Repression

by Nataya Douglas

  Chapter 5: “Ps: Invitation Only.”

  October 30, 1999

  Lovette had been running around all day as if she were a chicken with its head cut off in an attempt to get everything situated for one of her favorite events: The Mark’s Halloween masquerade. This had been her second favorite time of the year, Christmas being first.

  This would be the seventh year she would host the event and it gave her a natural high. Although help had been hired, nothing pleased her more to add her own touch to things. Everything had been a bit stressful in the house for the past few months and a good party would help loosen the tension.

  With multiple people in and out of the house all day, it was hard to keep up with who was who and who was supposed to be doing what. Normally, the same people were hired but a few new faces were in the mix.

  Stepping outside to take a moment to breathe, Lovette had noticed Mary sitting on her swing set. She began to kick her feet in order to swing higher and as soon as Lovette was satisfied that her child was content, she turned to walk back into the house.

  “PUSH ME HIGHER!” yelled Mary. Stopping Lovette in her tracks, she didn’t bother to turn around. Taking a deep breath in and holding back her tears, she continued on back into the house. Guest would be here soon and there was still a lot she had to do. Today would be a good day.

  Constantly bumping into people, Lovette made her way to the backyard. The scenery was nothing short of amazing. The dark yet enticing decorations made it easier to be out in the humid night-time in Shawford, Alabama.

  The lights were a sight to see and would be the main attraction once the sun decided to retire for the evening. She threw these parties inside and out for those who wanted the beauty throughout the night. Plus, all of the liquor being passed around would make them all feel as if they needed to take in the night’s air at some point.

  Walking up from behind and catching his wife in her usual party gaze, Joseph placed his hands on her hips and his chin inside the crook of her neck. He felt her tense up and then soon relaxed once she realized it had been him.

  “I enjoy seeing how happy all of this makes you. Just wishing my clever wife would take heed to my advice, apply her talent and start her own business. The work speaks for itself,” whispered Joseph.

  Time after time, he had tried to convince Lovette to start a party planning business to occupy her time but she constantly refused. He didn’t want to pressure her into doing anything she didn’t want to do but every time he saw how much she loved planning parties, he couldn’t help but think it would do her some good to have her own business. She could have something of her very own.

  “Ha! How many years has it been and you’re still singing that same ol’ tune? Is this my husband’s attempt at pushing me to work so he can stop paying for all of the shoes he claims I don’t wear? Tisk tisk.” Turning around and smiling into his face, Lovette’s smile turned into laughter.

  “I’ll cut back on the shopping if you promise to never mention running a business again. Anyway, you know I enjoy being home with you and the kids. Starting a business would take me away from that. Who would do all of the cleaning and cleaning? You? Yea right!”

  Joseph leaned down and Lovette stood on the tips of her toes. Closing the significant space between the two, they kissed.

  “Now, I need your height. I don’t feel like falling off that raggedy ladder tonight,” said Lovette.

  “Oh, I just dropped the kids off with Lacy. Mary had a hard time getting off of the swing, as usual. Then, she had a hard time getting out of the car. I think we need to rethink…” and before he could finish his sentence, Lovette had cut him off.

  “Joe…let us just enjoy the night. Mary will be okay. We can revisit this tomorrow but just not tonight.” With that being said, Joseph nodded his head and accepted his wife’s wishes; something he had always done.

  The both of them walked back inside and stopped to admire the dining room table’s spread. Lovette had loved to go all out for her guests. After all, the party consisted of people she and Joseph felt were important.

  Lovette had been expecting exactly 50 guests and everything just needed to be perfect. The menu had a list of “Thanksgiving-like” items that she had wanted everyone to enjoy and to leave without feeling hungry.

  A long row of masks were aligned against the unlit fireplace. Lovette took her time to create some just for those who may have wanted one custom made by her or simply forgot to bring one.

  There were 5 rules to her masquerade that everyone knew and had to abide by: 1) All guests must wear a mask. 2) Everyone had to present their invitation. No invitation meant no entry. 3) Remember your number. 4) Confidentiality. 5) No children were allowed.

  “Everything is perfect. You can stop obsessing now and go get ready,” mumbled Joseph. Even though he suggested this, he knew his wife wouldn’t make a move unless she was ready. She had to make sure that everything was in place and ready for their guests. He was just along for the ride, as usual.

  “Oh hush. I was just making sure. Jasmine, can you make sure those decorations are secured over there? I don’t want anything falling on someone’s head,” hollered Lovette.

  Slowly but surely, the help she had hired had finished setting up and started to disappear. It was now 6:45 pm and the guests would start arriving within the next hour or so. Every party they had would remind Lovette just how she met Joseph.

  ********************************************************************************

  December 18, 1982

  “Are you enjoying yourself, Love? You seem real standoff-ish. If what happened earlier is bothering you, I’ve already forgotten about it. Can’t control how people feel about me, ya know?” said Mike.

  Lovette had zoned out during their first slow dance together that she didn’t realize how much Mike had been talking. She snapped out of it and instantly felt bad because she didn’t want him to think she wasn’t enjoying herself.

  “Oh no, I’m fine. Sorry. I just didn’t like the way they treated you. You aren’t so bad,” replied Lovette while grinning at Mike. That had been the truth; Mike had been a gentleman and was really nice. Still, she wasn’t completely convinced of his full intentions. She didn’t get a negative gut feeling about him but she didn’t want to let her guard down just yet. Anyway, they were just friends.

  “It’s okay. That was bold of you to step up to them like that. Because, in my household? My mama would slap what we call ‘the black off of me’ or ‘knocked me into next week’ had I said anything against what she had already made final.” The both of them busted out laughing at his remark.

  As soon as Lovette heard her favorite song blare out over the speakers, Mike instantly started dancing. To her surprise, he had some pretty cool moves.

  “Go! Dance without me. I’m going to get some punch,” she shouted over the music.

  “You sure? I mean, we came together. Wouldn’t that be rude?” Mike yelled back. Lovette shooed him away and with that, he blended in with the crowd and danced away to the song. Lovette wouldn’t dare embarrass herself in an attempt to dance. She had been good at many things but dancing to such an upbeat song hadn’t been her thing.

  Making her way over to the punch bowl, she had noticed a group of five girls in a circle staring at her. As soon as they noticed she had caught them staring, they all turned away and started back with their conversation.

  Lovette knew who each one of them were. They were always together and always talked about everyone around them. She knew they were probably gossiping about the fact she had come to the dance with Mike.

  Wanting to make the night more interesting, Lovette decided to give the girls what they had wanted: attention. As soon as she headed their way, the wolf pack leader named Jennie smiled.

  Jennie was a tall and stocky tanned girl who wore more make up than a clown. Her hair was shoulder length and way too blonde. The nerve of her to decide to wear a huge ruffled yellow dress only made her look that much mo
re like a banana. This alone made Lovette laugh out loud.

  “Hey, Lovette! Did you come by yourself? It’s such a shame that a pretty face like yours couldn’t find a date!” With that comment, the pack began to howl. Brenda had been a part of the group and had been the only one who didn’t laugh. Her and Lovette weren’t that close as friends but they’ve gotten along during a few classroom assignments. She had thought Brenda was kind of nice despite her reputation.

  Before she could call Jennie the bitch she was, Lovette decided to take the funnier yet embarrassing approach.

  “No, I actually have a date. I’m with Michael O’Conner. You know him right? Oh, yea! You have the biggest crush on him and he won’t give you the time of day right? Such a waste of a mediocre face chasing after someone who doesn’t want you.” The look on Jennie’s face was enough satisfaction for Lovette. The pack’s jaws looked as if they were about to touch the ground at any second.

  “Oh, I came over here to ask why you all were staring but I got my answer. Instead of worrying about who I came with, do you not realize that you’re standing in a group of girls with no date in sight?” Lovette was on a roll. She knew the only reason Jennie decided to be rude was because of Mike. They had no previous issues before the dance. All of this over a boy!

  Jennie’s face was red as flames. Walking up to Lovette so close that she could smell the tons of hairspray Jennie had used, she whispered.

  “Listen bitch, the only reason you’re even here with him is because he only wants one thing from you. If I had really wanted to come with him tonight, I would’ve. I just hate that he let you step out of the house in such a tacky dress.” With that being said, Jennie tilted her drink onto Lovette’s bosom.

  Ignoring the cold drink dripping down her skin, Lovette reached up and snatched Jennie by the hair as soon as she had turned to walk away. The pack jumped against the wall and watched. Jennie stumbled back and fell to the floor and the impact pushed a few dancers out of the way.

  Before Jennie could even attempt to get back up, Lovette dumped her drink on Jennie. Quickly removing herself from the group, Lovette headed back to the other side of the gym before one of the teachers could get to them. On the way, she had heard Jennie screaming and still lying on the floor.

  Rushing to the bathroom while still looking behind her, the teachers had made their way to see what the fuss was. Before she could turn back around, Lovette had bumped into an extremely tall guy. Well, everyone had been tall compared to her. Turning around and looking down at her, it was Joseph. “Football Jock Joe”.

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you just asked me for a dance,” said Joseph. His voice was deep and carried well, so there was no need for him to holler over the music. Lovette was annoyed that he was in the way of her bathroom escape. Instead of noticing how aggravated she was, he continued talking.

  “Um, I don’t mean to pry but does the girl over there screaming have something to do with why your chest is covered in punch?” asked Joseph.

  “How about minding your business and getting out of my way?!” shouted Lovette. Moving around him and making it to the bathroom, she looked back to Joseph and felt bad. He didn’t deserve for her to have been that rude to him. Going into the bathroom and cleaning herself up, she had decided she would apologize to him.

  Exiting the bathroom, she had managed to bump into someone else. The night was staring to get annoying for her and she couldn’t wait to leave.

  “Lovette. I was looking all over for you. Are you okay? You’re wet. Wait, Jennie…” said Mike. He had been putting the clues together just as Joseph had did.

  “Yes, Jennie was me. I mean, I did that. Well, she started first and I just finished it. Where is she?” replied Lovette while scanning the room for the wolf. She had been nervous that she was going to get caught and kicked out of the dance or worse, suspended from school. She hadn’t been in any real trouble before and this would be just the thing to make her parents ground her even longer after running off with Mike.

  “She left and of course, her crew followed her on out. I’d leave if I were her. She looked even more like a clown after you poured your drink on her. I don’t know much about make up but I’m just glad you don’t need it like she does,” said Mike while the both of them laughed.

  Peeping around Mike as he kept talking, Lovette caught a glimpse of Joseph staring at her. The look on his face was hard to read. She didn’t know if he was upset that she was rude to him or if he was feeling some way about her being with Mike.

  “Hey, Mike? Can you give me a second? I’ll be right back.” He nodded his head slightly confused and Lovette walked away towards Joseph.

  “Hey, I’m sorry about that. I was just in the middle of something and didn’t mean to be rude. I’m Lovette by the way.” Sticking out her hand, Joseph just stared at her. With no expression at all, he replied.

  “I know who you are. Apology accepted. Did you come with Mike? If so, you might want to get back to your ‘boyfriend’ because he’s looking a little pissed over there.” Turning around, Mike had been looking at them the entire time and was leaning against the wall looking aggravated.

  “Yes, I’m with him. I mean, we came to the dance together as friends. Anyway, I just wanted to say sorry. That’s it.” Before he could say anything else, Lovette turned around and walked off.

  Approaching Mike, his facial expression had softened. “I had bumped into him earlier and wanted to apologize for being rude,” explained Lovette. Mike waved it off as if it were nothing.

  “Do you want to get out of here? We can go to Baker’s. It’s kind of lame in here anyway.” That had pleased Mike. He had wanted to hang out with Lovette outside of a school event anyway.

  *******************************************************************************

  Lovette was in awe of herself. Staring into her full length mirror, she was pleased with the dress Joseph had picked out for her. Not often did she let him pick out her clothing but he had an eye for a beautiful black dress. The black satin strapless fabric hugged her frame perfectly. Her hair had been straightened and laid perfectly on her shoulders and back. The simple and yet stunning gold heels pulled the mask into the whole outfit.

  Satisfied with her beauty, she had picked up her mask and pulled it over her eyelids. It had been especially made to match her dress. With tons of gold glitter and black lace as a trim, she had loved her creation. Everything about her reflection was magnificent.

  Making her way towards the staircase, she could hear the laughter and chatter. Guests had begun to arrive while she was busy getting ready. As soon as her presence became visible, Joseph calmed everyone and got their attention.

  “And this is why my wife will live forever. We speak her name and she graces us with her late yet most pleasant presence. Everyone, your elegant hostess.” With that, everyone in the foyer looked up to Lovette standing next to the stairwell vanity, smiled and clapped.

  While walking down the rest of the stairs, Lovette laughed at her husband’s silly introduction, kissed him and began to greet her guests.

  “Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight. As always, enjoy yourselves! Enjoy the food, music, outside scenery and enjoy what the night has for us all!” said Lovette.

  The attire in the house was amazing. Everyone had worn black of some sort but added their own touch, just as Lovette had done. Joseph wore a sleek long sleeve black button up shirt with slacks to match. He had chosen to wear the cufflinks Lovette had gotten them for their 5th wedding anniversary. The gold attention to his wrist glistened with his engraved initials.

  Making her way over to the front entrance, Lovette picked up the bowl that contained the signed invitations. Each one had a number on the back and she carefully took her time counting them to make sure everyone had been in attendance. “46…47…48…49…,” she whispered. Almost everyone had shown up.

  Turning around to face the crowd throughout the home. She began to make her speech. Stoppi
ng one of the champagne servers of the evening, Lovette grabbed a glass and tapped it to gain her guest’s attention.

  “As you all know, this happens to be one of my favorite events. I’m pleased to announce that everyone was able to make it tonight. I hope you all are enjoying yourselves so far and continue to do so throughout the night. We have some new faces but most have been hanging around for years. If you haven’t had the chance to meet the mayor, Conrad Price, he’s not here and you won’t be meeting him tonight.” The house erupted in laughter.

  “I hope everyone has remembered their numbers on the back of the invitations. With that being said, if numbers 1-10 could make your way to your labeled door,” said Lovette while pointing to the first guest room just past the foyer. It had “1-10” labeled in silver calligraphy on top of the door’s black matte decorating paper.

  With champagne in their hands, four men and five women walked towards the door and willingly entered. Staring at her husband, Joseph hesitated. He had been number 1. They had always entered the same room together and this time, Lovette had purposely given him a different number. Not breaking her stare, Joseph gave her a faint grin and entered the room.

  “The rest of you can do as you please, for now. I suggest taking a look outside. It’s beautiful in here but the view out there is even more amazing. Plus, it had cost my husband a pretty penny, so get his money’s worth!” Everyone laughed and spread out throughout the house to enjoy the evening.

  Lovette took the moment alone to go upstairs to her bedroom and call Lacy. It had been awhile and she had wanted to check on the kids.

  “Hey, Lace! Was just calling to check on the kids. Is everything okay? Good. Is Joey still out with his friends? Okay. We told him he needed to be back by 10, so if he isn’t back by then, just give one of us a call. And Lace? Thanks again for keeping them tonight. Talk to you later.” Hanging up the phone and turning around to leave out of the room, Lovette gasped.