Can I Get a Witness?

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

  “I’m not talking about your leave. I’m talking about your health,” he said with such concern that it made Vanessa smile.

  “I told you to stop babying me. It’s been two weeks and I feel fine.” She did. At least physically. In fact, she felt better than ever. She still was a little sore first thing in the morning, but for the most part, her cramping was gone. The pain in her heart about not being able to have children was still there, but she was working through it.

  “Okay, but I still don’t think it’s a good idea,” Thomas said.

  “Duly noted.” Vanessa paused, remembering how she always quickly disregarded his feelings. They hadn’t officially decided they were going to work things out—they’d just fallen back into a natural rhythm. “But really, I’m going to be fine,” she reassured him. “I need to get back to work. You’ve gone back.”

  “I know, but…I mean, I’m working from here. So I can keep an eye on you. But…fine.” He released a defeated sigh before leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. “Promise me you’ll call me if you have any problems.”

  “Done,” she replied, heading to the door.

  Vanessa couldn’t help but smile as she made her way to the courthouse. She would’ve never thought that she and Thomas would be back together. Over the past two weeks she’d remembered why she fell in love with him in the first place. He’d made it a point that they pray every single day. And she’d actually taken up some of the pointers she’d learned in the retreat, including trying to be more positive and keeping God at the center of their relationship. Vanessa felt better than she had about them in a long time. Ida knew Thomas was there taking care of her, but Vanessa hadn’t told anyone that she was considering giving her marriage another try because even though her heart wanted to, her head wasn’t sure it was the right thing to do. She had agreed to let Thomas ask Judge Jarrett to put the divorce on hold until they figured out what they were going to do.

  Vanessa pulled into her reserved parking spot in the back of the courthouse and made her way inside. Despite what she’d told Thomas, she was still a bit sore, so she moved gingerly.

  “Good morning, Judge Colton-Kirk,” the cheery sheriff’s deputy greeted her. “Glad to see you back.”

  “Good morning, Clarence. Glad to be back,” Vanessa responded, for once not worried what anyone was thinking or saying about her.

  She walked down the long hallway to the elevator to take her to her third-floor courtroom. She had just pushed the Up button when she spotted Alana.

  “So, I guess you think you’ve won?” Alana sneered, slowly marching toward her. She definitely no longer looked like a model. Dressed in a long khaki trench coat, some sweatpants, and Timberland boots, she looked like a crazy woman.

  “Alana.” Vanessa stepped back, looking around nervously. No one else was in sight.

  “In the flesh,” Alana said snidely. She had a wild look in her eyes and it sent Vanessa’s heart racing. “You killed my parents and now you’re trying to steal my man!”

  “Alana, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Vanessa said, slowly moving backward. She had to get back to the main lobby, to Clarence.

  Alana slammed her hand against the wall. “Don’t play dumb! I know Thomas is staying at your house!”

  Vanessa tried to reason with her. “You’re the one who lied to Thomas about the baby.”

  “So?” she screamed. “He wanted it to be his kid. He would’ve accepted Thomasina as his if you hadn’t been around.”

  “Alana,” Vanessa pointed out, “you don’t even want him. You just took him to hurt me, remember?”

  “I did love him!” she spat. “No, I didn’t at first, but I fell in love with him and he loved me! We had plans to be together and you ruined that!”

  “You’re delusional,” Vanessa said. “I had nothing to do with Thomas leaving you.”

  Alana stepped forward and pushed Vanessa so hard that she fell against the wall. She was already sore, so pain shot through her body. “I’ll show you delusional!” Alana yelled.

  Despite how much she was hurting, Vanessa’s first instinct was to fight; but Alana pounced before she could get her bearings. Vanessa screamed and was thankful when she saw Clarence come running toward her, shouting, “Judge Colton-Kirk!”

  “Help! Get her off me!”

  Alana had a handful of Vanessa’s hair and was trying to pound her head into the floor. “I hate you! I hate you!” Alana screamed as she pulled at Vanessa’s hair. “You’ve ruined my life!”

  Clarence jumped behind Alana and pulled her off. “Whoa, little lady. Calm down!” he said, pinning her arms behind her.

  Alana’s eyes were red with rage. “I’m going to kill you!” she said, kicking at Vanessa.

  Three other sheriff’s deputies had arrived on the scene. Two were struggling to help Clarence contain Alana while the other helped Vanessa up off the floor.

  “I won’t rest until you’re dead!” Alana spat.

  Clarence had his cuffs out. “Ma’am, stop fighting me. You’re not going anywhere!”

  “Let me go!” Alana screamed. “I want to make her pay!”

  “Are you okay, Judge?” a female deputy asked.

  Vanessa brushed her hair down, feeling her heart fluttering madly. Her whole body ached but her pelvic area, in particular, was throbbing. “I’m okay.”

  “She won’t be when I get finished with her!” Alana shouted.

  “Get her out of here!” Clarence admonished, pushing Alana toward the female deputy. He stepped toward Vanessa. “Are you sure you’re okay? I can call for an ambulance.”

  “No,” Vanessa said, though she was still shaken up. She had regained her feet and was leaning on the wall. She was about to say something to Clarence when Judge Vernon Jarrett appeared.

  He stopped dead at Vanessa’s disheveled appearance and the commotion as the officers led a still-shouting Alana away. “Wh-what’s going on?”

  “Judge Colton-Kirk was attacked by that woman,” Clarence said.

  Vanessa slipped her foot back in her pump and picked up her purse. “Hi, Vernon. It’s a long story. If you don’t mind, I’ll call you and tell you all about it. And if it’s okay with you, I’m going to take a couple more weeks of leave. I-I’m not ready to come back to work.”

  More than anything, Vanessa wanted to get back home, surprisingly, to the comfort of Thomas’s arms.

  “No, of course. You take however long you need,” he said, looking at Clarence for answers. The uniformed officer shrugged as if to say he didn’t really know what was going on either. “I’ll let Robert know,” Judge Jarrett assured her, since Judge Malveaux was the one in charge of Vanessa’s disciplinary action.

  “Thank you.” Vanessa turned to Clarence. “And thank you. That woman’s name is Alana Irving. She’s obviously a very disturbed person and if you hadn’t come when you did, there’s no telling what she would’ve done.”

  “No problem, Judge,” Clarence replied warmly. “Do you need some help out?”

  Vanessa was touched by his concern. “No, I just want to get home.” She looked at Judge Jarrett, gratitude filling her eyes. “Home to my husband.”

  Judge Jarrett’s eyes lit up, and although he didn’t say a word, Vanessa could see the happiness written all over his face.

  “God is good,” she heard him mumble as she slowly made her way out of the courthouse.

  Chapter 52

  Dionne leaned against the brick wall, the small photo clutched in her hand. She took a deep breath and once again looked at the picture of her baby. The 3D ultrasound image was so clear. She smiled to herself. Roland had been right. They were having a boy. She stroked his picture. Her baby was sucking his thumb as he pulled his knees up to his chest.

  This was the first time she’d gotten an up close and personal picture of her baby and it warmed her heart.

  “Hey, are you all right?” Rosolyn’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

  Dionne stood up, hiding the picture
in her hand. “I’m all right.”

  “You got done early,” Rosolyn said. “I just ran into Marshall’s, thinking you’d be awhile.”

  “I know. They got me in and out.”

  “What’s that?” Rosolyn motioned toward the photo.

  Dionne took a deep breath and handed the picture to her sister. “Your nephew.”

  Rosolyn took the picture. “Awwwww. A boy! Look at his little toes.” She fingered the photo. “Wow, this is amazing.”

  “It’s a 3D ultrasound.” Dionne grinned. “That’s my baby.”

  Rosolyn smiled as she handed the picture back to her sister. “You do know you’re going to make a good mother?”

  “You think so?” Dionne replied hesitantly.

  “I do.”

  Dionne put the picture in her purse. “I just wish Roland was here to help me.”

  Rosolyn draped her arm through her sister’s. “I know you do. But everything happens for a reason. God has given you a little boy, and you owe it to that little boy to be the best mom that you can be.”

  Dionne took a deep breath as they walked toward Rosolyn’s car. She knew her sister was right. She’d been in a serious depression for the past two weeks. She couldn’t stop blaming herself for causing Roland’s death. Melanie and Trina had been by her house every day, trying to get her to snap out of it. Between them and Vanessa, Rosolyn, and Aunt Ida, Dionne had been ready to go into seclusion. The only reason she’d come out today was because she was scheduled for her 3D ultrasound.

  Both Link and Red had been charged with murder and were jailed with no bond. But that was little consolation for Dionne. They could rot in jail for eternity and it still wouldn’t bring Roland back.

  “So, have you given any thought to what we were talking about on the way here?” Rosolyn asked once they were in the car and pulling out of the parking lot.

  Dionne stared out the window. On the way to her doctor’s appointment, Rosolyn had tried to convince her that she needed to tell Roland’s mother about the baby. Dionne didn’t think she was ready for that, especially not after the way Mrs. Lewis had acted toward her at the funeral. The other part of her didn’t want to share this baby because it was all she had left of Roland. “I know I’m going to have to tell her eventually.”

  “Right, because she deserves to know; and didn’t you say she didn’t have any grandkids? She may see this as a blessing.”

  “I know.” Dionne eased the photo out of her purse again and glanced down at it. “I’m just not ready right now. I’ll do it before the baby is born, okay?”

  “Well, I’m going to get with Melanie so we can plan your shower,” Rosolyn said, changing the subject. “Anything in particular you want?”

  Dionne shrugged, grateful her sister let the issue drop. “It doesn’t matter.” At least, that was the way she felt before seeing her baby’s picture. Now she felt a glimmer of excitement about preparing for her son. So far she hadn’t bought so much as a bib, but the thought of filling her home with baby stuff was bringing on a happiness she hadn’t felt in weeks.

  “I want you to know I’m praying for you.”

  Dionne forced a smile. “Thanks, sis.”

  “I know you’re not strong enough to pray for yourself right now, but it’s coming. You need to forgive yourself and focus on that little one.” Rosolyn reached over and squeezed her hand. “It really is going to be okay, Dionne.”

  Dionne felt a peace engulf her as she rubbed her stomach. It felt as if Roland was telling her that he forgave her. She shook off the eerie feeling and squeezed her sister’s hand back and flashed a genuine smile. “You know what, Big Sis? I finally believe that.” She jumped at the vibrating feeling coming from her hip.

  “What’s wrong?” Rosolyn asked.

  Dionne laughed. “Oh, it’s my cell phone. It was going off,” she said, removing the phone from the clip on her waist. “I guarantee you this isn’t anyone but Bruce. He’s been a godsend since the funeral. He wanted to come with me to the doctor today, but I just don’t want him to feel obligated to do stuff for me.”

  Rosolyn was about to respond when Dionne held up her hand, cutting her off. “Hey, Bruce,” she said, answering her phone.

  “So is it a boy?” he excitedly asked. You would’ve thought this was his child, she thought.

  “It is,” she said with a smile.

  “I knew it!” he exclaimed. “Now, you go home and put your feet up. I’m going to bring you a celebratory dinner.” He hesitated when she didn’t respond. “I mean, if you’d like. I don’t want to be pushy.”

  “You’re not being pushy,” Dionne finally responded. “It’s just that you’re a really good friend, Bruce.”

  His voice dropped an octave. “Give me the chance and I could be a whole lot more. To you and the baby,” he softly added. “Just think about it. I know it’s too soon for you to be thinking about getting involved with another man, but just let me be there for you and the baby. No pressure, just as your friend.”

  Dionne glanced over at her sister, who was straining hard to hear their conversation. She pushed her sister’s shoulder and said, “You know what, Bruce, I’d like that. I’d like that very much.”

  Chapter 53

  Vanessa was amazed at the peace that had overcome her. It was strange. Aunt Ida had a picture hanging in her living room that said, “No prayer, no peace. Know prayer. Know peace.” Vanessa had never really comprehended that, until now.

  They’d just finished hearing a wonderful sermon by the minister of Zion Hill Missionary Church, Rev. Lester Adams. Ida was friends with Lester’s grandmother, who had invited them all out to church today. Today’s sermon had actually been encouraging, with the exception of Shelly’s constant squirming at her side. Vanessa and Thomas had begun the paperwork to make Shelly a permanent part of their lives. But they hadn’t shared the news with the little girl. After all the disappointments she’d had in her life, they didn’t want to risk anything happening. Rosolyn had all but assured them that there wouldn’t be any problems, but still Vanessa didn’t want to take any chances.

  “Well, well, well. If this isn’t a sight for sore eyes.”

  Vanessa smiled at her aunt, who had caught the three of them as they made their way out the church doors.

  “Somebody slap me and tell me I’m not dreaming,” Ida said with a wicked grin.

  “Hello, Aunt Ida.” Vanessa realized she was holding Thomas’s hand and she immediately dropped it.

  Ida crossed her arms across her chest and chuckled. “You don’t have to act like you weren’t holding this boy’s hand. Besides, I know he done moved back in, so I know y’all doing a lot more than holding hands.”

  “Auntie!” Vanessa exclaimed, covering Shelly’s ears.

  “And you must be Shelly?” Ida said, leaning down toward the little girl. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Hello,” Shelly shyly responded.

  Ida reached in her purse and pulled out a dollar. “Why don’t you run over to that ice cream truck and get some ice cream?” she said, pointing to the white truck parked in front of the church.

  Shelly looked to Vanessa for permission. “Go ahead,” Vanessa said.

  “Thank you, ma’am,” Shelly said, grabbing the dollar and sprinting to the truck.

  They watched Shelly approach the truck before Thomas stepped over and kissed Ida on the cheek. “How are you doing, Aunt Ida?”

  “I’m doing just fine,” she replied. “I see you’re doing fine, too.”

  He laughed as he looked at Vanessa. “I’m definitely blessed.”

  “Aunt Ida…this…this isn’t what it seems,” Vanessa stammered. She didn’t want any pressure from her aunt.

  “It seems like to me what it ought to seem like. What God meant for it to be like. It’s what he meant when he talked about for better or for worse.”

  Vanessa rolled her eyes, knowing a lecture was coming on.

  “It’s what God wants you to focus on when you’re s
itting up there in that divorce court dismantling the bonds of marriage,” she continued.

  “Okay, here we go with this,” Vanessa mumbled.

  “I’m gonna say my piece. The Bible says that God’s plan is that marriage be a lifetime commitment. So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” She wagged her finger as she preached. “The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God hates divorce and that reconciliation and forgiveness should be the marks of a believer’s life.”

  Vanessa groaned. She was not in the mood for another sermon, especially one that had her feeling like she was the biggest heathen this side of the Mississippi.

  “Now, that’s not to say that if your man does stuff he ain’t got no business doing, you can’t cut him,” Ida continued, looking over her glasses at Thomas.

  “Ummmm, where does it say that in the Bible?” he playfully asked.

  “That’s in the revised King Solomon International New Beginnings version. I don’t think it’s on the market yet.” She winked.

  “Oh, okay.” Thomas laughed. “If Vanessa gives me another chance, she won’t ever have to worry about utilizing that verse.” He saw Shelly standing back as other kids pushed their way in front of her at the ice cream truck. “Let me go help her or they’ll run all over her.”

  Ida watched Thomas walk away before turning back toward her niece. “I’m real proud of you, Vanessa. Marriage ain’t easy, but at the end of the day, you got to take care of your man. What Thomas did wasn’t right, and biblically speaking he did commit adultery, so you got every right to walk out that door. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes a man, or a woman, is worth forgiving. And besides, I just want you to remember the burden that you bear in this.”

  “Oh, here we go. You’re saying I’m responsible?”

  “I’m not saying you’re responsible. But I want you to just recognize the role that you played. The devil is always hard at work. He is sitting in hell in his oversize recliner, feet kicked up, got a forty ounce in one hand and a cigarette in the other, just laughing. Laughing at all the destruction he’s causing, because he’s destroying God’s work.”