Black Butterfly

by Michelle, Nika

  “Are you okay Miss Seantay?” Edwin asked.

  Tears started to fall down my cheeks and my sobs were uncontrollable. “No! I saw it on the news! What the hell is going on Edwin?”

  “I’m not sure. All I know is that at first they said the plane was delayed, but now they are saying there’s been a plane crash. I was told that the engine failed about forty minutes after take off. It looks like we are going to have to wait to find out any additional information,” he explained. “I will be there soon.”

  Just then Jacques walked into the room with a worried look on his handsome face. “Call your sisters,” he instructed sternly.

  “Okay,” I said feeling like I was in shock.

  My attention focused back on the news. The young, white reporter talked in a monotone voice and I listened on autopilot. “There isn’t much to go on. The plane’s engine failed and caused a fire. We’re told that the whole plane was engulfed in flames. It is unknown if there are any survivors. We will continue bringing you coverage on this story as more information becomes available. Back to you regularly scheduled program.”

  My hands were shaking and the tears were falling out of control as I dialed Renell’s number. She answered in a groggy voice. I could hear Ricky in the background.

  “Who is it baby?” He asked.

  “I’m sorry to wake you,” I said trying to sound as normal as possible.

  “What’s wrong Seantay?” She asked. Her voice was filled with concern. She knew it wasn’t like me to call her that early in the morning.

  Unable to hold in the sobs that were lodged in my throat I choked up. My chest heaved as I cried. “Mommy and daddy’s plane crashed…they don’t know if there are any survivors.”

  There was nothing but silence and then I heard Ricky’s voice again. “What’s wrong baby? What happened?” He asked. “What happened Seantay?” His voice was loud and clear because he had to take the phone away from Renell.

  Hardly able to breath I still managed to tell him about the plane crash.

  “Oh God. Okay. We’ll be right there.”

  As I dialed Seandra’s number I prayed she’d pick up. I didn’t expect her to answer and she didn’t. I left her a message urging her to call me. I just hoped she’d get the message and stop being a selfish bitch.

  * * *

  Renell

  Ricky drove as I sat there in a daze. I hadn’t uttered one word or cried since Seantay had called me with the news. I felt like stone. I was in denial, but I guess I needed to be for my sanity. Things were finally starting to come together for me.

  “Baby? Say something to me please?” Ricky pleaded trying to communicate with me somehow.

  Shaking my head no I didn’t want to talk about it. I just wanted things to be back to the way they were before my parents got on that plane. I wondered if Seandra knew. Had she answered the phone when Seantay called? She probably hadn’t, but I hoped she had. I felt Ricky’s hand on mine. The warmth from his hand let me know that he was there for me. I closed my eyes and thanked God for him. I wasn’t religious, but our parents had raised us to attend church. We did as children, but often rebelled as teens and decided not to. Our parents had taught us to thank God for our wonderful blessings. I realized that noone was perfect and our parents had raised us the best they knew how.

  * * *

  Seandra

  The sunlight shined through my bedroom illuminating the face of my companion. We’d stayed up until three a.m. enjoying each other. I’d been taken over by the effects of some good, headboard banging sex and didn’t want to move. I’d been spending so much time with Jermaine lately that I wondered if I really liked him, or if I was just filling a void. Lonely was just not an option for me.

  Jermaine’s eyes opened. “You ready for round three?” He asked with the stamina of a man who’d popped a few beans.

  “Only if you’d do me a favor,” I drawled sexily as I sucked on his earlobe.

  “Of course,” he said tracing his tongue down my torso. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as he devoured his breakfast. The sound of the phone threatened my earth shattering orgasm, but I ignored it. Shit, the machine could get it. I’d gotten used to letting that happen lately. Plus Jermaine was really really good at eating pussy.

  He had just assumed the postion to hit it from the back when I heard my baby sister’s frantic voice on my answering service. “Seandra, please answerethe phone. Please,” she begged. He entered me forcefully, causing me to lose interest in the phone call. A few seconds went by and I realized that the sound of Seantay’s voice was nagging at me. I had to get to the phone.

  “Stop Jermaine. I have to get that.” I got up and picked up the phone. “Tay, I’m here. What’s wrong?’

  What she told me made me collapse to the floor. My legs just gave out on me and my body felt faint. Jermaine rushed to my side. “Are you okay?”

  I hung up and stared at him. Genuine concern showed in his eyes. “My parents’ plane from Thailand crashed. I have to get to my sisters. Will you drive me?”

  “Of course I will. You shouldn’t be driving. You can hardly stand up. I’ll run you a bath. Okay,” he said helping me up.

  “Thank you,” I managed to get up just as the sobs reached my throat.

  * * *

  Seantay

  The Beauvois sisters were all together once again. It was awkward at first, but we had a common bond now. We were worried about the fate of our parents. There was a chance that they’d survived. We were trying to be optimistic, but the chance of finding survivors in the rubble was bleak. We didn’t want to, but we were expecting the worst.

  “They have to be okay,” Seandra sobbed as she held on to Jermaine. Once she saw Renell she ran into her arms. They held on to one another for a long time without saying a word. The silence was understood as it settled around the room. We watched the news coverage of the wreckage.

  “So far no survivors have been found,” the reporter said with sad eyes.

  Jermaine rubbed Seandra’s back as she continued to sob quietly. I was all cried out and Nell hadn’t cried at all. She just had this depressed ass looked etched across her face. It was after ten and we’d all been sitting in front of the television for hours. I was so lost. Raheem hadn’t even bothered calling me. He didn’t know that my parents were even on that plane. I wanted to call him, but I couldn’t.

  I’d talked to Reba who was on her way to console me. I didn’t need Raheem because my best friend would never betray me like he had.

  “Let’s all hold hands and say a prayer. That’s something we haven’t done as a family in a long time,” Renell suggested as she stood up.

  We joined her in a circle, entertwined our hands and bowed our heads.

  “Lord, we’re calling on you. I guess it’s better late than never. We are humbly bowing our heads in prayer because we know you are the creator and everything is in your hands. We thank you for all of the blessings that you’ve bestowed upon us. We also thank you for our parents. Lord, we just pray that our parents are still alive and that there are survivors. We’re very sorry about the tragic deaths of the other passengers and our hearts go out to their families. We know that you don’t make bargains. Whatever the outcome is we will try to be a closer family. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.”

  We all said “Amen,” in unsion.

  “Still, no survivors have been found. Rescuers have already recovered about sixteen bodies and there were a total of thirty-two passengers. The wreckage is horrendous. There’s great hope that there are survivors, but the chances are very slim,” the reporter said with an unreadable expression on her face.

  Jacques walked into the room. “I’ve prepared a meal. You all should try to eat something.” He turned the television off.

  “Turn that back on Jacques!” Seandra snapped angrily.

  “No, you all have been glued to the television for hours. If anything changes you’ll find out after you eat something. If you’re watching the news you will not
eat. Now, we’ve already contacted the airline and they won’t tell us anything right now. We have to wait. Until then you all need nourishment,” he said preparing our plates.

  * * *

  By two thirty Reba had made it. We hugged and she whispered in my ear. “Believe that they’re alive.”

  It was declared that there were no survivors by four pm. All of our hopes had been crushed and we were still waiting to hear from the airline. The mood in the air was somber. Renell and Seandra had returned home with their significant others. Noone wanted to think about funeral arrangement until the airline confirmed that they’d been on the plane. Everyone was exhausted.

  “I’m so sorry,” Reba said with eyes full of tears.

  I couldn’t say anything. I was all choked up again.

  “You should call Raheem. He should be here with you too. He loves you.”

  “No,” I said.

  She sucked her teeth and called him anyway. After she filled him in on what was going on. He was there in less than an hour. Despite what we’d been through I was happy to see him.

  “You okay baby?” He asked as he pulled me into him. Embracing me he kissed my forehead. “Damn, I’m so sorry. This has to be really tough. I won’t leave your side, I promise,” he assured me.

  Reba had an evening class and had to leave. She kissed my cheek and gave Raheem a hug. “Call me if you need me Tay.”

  I nodded and thanked her. She left and I fell asleep on the sofa in Raheem’s arms.

  * * *

  The sound of keys jingling and voices woke me up. It sounded like my parents, but I had to be dreaming. I turned over and Raheem was still beside me. He’d fallen asleep too. I opened my eyes and sat up. I thought I saw my parents enter the room.

  “Hi sweety and Raheem” mother said looking like she was puzzled by our sleeping arrangement.

  Raheem sat up looking just as shocked as I felt. Neither of us could say anything.

  “What’s wrong?” Father asked.

  Maybe I was dreaming. “Am I dreaming?” I asked Raheem. “Because after the nightmare I just experienced this seems too real.”

  “If you’re dreaming I’m dreaming too,” he said.

  “What are you two talking about? Noone’s dreaming,” mother said annoyed. She walked over and gave me a hug. She hugged Raheem after me.

  “We decided to take a private charter flight. Your mother wanted to see a late exhibit at one of the Art Galleries,” father explained. They had no idea about what had happened. “We called a limo service since it’s so late.”

  I glanced at the clock. It was after twelve a.m. “But we thought… Did you know that the flight you two were supposed to be on crashed and there were no survivors? We thought you two were dead. Oh my God! This is really real!” I screamed and jumped up to hug both of my parents.

  “We had no idea about the plane crash. We didn’t have to go to the main airport,” father said. “Sorry we scared you all. We should’ve called.”

  “I have to call Nell and Seandra. They are talking now. I can’t believe that you two are really here.” I cried tears of relief.

  Raheem stood up. “This is a family moment. I’m glad to see you Mr. and Mrs. Beauvois. Seantay I’m…”

  I cut him off. “I want you here.” I grabbed his hand. “You won’t leave my side. Remember?”

  He gave me a soft kiss. “No, I won’t.”

  I dialed Renell’s number first and then called Seandra on three way. I couldn’t wait to share the good news.

  * * *

  Seandra

  As I sat across from Dr. Fletcher I realized that I had a new outlook on life. Renell and I had gotten together after an emotional reunion with our parents. The thought of losing them had made me love and appreciate them more than ever. The news of their return had been shocking, but our prayers had been answered.

  I’d filled Dr. Fletcher in on the whole story. She nodded knowingly after I’d finished. “Wow. What a difference I see in you since last week. So, how was your time with Renell? Did you put yourself in her shoes?”

  I smiled and shared my thoughts on the subject. I’d given my assignment a lot of serous consideration. I realized that Renell had been just as much a victim of Maurice as I had. I’d forgiven her and we were closer than ever.

  “I’m really proud of you Seandra. So, should I pencil you in for the 16th of next month?”

  “I don’t think I need to come in for a while,” I smiled. “Thanks Dr. Fletcher.” I left her office feeling better than I had in a while.

  * * *

  Seantay

  Randy had me sweating like crazy and my calves were burning. My cell phone vibrating was a welcome distraction from the pain. “Let’s take five,” I said as I grabbed my phone and a towel.

  “Hello,” I said walking away from Randy’s nosey ass.

  “The baby isn’t mine,” Raheem said calmly.

  I was glad that it was all over. “Good,” I said.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you baby. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  “Besides, his lost. If he hadn’t been greedy he could’ve made some real paper.”

  “Yeah, all of the billboards came down and he didn’t get the magazine spread. I decided not to sue since he promised to set the record straight about us.”

  “A happy ending huh?” Raheem asked.

  “So far, but you have to learn to trust me,” I said sternly. “I have been faithful to you.”

  “Just my insecurites getting the best of me. I wonder what a woman like you would want with an old street thug like me. I figured Dean was more your speed.” He laughed, but I didn’t.

  “Just kidding baby. From now on I will trust you.”

  “Good, because I am launching my clothing line soon. I am going to be spending a lot of time around other men.” I said springing the good news on him.

  “That’s great baby! I’m so proud of you,” he said. “I got accepted in school like I said I would.”

  “ Wow, that great’s news babe. How about we celebrate later. I’m working out, so I will call you in a little bit.”

  “Okay, keep it tight for your man.”

  “Love you baby.”

  “Love you too.”

  Chapter 19

  Renell

  It was another Beauvois Divas Day. The three of us had declared one Saturday of each month to get together and do something special. We would alternate which of us would plan the activities of the day and it was my turn. It was after six o’ clock and we’d just grabbed a bite to eat at an ocean side seafood restaurant. I was full of lobster and crab legs and was feeling spontaneous. The plan was to go bowling to burn off some calories, but somehow I ended up pulling into the parking lot of a tattoo shop.

  “What are we doing here Nell?” Seandra asked. “This isn’t a bowling alley.”

  “We are going bowling. I just thought we would stop here first.” I smiled mischeviously.

  “What? Not Renell? You want a tattoo?” Seantay asked with big, sly grin on her face. She was the only one who had a tattoo. It was just a tiny tweety bird on her ankle.

  “We’re all going to get one,” I said waiting for Seandra’s reaction.

  Her nose turned up. “Oh hell no. I’m not getting a tattoo.”

  “You can’t back out Seandra. Renell’s in charge of what we do. We didn’t back out when you took us skydiving. Remember the rules. No objections.” Seantay backed me up.

  I smiled approvingly at my baby sister.

  “Oh shut up Tay. You don’t care about the preservation of your body. You have three piercings!” Seandra snapped. She was afraid of needles and was too ashamed to admit it.

  “C’mon Seandra,” I pleaded. “We will hold your hand the whole time.”

  “We sure will,” Seantay added for good measure

  “Can I squeeze really hard if it hurts?” Seandra asked sounding like a little girl.

  Renll and I nodded.

&nb
sp; “Promise?”

  “We promise,” we said in unison.

  We got out of the car and walked into the tattoo shop. The rednecks had no idea who we were which was a good thing.

  “You get to chose the tattoo,” Seandra said. “Since this barbaric ass idea was yours in the first place.”

  After about fifteen minutes I’d found it. “He we are ladies,” I said excitedly.

  “A black butterfly? Oh gosh. That’s so morbid,” Seandra complained.

  “Yeah, a butterfly is fine, but why does it have to be black?” Seantay asked.

  “Oh my darling little sisters you two have so much to learn. Use your metaphoric minds,” I said.

  “You’re such a nerd. Explain it to us.” Seandra rolled her eyes.

  “A tattoo on your body for the rest of your life should mean something. The butterfly is symbolic of change. We all have gone through a metamorphosis. Think about it. We’ve become much closer. Not only that, but there are things in all of our pasts that tainted us. Therefore a black butterfly is the perfect representation of the darkness of that time before the change.” After saying it I realized that it all made sense. “We are black butterflies.”

  We walked out of the tattoo shop that day with black butteflies in flight tattoed on our backs. I was the oldest, so my butterfly was underneath my left shoulder. Seandra’s was located in the center of the arch in her back andTay’s butterfly rested on her lower back.

  “That shit hurt like hell,” Seandra flinched as she got into the Escalade.

  “Yeah, my hand is sore and my ear is ringing from all your screaming,” Seantay laughed checking her phone.

  “How am I supposed to bowl now? Nell, you did this on purpose because you know I’ll beat your ass at bowling,” Seanda boasted giving me the challenge face.

  “Oh, okay. We will see,” I said taking her challenge seriously.

  “I’m glad we went through that together. It was such a bonding moment. I love you guys,” Seantay smiled.

  “Aww,” Seandra and I said. We all laughed.

  “Oh, and by the way. How do you two feel about doing a reality show? Some major networks have have made us offers,” Seantay said out of the blue.