on them. But it wasn’t every day that her only grandchild turned two, so Cecelia fell off the wagon and splurged. She bought her two outfits from Neiman Marcus and a collector Black Barbie doll.

  Simone was an unexpected gift. She was so smart and her laugh was an instant mood lifter. She was a carbon copy of Sheree, who had been a gorgeous baby. She had the longest eyelashes, a full head of curly hair and milky smooth almond colored skin. Of course she was biased, but even people they didn’t know would stop them and comment on how cute Sheree was. She was growing up so fast. Seemed like her daughter was a toddler just a few years ago. Now Cecelia could see she had been so busy trying to make a living that she hadn’t taken time to enjoy the living she was making.

  Cecelia was proud of the way her daughter had matured. She was working and going to school, and hadn’t inherited her mother’s shopping gene. She took good care of Simone. The university had a reduced price day care program for student parents, and Simone was the teacher’s pet. She already knew her colors and could count to ten. Cecelia and her ex-husband didn’t agree on much during the last years of their marriage, but they both agreed that Simone was a blessing. A blessing they almost missed.

  When Cecelia found out her college-bound, debutante, teenage daughter was pregnant, to say she wasn’t pleased would be an understatement. Cecelia had planned Sheree’s life, and a baby at seventeen was not part of the plan. She had given Sheree ballet, piano, and gymnastics lessons. Her children had gone to the best schools in Chicago, despite their father’s objections. Why were they paying taxes to be in a good school district? Good according to public school definition was still way below the best private school, and Cecelia wanted the best for her children. She justified that the high tuition would pay off in the long run, as they would score well on tests and get scholarships, lowering college costs.

  Cecelia got the news about Sheree being pregnant while they were at a family reunion in Eden. Within two minutes of finding out, Cecelia already knew which doctor to send her to for an abortion. She even said it was good it happened in July because Sheree would be recuperated by the time the fall semester started. Sheree refused, saying she and the boy were getting married. Cecelia ranted about her daughter’s immaturity, naiveté, and lack of resources. Having a baby was out of the question. Cecelia could still hear the slap and feel the sting of her mother’s words when she announced her plans for Sheree’s baby. It was the first time in thirty years that Lois had laid a hand on her daughter. Cecelia had just wanted the best for her daughter and knew she needed an education. Of course now Cecelia was ashamed that she even had those thoughts, and hoped that her mother was putting in a good word for her with the man upstairs.

  Simone turned out to be the best thing for all of them. She helped her daughter grow up, and once Simone was born, Cecelia and Michael could be in the same room without arguing. She hated Michael for filing for divorce and she hated him even more for filing for custody of their son. She understood all of that let a man raise a man stuff, but only unfit mothers lost their children. Michael could have spent as much time with Junior as he wanted. She had planned to switch to days so she would be at home in the evenings. They spent mediation and their first court hearing arguing about it. Then the judge asked Mike who he wanted to live with.

  “Young man, you’re old enough to make a decision for yourself,” the judge declared.

  Her stomach still churned whenever she recalled her son’s words. “My father.”

  She worked even more hours and immersed herself in work to mask her hurt. But she and Michael were civil now and had even been partners when they played cards on Christmas. She realized it was probably for the best. Junior was doing well in his new school. He went out of his way to reassure his mother that he loved her and even said he was thinking about becoming a nurse. When she visited, the three of them played Scrabble and a couple times Cecelia had even spent the night – sleeping on the couch. Junior and his sister hinted that their parents should get back together. Cecelia knew the odds of that happening were even lower than her hitting the progressive, royal flush, Ace high. But just because the odds were low, didn’t mean it was impossible, or that she didn’t want to look her best.

  Cecelia arrived a few minutes early and recognized the midnight blue Mercedes in the parking lot and parked next to it. It was three years old, but still looked new. The car that Michael didn’t want to buy. Michael had wanted to get their old van fixed. Once she finally convinced him to get a new car, she had to talk him into getting a Mercedes. For just a hundred dollars more for a few more months, they could get the top of the line. Michael kept the car as part of the divorce settlement. Cecelia hated to give up the new car, but couldn’t afford rent, child support, and a car note so she traded in the van for an older car and focused on straightening out her finances. Her budget worked on paper, but Sheree’s tuition, Simone’s day care, and back taxes weren’t in the plan. As she double-checked her hair in the rearview mirror, a lady walked to the Mercedes and opened the trunk. She took out a large box wrapped in Minnie Mouse paper and walked back inside.

  The decibel level smacked Cecelia’s ears as soon as she entered the restaurant. She could hear her mother’s voice chastising them for making such a big deal for a two year old’s birthday. But Simone loved ‘shuckshe’ as she called it, and Cecelia was more than happy to spoil her. She spotted Michael from behind as soon as she entered
. The clear spot in the top of his head had expanded from the quarter it had been last year to almost two inches. He was keeping his hair cut lower and doing a good job of hiding the spot. But she had seen that head for twenty years and knew where the hair used to be. He still looked good though. He had even lost a few pounds.

  “Well, hello, Grandpa,” Cecelia said as she got to their table.

  “Hey, Granny,” he said, as he stood and pulled out a chair for her.

  “Cecelia, I’d like you to meet Kelly,” Michael said as he introduced her to the Minnie Mouse box lady. She was cute enough, not the type she would have guessed Michael would be attracted to though. Cecelia wasn’t jealous, but she was perturbed that the key to the Mercedes she had struggled to make payments on was inside the Minnie Mouse box lady’s purse. This was supposed to be a family event. Simone didn’t need a parade of girlfriends confusing her. Cecelia was going to let him know the next time she talked to him.

  “I can’t believe he brought his girlfriend to a family gathering. How tacky,” Cecelia said when she and her daughter went to the ladies room. “If he didn’t have good sense, she should have had enough class to decline his invitation.”

  “Mother, it’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not, and I’m going to let him know.”

  “Really. It’s okay. Simone likes her.”

  “She’s been around Simone?”

  “Yes, I’ve met her before too.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “What did you want me to say? I didn’t want to upset you. I know you and Daddy haven’t been divorced that long.”

  “This isn’t about me and your father. I just don’t like the idea of her being around my granddaughter. People are crazy these days.”

  “Mother, you don’t even know her.”

  “And neither does your father. At least not well enough to be subjecting Simone to her.”

  “You can tell yourself that if you want to. I think you’re just a little bit jealous. I understand. You guys were together a long time. It’s natural to be jealous and feel some resentment.”

  “Just because you’re taking psychology, don’t think you can analyze me. I went to college too. This has nothing to do with anybody being jealous.”

  “If you say so. Although the maiden doth protest too much methinks.”

  “I studied Shakespeare too. I’m only looking out for your daughter, since her mother and grandfather have no problem exposing her to strangers.”

  “Okay, Mother, whatever you say.”

  Cecelia dried her hands and loosened the top button on her jeans, then headed to the counter to order a pizza.

  CAROLYN

  “I think my heart has finally stopped pounding,” I said as I reached across the table for a second slice of pizza. “I don’t know if I was more worried about the game or Daddy getting arrested.”

  “That ref knew he was cheating, and y'all know I can’t stand nobody messing with my children,” C.W. said. “I’m getting mad now just thinking about it.”

  “No need in getting mad. We won, but I still can’t believe we played two overtimes,” Raymond said. “I’m so proud of the boys.”

  “I thought Carolyn was going to burst my eardrum,” Beverly said. “I’m going to send you my ear doctor bill,” she said playfully shaking her finger in my face.

  I had been to the NBA finals, NFL playoff games, and Wimbledon to watch Serena, but none of it was as exciting as watching my brother coach our alma mater to a win in the second overtime to secure a spot in the state tournament. Every seat in the gym was filled, although, by the end of the game, everyone was standing. Three players fouled out and Raymond got a technical in the last overtime for walking on the court to protest a call. The game came down to free throws and the Eden player made both to tie the game with eleven seconds left. Eden’s player stole the ball when the other team tried to inbound after the free throw, ran the length of the court, and made the winning shot from just outside the key as the game clock turned to zero.

  We lingered in the school parking lot after the game, savoring the win and good feelings. I saw several of my old classmates and couldn’t remember having a better time. No one wanted the evening to end, and when Raymond suggested we go out for pizza, everyone quickly agreed, even though it was a school night. Everyone except Derrick.

  “We’ll have to pass. Carolyn and I have early starts tomorrow,” he said.

  “Oh come on, let’s go. An event like this doesn’t happen often. It’s worth going just to see Daddy eat pizza,” I said in what was left of my voice.

  “Well, I’m going home. You do what you want,” Derrick said, as he pulled his keys out of his pocket.

  ”You can ride with me,” Beverly said. “I’ll drop you off at home.”

  We had almost as much fun at the pizza parlor as at the game. Raymond ordered a vegetarian pizza that no one touched other than him.

  “He just ordered that so he wouldn’t have to share,” Beverly teased.

  Carl and Raymond recited a play-by-play flashback of one of their games, each remembering who made the clutch shots differently. One of my classmates who was at the game, joined us. His son was on the team. We reminisced about boring teachers, school dances, and who had crushes on who. We were having so much fun, we hadn’t noticed that the restaurant had emptied and the workers were sweeping around us.

  “Looks like we’re closing the place,” Beverly said.

  “Before they kick us out, I’d like to make a toast,” Carl said, and raised his cup. “To my brother, no matter what happens at the state tournament, congratulations on a great season. He could be somewhere making real money, but he chose to come back to Eden. And to my sister-in-law, you two make a great team. I want to be just like you, big brother, when I grow up, except with more money. Here’s to you.”

  Next, Raymond stood and raised his cup. “Thanks to my family, especially to Carl. I don’t care what the school board says, you’re the assistant coach and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “I’d like to make a toast too,” C.W. said as he stood and raised his sweet tea. “I’m proud of all of you and happy to have you living nearby. I don’t know what I would have done without you this past year. But I want to thank someone else for being by my side, and that’s Emma. Stand up, Honey,” he said, and pulled her chair out. “You know we been keeping company and we’re going to make it official. I asked her to be my wife and she said yes. So here’s to my future bride. She’s going to retire at the end of the school year and we’re getting married July third.”

  I grabbed my glass to disguise my discomfort at hearing him call another woman, ‘honey’. When he announced a wedding date, I choked on a piece of ice. Raymond slapped me on the back.

  “Are you ok, Miss?” the manager asked rushing to my side.

  “Yes, just went down the wrong pipe,” I mumbled. Beverly kicked me under the table so hard my shin was throbbing.

  “Congratulations, Daddy,” Carl said.

  “Welcome to the family,” Beverly said as she hugged our future stepmother.

  “You folks have been great, but we have to leave by eleven. The alarm is automatically set and I don’t have the code to override it,” the manager said.

  “I didn’t realize it was that late,” I said, rubbing my leg.

  “Time flies when you’re having fun,” Emma said as she picked up her purse.

  “Or when you’re in shock,” Beverly whispered.

  C.W. honked and waved as he pulled his truck out of the parking lot.

  “Can you believe that?” Beverly asked as they drove off. “Daddy has lost his mind.”

  “What happened to all that welcome to the family jazz?” I asked.

  “I was just being polite. What else could I say?”

  “I’m happy for him,” Raymond said.

  “You’re kidding, right?” Beverly asked.

  “What?” Carl asked. “I think it’s good too. He needs somebody.�
�

  “A girlfriend is one thing. Getting married is something else,” Beverly said.

  “Daddy didn’t waste any time,” I said.

  “We’ve got to talk to him,” Beverly said.

  “I don’t think anything we say will make a difference. Seems like he’s made up his mind,” I said. “If they picked a date, does that mean they’re planning a real wedding?”

  “I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation. Mama would never have forgotten about him so quickly,” Beverly said. “This whole thing is ridiculous.”

  “Now who sounds ridiculous?” Raymond said. “Mother is gone. Daddy is here. I would think you’d be glad he won’t be alone.”

  “I believe she just wants his money,” Beverly said, as she pulled her keys out of her purse. “It’s not a coincidence that she’s decided to retire.”

  “It happens all the time,” I replied.

  “You two have been letting Cecelia poison your thinking. You know she doesn’t trust anyone. I’m going to leave you guys to stew about this. I’ve got to get up early,” Raymond said.

  “So does Carolyn,” Carl said. “Derrick didn’t want her to stay anyway. She’s going to be put on punishment. Do you need us to write you a note?”

  “Ha-ha,” I said. “You’re just trying to change the topic from Daddy’s announcement.”

  “Actually, the original topic was celebrating Raymond’s coaching victory. Good job, Coach,” Carl said as he got in his car.

  Raymond honked as he and his wife drove off.

  “Should we call Cecelia?” I asked as I fastened my seat belt.

  “I’ll call her on my way to Memphis. Hearing her fuss will make the drive pass faster,” Beverly said.

  “It’s kind of late for you to be driving. Why don’t you stay in town?”

  “I’m going back. I’ll be okay.”

  “I may take a mental health day tomorrow. I am worn out. I must be getting old. I can remember when I didn’t leave the house until eleven,” I said.