The Veil

by K. T. Richey

  “Well what about Friday?”

  She smiled when she saw Bernard standing in front of her.

  “You just drop by without calling? Look how I look. You could have given me a chance to put on some clothes.” She ran into the bedroom, slamming the door behind her and pulling off the scarf that covered her hair. In record time she pulled off the torn sweatpants and oversized T-shirt with paint stains on it and put on jeans and a pull-over top.

  Bernard was standing outside with the front door wide open when she returned to the living room.

  “Why didn’t you come in?” she asked.

  “You didn’t invite me.”

  “Come on in here. You should have called first. I was getting ready to clean my spare room to get it ready for Miracle. Goodness, I look awful.” Misha smoothed down the wrinkled blouse.

  “You look beautiful. Well how about it?”

  “Oh so you think you can come into Atlanta and I’m going to drop everything and go with you. I had plans for Friday.”

  “Oh yeah, what?”

  “I was going to Westdale’s homecoming. I ran into one of my students and she invited me. I’m going. They’re having a winning season. Besides you only gave me twenty-four-hour notice. You should have said something earlier in the week.”

  “I’ll go to the game with you. Then we can have dinner.”

  “You attract too much attention. What are you in town for anyway? Before I forget, thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful.” They sat down at the table and continued their conversation.

  “You’re welcome. I’m here for the Empowerment Day Parade.”

  “Oh I love that parade.”

  “You want to go with me?”

  “Are your associates going with you?”

  “No, not this time.”

  “Sure, I’d like to go with you.”

  He looked around her apartment. “Don’t you have class on Thursday?”

  “The professor cancelled the class today. I’m glad. I really need to clean out my spare bedroom.”

  “Maybe I can help. I don’t have any plans today.”

  Sounded like a good idea to her. Since Justin never showed up, she decided to take him up on his offer. “The bedroom is across from the bathroom.” She stood up and took his leather jacket and hung it up in the hall closet. He followed her down the short hallway into the spare bedroom.

  “Whoa. You need some help with this. You can’t lift these boxes,” Bernard said, eyeing the large number of stacked boxes in the room.

  “My brother was supposed to help me. He didn’t show up and the clock’s a-tickin’.” Misha rubbed her belly.

  “Well, I’m here. What do you want me to do?”

  For the next several hours they worked in the room, separating items into three different piles—donations, keepers, and trash—while Bernard told stories of his travels around the world. Misha sat in a chair, or the royal throne as he called it, listening to him and admiring his passion and commitment to ministry. Bernard took the trash to the Dumpster outside her apartment and placed the items to be donated in his car to take to the charity on his way back to his hotel.

  Afterward, she prepared lunch of ham sandwiches and canned soup for them and they sat down at the table to eat.

  “You live in DC?” Misha asked him.

  “Yeah. How did you know?” he said in between bites of his sandwich.

  “Well, the last time you called me, I saw it was a DC number.”

  “If you had my number, why didn’t you call?”

  “You said you were going to call me. Besides, I didn’t want to bother you.”

  “You could have called me. To be honest, I was disappointed you didn’t call me.”

  “I thought about it. Once I got up the nerve to phone you, but my cell had already deleted your number. I wanted to know how you were doing. How are you doing?” she said, placing her hand on top of his. He stopped eating.

  “I’ve been busy.”

  “That’s not what I asked you.”

  He sat back in his chair and sighed. “I’m thankful we met.”

  “I’m thankful we met too. You don’t realize how much you ministered to me the last time you were here.”

  “Ministered to you how?”

  “Well, several ways. Most importantly you’re teaching me how to minister to my child. You look troubled. Anything wrong?”

  Looking toward the spare bedroom, not wanting Misha to see his pain, he asked, “What are you going to put in that room?”

  “I’m saving my money to buy a bed I saw at the Baby Mart. Hopefully, my family will buy the rest or I can buy it on credit.”

  “Is that where you’re registered?”

  “Yes. I just did the registry last week. I still have about three months to go. Thank you for your help today. I don’t know if I would have gotten it done without you.”

  “I’m glad I could help. What are you doing the rest of the day?”

  “I don’t have any plans.”

  “You wanna hang out with me?”

  “And do what?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe we can go to a museum or something.”

  “Okay. You’ll have to let me get presentable first.”

  “You look fantastic,” he said, taking his fingers and lightly moving the strand of hair that fell from under her scarf. “I’ll take the donations to the Goodwill and come back and pick you up. Will you be ready in twenty minutes?”

  “I think so.”

  “I’ll be back.”

  Bernard left the apartment and Misha ran into her bathroom to take a shower and put on some nicer clothes. Bernard attracted a lot of attention and she wanted to look good when she was around him.

  She picked up the remote and flopped down on the sofa to take in a little television while she waited for Bernard to return. An hour passed and he was not there, nor did he call. After the second hour she gave up on him returning. Three hours later, she heard a knock on the door. She opened it and Bernard was standing in front of her.

  “Before you say anything, I know I’m a little late,” he said, holding up his hand. He held a small box in the other.

  “A little late?”

  “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I brought a peace offering.” He handed her the box wrapped in baby paper.

  “What’s this?” She held the beautifully wrapped gift in her hand.

  “Open it.” He smiled.

  Misha invited him in and they sat down on the sofa. She pulled the ribbon off the box and lifted the top. Inside was the baby intercom system that was on her registry.

  “Thank you. But, you didn’t have to do this.”

  “I wanted to. Before I forget, I have something else out in the car.” They walked outside and down the stairs to a moving truck waiting in front of her building. Bernard lifted the back door. Misha’s mouth flew open at the sight of baby furniture, and what looked like all the items on her list. “Surprise.”

  “Bernard, I . . .”

  “You’re welcome. I was so late because they had to put some of this together and I had to find a truck.”

  “I don’t know if I should accept all this stuff.” She looked at the items stacked inside the truck. Did he purchase everything in the store?

  Bernard stepped up into the truck and began shifting the packages closer to the door.

  “Bernard, I appreciate all this. I really do. But, I don’t think I can accept it.”

  He stopped and walked to her and hugged her. “I wanted to do something special for you since you did something special for me.”

  “What did I do?”

  “You don’t treat me like everyone else. You treat me normal.”

  “Normal?”

  Misha’s neighbor walked out into the breezeway between the two apartments and stopped at the sight of Bernard Taylor. He volunteered to help Bernard carry in the items from the truck. Bernard thanked him by promising to stop by his apartment to surprise the man’s wife.r />
  Misha walked into the nursery and looked at all the stuff Bernard purchased for her, not knowing how to take his generosity. No one had ever treated her this nicely.

  Caressing the expensive bed she wanted but did not have the money to purchase, she could not imagine having a nursery this nice. God had truly blessed her even before this child was born. She knew this child was special.

  She hoped she looked like her. She did not need the constant reminder of the rape staring at her daily. She prayed for the unconditional love a mother should have for her child. God, I know this is selfish, but please let this child have all my features, she prayed silently.

  Bernard stepped into the room. “We can put all this away tonight or tomorrow.”

  “Bernard, this is too much. You shouldn’t have.”

  “I wanted to. Looks like you’re ready. Let’s go.”

  “Go? Go where?”

  “You’ll see.” He held out his hand. She reached for it and he led her to the door.

  They left the apartment and drove to a small restaurant near Lenox Mall. He escorted her to a private dining area in the back. The people in the restaurant treated them like royalty. He had already planned everything. The meal was perfect. He entertained her like he did on stage. But she could see he was covering up. He was standing, acting out his jokes and laughing like nothing was going on. She stared at him but she could not laugh. She could feel his pain.

  Tell him he doesn’t have to entertain you.

  “You don’t have to entertain me.”

  He stopped and stared at her.

  “You don’t have to entertain me.” She stood up and took his hand. “You don’t have to entertain me.” He hugged her and Miracle began moving around. He stepped back.

  “I don’t think she likes me.”

  “When Mary and Elizabeth came together, the Bible says the babies in them leaped because of the spiritual connection. Miracle only leaps when you’re around. It’s spiritual. Now, what’s wrong?”

  He shook his head as if nothing were wrong. But Misha knew differently. She knew something was up. “Come on. Let’s go.”

  They arrived at Misha’s apartment and Bernard remembered his promise to the neighbor. They walked to the man’s apartment. Apparently, he had not told his wife Bernard would be visiting. When she opened the door, the lady started screaming. Misha watched as Bernard jumped into his “Bernard Taylor, gospel superstar” routine. They took pictures with him and their family. The neighbor repeatedly thanked him for surprising his wife as they left the apartment.

  When they arrived in her apartment, Misha excused herself to go to the bathroom. When she came out, Bernard was sitting on the sofa watching television.

  “You know, people ought to live right,” Bernard said.

  “What are you talking about? What are you watching?”

  “The news. Some bishop is being sued by a lady saying he fathered her two children.”

  Misha focused her attention on the screen. There on the television was an old video of Bishop Moore at a City Development League rally. Then they showed the woman. It was the same woman Misha had seen in her visions before she talked to Bishop. She picked up the remote and turned the television off. Once again God had confirmed something He showed her. However, right now her focus was on one man: Bernard. “You’ve been avoiding something all day. What is it?”

  “My sister, Brea. She’s leaving the ministry.”

  “Why?”

  “She and her husband are starting their own ministry. She said the Lord told them to leave.”

  “You know they have to be obedient to what God says. You shouldn’t try to stop them.”

  “But, what am I going to do when I have to travel? Who’s going to stand in for me? I need their help. Why would they do this to me? After all I did for them?”

  “Aren’t you being selfish?” Misha sat beside him on the sofa. “You think it’s all about you, don’t you?”

  “I’m not being selfish. It’s about God and how He’s working in our lives.”

  “If it’s about God, then why are you upset that they’re doing what God told them to do?”

  “I’m not upset.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  Bernard stood up and headed for the door.

  “Do you always run when people are trying to talk to you? Stop being stubborn and sit back down.” She patted the seat next to her. He returned to the sofa. “I know you’re feeling uncertain about change. But you can do it. Hasn’t your sister helped you thus far?”

  He shook his head yes.

  “Well, she and her husband won’t grow spiritually as long as they’re in your ministry. She’s done all she can do for you. Now, it’s time for her to help her husband. You’ve got to let them go.”

  “What am I going to do?”

  “God will send the help you need.”

  For the rest of the evening, Misha ministered to him about the goodness of God and she corrected his selfish behavior. He sat and listened quietly to her. His mood went from sadness to anger to conviction. Misha prayed for him and asked God to open his eyes and give him direction on what he should do in his ministry.

  “God is changing your focus. You must change with it. If not, God will surely correct you. You’re a man of God and He loves you. God will chastise whom he loves. Therefore, you have to walk in obedience. So does your sister.”

  “You know, you’re the only one who seems to understand me.”

  “It’s not me. It’s the Holy Spirit using me.”

  The following day, Bernard arrived early to pick up Misha for the Empowerment Day Parade. When they arrived at the parade site she found out Bernard was riding on a float in the parade, and he asked her to ride with him. Before they boarded the float, several photographers gathered around them, taking pictures. He spoke to one of the photographers and the man agreed to take a picture of them posing together.

  Misha sat back on the float feeling like the queen of the parade. She waved to the people who filled the streets while Bernard lip-synced to one of his songs blaring from a speaker. He glanced back at her and smiled. She returned his smile and continued waving at the crowd. Misha had to admit she was enjoying the star treatment. It was something she could get use to.

  After the parade, as they walked back to their car, a young man walked up to them and asked for an autograph. Misha couldn’t help but see his hurt and pain. Misha took the young man aside from the crowd that had gathered to meet Bernard.

  “This may sound awkward. But you are a good kid. I see it in you,” Misha said to the young man. “You have a lot on your shoulders right now trying to study and take care of your mother.”

  Startled, the young man stepped back. “How did you know about my mom?”

  “The Holy Spirit told me. When she gets out of rehab, this time, she will be a changed woman. You’ll see.”

  “I’m trying to do the right thing. I had to quit school to take care of my little brother. I work during the day and study for my GED at night.” The words poured out of the young man’s mouth. “My mom has been in and out of rehab, eight or nine times. I don’t want my brother to end up in foster care. Somebody’s got to take care of both of them.”

  “This time . . .” Misha hesitated. She looked toward Bernard, who was staring at her. She returned to the young man and continued, “This time it will be different. Your mother is sincere and has been praying for healing. God is going to honor that prayer. As for you, there is a college scholarship waiting for you. Look for it. It will surely come.”

  “Thank you. Thank you,” the young man exclaimed. He hugged Misha tightly. “I’ve got to go. Thank you so much for the word.” The young man turned and disappeared into the crowd.

  “You’re a prophet,” Bernard stated after the young man walked away. “I saw the way you ministered to that guy. You looked right into his soul.”

  “I am who God says I am.”

  He smiled and hugged her. Her baby moved again
. This thrilled him and he laughed louder. He was happy with this woman and her child, who kicked him every chance she got.

  When he was away from her he was miserable and he made up excuses to come back to Atlanta just to see her. How could he leave her again? It was getting tough. She was special. Her baby was special. He felt at home in her apartment—cleaning and eating ham sandwiches. No one would ever let him do that. Everyone was always fussing over him. But Misha—she let him be himself. She let him be a man, the man. He was a happy man with his Misha and her karate kid.

  Chapter 31

  Misha’s dreams had come true. She sat back at her parents’ home, watching her mother throw commands at Justin. It was Thanksgiving and she was thirty weeks pregnant and growing larger every day. Her mother did not want her to do any work, including the multiple trips to the store she always sent her on. This year was Justin’s turn and Misha was enjoying every minute of it.

  Justin returned, singing, from his third trip to the only grocery store that was open on Thanksgiving Day. He placed the bags on the table, pulled a Jet magazine out of the bag, and sat down at the table beside Misha. “You know, Mama, there are people in our family that love to keep secrets from us,” he said as he flipped through the pages of the magazine.

  “What you talking about, Justin?” his mother asked.

  “I’m only saying someone in here has been keeping a secret from us.”

  Misha looked up from a magazine of her own that she was reading. “What are you talking about, Justin?”

  “Well, I was standing in that long line at the store when I picked up this Jet magazine to kill some time. Lo and behold there was a very interesting picture in it. So I bought the magazine.”

  “Let me see.” Misha snatched the magazine from him. She flipped the pages. “What picture are you talking about?”

  Justin leaned back in his chair with a big smile on his face. “Keep looking. You’ll know the one I’m talking about when you see it.”

  Misha continued flipping the pages and stopped at a picture of her and Bernard Taylor. The caption read: “Bernard Taylor and his gal pal Misha Holloway at the Atlanta Empowerment Day Parade.” Misha’s mouth flew open. She stared at the picture of the two of them hugging each other around the waist, smiling and waving to the crowd. She briefly remembered the moment and smiled. Then, she noticed Justin looking at her.