“Yes, ma’am. I called you. I’m afraid something terrible has happened tonight.”
Randi and Stacey braced themselves to hear the news.
“Who is Sasha in relation to you?” asked the officer.
“She’s our sister,” Stacey and Randi replied in unison.
“There was a fire tonight—arson. We have reason to believe that your sister started it. Two people were killed.”
“WHAT? What makes you think that?” Randi blurted out.
“We found her at the scene of the accident. We also found who appeared to be her daughter in the back seat of her car, which was left running and unattended.”
“Which one of you ladies is Stacey?”
“I’m Stacey,” she announced as she massaged her temple to relieve her headache.
“We contacted you because you were listed on her registration,” stated the officer.
“Oh, Lord,” Stacey shouted. “Is she ok? Where’s Tia? Where’s Sasha?”
“The baby is with one of our social workers at St. Rita’s hospital. We took her there to make sure that she wasn’t injured. Unfortunately, during her exam they discovered that she has been sexually abused. We can’t share all the details with you at this time, but we have reason to believe that your sister went to Susie Anderson’s house to confront her.”
“WHAT,” Randi shouted in disbelief.
“I wanted to speak to you before I released the baby into your care. However, your sister, on the other hand, is unconscious and in critical care. She has suffered third degree burns and has been taken to the hospital as well.” Randi buried her face in her hands and started to weep, while Stacey frowned intensely to fight back her own tears.
“Can we see Sasha?” Randi asked.
“I’m afraid not at this time. She’s in police custody. The sheriff will have to approve your visit.”
“You’re telling us that our sister has been severely burned and that our niece was molested. What do you mean that we can’t go see her until the sheriff gives us approval?” Stacey asked.
“As I said, I can’t go into all the details. But two people lost their lives tonight and your sister did it.” They were momentarily speechless and then Stacey found her voice.
“WHAT? What makes you think that she tried to kill them? Sasha would never do anything so terrible,” she insisted.
“Sasha told me that Tia would cry nonstop every time she dropped her off. She felt that something could be wrong. I shouldn’t have gotten off the phone with her,” Randi said regretfully.
“I can’t believe this. This has to be a nightmare,” Stacey exclaimed.
“If you have any additional information, you can call me anytime. We’re working diligently on this case. Due to your sister’s condition, you’ll probably be allowed to see her in the next few days.” The officer looked at them compassionately. “Whenever you’re ready, you can pick up your niece.”
“How is she?” Randi asked.
“Scared. She’s extremely scared. A lot has happened tonight,” the officer replied.
“I can’t believe this,” Randi repeated.
“Yes, I’ll let the social worker know that you’re on your way. She’ll need to ask you a series of questions before Tia is released. Don’t worry, it shouldn’t take long.”
Stacey and Randi were speechless. Their family had been turned upside down.
Chapter Sixteen
“Honey, please turn that TV off. I don’t want to watch those people make my little sister out to be some kind of monster.”
“This is crazy. They’re trying to charge Sasha with two counts of aggravated murder, arson, and child endangerment. They’re talking about her as if they don’t care that she got burned too. When will you be allowed to see your Sasha?”
“I have no idea. I guess we’re supposed to just sit around and wait until the Sheriff or some heartless person decides to approve our visit. They said that she’s in critical care. My sister could be dying,” Stacey cried.
“I’m sorry that your family is going through all this.”
“The news is not reporting facts. They’re just speculating. Sasha is in intensive care and no one knows the whole story,” Stacey argued with the television.
“Stacey, you have to admit that Sasha could have very well killed those people. She has some anger issues,” added Larry.
“You don’t want to go there with me. You’ve been hitting me for years and you want to talk about anger issues,” Stacey stated, rolling her eyes at him.
“Whatever, Stacey. You make me upset sometimes. But I didn’t kill anyone.”
“You’re so insensitive, Stacey commented under her breath.
To avoid even more tension, she went upstairs to the spare bedroom and lay next to Tia. She began to play various scenarios in her head, but nothing seemed to make much sense. The police would not release much information about the case. The unknown haunted her and she desperately needed some answers.
Stacey rolled over to get comfortable and noticed that the bed was soaked with urine. She realized that she had not changed Tia’s diaper, that her mind was preoccupied with the tragic situation. She tiptoed over to the diaper bag that the social worker gave her, which was not Tia’s original bag. The mere fact that Tia was given some cheap plastic bag was a reminder that things were different. Sasha would never have carried such a bag. Stacey began to cry as she reminisced how Sasha begged her to buy such an expensive diaper bag. Stacey began to change Tia. As she took off her soiled diaper, Tia cried and resisted. She kicked her legs and screamed uncontrollably. Stacey was livid. Tia showed clear signs that she had indeed been molested. Tears flooded Stacey’s eyes. She could no longer be in denial about what had occurred. She could only imagine the hurt that Sasha felt as Tia’s mother. Stacey then knew without a doubt that Sasha intended to kill whoever had hurt her baby.
Chapter Seventeen
After several days of waiting, Stacey and Randi were finally allowed to see Sasha. The waiting room was quiet and the air was dry.
“I hate hospitals,” Stacey complained, annoyed by the long wait. Randi remained silent and just listened to Stacey’s long list of complaints.
“How’s everything going with Tia?” Randi asked to change the subject.
“She’s good. It’s so different having her at our house. It’s been good for me to take this time off, but Larry and I have a lot of work to catch up on. I’m glad that I have the flexibility to be with Tia right now. When are you coming to get her?” Stacey asked. “Because I can’t believe that Larry is at home with her.”
“Stacey, I can maybe help with her a couple days a week. But I’m in no position to take on another child. Russell and I are barely making it with our four boys.”
“So what are you suggesting, Randi? I can’t keep Tia permanently. Who knows how long all this is going to last.”
“I’ll help you any way that I can. I just can’t have her live with us. Russell and I are really struggling financially right now.”
“Randi, do not pull the money card on me.”
“It takes money to raise a child and I already have a house full of kids. You and Larry do not. Stop being selfish, Stacey. This is for our sister,” Randi stated before she was interrupted by a nurse.
“Thank you for your patience. Please follow me. Before you go into the room, please keep in mind that she has had several surgeries and is extremely weak. It takes a lot of strength to speak, so please don’t ask her any questions. I must warn you that about sixty percent of her body has third degree burns,” the young nurse advised. “Also, I apologize, but she cannot have any flowers. She is highly prone to infection right now.”
Randi collapsed on the floor and Stacey knelt down and began to rub her back to comfort her.
The nurse took a deep breath. “If you two need a few minutes to prepare yourselves, please take your time.”
“No. We’ll go now,” Randi said, with a boldness and strength she did not really feel as she pic
ked herself up off the floor.
Stacey and Randi held hands as they prepared to enter Sasha’s hospital room. As the door opened, they were greeted by two police officers who began to pat them down. Another nurse sat next to Sasha’s bed.
“You have twenty minutes,” one of the officers announced. Randi and Stacey could not reply. There were so many tubes and Sasha was unrecognizable. Her bandages covered her whole body. She resembled a mummy.
“Sasha, Boo. It’s us...Stacey and Randi.” There was no response.
“Don’t worry about anything, Tia is with me,” Stacey said as her voice began to crack.
“Honey, she hears you, look,” the nurse said and pointed. Stacey and Randi both looked at Sasha and noticed a tear forming in the corner of her right eye. They stood in amazement.
Randi pulled a small bottle of oil from her pocket. As she unscrewed the top, an officer approached her.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked. “I’m about to anoint my sister.” The officer looked confused. “She’s entitled to her religious customs, correct?” Randi asked as she continued to pour the oil onto her index fingers.
“Yes, she is,” the officer replied when he realized that they were preparing to have prayer. Randi began to anoint the bed post, starting from the foot board all the way up to the headboard, where she gently applied a cross. Speaking in another tongue, she took the bottle of oil and dripped one drop onto Sasha’s forehead. Stacey watched and began to admire Randi’s faith. Randi reached for Stacey’s hand and they began to pray over their baby sister as she struggled for her life.
“Dear God, we come to you as humbly as we know how and ask that you step in and take control of every aspect of this situation. Lord God, we ask you for healing and restoration of Sasha and the other family that’s been affected. As we understand that you are a God with unlimited power, we come to you and ask for mercy. God, we ask that your will be done and we believe in your power and seal this prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
“Amen,” Stacey added.
Just as they were getting ready to exit the room, Stacey turned to look at Sasha one last time. The tear that once lay in the corner of her eye had found its way down her cheek. Randi and Sasha looked at each other and smiled. They held hands once again, and walked out of the room with their heads held high and their spirits lifted.
Chapter Eighteen
“Can you pass me the sugar?” Randi asked as she tasted her coffee and realized that it was not sweet enough. Stacey reached for the sugar packets and placed them in front of Randi.
“It’s going to be ok,” Randi reassured her as she tore open the packets. Stacey’s eyes began to fill with tears as she thought about Sasha. Randi began to share a funny childhood story to lighten the mood.
“Randi, I almost forgot how funny you are,” Stacey laughed.
“What do you mean by that? I’ve always been the funniest sister.”
“Yeah, until you started going to church and getting all deep,” Stacey teased. The waitress began to place their food in front on them.
“This food looks so good. I haven’t eaten like this since I went on my diet.”
“Yes, it does look good,” Stacey agreed. “Hey Randi, can you go ahead and bless the food? Larry keeps blowing up my phone and I need to call him back. He’s probably calling to see how Sasha’s doing. Don’t wait on me, I’ll be right back,” Stacey said as she stood up and excused herself from the table. Randi bowed her head to bless the food, but was distracted by Stacey’s conversation. Although she had walked towards the restroom, her voice could be heard from the table. Randi started on her food and did not want to pry. Several minutes later, Stacey rejoined her at the table. It was obvious that she was upset.
“Are you ok?” Stacey looked at Randi as if she wanted to reply. With a sarcastic smile, her body language spoke on her behalf.
“Stacey, what’s wrong? Is Tia alright?” Randi inquired.
“Tia’s fine,” Stacey replied tersely.
“Well, something’s wrong,” Randi insisted.
“Larry asked me when you were going to pick up Tia,” Stacey replied as she looked down at the table and sighed.
“Really? You only went to the hospital and he’s ready to get rid of Tia already. Did you tell him that you’re almost finished eating?”
“Randi, just stop it. It has nothing to do with me leaving Tia with him. He doesn’t want her there…period,” Stacey replied, embarrassed. She could not bring herself to see the disappointment on Randi’s face.
“After all this time, I thought you were just selfish. Larry really doesn’t like kids, does he? Stacey, answer me.” Stacey stared out of the restaurant’s window. “I can’t believe that Larry is being so insensitive during such a time. There is no way that Russell and I can keep her. We don’t have money for another child. Let’s be honest. Once Sasha recovers, she’ll be in jail until this whole thing is figured out and who knows how long that will be. We have to work together. Can’t you make him see that?” Randi pleaded as she looked down at her plate, her appetite gone altogether.
“No, I can’t convince him. Two years ago I became pregnant.” Randi’s eyes widened. “He began to treat me terribly. Randi, it was like he became a monster. He despised me and made sure that I knew it. He blamed the whole pregnancy on me. I told Larry that God didn’t make mistakes. He agreed. Then he said maybe God doesn’t, but I did because I allowed myself to get pregnant after he told me that he didn’t want any children. I cried endlessly. He drove me to an abortion clinic and waited outside. After the procedure was over, he forced me to attend a fund raising meeting. I believe that Tia reminds him of what happened.”
“Stacey, I had no idea. I’m sorry that you have to live like that,” Randi mumbled as she tried to resist crying, but couldn’t. She saw the pain in Stacey’s eyes.
“I love my husband and I thought that we were on the same page. I never wanted children until I became pregnant. My baby would have been the same age as Tia. Sasha never understood why I gave her such a hard time. That’s why. I hated to watch her being so irresponsible and I hated to see you as a great mother. I was torn and Larry didn’t care. After my abortion, he made me agree to a tubal ligation. I wanted to keep my marriage together, so I went through with it. Due to my age, my doctor agreed to do it.” Stacey dropped her head in shame.
“I can’t believe this. Stacey, I’m so sorry. How could I not have noticed you hurting like that? I wish I’d known. I wish I could have been there for you. I care and we’ll get through this. As soon as I get home, I’ll try to talk to Russell. Maybe he’ll reconsider keeping Tia. God will provide a way for us to take her.”
“Randi, I can’t allow you to do that.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“Because I’ve just made up my mind. Tia is staying with me. God doesn’t make mistakes. This is not only helping Sasha, but I believe that God has ordained this situation to heal me also.” Randi got up, sat next to Stacey in the booth and hugged her. Stacey laid her head on Randi’s shoulder and sobbed.
Chapter Nineteen
Eight months later
“This is so confusing. What do you mean that I can’t plead insanity? Once I saw that blood in my baby’s diaper I literally lost my mind. What’s not insane about that?”
“Sasha, I understand your frustration. But they have proof that you went to a gas station and filled up an empty container. That’s enough evidence to prove that everything was premeditated.”
“What proof?”
“The attorney said that the prosecutor had your credit card in evidence. Apparently you left it at the station. They even have you on surveillance filling up the container.” There was silence on the other end of the phone, and then sniffling echoed down the line.
“Sasha, I’m here for you.”
“I know, Stacey. What’s my baby doing?”
“She’s taking a nap. She was so excited when I brought her to see you for her birthday.�
��
“How could I ever forget? When she first saw me she was so scared. But then when she heard my voice, she instantly remembered that I was mommy. She began to look past my scars. It’s as if she doesn’t see what everyone else sees. God only shows her my love. She only sees mommy,” Sasha cried.
“Sasha, you’ll always be more beautiful than I am. God has been showing me so much about myself and nothing about me is pretty,” Stacey replied.
“I’m thankful for you. Stacey, you are beautiful. You have just allowed hurt to control you. Tia will show you how beautiful you are. Kids have a way of doing that,” Sasha laughed and then began to cry again. “I miss her so much.”
“She misses you too. We all do.”
“Did Seth ever contact you?” Sasha asked with anticipation.
“Sasha, please, just concentrate on your case.”
“You haven’t talked to him at all, have you?” Sasha asked as she started to come to the realization that Seth had moved on.
“Look, honey, let’s just focus on your case and getting you better,” Stacey suggested.
“My scars aren’t going anywhere, Stacey. And I’m not getting out. Why do I continue to think that one day I’ll wake up and all of this will have been a nightmare?” She began to weep.
Before Stacey could reply, the call ended. She hated when the calls timed out and the last thing she heard was Sasha crying. She was desperate to fight for Sasha’s freedom but was becoming worn out herself. The attorney’s fees had drained her account. After Larry left, she would have nothing but her struggling business and her life’s savings.
Stacey felt terrible and did not want to burden Sasha with her martial problems. It was only a matter of time before Larry would walk out of her life. She pretended not to see the divorce papers laying on the kitchen counter. It was the elephant in the room, but was also the least of her worries. Her little sister was going to spend the rest of her life in prison for murder and arson; divorce was the farthest thing from her mind. With no energy to fight for her marriage, she had decided to let it go.
“Was that Sasha on the phone?” Larry asked as he walked into the room bringing his attitude with him.
“Yes, dear.” Stacey replied, trying to keep the conversation to a minimum. She knew that he had intended to argue with her, but she was not going to give in to his drama.
Sasha: African American Romance Page 7