Chapter Thirty-Four

Cookie swore at anything and everything after her phone call with her sister. She cussed at her more than anything else, cussed at her phone, her purse, basically anything she came to contact with. Who did Keisha think she was to be giving her orders as if she had nothing better to do with her time? It’s not like she could help it but as an influencer, many adult folks thought she had nothing better to do with her life let alone, her time. Occasionally, she’d swing by an orphanage or a hospital to partner with some charity groups to add a sense of humanity to her usual routine and those days were her hardest. She wished she could hide from all those hugs the kids would rush to her with. She hated the drooling ones more than the dirty ones but they were children, and every child is always attracted to a pretty young Miss whenever they see one. Because of that, she limited her visits to once per quarter of the year rather than once every month. Today she had a lunch date with one of the lead roles from a tv show but this task her sister gave her had her all up in her mind, clearly distracted from what should have been a pleasant, story-worthy episode. 

“Is everything alright, Cookie?” Her date asked her, but she was busy swearing that she didn’t even hear him. She had pulled out her pink perfumed notepad and began scribbling down a tall list of names. Interestingly enough, her first name on the list was Sally. 

“You seem to have a lot on your plate,” the lead role added with a pun. 

“Oh…. Erm, I’m sorry. I’ve been distracted. It’s just family stuff. Let me get this over and done with and we can have that card game thing you mentioned. 

“Sure. Do you,” he picked some salad up with his fork. 

She thanked him and excused herself for a few minutes, standing about two meters away from him. She dialed her mother’s number and waited. An answer machine proceeded after a few beeps. 

“Oh crap!” She huffed. She hardly called that old lady and now the few times she’s calling by her own will, she wasn’t picking up. After a few more tries, she gave up and returned to the date her team had set up for her. 

“Sorry … about that,” she harrumphed and propped herself well in her seat.

“That’s alright but I must admit you’re stunning even when you’re worked up about something,” he complimented.

“Um… I guess I can say thank you to that. Though I already know I am.” 

“So as a tremendous young lady, why have you never dated?”

“First, because of questions like that. It’s as if people expect you to date just because you look good and have an influence of some sort. For the other reasons, they’re for me to keep to myself.”

“So what are your general thoughts about dating?”

“It should be done without pressure from anyone. It should be something that’s mutual… and by that I mean the persons involved are clear on what the terms and boundaries are. No room for assumptions.” She sipped her juice. 

“So what will it take for me to date someone like you?” 

“That’s something you’d have to figure out by yourself, dear. Because the process of finding it out is all part of what would make me want to date you back and-“ her phone buzzed hysterically startling her a little. 

“Finally,” she muttered under her breath.

“I’m sorry, but I have to take this.” She excused herself. 

“How much do you want, Kayden?” Sally asked. Her voice was smooth, flawless and devoid of any emotion as usual. 

“Not that, Sally. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

“I think that’s why I called, young lady?” It was hard to not tell the sarcasm in her voice. 

“Alright, fine. It’s about your daughter, Keisha. She is putting up a production and I was hoping you could help?” She asked, dreading how that might sound to her. 

“If she needs my help why don’t she call me herself?”

“Because she is not asking for your help. I am. She wants to have it at this Purple Place of all places,” the frustration rang in her voice. 

“I see. At least she can dream big.”

“And I need you to help her dream come true, mom?” She was already getting tired engaging her puffed up mother.

“Young lady, if you want a favour this big, you should come over and talk to me like an adult not like some child who is whining on the phone.”

“Ugh…” she held her head and sighed at the sound of that.

“But Sally I have several commercials to shoot this week,” she blubbered.

“That doesn’t sound like my problem. When you’re ready to come, you know the way home.” And she hung up.

“This woman works me to the very last nerve,” she said from between her teeth.

“I’m definitely calling it even with that girl after all these are done,” she huffed and modeled back to her seat. 

“Sorry. But I really have to go. Something came up and I need to attend to it, sorry.” She picked up her coat and walked away before her date could say another word.

****

Yvette had arrived and she sat morosely on the dining table, slowly filling her mother in on what was happening in her marriage. A part of her couldn’t believe she was confessing everything to her knowing how uptight she was but she was desperate. She’d confide in anyone who was available, regardless of whether they were her kind of people or not. Melani and Avery found their spots on arrival, after wheeling their suitcases to what used to be Jamie and Yvette’s room. They never dreamt for a second to go to their mother’s or their aunt Cookie’s knowing she could show up any minute and give them the jibes. Keisha’s room had remained locked for the longest time. Sally didn’t want anyone going there for reasons best kept to herself. No one knew that that was where she kept to herself most of the time. 

Avery helped herself with a tv show in the family living room upstairs, previously known as the Boy Hood until there were no more boys to fill that space. Melani couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the conversation between her mother and grandmother under the guise of reading a novel a few meters away from them at the guests’ reception hall. 

“I don’t know what came over him, he just started acting weird, Sally.” She snatched some tissues from the box on the table and blew her nose in them. Her mother sat in front of her, poised as ever. She didn’t know how she’d feel if she were to put her arms around her, so all she did was cup her hands on the table. At least that was better than sitting before her like she was interrogating her. 

“He wouldn’t come home for days. Whenever I asked him where he’d been, he’d crank up and yell at me, telling me I’m not his mother to be asking him those questions. He refuses to go to church with us now and he would not listen to me. I’ve not been able to serve as I should at church because I am the only parent around trying to bring up these girls and, and… I just want out, mom.” she sniffled. 

“I really didn’t want any of my kids to end up like me. That’s the worst place you can find yourself as a woman. If I had known that marriage with someone you love was equally difficult, I wouldn’t have married at all…” Sally lost her train of thought for a moment while she reflected on her own experience.

“What do you mean?”

“This Jerry fellow, how long had you known him before getting married?”

“Two years? We even saw a counselor for six months,” she blubbed. 

“I see… but marriage never really has a formula, you know. You may have gone about it the right way but it still doesn’t guarantee a good marriage. Maybe you really loved him and he did too. I want to believe you both still love each other but honey, you must know that all relationships are delicate. The closer they are, the more complicated it becomes but it is commitment that will keep you through the years. Haven’t you ever wondered why I’m still in this deuced marriage after everything your father has put me through?” 

She thought about it for a moment and asked the same question. 

“You love him that much?” Yvette asked.

“Quite the contrary. I never loved that man,” she sighed. 

“And inasmuch as I’d want to blame my father for pushing me into this marriage, at the end of the day I know I had misplaced priorities then and it was still my decision to make. Maybe I might cut myself some slack for not being as strong willed then as I am now but like it or not, I am the only one stuck with my decision today and if I call myself a Christian woman I must honour the sanctity of marriage. So should you. Initially I was in this because I cared so much about how I looked in society but now, in the quietness of my home, I’m beginning to see what really matters and it has nothing to do with image or public appearance. What’s the point of getting applauded outside only to be scorned and miserable in your own home?”

For a moment, Yvette felt like she was finally knowing her mother who had remained closed to the world forever. Although she still sounded a bit distant, it wasn’t as much as before and she was content. She didn’t like the part about staying in her breaking marriage but at least she felt she wasn’t alone. The doorbell rang and Melani rushed to the door. Yvette quickly wiped her tears. 

“Uncle Rich,” she called out a little more audibly for the others to hear.

“Richmond! What a pleasant surprise!” Sally pulled her seat back and hurried to go embrace her only son. 

“Since you left the last time you have never been back. You know how worried sick I was about you? Out there everywhere for God knows how long? And I called severally yet you answered none except for those flimsy texts. Now you know you can do better than that.” She scolded him gently. 

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I’ve just been a little more busy these days. I promise to do better next time,” he kissed her cheek. 

“Any sign of your cousin?” 

“No… none at all. I had to give up,” his face fell in defeat as he gave a long sigh. 

“Where’s Aunt Bertha?” He finally joined Yvette at the table and picked up an apple from a fruit tray  at the center of the table.

“Hi, Yvette. Wasn’t expecting you to be home.” He bit into his apple.

“Yeah… me too,” she looked away, hoping he’d not see her droopy eyes. 

“What’s up, you don’t look good?”

“Your sister wants to quit her marriage-“

“Mom?!”

“What? He’s your brother? Besides, if you really want a divorce you’d have to tell him sooner or later,” she added. 

“Hmmm… I keep getting more reasons why marriage isn’t for me. Here I was thinking at least your marriage would survive any Titanic. Looks to me like it’s impossible,” he scoffed a little.

“Oh please, don’t say nonsense like that. I need to see at least my grandkids from you before you continue with whatever celibacy you have in mind,” Sally chimed in. He had nothing to say about that except to take bites at his apple.

“But where is Aunt Bertha?”

“She left,” Sally announced with fingers crossed on the table.

“She left?” Yvette repeated. 

“I never thought that was even possible,” Rich chuckled lightly. 

“Well apparently it is possible,” Sally added.

“How did that happen?”

“Is that important? What matters is, she’s left and that’s all I care about.”

“Hmmm… it sounds like a good thing but are you alright living alone, here?” Rich asked.

“I don’t think I’ll be alone for a while…” she looked to Yvette and her girls round the house. Rich got his answer after that.

“Anyway, I came back because my colleague wants me on a case. A divorce case,” he side eyed his sister and continued with what he came to the house for.

“You’re going back to law? I thought you said you didn’t think it was for you?”

“Actually it isn’t but my colleague is hard pressed for time so she literally begged that I should step in for her.

“Oh a she? I like the sound of that,” Sally smiled.

“She’s married, ma’am. No need for any story which might be forming in your head about future possibilities. She’s married and it’s one of the main reasons why she doesn’t want to handle this case. She has a strange belief that helping people break their marriage might play on hers too so…” He explained himself even before he was asked.

“I just came to fetch a few books since it’s been awhile I approached the bench,” he added. 

“I hope you don’t have to drop those books again, Richmond. Being a lawyer looked great on you.”

“At least it made you look human after the long fuss over that gold digger,” Yvette chipped.

“Do you really have to bring her up now?” Rich retorted. He was clearly not amused. And this was the part Sally dreaded. 

“Let’s all calm down for a moment,” Sally said quietly , trying to ease the tension.

“I’m calm, ma’am. I’m just surprised that my lady pastor sister is about to be divorced yet is worried about someone else’s business,” Rich added.

“Mind your tongue, Rich! I won’t have you disrespect me like that!” Yvette bawled.

“ENOUGH! Please! You can’t have this here when there are kids an earshot away!” Sally finally got their attention. Tempers were still flying alright but now they were bridled. Sally was going to say some more before the doorbell rang again. This time, she attended the door herself. 

“Kayden. I wasn’t expecting you to be back anytime soon. Looks like you’re really determined about your request,” she widened the door.

“You could have just said you’re happy to see me,” she gave a cloying smile and stepped in. 

“Oh, was there a family meeting I knew nothing about?” She continued seeing her siblings at the table. 

“No and don’t say another word. I’m already tired trying to calm flying daggers,” she gently closed the door. 

“Don’t worry. Whatever it is, I’m not interested.” She opened the fridge and poured herself a glass of water. 

“So Rich, you said you’re in the middle of dissolving someone’s marriage?” Sally rejoined them. 

“Mmm… this is interesting,” Cookie sighed after she gulped down her glass.

“Actually, it is an interesting one.” He agreed with Cookie for once. 

“According to what my colleague said, the couple got married with a child from another man and  Mr. Husband took care of Little Child as if he was his own. However, a few years later, Mr. Husband reconnects with his first love and now, things are looking down for Mrs. Wife.” He added.

“Oww, that’s awful… I knew men can never be trusted even after the ring,” Cookie remarked while leaning on the dining chair.

“Neither can women. I mean the guy has done a great job taking care of a child that is not his, isn’t it too much to ask for more? I know I can’t take care of another man’s kid,” he said, quite disgusted at the thought. 

“Oh please, Rich. I don’t think the lady asked for a charity marriage either,” Cookie snapped back.

“We don’t know if that’s possible and if she had it planned all along just to milk him dry at the divorce. I mean, you women can be scheming.” 

“You’re speaking as a lawyer and not a human being, that’s just it. If you have loved before, perhaps you would see things in perspective.”

“Well, I’m a lawyer, aren’t I? And I have to speak as such if I want my money. Honestly, this is none of my business. I’ll just help them go their separate ways and get my money.”

“Have you met them yet?”

“Not yet. We have a meeting scheduled in three days,” he said. 

“Until then, I advice you go on some dates with the almost-divorced-woman to understand her situation maybe they don’t have to divorce after all,” Cookie chipped.

“You gotta be kidding me. I’m not about to go out with someone like that to waste my time when I can get paid to take myself out on those dates. Besides who cares about their situation? I just need my money and she better be ready to pay up,” he said quite condescendingly. 

“I give up. You’re hopeless. Anyways where’s Aunt Bertha and Jamie?” 

“Aunt Bertha has left, according to mother and Jamie… he went missing,” he hesitated.

“Missing? What do you mean missing? And aunt Bertha just left? Is that even possible?”

“You took the words out of my mouth,” Rich commented.

“Mom?”

“We had a talk and we both thought it’d be in her best interest to leave so she did,” Sally finally explained, obviously taking out the details.

“That’s … unexpected,” Cookie said unsure as to how to react. 

“But how long has Jamie been missing?”

“Almost a month… I searched for him for days, weeks even. I engaged with the local authorities but there’s not a word about him.” Rich informed again.

“And how am I now hearing about it?”

“Please Kayden… it’s not like you care about him enough to be concerned,” Yvette finally spoke. She was fed up of her sister’s antics.

“Excuse you, Yvette. If he’s not your cousin, he is mine,” Cookie riposted. 

“Oh I see. I didn’t know you were this filial, Ms. I’m-fabulous-and-perfect?” She mimicked her in her usual fashion.

“Yvette, I think it’s childish of you to come at me like that when I’ve steered clear from your nerves…”

“So now, my two younger siblings think they’re old enough to talk down to me?” Yvette bawled with a wavy voice.

“Yvette… I think you should rest awhile. You’ve had a long day already.” Sally helped her out of her seat and took her to the room. Up until now, she hadn’t really realized how she’d brought up her kids in a manner that was toxic to themselves and now it was too late to do anything about it. 

“What’s with her?” Cookie asked. 

“She’s about to be unmarried.” Rich replied without the slightest hesitation. 

“Oh. I thought hers would make it to heaven.”

“That’s what we all thought. But dude didn’t seem to be able to carry their cross. I can understand why though. He must be the happiest man alive right now,” he intoned when he noticed his niece inching closer and closer toward them. 

“No wonder she was silent the whole time. Anyway, I’m going to mind my business like I always do,” she took her bags and started to her room. 

“But what brought you home?”

“Actually it’s about Keisha. Helping her with a project.” She paused in her tracks when she remembered she’d need some snacks in her room while she relaxes. 

“You still keep in touch with that brat…” he puffed. Disappointed that his almost favorite sister would waste her time on a lost cause.

“Rich, she’s our sister.”

“I forgot she even existed,” he added. 

“Well… maybe she’d really not be existing one day.”

“What do you mean?”

“Last I saw her… my guts told me something’s wrong. I still don’t know for certain but I hope I’m wrong.” She returned to climbing the stairs to her room, leaving Rich by himself. He hardly thought about his youngest sister and even more so when he found out she was still hanging out with Jamal after his fight with him.