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BOMAW 4-6

Page 20

by Mercedes Keyes


  She passed a glass of ice cold lemonade to mama JoJo and her mother, then took a seat at the end of the bed listening to the two women.

  "That was then sugah. That was a day from a long time ago. You got you a beautiful family now. Yo'husband now... he that soldier ain't he?"

  "You know about him?"

  "Sure I do. We all know baby. I just hadn't thought to put two and two together when I hear yo'name. What the chances be that you be the same Gertrude? Else I might'ah known you was the young woman Ed use to go on and on about... I know its a small worl', but I ain't know it was this small. I can tell you this though... it does my heart glad to see you. To know you, and fin' you so broken up over it. That you really cared about him. 'Cause his mama, she swore up and down her child died so you lil'rich girls could play your games and then turn your back when her boy was bein' tortured and killed over it."

  Gert covered her face, still battling over the picture in her head.

  "I loved him mama JoJo... I swear to God above I did. I was so young and foolish. Not realizing how dangerous and evil the people in that town was. The men all seemed to derive some type of demonic pleasure out of harming any Negro they felt justified in harassing. I looked and looked, hoped and waited to hear word of him, from him... but none ever came."

  "That's 'cause we knew it was time to go. My brother was afraid they'd do us more harm and we left their as soon as we could get out."

  "Where is he... Edwin? Where is he buried?"

  "My brother had his body sent here, he buried in Bakersfield, where we first settle. Then I met my second husband and he move me here a few years later. I been here ever since."

  "Bakersfield..." Gert said softly, thinking.

  "Momma... don't. Let it go. It's over... just... just let it go." Shanna asked softly.

  Gert was sitting up with her knees raised, her forearms across them as she sat thinking, then lowered her face within.

  "Chile... you got yo' life with your husban' now. You been blessed... just knowing you did love him, give me peace in knowing he ain't die in vain. Do like yo' daughter said, leave it alone... let it go now." Mama JoJo added.

  Gert sat motionless for a few moments thinking. She had no choice but to let it go. She fought back the urge to venture off there to visit his grave. That however, was not the reason for the trip, and so she would cast off the need... for now. She looked up and blew her nose again, her gaze on mama JoJo.

  "Mama JoJo... what you gonna do when we leave? You can't be sittin' on the porch with a shotgun mama JoJo... you got no family to see about you?" Gert asked, remembering what Shawn told her. She knew her son loved this elderly woman, and they were all connected it finally occurred to her, Shanna must have been thinking along those same lines because she said,

  "Isn't this funny... yet, strange. You momma, was in love with Edwin Piercey, and after his passing, his parents came here to California bringing you, mama JoJo and your daughter with Jesse James... who befriended my brother and looked after him while he was here. Wow... what an eerie connection... almost as if ... oh never mind... I'm being silly."

  "No... not at all. Edwin was seeing to it that someone was looking after my boy." Gert said.

  "Momma... we're talkin' crazy now."

  "Maybe... but I kind'ah like the notion of it." Gert replied softly then turned back to mama JoJo who was watching them. "Mama JoJo - come back with us." Gert asked gently.

  "Nooo... chile me and yo' boy done already gone through this. He been tryin' to get me to come wit'im for a few years now."

  "Why not mama JoJo?" Gert asked.

  "Sugah I lived wit' my brother for long enough. I swore once I left his home, I wasn't gone live with no body else again ever! Ya'll's got yo' life... an' I gots what's left of mine. Right here... in that house where he pick me up from. That's where I'm going back to." She declared.

  "Okay mama JoJo...okay. But you do know that now, we'll be checking on you all the time. Gettin' on your nerves - trying to talk you into comin' where we are. 'Cause mama JoJo - we family... ain't no doubt about that... how can you deny it?" Gert asked.

  Mama JoJo chuckled, "Lord... yeah... I s'pose you right. I ain't complainin' mind you. Not at all, an' if ya'll was to come and visit me when you can, you always be welcome."

  "Well you can bet on it! That's for sure!"

  "Chile is there some place I can lay my head a bit, I'm thinkin' I'm needin' a nap... feelin' kind o'drowsy."

  Gert moved off of the bed, "You can lay down right here mama JoJo, come on... take you a nap. We wake you when Shawn get back, maybe take you home after dinner, that okay?" Gert asked, as the older woman laid down, shifting the covers for her to get comfortable.

  "Sho'nuff be fine sugah... just get me a little cat nap." Mama JoJo murmured feeling her drowsiness take her down for a nap. Shanna and Gert quietly left the room and went into the kitchen.

  "For the life of me, I cannot believe this has happened. I cannot believe my son, all this time, has been in association with members of Edwin's family. Its too much." Gert started, looking into the refrigerator for something to prepare for later.

  "Momma... you still in love with him, aren't you?"

  "Shanna... he's gone."

  "As you found out that mama JoJo, was Edwin's aunt - what if she'd told you, that he was alive, and well and living here in California... what would you have done?"

  "Why are you asking me that? He's not alive... he's not well! He's buried in Bakersfield."

  "If he were alive... would you be tempted momma? Would you be tempted to see him? For him to see you? Would you?"

  "If he were alive and well, he'd no doubt be married and happy."

  "Would you be tempted to see him?"

  "I'm married to your father now Shanna, have been for forty years now."

  "That's not answering my question! Would you be tempted to see him?"

  Gert looked away from her, up at the ceiling, thinking. With her heart pounding, she knew the truth of the answer, there would be no way she could not be tempted. Knowing where he was buried, still tugged at her.

  "Shanna... there's no sense in us gettin' bogged down in the what if's! I'm your father's wife. I'm married to Bart, only death will part us. End of discussion."

  "So you would be. You'd be tempted to see him, I know you would. You're still in love with him!"

  "He - is - dead! Did you hear that part Shanna?! Dead! Now drop it! Go lay out by the pool or something!"

  At The Hospital...

  In a voice low, weak and raspy, Deidre lay talking to her daughter. Trying to stay awake, fighting against the medication given to keep her pain down and her activity at its lowest, she gazed at her child with longing eyes. Just in the short period of time that she was away, she'd changed. Her face glowed, her eyes twinkled, and she liked her bangs that Sylvia allowed her to get cut. Angela also showed her the earrings in her pierced ears.

  "You look wonderful. Tell me, so... what all have you been up to." Deidre swallowed, taking a deep breath, determined to stay awake and visit with her daughter. She knew that Shawn had said they'd be on their way back home today, so she appreciated the extra time given. He was outside speaking with Jeremiah.

  "Let's see... I'm in my new school and I really like it! My teachers really cool - her name is Mrs. Dearborn - she is so funny - and all the students like her... including me, as you can tell. I have two new friends - Kimberly and Trudie. There's also this Indian boy named Vincent, I think he likes me, he's always staring at me. He's kind'ah cute."

  "Oooh... you like him?"

  "Naaaw, not really... besides, dad would have a fit... so don't tell him I told you."

  "Does Sylvia know?" Deidre asked.

  "Nooo, I haven't really had time to tell her."

  "How do you like her?"

  "A lot."

  "A lot alot?" Deidre pressed.

  "She's... really nice, and... well... I just like her a lot." Angela said, not wanting to hurt her mother's feelings
by saying too much about how she and Sylvia were together.

  "Good... then you still rather be there?"

  "Yeah... I would. I love you - I really do. But there, it's different. Crystal and Mundo live there now too - and Isaac and Darren."

  "Who are they?"

  "Crystal is Sylvia's daughter, she's married and has two little boys. They're white like us! Well... half white, because Crystal's husband is white. His name is Victor - they're not together anymore because Crystal beats him up all the time."

  Deidre winced in pain, trying not to laugh, "Oh - oh oh... don't make me laugh."

  "Its true mom... she really gives it to him! Sylvia don't like it! She yelled at her about it. Anyway, now she lives with us, well... they live in dad's house across the road from us. Her and Mundo. But dad's gonna make that house really big so we can all live there together. Sylvia's house is gonna be a hotel."

  "A hotel?!" Deidre asked.

  "Yeah! Well... with not as many rooms, just a few rooms."

  "You mean a bed and breakfast?"

  "Yeah! That's what its called. They're gonna put a swimming pool there, a small tennis court, so its really nice for people to stay there."

  "Wow... sounds like they're really busy."

  "Yep... we're always busy. Plus I get to visit with Uncle Derrick and Aunt Meribel - I love going there! Man mom... did you know that Shawn2 looks just like my dad?! People think that we're brother and sister we look so much alike! He's so funny - but he gets on his brother's nerves! And you know what? Guess what? Their oldest son, DJ - Derrick Junior - well, he's Crystal and Mundo's brother! They all have the same dad... you can tell too, because DJ and Crystal look sooooo much alike, the way that Shawn2 and I look a like. But we look more alike than they do. And you know what else? He's black!"

  "Who's black?"

  "Derrick Junior! Well... let's see, Sasha says he's more Puerto Rican than they are, because Aunt Meribel is Puerto Rican and Armundo... that's DJ's, Crystal and Mundo's dad - he's half Puerto Rican and black... so really, he's like part black... but he looks black! He's very very ve-e-ery good looking! Oh my goodness! He is soooo handsome, girls are calling him all the time! And Mundo is really good looking too! He looks like Sylvia - he wears dread-locks - and he and dad are really really really close! I mean really close! They're together all the time just about! He is soooo funny! He makes me laugh like crazy! He makes dad laugh a lot too! Crystal gets mad at him though, calls him names... and... you know what?"

  "What?" Deidre chuckled, amazed because she'd never seen her daughter so animated and excited.

  "She calls him... the 'N' word... a lot! He calls her that too! Dad says they shouldn't be calling each other that, but they do it anyway."

  "Well... you know, that just because they do it... doesn't mean that you can?"

  "I know... I wouldn't anyway... but Crystal and Mundo say it a lot. Even Isaac has called his uncle that!"

  "Who is Isaac?"

  "Mom... Crystal's little boy! He's three years old... he looks white, and calls Mundo the 'n' word sometimes. Dad really gets onto him about that. Crystal tells him not to say it, but she thinks its funny, but dad told her she should not be letting him say that because he looks white. He told her if someone black heard him say it, they would be offended and might hurt him because they wouldn't know that Isaac is black too... just looks white. So... now, she's trying not to say it anymore, and corrects him if he says it."

  "I see... wow... well I sure hope they can get him to stop that... your dads right, it could set him up to get hurt later."

  "Yep... it could. Now... when we leave here, dads gonna have to find Sylvia."

  "Find Sylvia? Why?"

  "She left him. Because he lost his temper and he and Uncle Jake got into a big fight at the wedding reception over Sylvia. That's why dad has a black eye... its almost healed now. Uncle Jake has one too... but now... Sylvia's gone."

  "Isn't she pregnant?"

  Angela gasped excitedly and got her second wind.

  "OH YES! Oh mom... I saw the baby! I saw its heart beating! It was still in her stomach - its really really teeni tiny - but we all saw it! Dad wants a boy, I heard him tell grandma last night that he's gonna name him Jesse James! After his friend who died a long time ago."

  "Yes... I remember. So how do you feel now that Sylvia's gone?"

  "I miss her. I want her to come back. She called me though, and told me... well... that she loved me, and that... she just needed a little time. She'll come back home, because she really loves dad... and he really loves her."

  Deidre sighed. Having no choice, she smiled at her daughter and was thankful that at least she was happy and out of harms way.

  Detectives Johnson and Gleason sat with Shawn and Jeremiah taking notes on the additional information Shawn wanted to give them. He told them about the attack on Sylvia earlier that year. That the man's name was Ray Olivetti. He gave them the name of the investigator there in Wisconsin who had questioned him and Sylvia because the man ended up dead. He explained the reason for bringing it up, that although he had never met Olivetti - he knew him. Had information on him and it seemed that he had been there in Wisconsin because of him. That he came from California and the question was, sent by who?

  "I don't know if one thing has anything to do with the other, but I wanted to tell you about it anyway. Just in case." Shawn finished as the two detectives stood.

  "We'll run a profile on this Ray Olivetti... find out who some of his associates are. You never know. Thanks for the information." They left, leaving him and Jeremiah alone together.

  "Thought you'd be on a plane half way back to Wisconsin?" Jeremiah asked.

  "We will be tomorrow. There were last minute things I needed to see to. For being just her lawyer, you sure are putting in overtime. Is she your only client?"

  "Actually, I'm a corporate attorney. I'm in and out of the office through out the day. Under the circumstances, I'm making special allowances where she's concerned."

  "I see. So... you're just one heck of an attentive attorney, or is this more personal?"

  "Both."

  "I didn't miss the revenge accusation by her mother. Any truth to that? If so, how is it going to affect Deidre down the road?"

  "I hold no vendetta's against Deidre. Its her parents I can't stand."

  "Well join the club, neither are they on my favorites list of people I once knew. Just remember, if you are indeed out to get them, don't go over Deidre to do so. She's been through enough."

  "Do I detect some lingering affection?"

  "She's the mother of my daughter. That alone gives me reason to be concerned."

  "Is that the only reason?"

  "How important is it for you to know?"

  Jeremiah chuckled, "Why do I get a feeling the two of us could sit here all day going back on forth trying to gauge the other?"

  "Not I... sorry - I have things to do. Look... I could give a shit about what happens to the Wherrington's... Oscar T. and Georgiana that is... however, the woman laying in that room, is someone I love. Not in love with... but love. I don't want to see her hurt, simple as that. She has her life to live and is free to live it as she sees fit because I'm sure as hell living mine. If there's something down the road with the two of you, good for her... my point is simply this, don't play with her just to get back at her parents."

  "I wouldn't even consider it." Jeremiah lied, knowing that he'd considered doing just that before the attack on her last week. Now... things had changed. Finding a link that tied them into trying to kill their daughter off was much more to his liking. To find that link, was going to take some digging...but dig he would.

  Shawn stood, "Good enough then. I suppose this will be the last time we see each other, nice meeting you." Shawn held his hand out as Jeremiah stood and grabbed it, giving him a firm handshake. "Yes, you as well. Have a safe flight back to Wisconsin."

  Shawn and Angela left the hospital just in time to pick up her two friends from scho
ol. He took them home so they could ask their parents about the movies. Allowed to go, he took all three to McDonald's, and afterward to the mall where they would walk around until it was time for the movie to start, he warned very sternly. "Do not leave this mall and go anywhere else... do you understand me?!" He was very firm, looking at Angela.

  "I know dad!"

  "Okay... walk around, chit chat, shop and see the movie! When it's done, give me a ring and I'll be here to pick you all up... understand?!"

  "Yes Mr. McPherson... we promise! We'll be right here."

  "Yes dad... we'll be fine." Angela assured him. Shawn didn't like leaving them unattended. "Second thought, I'll be back here in two hours! Angela, you have your phone on you! Do not - leave - the mall!" He repeated.

  "DAD! Okaaay!" Angela repeated, there was no way in world she was gonna cross her father and her friends knew this as well, he stood watching them walk into the mall, Angela turning to wave at him. Once they disappeared inside the doors, Shawn pulled off. "I can't believe I asked Sylvia for three more! Too damn stressful!" Especially for him because he knew he was a bit over protective, but he couldn't help himself. He knew what the real world was about, he'd spent enough time in it. He went directly back to the condo. Mama JoJo was in the kitchen laughing and talking with his mother and sister. It seemed his mother was fine now. They'd already eaten and she was ready to be taken home. In the SUV on the way back, it was just her and Shawn.

  "Mama JoJo... is there anything at all I can say to you, to get you-..."

  "No sweetheart... nothing." She stopped him before he went any further.

  "But I want you to see my child when its born. We think its a boy, I'm naming him Jesse Jame's... I want you to see'im."

  "If the lord is willing to give me till then, I will. 'Course, you gonna have to bring'im here... but that sho'would be nice... to see'im. Thank maybe I'ah get to meet yo'wife too?"

  Shawn sighed, "Yes mama JoJo... you'll get to meet her too, you'll love her. She'll love meeting you."

 

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