Chatman/Sorry/
A loud rooster crowing caused Carol to jump with fright, she was laying on her bed still awake and in a daze. She was thinking about what happened earlier during the night, when she heard Carl screaming at someone over his private phone in the den, he was angry and threatening whoever it was on the other line with violence. He stopped immediately when she entered the room and began to talk in a calmer tone. His voice was still stern, but he spoke at a much slower and even pace, he made sure every word was understood by the listener and this made Carol even more afraid. She knew her husband; she knew how mild-mannered and easy-going he was, as long as you didn’t push him the wrong way. And right now it seems like someone had just pushed him the wrong way. Carol’s heart seemed to be beating at a regular pace now, although everything had cooled down some she was still nervous. She had prayed for peace and calmness and God had fixed it for her. She didn’t know why she was so afraid, It wasn’t like they were living in Detroit anymore, where an argument would turn deadly very fast and where the understaffed police always seems one step behind. This was the suburb and the police frowned hard on drugs and violence here.
She sat-up on the side of the bed, stretched both arms to the ceiling and yawned. She stood and walked over to the other side of the room and looked out of the window. Outside she saw Mr. Bob, the man Carl hired to cut the grass and do other yard work, taking his riding lawn mower from the back of the trailer. In the open field, which stretched far beyond their property boundary, the grass was green and beautiful for as far as she could see. She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath of country air. The air was much cleaner and fresher in the suburbs than it was in the city. She’d lived in the city all of her life and she had come to realize, not only was the air cleaner and fresher here, she also felt safer and not as crowded in the country. As she looked out of the window the alarm clock sounded-off again with a rooster crowing, she had forgot to pushed the off button, which allowed it to reset itself.
The rooster crowing was a humorist joke she thought of herself, ‘if they were going to live in the country why not get up with the chickens,’ she playfully told Carl, even though they didn’t have any chickens. ‘Oh my goodness’ she mumbled as she turned off the clock and ran down the stairs to make sure Carl was still there. She could smell the coffee before her feet touched the bottom step, she knew he was still there and her heart skipped a beat. She wondered what would be his excuse for not going to church, now that he had promised. She had made him promise to go with her that morning after the frightening argument over the phone a few hours earlier. She knew he would have promised her anything to get her to calm down, she had become hysterical and was hyperventilating.
Carol walked into the kitchen with a cheerful smile on her face, she didn’t want Carl to know that she was still a little shaken-by what happened earlier.
“Good morning.” She said.
Carl was standing at the counter stirring his cup of coffee.
“Good Morning.” He said
She wondered if he had been asleep, because she noticed, he had showered and he was wearing a classy blue Italian suit with a white silk shirt and a blue silk tie. He looked amazing for a man who went to the gym only twice a week to work out. He still had the same physique he had in high school. Well, maybe he had gained 5 pounds, but no more. In many women eyes, he was considered a very handsome man, with a beautiful personality. They also knew right from the start of any conversation that he was married, because he bragged about Carol every chance he got and not just to women but to everyone.
As she looked at her husband a million things ran through her mind and she wondered how they got to where they’re at right now. She remembered their wedding day 10 years ago. She remembered him saying how beautiful she was back then. He’d promised her that no matter what happened in life he would always take care of her and any children they might have together. But something had changed, they no longer shared the same dreams or the same lifestyle for tha matter. Carl’s lifestyle had become fast, hard and sometimes vicious toward people, or clients, or whatever they are called. He made a great living, lots of money, beautiful home and new cars every year, but still Carol wasn’t happy. It was the way he earned the money that bothered her. She was a church girl, born and raised and there was no way she was selling out for the love of money.
Carl stopped stirring the coffee and laid the spoon on the counter, he took a sip and hurried up and swallowed it, to keep it from burning his tongue. The coffee was hot and strong, just the way he liked it; no sugar and only a teaspoon full of milk.
“Why are you so happy this morning?” He asked.
Carol walked over to where he was standing; reached into the cabinet and took out a cup. She wasn’t a coffee drinker, she didn’t even like fixing it for him, but for some reason the coffee smelled so good this morning, she just had to have a cup.
“Because we are all going to church this morning, you, me and C-Three.” She answered.
He had forgotten he’d promised to go to church with her this morning. “Oh”
“Oh? What does oh mean? Carl, you promised you would go.” A look of disappointment came over Carol’s face, she didn’t know how God would do it, but she knew if only she could get Carl to trust God again everything would be all right.
“I know I promised but something came up, and I can’t get out of it--- Maybe next time.”
It seemed like that taste for coffee she had earlier had disappeared, she turned her back to him so he wouldn’t see the disappointment in her face.
Carl stood-up and walked over to where she was standing, took her by the hand and said,
“Listen Carol, I’ve tried that church thing and it just didn’t work for me. I can’t do it anymore. I know I said I would go with you this morning, but that was only to calm you down. So please stop trying to drag me”
Carol became angry, every time she and Carl would have a discussion about church, she would listen to him and not say much. But not this time, this time she was going to talk and he was going to listen.
“Is it that you can’t do it Carl, or you won’t? I m not trying to drag you, but I guess it would seem like that to you, since you’ve got you’re heart set against the church and God.”
Carl tried to interrupt but Carol was on a roll and she wasn’t ready to yield the floor just yet.
"I laid awake for a long time last night, studying the choices you’ve given me and which would be the right one for me and. C-.Three” (Carl Peters III).
Carl was curious to know what she had decided.
“And what did you decide?”
He leaned back against the counter and Carol stood in front of him close enough that her body touched his. This was a technique of hers, because she knew anytime Carl wanted to avoid listening to her he would turn his head and look the other way to avoid hearing what she had to say. She was ready for that move, so by standing in front of him, she would be able to move her head in any direction he moved his.
“I was hoping you would go to church with me this morning, and talk to Pastor Jackson.” She said.
Carl did exactly what she thought, he turned, but instead of turning his head he turned his whole body and began to sip his coffee.
“Apparently that’s not going to happen.” She continued. “So I choose to move out.,
Carl knew she was a little upset, but not upset enough to move out. He understood her reason totally and he knew it was only a matter of time before she would have had enough. He also knew he was in too deep to turn back. He had dealt himself a bad hand and now he had no other choice, but to play it out. He would feel better if Carol was by his side, but he couldn’t force himself to beg.
“I won’t beg you to stay.” He said. “I don’t even know if I have the right to ask you to. But I would like to ask, what will you do? How will you make it on $9 an hour? That wouldn’t even pay the light bill.”
Carol still had a relationship with Mr. Pattison at the cleaners where she worked when she and Carl first got married. She would do the bookkeeping once a month and she had an open invitation to work full time any time she wanted. She gave Carl a look that said she had full confidence in making it even if she didn’t have a job paying $9 an hour.
“GOD will pay the light bill, the gas bill, and any other bill that needs to be paid.” She said.
Carl was surprised to hear her talk like that, he noticed something different about her, she seemed more bolder and more confident than usual. He knew she really trusted in God, and he knew she at one time trusted him. But now something was different, she still trusted and believed in God, but it seemed she didn’t trust him anymore. Maybe it was because he no longer believed God could furnish all of their needs.
“I know you believe that, but trust me, you need money to make it in this world. –And just how is God going to give you the money?”
“Easy, -- he’s GOD!” Said Carol.
He looked at her and then at his arm, he wanted more than anything to stay and finish the conversation with his wife, to try and make her understand that he was the same man she married 10 years ago. But he had an important meeting that he couldn’t get out of.
“Listen, we need to finish this when I get back home tonight. Right now, there’s something I need to take care of. I’ll be back later, we can talk than, okay?”
“Okay I’ll be here, I’m not leaving for a few days yet, but as for talking, unless you stop selling dope, -- there’s really nothing for us to talk about.” Said Carol.
This was the first time Carol actually used the word dope, of course she knew a drug dealer and a dope man was the same thing. She was just too ashamed to think that her husband was a dope man. Carl was on his way to the door when Carol said this, so he stopped, turned around and said.
“Why don’t you say it a little louder, I don’t think they heard you over at Detroit’s fifth precinct.”
Carol felt bad after blurting it out like that, because no matter how she felt, she knew why he did it, she just didn’t agree with it no matter what the reason was. She walked over to the refrigerator and took out some eggs, bacon and prepackaged hash browns, C-3 liked hash browns so she made sure she kept them in stock. While the bacon was cooking she went to wake up C-3, she was surprised to see him up an almost fully dressed. She smiled and stooped down to check his face and behind his ears.
“You did a good job washing your face, I am proud of you.
“Mom…! I’m a big boy now.”
She smiled again.
“You are a big boy, so come on and let’s eat breakfast.”
She felt like her appetite had returned, she really hadn’t eaten much in the last week, because she was worrying about the decision she had to make. And after what happened at 1 o’clock this morning, she was more determined than ever to hit the road. She felt better now, seeing she had let Carl know that she was moving out and she was trusting God to make a way.
After breakfast, she began to get C-3 and herself ready for church. As she dressed she began to think of what life would be like without Carl. They were boyfriend-girlfriend all the way back in grade school. He was the first boy she had ever kissed. She could remember at their high school senior prom how proud she was being escorted by the captain of the football team and she knew just how much every girl in the school envied her. Carl always made her feel special and he always wanted the very best the world had to offer her. Nothing had changed concerning his wants for her, he was just trying to accomplish them the wrong way. She also remembered when he asked her to marry him, how happy she was, to be marrying the only man she had ever loved. But all of this seems so long ago to her now. She could hardly believe that Carl had changed so much. She understood the Scripture in the Bible, that says. “Broad is the road to hell and narrow is the road to Heaven. She just always thought that she and Carl would both be traveling the narrow road together.
As Carol turned into the church parking lot, she noticed that it was filled with cars, a lot more than usual. She wondered what was going on. ‘Did she forget an event or something?’ She had to park her car at the far back end of the lot and she and C-3 walked back to the church. There was a lot of people parking their cars and walking to the church, Carol try to see if she recognize any of them, but she didn’t. She took C-3’s hand in hers so they wouldn’t be separated in the mist of all the people. She wondered if the church could hold such a great crowd, it only had a 1000 seat capacity in the sanctuary, but up until now, that was more than enough. By the time she reached the door she was almost dragging C-3, his short legs couldn’t keep up with her long rapid strides.
Once Inside of the church Carol’s heart dropped, there were no seats anywhere, it was standing room only. She couldn’t stand in the doorway because the people that were behind her was trying to enter the sanctuary, so she and C-3 started to walk down the outer aisles. The closer she went toward the front the more congested the church appeared to be. It was a refreshing sight to see the ushers and some of the members bringing chairs for the people standing in the aisles. Just as she was about to reach for a chair she saw a hand waving from side to side up-and-down trying to get her attention. ‘Betty?’ She said to herself, what a lifesaver. She grabbed C-3 by the hand and rush through the row of seats to where Betty was waiting.
“I’ve been waving trying to get your attention ever since you walk in.” Said Betty.
Betty was her best friend and she had saved two seats for her and C-3. She didn’t know of the plan to bring Carl to church today, so maybe it was a good thing he didn’t come.
“What’s going on? Is this a revival that I don’t know about? Asked Carol.
“I don’t know, but after I saw so many people packing in, I blocked off two seats for you and my godson.”
She hugged and thanked her friend for thinking of her and C-3.
Carol had a great time in church, the service was very nice and as always Pastor Jackson preached a soul-stirring sermon that kept everyone on their feet. The message that he preached seemed to weigh heavy on Carol, it was as if he was talking directly to her, especially the part about – women submit to your own husbands –. She didn’t have any problem submitting to Carl, because she loved him and she knew he loved her. Only if Carl had come to church with her today and talk to Pastor Jackson, things would be different.’ But he didn’t so she had to do what she felt was right, No, what she knew was right, and that was to serve the Lord with all her heart.
After church was over, she waited for a chance to talk to Pastor Jackson. She wanted to tell him about her decision to leave Carl and to see if he agreed. She waited for over an hour, because there were a lot of people wanting to shake his hand and tell him how good the service was. When the pastor did force himself free, he went to his office to relax. Once in his office he heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.” He said.
The door open and Carol walked in.
“Hello, Pastor.” She said.
It was always nice to see the pastor and a pleasure talking with him. But this wasn’t the best time for Carol, she didn’t feel much like smiling or laughing, she felt more like screaming. Carl was being difficult and stubborn, so she decided to bring in reinforcements; she would bring in the opinion of Pastor Jackson, and whatever he would say to do, is what she was going to do.
“Hello Sister Peter, how are you doing today?”
She looked around to see if there was anyone else in the office. The pastor’s office looked different today for some reason. She could see the walls had been freshly painted and the scent of paint was still in the air. The green plants on either side of his desk looked so beautiful she wondered if they were real. She walked over and touch them to see if they were false. She could see a smile on Pastor Jackson’s face when she discovered that they were indeed real.
“I love your office Pastor, everything is so beautiful.” She said.
“Why thank you sister Peters, I let my daughter remodel it, it took her close to a month, but I think it was well worth it.”
“Little Cyndi did this? Wow! How old is Miss. Cynthia now 15? ”
Pastor Jackson smiled, as he remembered how awkward it was for him and his wife, trying to raise a daughter past the age of 15. It was no walk in the park.
“She’s 20 going on 45.----Now, come over here and sit down and let us have a talk. I can sense something is wrong. Is it something you want to talk about?”
She knew very well she needed to talk to someone who would not judge her situation. She trusted Pastor Jackson. He was more than just the Pastor of the church she attended, he was also her friend. She had met him when she was 12 years old and he was studying to be a minister under her father. He was kind and gentle back then and he hadn’t change much over the years, which was good, because right now she needed some divine help, to make the most important decision of her life.
She had decided to leave her husband and she wanted to know what the Pastor thought about it.
“Pastor I need to talk to you if it’s ok.”
She spoke in a serious but humble tone. She didn’t want him to think that she was one of those people who didn’t know how to handle a situation. Because she could handle just about any situation that occurred. But this was a big one and she just wanted to get his opinion on it.
“Sure it’s ok sister Peters, what is it?”
She was very nervous, and couldn’t remember what she wanted to say. She had rehearsed this speech over and over in her head and knew exactly what she would say when she stood in front of the man of God. But right now she was lost for words. She looked at Pastor Jackson.
“Well.” She said, with a nervous smile. “I don’t know where to start.”
With a big smile, he said.
“Try the beginning.
She took a deep breath, and said.
“I’m divorcing Carl.”
She looked at the pastor to see his reaction, but there wasn’t any, he set there motionless waiting for her to continue.
“I can’t stay with him any longer. I have tried Pastor, I’ve prayed, I’ve begged and I have pleaded. There is nothing else I can do, it’s time for me to go.”
She began to feel better now, once she got pass the first few lines she remembered everything she wanted to tell the Pastor. If only Carl had come to church with her, she wouldn’t have to go through this alone.
“Okay. Now tell me exactly what are you begging and pleading for him to do?” Ask Pastor Jackson.
She had opened the door by saying she was leaving her husband, so now she had to share the reason why. If only there was another way, another answer other than the truth she thought to itself. But there wasn’t any, she was standing before the man of God and he was waiting for an answer.
“Carl is a drug dealer Pastor, -- he Poisons people for a living.”
She looked at Pastor Jackson, but there still was no expression on his face.
“You don’t seem surprised Pastor!” She said.
“I’m not.” Said Pastor Jackson.
He walked to the front of his desk and sat down on it’s edge in front of her.
“I see where you guys live, and I know it doesn’t match your job titles. It really wasn’t hard to figure out where the money was coming from. My only concerns are for you, and little Carl. Is everything alright with you?”
“Yes everything is fine for right now.”
He stood up from his desk and took her by the hand and they walked over to the sofa.
“Sister Peters, have a seat here, and let me explain some things to you. First of all, how often are you praying?”
“Every day Pastor. Every--Single---Day.”
“That’s good, the next thing you need to do, is move out. I won’t tell you to get a divorce, that’s your decision. But I will tell you that you have to move. You can’t keep accepting all of the benefits of drug money, without accepting some of the blame.”
“I know Pastor. I have been so bottled up lately, it’s a shame. It seemed like I was stumbling around in the dark, and no matter how much l prayed nothing changed. Then the other day while I was praying, something happen, I started to cry out to the Lord. I told him everything. I even ask for forgiveness for my part. And then I noticed the darkness was gone, I knew what I had to do. I’m moving out this week.”
“It is going to be hard sister Peters,- but GOD will bring you through this. You just need to keep praying & trusting him.--- Stand-up I want to pray for you.”
After church, Carl came home and took C-Three for a little father/son bonding. No matter what else happen in this world, he loved his only son, and Carol knew it. That evening as she was still thinking of how life would be without Carl, she began to wonder, just how did she allow herself to get into this situation. Or better yet, why did she allow Carl to put her into this situation. She knew Carl wasn’t happy working as a manager for Belmont technology and software, but she never imagine he would quit and start selling drugs. He had pretty much convinced her that he wanted the best for her and their son C-3, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized it was for him. She began to remember little things that signaled something wasn’t right, but she dismissed them as nothing more than over worrying.
She remembered the first time he brought her to their house; he told her they were sightseeing. Although it was the loveliest house she had ever seen in her entire life, she had no great desire to own it. She was satisfied with life the way it was, she had a husband who loved her as she loved him and a son that they both love very dearly and most of all they were rooted and grounded in the LORD. At lease she was. Once Carl told her that he had bought the house, she became sad, because she knew there was only one way he could afford it and that way would eventually separate them. Even now it is not a hard decision to move somewhere more affordable for her. The thing which was going to be hard was leaving the man whom she considers as being her soul mate forever.
She had told everyone that her & C-Three were moving by the end of the week. Fact is, she had not even found a place yet. She looked up toward heaven, lifted her arms and waved them in the air and shouted. “GOD PLEASE, DON’T LET ME DOWN”
R-I-N-GGGG The doorbell sounded. Who is that she thought, the LORD don’t ring doorbells. She smiled.
“Who is it?” She asked.
“It’s me,- Betty.”
Came the voice from the other side of the door. She had forgotten about Betty; how she would pop-up out of the blue every now and then after church for food and conversation. This really wasn’t a good day for Carol, she felt like being alone so she could think about what she was going to do next.
“Ok, Ok, I’m coming, hold on.” She said.
She walked over and opened the door and there stood Betty, her oldest & dearest friend. She had seen Betty earlier in church, they talk briefly when the service was over, but she had to hurry off to see the Pastor. She was hoping Betty didn’t suspect anything was wrong, because she didn’t know how to explain Carl’s behavior to her.
“Hey girl, what ya doing?” Said Betty.
Carol smiled, try not to let Betty know that something was wrong. She loved her friend but sometimes she ask too many questions.
“Hey ya self. What brings you all the way out here this time of day?” She asked.
“You, I came to see you, and to see how you are doing.” Said Betty.
“I’m doing fine.” Said Carol. “I just remembered I haven’t eaten yet. You wouldn’t happen to have any food in your purse, would you?”
“Food? In my purse? Now that’s funny. Betty chuckled. “You are kidding right? Do you have any idea why I come way out here to Whitewater?”
Carol looked at her, waiting for her to answer her own question. Of course she knew. It was for the food and the conversation, or was it for the gossip? Whenever they were together, they would end the evening talking about some of the ridiculous outfits people would wear to church.
“It’s not for the view?” Asked Carol.
“Well I do kind of like the view. But that’s not it.--- It’s because you always cook this great Sunday dinner.” Said Betty.
She looked around the house to see if she could see any food, but there wasn’t any, not even bread and butter.
“What happened? Where is the food? What happened?” Ask Betty.
“Nothing happened, I just didn’t cook. Carl & C-Three went out for dinner. I didn’t feel like going out and I didn’t feel like cooking, I felt like relaxing. So here I’ am. Relaxed.”
She walked over to the sofa and laid down in a relaxing position. She really didn’t feel much like talking either, especially not gossiping. There was too much on her mind right now, she needed time to think, she needed to be alone.
“Alright Carol, what’s wrong?”
The question caught Carol off guard, but she answered quickly.
“What do you mean what’s wrong? There’s nothing wrong.”
“Listen lady, we’ve been friends way too long for you to think that I don’t know when something is wrong with you.” Said Betty.
Carol really needed a friend right now, someone other than her mother and her aunt Anna. Betty was family to her. She loved her like a sister and she knew there was no way Betty was leaving until she told her everything. She sat up on the sofa and grab her by the hand and pulled her down next to her.
“We need to talk.” She said.
“About what.”Ask Betty.
For some reason Carol felt more comfortable talking to Betty about Carl than she did Pastor Jackson. She knew Betty would somehow make her laugh. Although this wasn’t a laughing matter she still would find a way to make her feel better.
“Things aren’t working out between Carl and me; we have some issues that need praying for.” She said
“Like what” Asked Betty.
“Like him stop going to church for one.”
Betty looked at her for a couple of seconds and then she said.
“What’s number two? And If it’s anything like number one, maybe you better Jump up to number 10.”
“Why? Said Carol. Don’t you think quitting church is bad?
“Not bad enough to stop speaking. That’s where praying comes in.” Said Betty.
“We haven’t stop speaking, in fact we will be speaking long after I move out this week”
Betty’s mouth dropped open, she was totally surprise, she never thought she would hear words like that come out of Carol’s mouth, especially pertaining to Carl. Betty knew how much Carol loved Carl, and she knew it had to be something terrible for her to want to leave him. So she said.
“What-what-what do you mean, move out?”
“Just what I said, move out.” Said Carol.
She began to explain to her friend the situation in which Carl had placed her in. The more she talked, the better she felt about her decision.
“Carl is not the same man he used to be. His principles & morals have changed. You remember back when Carl would fight against drug pushing in our neighborhoods? And stand up to any one selling that stuff to the kids?”
“Yes” Answered Betty.
“Well, now he’s the one that’s selling it to the kids and anyone else who’s willing to buy it.”
With bulging eyes Betty asked.
“Carl’s selling drugs?”
Carol nodded her head up & down to say yes. Betty tried to keep her composure, and speak as calmly and naturally as she could. But Carl selling drugs was a big thing, he was a man of principle and of a good quality of life, his integrity outshined any man she knew and him and Carol was doing such a great job of raising C-3. She couldn’t believe this, something was wrong, someone was spreading lies.
“How long, I mean, how do you know?” She asked.
“He told me.” Said Carol. “How on earth did you think we could afford to live out here? Or drive the cars we drive?”
“I thought your father left you a lot of insurance money.” Said Betty.
“Girl no!” Said Carol with a laugh. “The only money he left went to momma, everything we have comes from Carl.”
She put her arm around Betty and rubbed her arm with her hand. She knew this news had hit her hard, because Betty was very close to the family.
“Do you feel better now lady?” Carol asked with a smile. “I thought I was going to lose you there for a moment”
“It was close, but I’m alright now. You kind of hit me with a low blow and for a moment there I was a little shook up, but I’m okay now.”
She began to look around the house, at things she had seen plenty of times before and never really paid any attention to. Like the pictures on the wall, she thought they were imitations, but now she wondered. She looked at the two marble Eagles that were on 2 marble tables on either side of the staircase, they were magnificent. She walked over to the window and stared outside, and then she looked at Carol and said.
“You know, I’ve been out to this place seems like a hundred times, but I never quite saw it like I see it right now. I’m kind of impressed with Mr. Carl.”
“Why?” Asked Carol. With a confused jester she lifted her shoulders and let them fall back into place and said. “He’s still just a drug dealer.”
“You mean high roller don’t you?” Asked Betty.
“I call him a dope man.” Said Carol.
Betty looked around the room again and said.
“Whatever you call him I can say one thing for sure, he show do have good taste.
She began to fan herself with her hand, as though it was too hot.
“Lord Almighty.” She added.
“The Lord didn’t have anything to do with it, that’s why I’m leaving.” Said Carol.
“I still don’t understand why you would leave all of this.” Said Betty. “This is the best you’ve lived sense you got married. ---Ok tell me the truth. Do he beat you?”
Carol put her hand over her mouth and tried to hold back the laughter but she couldn’t.
“ARE YOU CRAZY?” She asked. I don’t even know why I talk to you ----“NO!!!!!” She said.
“Just asking, just asking. Then why on earth would you leave all of this.“ Ask Betty.
“Because.” Said Carol.
She looked at Betty in a confused way. How could she not understand why she was leaving. They both were saved, and they both believed what the Bible says, thou shalt not kill or thou shall not commit murder, maybe it was both. She shook her head to let her friend know that she couldn’t stay.
“It is against the law to sell illegal drugs, not to mention that it is a sin.” Said Carol.
“Oh yeah, right, a sin, o-kay.” Said Betty. So, now you are moving back to Detroit right?” She asked.
“Right,-- it want be as plush as this, but it will be drug free, If You know what I mean. Said Carol.
“Oh I know exactly what you mean. You mean you are going to take C-Three out of the best school in Michigan, a school that it took you a Year to get him into.” Said Betty. Have you thought about this at all?” She asked
“Of course I thought about it, and yes I know what this is going to do to him educationally and I know what it is going to do to me financially.” Said Carol. “You act as if I have a choice. I don’t have a choice, everything I am, everything I do and everything I believe in, hinges on the way I live, --and I live for God.” She added.
“I live for God too. And do you know what God would tell me?” Said Betty.
Carol knew if she said yes, Betty would tell her anyway, and she knew it was going to be Betty’s ways of adding humor to the conversation. So she didn’t say anything, she waited for Betty to continue.
“He Would Say Betty-Girl, -- whatever happens, do not leave this house.
With a half smirk and a half smile on her face, Carol said.
”Oh- is that right?” They looked at each other and laughed.
“You are at lease going to take the furniture aren’t you?” Asked Betty
“No, I am only taking me, C-Three, our clothes and a few things my mother gave us through the years, and nothing else.”
“Why not?”
“Because, it was bought with drug money.”
“Then you might be leaving here naked, --- because as I see it, the clothes was bought with drug money too.”
Carol started Laughing.
“You need to go home now.”
Betty Laughing herself now said.
“No seriously, there’s nothing wrong with you taking some of the furniture. I bet Carl would even want you to. --- Just ask him and see what he says.”
Carol dreaded asking Carl for anything, especially after making such a big speech this morning about her moving C-3 away from that environment. But she also knew she needed some help getting started.
“I am going to need some furniture, and with the money I make I’ll barely be able to pay rent.” Said Carol. “I’m hoping that I can find an apartment with the lights & gas included.”
Betty put her arms around Carol, to comfort her and to let her know that she had at least one very good friend.
“You’re my best friend and I can see that you are going through some things right now, so whatever you need me to do I’ll do.” Said Betty.
Then a thought entered her mind.
“You know what?” She asked. There’s a vacant apartment in my building, I can talk to the manager if you want me to.”
With so much excitement, Carol could barely speak, but she did manage to utter the words.
“Are You Serious?” Sure, I want you to talk to the manager.” She said. Then something hit her. “WAIT! Hold up.”
She stopped being excited. She needed to know Betty’s relationship with the landlord before she could really celebrate. Betty was her friend and their relationship was great, but other people at times says she could be a pain.
“The manager do like you- don’t he?” Asked Carol.
“Don’t be crazy, --- of course he does,--I guess, I mean he never told me he didn’t.” Said Betty. “Why wouldn’t he? I always pay my rent on time, well almost always.”
Carol looked at her friend, shook her head and said.
“Just check it out for me please!.”
“Ok, Ok, don’t worry about a thing, I will take care of it for you.” Said Betty.
“Thank you, ---And I would like to ask you one more favor if it’s alright.”
“Now what?” With a sarcastic tone. “You want me to let my apartment go and move-in with you?” Asked Betty.
“Girl no, don’t be silly, why would I ask you to do something like that, I Just wanted to ask you, if you could stay here with me until I move out.”
Carol turned her back as if she was afraid of the answer. She knew it was a big favor, especially not knowing exactly what day she was going to move, but Betty did say whatever she needed and right now she needed her friend. They both spoke almost at the same time, with Betty saying.
“Sure”
And Carol almost at the end of her sentence.
“I wouldn’t blame you if you say n—
She stopped, spun around with joy, and asked.
“What did you say? “
“I said sure, you are my best friend, and I told you if you need me I am here.” So where is my room? I need to freshen up.”
She stood to receive directions to her sleeping quarters. And then she remembered something.
“Oh yeah, after i take a quick shower maybe I can slip into a pair of those silk pajamas that Carl bought you for your last birthday.”
Carol laughed and said.
“Of course you can, come on I’ll show you your room and get you the silk pajamas.”
As Betty freshened up, Carol was busy in the kitchen preparing them a meal. She was glad Betty was staying with her until she moved out, because to be truthful she didn’t think she would have had the strength to leave Carl under any circumstance. Carl meant the world to her and she knew she meant the world to him. That is why she could not understand for the life of her, why he was still selling drugs. Usually if she showed a strong dislike for something and insisted that he not do it anymore, he would stop and never do it again. But this time it was different, something was wrong, she was convinced there was something demonic behind it and by her not being able to convince him to go to church for prayer there really wasn’t much else she could do. So she had to move out.
When Betty finally came downstairs, the food was ready and Carol had set the table. Betty walks into the dining room closed her eyes and sniffed, the aroma of the food filled her nostrils and she let out a sigh of approval. She slowly spun around so Carol could see how well the pajamas fitted her body.
“You do look stunning my dear.” Said Carol.
“Why thank-you ma-am.” Said Betty.
They both laugh and set down to eat dinner.
` At the restaurant Carl and C-3 was sitting at their table waiting to order their dinner. C-3 was playing with a toy action figure which he dropped on the floor. As he reached down to pick it up his chair slid backwards, hitting a waiter and causing him to drop the tray full of food which he was carrying. Immediately realizing what he had done, a nervous C-3 apologized by saying “I’m sorry”. The waiter was furious, he snapped at C-3,
“What are you, an idiot?”
He knew immediately after the words had left his mouth it was the wrong thing to say, but before he could apologize Carl had stood up and it seemed like in one swift motion he set C-3 in the chair and he was standing face to face with the waiter.
“That was an accident, but I promise you, the next time the word idiot comes out of your mouth and it’s directed at my son, what I do to you will not be by accident.” Said Carl.
By now the waiter was nervous and shaking, people were staring and he was afraid of losing his job.
“Please, let me apologize, I am so sorry.” Said the waiter.
Carl seemed to get even angrier when the waiter said he was sorry.
“Saying I’m sorry might pacify some people, but I’m not one of them. So you can hold your sorry and watch your mouth.” Said Carl.
The waiter turned and walked away, just as someone came to clean up the mess. Carl went back to his seat and sat down; he looked at C-3 who by now had his head down.
“Look at me.” He said.
C-3 held his head up and looked at Carl with puppy dog eyes, but he didn’t say a word. He knew from the moment he said I’m sorry he was going to be in trouble.
“I don’t understand. You and me have had this conversation at least 10 time, you know how I fill about that word and you still said it.” Said Carl. “From now on every time you used that word I am going to deduct $5 from your birthday money.” He continued.
C-3 sit up straight in his chair and stared at his father, he couldn’t believe his father was serious about that. He had added up his birthday money and it totaled out to be $45, $5 for every year and he was going to be 9 years old. He had plans for that money and he wasn’t going to let something as trivial as using the word sorry rob him of one dime of it. So he said.
“Dad that’s not fair.”
“How about I tell you what’s fair. Said Carl. “Saying I’m sorry is not fair to anyone.” He added.
Another waiter came to take their order, but by now neither Carl nor C-3 seemed to have much of an appetite so Carl tipped the waiter and they left.
On the way home Carl stopped at C-3’s favorite burger joint and got him something to eat. He knew that this had been a long day and the boy needed to eat something, burger and fries wasn’t the best, but it was better than nothing.
Later that evening, Carl & C-Three returned home from their father/son
bonding. The expression on C-Three’s face showed that he was still a little sad. But once inside the house Carl tried to console him.
“I know your feelings are a little hurt son, - but you know how I feel about that word. You shouldn’t used it.” Said Carl.
“I don’t know what’s so wrong with saying I’m sorry,---“Mom said I could say it.” Said C-3.
Carl raised is his voice slightly to make sure he had C-3’s attention.
“You wasn’t with your mom, you were with me. Understand?” Said Carl.
“Yes.” Said C-3.
Carl could see that his son was hurt & confused and his intentions were never to intimidate his son. So he knelt down in front of him to explain.
“Listen son I’m going to explain to you why I am the way that I am about the word sorry.” Said Carl.
Then he went on to tell C-3 of a crucial time in his childhood.
“When I was a boy of 7 yrs old, I lived with my father and Sister. My dad was the nicest guy you could ever meet, he didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Every one that knew him loved him, especially me, what can I say, he was my dad.”
He stood-up and started to move around. The more he told the story the more he remembered. It seemed like it happened just yesterday.
“My mother past away when I was 5 years old, so all I knew was my father. I used to hear my father say he was sorry for everything, --- even when he was right. ---Most of the people who knew him would say, ‘hey Carl, it’s not your fault don’t even worry about it.’ But there was this one man, who’s name was Robert McMasters, his nickname was The Bull, because he was as strong as one. He used to pick with my father constantly, like every day, for some reason or another.--My father would always say, ‘sorry about that man, --it won’t happen again.’
Carl Paused for a moment to collect himself. He still grew angry thinking about it more or less talking about it. He had never told his version of the story to anyone, but here he was telling his son all of the details of the most gruesome time in his life. He knew there would come a time in his life when he would have to explain to his son his reasons for banning the word sorry from his vocabulary and not allowing him to use it. He just didn’t know it would be this early.
Well this one particular day, “—I’ll never forget.--- I woke-up out of my sleep to loud auguring, the voice that was the loudest, I recognized to be my dad’s. I jumped-up and ran outside. There they were fighting like two Gladiators in a arena, my dad and Mr. Mcmasters. My dad had a baseball bat and Mr. Mcmasters had a butcher’s-knife, they was going at it with all they had. I saw my father knock Mr. Mcmasters to the ground with the bat, and then he stood over him ready to finish him off. Mr. Mcmasters used his arms to cover his face, even he thought dad was going to keep hitting him. But my dad surprised us all, he let him off the hook, and told him, ‘next time I will finish you.’ As he started to walk toward me, Mr. Mcmasters ran up behind him, wrapped his arms around his neck and squeezed. My father tried as hard as he could to free himself but Mr.Mcmasters was too strong. Doing that whole ordeal I couldn’t move, it was as if I was glued to the ground. I must have passed out or something, because I don’t remember anything after that. I do remember waking up at my aunt’s house later that night, with two vows in my heart. --One was to . Kill Robert McMasters and the other was, too never say I’m sorry, to nobody, at no time, not ever.”
C-3 looked at his father and said.
“Did you kill Robert McMasters dad.”
“No son, --- he died in prison a long time ago.” Said Carl. “Good.” Said C-3.
“It’s time to go to bed now C, It’s late, we will talk some more tomorrow ok. Said Carl.
“Okay.” Said C-3.
He stood-up, took a couple of steps and hugged his dad and said.
“Goodnight dad, I Love you, and thanks for telling me.”
As C-Three started toward the stairs he saw his mother setting on the bottom step, he hugged her and continued off to bed. Carl was surprised to see Carol sitting on the stairs; he thought he and C-3 were along.
“How long have you been setting there? He asked.
“Sense you started.” Said Carol. “And to tell you the truth I was a little puzzled, as to why you never told me that story. This happen what? When you were 7 years old?--We became friends when you were 9 and I was 7. That was a lot for a kid to carry around; I don’t know how you did it.”
Carl smiled as if he had a fond memory.
“It was your father.” Said Carl. He was my mentor and my friend. He was like a father to me, I loved him very much. So when he-as you would say-made his transition, there was no more church for me.” He continued.
Shaking his head in a no motion he said.
“I just can’t do it.”
A lot of things became clearer to Carol now, since she knew the story behind the word sorry. All these many years she thought it was some macho act, that men don’t say they are Sorry. But now hearing the reason why Carl doesn’t use the word makes her feel a little sad. It was hard to believe that her and Carl had never talked about this, it seemed like since the time they first met as children, they had talked about everything. She knew his father had been murdered, but she didn’t know he had witnessed it. So with compassion in her heart she said.
“I see now why you are the way you are. And I understand.”
“So are you still leaving?“ Asked Carl.
“I wish I could say no right now Carl, but I can’t. I’m still saved.” Said Carol. “But sense we are on the subject of leaving, I have a favor I would like to ask you.” She continued.
“Whatever it is the answer is yes, I would love to help in any way I can.“ Said Carl.
“That’s good I’m glad to hear that, because what I want is some of the furniture, if you don’t mind.” Asked Carol.
“Mind? Of course I don’t mind.” Said Carl. “I bought all of this for you.” He waved his hand indicating everything in the house. “Even the house. So whatever you take is alright with me, I just wish you would take some money.” He added.
Carol wished there was a way for her to accept the money from Carl without bending her integrity, but there was no way she could look at herself in the mirror or go on calling herself a dedicated Christian if she gave in to the very cause of her leaving. So she smile and said.
“You know I can’t take any money, ---that wouldn’t be right.”
“Wait a minute.” Said Carl
He had just remembered something.
“what about the money in our old bank account.”
“What money?” Asked Carol.
“When I was working, we had a nice little nest egg saved up. You never kept track of it, but with both of our paychecks, and our income tax every year, it grew pretty good.—when I quit,-- my pension stopped, so they direct deposited all of the money from the plan into that bank account.” Said Carl.
Carol tried hard not to show how excited she was, but a big smile broke through
and the words “THANK-YOU JESUS” Came pouring out of her mouth.
“Are you kidding me? She asked. “I mean, I just started back to work last month.” Said Carol.
Tears began to roll down her cheeks and it became hard for her to speak. But knowing the rode which she was on and the journey that she had chosen, this had to be God who was helping her, so she kept repeating over and over. “Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus.” And then she said.
“I was praying that God would help me start a bank account.”
“Yeah, but this money is already in the bank.” Said Carl. “It was 5,000 before the pension money was added, I don’t know how much it is now, maybe 15 or so. It’s not much, maybe it can help you a little bit. “
“Not much? Are you serious? Asked Carol. “I am so happy right-now I can cry.” She added.
“You already are.” Said Carl.
Even as she smiled, tears continued to flow down her cheeks “
“I know you don’t quite understand, but God has just made a way for me to do some of the things that I have been praying to do.” Said Carol. Give me a few minutes in the room alone, I want to praise Him.”
“Sure, go-ahead.” Said Carl.
Carol turn and went up to her room to praise God.
The next morning Carol woke up early and went down to the kitchen to fix breakfast, she was still excited from the night before. She was humming the gospel song that the choir had sung in church Sunday, she loved that particular song it made her feel like clapping her hands and singing aloud. She moved easily through the kitchen, it was her favorite place in the whole house. It was designed and modeled just the way she wanted it. Even the sink in the middle of the floor with the granite countertops was exactly the way she designed it.
Betty was the first down, she came into the kitchen to fix breakfast not knowing that Carol was already there.
“Good morning. I didn’t know you were up already.” Said Betty.
“Good morning.” Said Carol. “I came down to start breakfast.”
“You cooked last night, so I thought I would fix breakfast this morning, if you don’t mind.” Said Betty.
“You don’t have to.” Said Carol.
“I know, but I really want to.” Said Betty.
Carol smiled, said okay and handed Betty the frying pan that she was holding and headed toward the door. She opened the door and look back to see Betty pointing for her to leave, she laughs and left the kitchen.
Upstairs, Carl had finished his shower and was getting dressed, she went to the C-3’s room to wake him so he would be dressed when breakfast was ready. When she walked into his room, she noticed some new pictures of his favorite action heroes on the wall. Carl must have bought them the night before. She looked at his bed and he was fast asleep, she almost hated to wake him, but she knew she had a lot to do and he needed to wake up. She walked over to the bed, pulled back the covers and said.
“Wake up C, it’s time to get dressed.”
C-3 woke up still sleepy and confuse. Wiping his eyes so he could focus better, he said.
Mom! I’m sleepy.
She walked over to the dresser where she kept his clothes and took out shirt, pants, socks and underwear. She walked over to the bed and laid them next to C-3 who was awake now and said.
“I need you to wash your face and change into these clothes for mommy, Okay”
“Okay. ”Said C-3
She walked back into her bedroom; Carl had finished dressing and gone downstairs. If only she could relax for a few minutes, she thought to herself, the day would go a lot better. She wanted to take a nice long hot bath, but she decided it would take too long, so she took a shower instead.
Downstairs Carl had walked into the dining room, he knew Betty was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, he could smell the scent of bacon all the way upstairs. He knew how Betty loves a good joke, so he decided to play a little game with her. With a slight yell he said.
“EXCUSE ME, MAY I ORDER NOW PLEASE?”
A voice hollowed back from the kitchen.
“ARE YOU PAYING?” Asked Betty.
“AND TIPPING TOO.” Said Carl.
Betty ran into the dining room and stood next to Carl.
“May I take your order sir?” She said.
By now they were both laughing.
“How have you been doing Miss Lady.” Said Carl.
“I’ve been doing just fine, but not as well as you, I hear.” Said Betty.
“Been talking to Carol I see.” Said Carl.
“Yeah. You know how we talk, but don’t worry I won’t say anything to anybo---
Before she could finish, the door bell ranged.
“Are you expecting someone?” Asked Betty.
“No” answered Carl.
As Betty started toward the door she heard footsteps coming down the stairs, It was Carol screaming. “I got it-I got it.” She saw the cab pull-up and Aunt Anna get out of it. When she opened the door there stood her favorite Aunt. Anna stepped inside, hugged Carol and said.
“Everything’s all right now baby, Aunt Anna’s here.”
Carol was glad to see her aunt and she held her tightly to show her just how much. Carl and Betty waited to greet Aunt Anna, but after the extra long hug between her and Carol, they decided to eat breakfast. Still at the front door, Anna held Carol by both shoulders and looked her square in the eyes and said.
“Where is he honey? Is he in one of those places?”
Carol was confused, she looked at her and said.
“Aunt Anna: what are you talking about?”
“Carl baby, your mother told me about what happen to him,” Said Anna.
Carl stood-up from the table to hear what Anna had to say.
“What did she say Aunt Anna.” Asked Carol.
“She said Anna we had better go check on Carol, because Carl done lost his mind.”
Carl threw-up both hands, as to say oh my GOD. Betty started to laugh and Carol was trying hard not to laugh herself.
“No Aunt Anna.” She said. “He’s alright, ----he’s fine, see.”
She Pointed to Carl and he waved.
“You the one crazy, you old bat.” Said Carl.
He said it just low enough so Anna couldn’t hear him.
“What did you say Carl?” Asked Anna.
“Oh, I just said I’m glad you still know where we are at.”
Anna kind of knew what he said but she didn’t push it, she was too busy trying to figure out who was sitting at the table with him.
“Hey Aunt Anna, how are you doing lady?” Said Betty,
“Betty? Is that you girl?” Asked Anna. Lord, I wouldn’t have known who you were if I had seen you on the streets.” She added.
“Why not? Have I changed that much? As Betty.
“Well not so much in looks.” Said Anna
“Just a little in size .” Said Carl.
He was laughing so hard he began to cough. Betty took a deep breath with her mouth open as though she was in shock, then she playfully hit Carl. Carol who was laughing now herself, put her arm around Anna and said.
“Aunt Anna, I am really glad to see you, come on over here and sit down.” She said
She walked Anna to the sofa and they sit down. There was no wall that separated the dining room and the living room, just one large open area. By now the aroma of the food was all over the house.
“Something show do smell good” said Anna
“Since you mention it --- something do smell good.” Said Carol.
She turn and looked in the dining room. Betty & Carl were sitting at the table.
“Who cooked?” Asked Anna.
Betty raised her hand and confessed.
“I threw together a little something, not much. Some bacon, a few pancakes, some grits, some omelets, some biscuits with honey & butter, some hash browns and Some scramble eggs.”
Anna Looked at Carol and said.
“You better get her out of your house before she cook & eat you into foreclosure.”
Still smiling, Carol asked.
“Betty, who’s going to eat all of that food?”
“Don’t worry, it’s enough of us to handle it. Maybe you should wake-up C-3.” Said Betty.
“He’s already awake.” Said Carol.
“How is my nephew doing these days?” Asked Anna.
“He’s fine, -- he grew a lot since the last time you saw him.” Said Carol
“Has he really? Ask Anna. I bet he’s just as handsome as.
She looked at Carl who was smiling and said to Carol.
“ As you are beautiful.”
“Yeah he is quite handsome and he’s a big boy now.” Said Carol. “Why don’t I go get him.”
“Yeah go, so I can see him.” Said Anna
Carol turned and went up the stairs.
Upstairs in C-3’s bedroom, C-3 was awake and sitting up in bed, he was thinking about last night and how he had upset his father. Although it all turned out well, he didn’t like for his father to be disappointed in him, he wanted to be a good son or as his father would say, a good boy. He couldn’t help thinking about what his father had told him that night, about how he saw his father being murdered by the hand of a bully. He remembered his father’s saying that there were a lot of people standing around and looking, so he couldn’t help but wonder why no one would not stop Mr. McMasters. He imagined how he would feel seeing someone murder his father and he grew very nervous and frightened and that made him feel sad because he understood a little of what his father must have felt. Carol walked in the room while he was still thinking and said.
“I see you are awake, but still in bed. Is this as far as you has gotten since I left the room?
She walked over and playfully tugged on his shirt.
“Do you want mommy to help you get dressed.” She said.
“MOM!” He screamed.
Pulling his shirt from her hands.
“I’m too old for that”. He continued.
She smiled and said.
“Okay, I’ll tell you what, if you hurry up and get dressed, there is a surprise waiting for you downstairs.”
In anticipation he said.
“A surprise? What is it?”
It’s a surprise, so hurry up.” Said Carol.
C-3 began to dressed as fast as he could.
In the meanwhile, downstairs Carl and Betty was enjoying the delicious breakfast Betty had prepared. To Betty who enjoyed cooking, it was a meal that everyone could enjoy. But to Carl it was the Last Supper, he had no intention of hanging around waiting for Carol to leave, he had made up his mind to stay out of sight until she was gone. Carol was more to him than just his wife, she was his best friend and the mother of his only child. He knew she did not trust him anymore and the sad part was, he knew why. Carl couldn’t change the way he was headed, even if he wanted to, because he was in to deep. The only thing he could do now was not watch his family walk out. He looked and saw Aunt Anna still standing a short ways from the table and said.
“Might-as-well eat some breakfast Aunt Anna, it’ll be a while before they come down.
“Yeah, there is plenty of food Aunt Anna, whatever you want, just name it.” Said Betty.
Anna walked over to the table and sat down, she carefully looked over all the food that was there and then she said to Betty.
“Ok, I will take a bowl of corn flakes if you don’t mind.”
“There is definitely something is wrong with you lady.” Said Betty.
“I’ve cooked all this food and you ask for corn flakes --- why? She asked.
“Two reasons.” Say Anna (1) I don’t know if you can cook or not, I mean just because food look good, don’t mean it taste good. And (2) I don’t know where your hands have
been.—Did you wash them? Ask Anna.
Betty’s mouth came opens in surprise and before she knew it, she had snapped back at Anna.
‘Of course l washed my hands, I am very clean when It comes to cooking.”
“OK that’s good, ---still I’ll pass.” Said Anna.
“Suit yourself.” Said Betty.
“Well, for the record I would like to say this food is deeeelicious.” Said Carl.
“Thank-you Carl, I knew you would like it.” Said Betty.
Carol & C-Three walked into the dinning-room just as the verbal food fight was dying down.
“AUNT ANNA” screamed C3.
Anna looked up to see C-3, she smiled and stretched out her arms and said.
“Come here baby.”
He ran and jumped into her arms.
“My goodness, you have grown. How old are you now? She asked.
“I’ll be (9) years old on my birthday.” Said C3
“Wow (9) years old?” Said Anna. “When is your birthday?” She asked.
“In two more weeks.” He said excitedly. “I’m having a party, - are you coming?” He asked.
He was so excited about his birthday that the joy inside of him seem to be pouring out onto the floor. Anna was happy to see him so happy about his coming birthday and she wanted to do something special for him.
“No baby, Aunt Anna won’t be able to make it, but I’ll tell you what, lets you and me go to some stores and pick you out a present or two ok. Would you like that?” She asked.
Shaking his head up & down, and a big smile on his face. He said.
“Yes”
“Ask your parents.” Said Anna.
Carl said yes and Carol said sure why not. Aunt Anna & C-Three then went shopping.
“Well ladies I hate to eat & run, but I have things to do.” Said Carl. “Betty, breakfast was delicious, --- thank-you.” He added.
“You are welcome sir.” Said Betty.
Carol looked at him and said.
“Carl we still need to talk.”
“About what, you’ve already said you are leaving -----have you change your mind?” Asked Carl.
He walked to the door and stood there waiting on her answer.
“No.” Said Carol.
Without another word he walked out.
“You know he don’t really won’t you to go, don’t you?” Asked Betty. “He was almost in tears.” She added.
She walked over and put her arms around Carol and said.
“Just keep praying girl, it’ll be okay.”
Carol was still staring at door as if Carl was coming back in to tell her not to go, that everything was going to be okay, that he would stop selling drugs and rededicated his life to the Lord. She could hear Betty in the back of our minds saying – keep praying. Pray? She said to herself, she prayed every day, not just for herself but for him too. It seemed the more she prayed the more stubborn Carl becomes. A strange feeling came over her; she began to feel sad, depressed and lonely. She thought about all the women she knew without a husband or a man in their lives and here she was walking out on the best man in the world. Do you know how many women would give their right arm to have a man like Carl, she asked herself. She even went as far as to say God was letting the devil steal her husband. But then she realized how foolish that sounded and knew it was a trick of the devil. Betty was still standing there with her arm around her when she came back to herself.
“Hey, cheer up, we got a lot to do.” Said Betty.
“Like what?” Asked Carol.
“Like packing. -- You don’t expect these things to get in boxes by themselves do you?” Asked Betty.
Carol looked around the room to see all the work that needed to be done and with a half smile she said.
“Oh y7 ea, we do have to pack don’t we?” They laughed. “Betty I’m really glad you’re here.” Said Carol.
“Me too.” Said Betty.
In the middle of packing Carol & Betty realized that there weren’t enough boxes, so they went to go get some more. Carol drove to Pickston department store, where she expected to get the boxes she needed. She knew the manager in lingerie and could easily get as many boxes as she wanted, but there were only a few boxes that Carol could use, the rest was too small. She saw Betty leave out and thought to herself maybe she’s going to find some bigger boxes, so she stayed to talk to the manager, they had became friends for some reason. Maybe it was because Carol shopped there regularly or maybe it was because their sons went to the same school or maybe it was just because she was a nice lady and very friendly to her. Either way Carol liked her a lot, she was going to miss her when she moved back to Detroit. They talked for a little over than an hour and Betty still hadn’t returned, Carol wondered if she had gone to the car, but still she would have to come and get her because she couldn’t get into the car without the key. She decided to go look for her friend and give her some help if she needed it. As she headed toward the appliance department she saw hundreds of people coming toward her, so she stepped to the side to let them pass. When the last person past by she looked down the hallway and there was Betty coming toward her. She looked as if she had been in a fight was something, so Carol ran to meet her.
“What happened to you?” Asked Carol.
“I’m okay, just bring the car around to back of the appliance and they’re going to give us some big boxes.” Said Betty.
Carol was still trying to get Betty to tell her what happened.
“Boxes? first you need to tell me who did this to you.” Said Carol
“Would you please go get the car I’ll tell you later.” Said Betty.
Carol really didn’t want to go, without finding out what happened to her friend. But with Betty constantly urging her she went and got the car.
On the ride home Betty explained to Carol exactly what happened, she felt better and even found it sort of amusing. Of course Betty didn’t, she didn’t think it was funny at all.
When they returned to finish packing, they found Anna & C-Three sitting on lawn furniture, waiting to get in. Carol saw them and screamed OH GOD! I forgot about Aunt Anna and C3. She pulled the car to a stop, jumped out and ran towards them saying.
“I am so sorry Aunt Anna, how long have you guys been out here. “
“Not long, about 45 minutes.” Said Anna.
Then Anna looked at Betty and said to Carol.
“Can you tell me what happen to her?”
Betty looked a mess, her wig was twisted, her clothes were tore and the heel was broken off of her left shoe, which made her walk up & down. Carol, who was laughing, tried to explain.
”She got trampled.” She said.
“Trampled?” Asked Betty. “You mean mulled don’t you.”
Betty was embarrassed, physically in pain and angry. Carol who was trying to hold back the laughter admitted that she hadn’t laughed this much in months. And then she said.
“Mulled or trampled, it’s your fault.”
“My fault? -- how is it my fault?” Asked Betty.
“Will somebody please tell me what happened?” Asked Anna
“Well-- since you says it’s my fault, why don’t you tell her.” Said Betty.
Carol had only said 2 words, when Betty jumped in and began to explain.
“You are taking too long, I’ll tell it.--We were in the store getting some boxes, Carol knew the manager and she said we could have as many as we wanted. I decided to go to some different departments to try to find some bigger boxes than the ones in lingerie.—I did, but on my way back to where Carol was, I saw this cute skirt & blouse set that was so sharp, I said to myself. ‘You know what Betty girl, you need to try this on.’ I did and it fit perfect and looked magnificent on me, if I must say so myself.”
“Maybe you better say so, yourself.” Said Anna.
“Excuse me, may I finish please?” Said Betty
“Sorry, go right ahead.” Said Anna
“Thank-you, --- now where was I, oh yeah, I decided to buy the outfit. But just as I was about to hand the cashier my credit card I saw this large group of people zoom pass, well you know me, how nosey I am, I decided to follow. On the far side of the store, I found out that it was a basketball player signing autographs and you know how I love basketball. Well I decided to take cuts, I wasn’t about to stand in a line that bent five long isles in the store. But just as I heard this squeaky little voice say “You can’t take cuts” The crowd mobbed me. Those people must have beat, kick and stomped me for over 15 minutes, before he and his bodyguards rescued me.-- But all wasn’t lost, I still got his autograph and a kiss too.” Said Betty.
“Now, let’s get this straight you got your butt kicked from one end of the store to the other, clothes tore off, shoes broken, from the looks of it, a couple of teeth chipped and you have the Gaulle to brags about a peck on the cheek?” Said Anna.
“First of all, it was a kiss on the lips, and second, I got an autograph that says :To Betty with love, and third, it’s been so long since anybody kissed you, you wouldn’t even know what it felt like.” Said Betty.
Anna walks over to Betty and with her eyes she looked her up and down and says.
“Sweetheart, anybody can get a pity kiss, the man felt sorry for you, after seeing you get a beat-down like that, I mean it looks like you’ve been 9mm whipped.
Everybody except for Betty, laughed. Carol who was still laughing said.
“Hold it you two, can we all just get along?-- I mean, can we finish packing? You can get back to the insults later. I want to get everything all packed up , so the moving people can finish moving me in one haul.”
Carol was so busy wrapped up in the catfight between her aunt and Betty, that she forgot C3 was in the room. She always monitored what he saw or heard, she didn’t want him to grow-up too fast trying to understand things that he was much too young to understand.
C3, who was listening to the conversation said.
“Mom do we have to move, ---I don’t want to live in Detroit. I’m scared.”
Carol reached out her hand and he came and stood next to her.
“Oh- baby, what are you scared of?” She asked.
“They shoot people in Detroit momma, and sometimes they even steal little boy.”
Carol held him close to her, she could feel him shaking in her arms. She knew he was truly afraid and she was confused on why. She never talked to him about the city and neither did Carl. So she asked.
“Oh baby, --who told you that?”
“The kids at school.” He answered.
Betty shook her head in surprise.
“Oh my goodness, what are they teaching the kids in that school. And where are they getting those lies from.”
“I don’t know,--maybe the news?” Said Anna sarcastically.
Carol knew the children in school were only teasing, probably because they knew he was from Detroit and Detroit did have a bad reputation. Truth was, she had been gone for so long she was almost afraid herself, but her faith in God kept her strong. She walked over to the sofa still holding C-3 by the hand.
“Come here baby and sat next to mommy.” He sat next to her.” It’s the people who don’t pray that bad things happen to. Not good people who pray.”
“Daddy don’t pray, do that mean he’s going to get shot?”
“Noo sweetheart, you & me, we pray for daddy. So he’s going to be alright, ---ok? “
“Ok” said C3.
She hugged him again.
“Come on, you can help me start dinner, we’re having fish and chips”
They went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Fish and chips were C-3’s second favorite meal, next to burgers and fries, so he forgot about being afraid for the moment.
As Betty watched them walk into the kitchen a article she once read about people without jobs and without hope came rushing back to her mind. The article explain how when people do not have a way of supporting themselves or they loses all hope in finding work, they become frustrated. And that frustration turns to desperation and desperation brings about impatient and impatiens makes people violent and dangerous. It wasn’t that all the people in Detroit was dangerous, it was just the few who gave up on society and decided to make things happen for themselves. The more they tried the more they seemed to fail, until all rationalization was gone. The article went on to explain the many reasons why people turn to drugs and alcohol. She came to realize this is what made some areas of Detroit dangerous to live in or even pass through at night time.
“Oh-well I guess that leaves the packing up to you & me Aunt Anna. Said Betty
“I am not your aunt.” Said Anna.
“I know, and thrust me honey I’m not trying to claim you.” Said Betty.
“Good!” Said Anna.
“Good” said Betty.
They both picked-up a box, went to opposite sides of the room and started to pack.
“You know Betty, I remember when you were a little girl, you & Carol would spend the whole day laughing & playing.”
Betty didn’t give Anna a chance to finish what she was saying, she jumped in with a big smile on her face.
“I know. My mother used to tell me how cute & sweet I was when I was a little girl .”
“Your mother loves you dear, what else do you think she would say/ “said Anna.
“What are you saying?” Said Betty.
“I’m saying, you were a crook when you were young and you are a crook now.” Said Anna
Betty was surprised to hear Anna say that, because she knew the type of person she was. She was a Christian, who walked in integrity and she hung her hat on honesty.
“You were crazy when I was young, and you are still crazy now.” Said Betty.
She blurted out the words before she knew it, she wasn’t in the habit of disrespecting older people, even if they did disrespected her.
“I’m sorry for calling you crazy, but I never did anything crooked in my life, you’ve got the wrong person miss lady.” She continued.
“Ok let’s go back in time a little bit, when you were about 12 or 13. Mother Jenkins had stayed up all night cooking sweet potato pies an—
Betty cut her off in the middle of speaking, she was totally surprise and had no clue that Anna would bring up something from so long ago.
“What???-- I can’t believe you are digging up something from wa---y back then. Do you know how many times I ask the lord to forgive me for stealing one lousy sweet potato pie? – Besides how did you know I stole the pie?”
“I saw you, I just never said anything, --- and I hoped one day you would apologize. ---Did you?”
Betty turned her back to Anna and began to pack the porcelain whatnots Carol’s mother had given to her for her second anniversary. She found it hard to believe that she could still feel ashamed of stealing something so long ago.
“No!” She said. “I never did.”
“Then the case is still open.”
I doubt it. Do you know how long ago that’s been? When I got saved, God forgave me of all my sins. -- Goodness, no one even remembers that. Except for you.
Anna began to feel a little ashamed of herself, because if God had forgiven her, who was she to try and hold on to it.
“I promise, I won’t remember it anymore either.” Said Anna.
Betty thanked her and they continue to pack until dinner when ready.