Chapter 8

“What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories.” George Eliot

 

Nanette left for Denver, leaving Adanya alone with nothing but her thoughts. Spending time alone, away from family, away from her best friend, and away from God, caused her to pause and think about her life.

She had to find a way to move forward, leave the past behind. She reasoned with herself. People make mistakes, and maybe her daddy was telling the truth. Maybe the fact that he was intoxicated that night, maybe he really did think Anaya was Annalisse “Naw,” she said, shaking her head, “I don’t see it.” And my mother? Annalisse? What’s up with her? I can’t believe she stayed with him after she practically saw what he did to Aunt Anaya. And Gramps and Gram, Paw and Maw Anniston, what was up with them that they overlooked what he did, talking about it was the best decision at the time. Seems like he never suffered any consequences for his actions. Lord, I don’t understand.”

Adanya felt like she was on a Ferris wheel. She shook her head briskly, like she was trying to escape from the confines of the walls that seemed to be closing in on her. It was time to set her mind on something other than her family.

She couldn’t quite remember the last time she’d eaten, but the growling sound coming from her belly, told her it had been awhile.

Adanya got in her car and drove around until she spotted a Danver’s Restaurant. With quickness, she looked over her shoulder and saw that the traffic was clear. She jumped into the left hand lane, then farther left into the turn lane. Making a swift turn, she drove on the Danver’s lot and proceeded to the drive-thru.

“May I help you?” the man blared through the intercom.

“I’ll have a turkey burger with mustard, pickle, onion, and ketchup, a side of onion straws, and a medium lemonade.”

Adanya sipped on the tart lemonade while she waited patiently for the rest of her order. The smiling drive-thru host was smacking gum and talking to someone else while he passed the combo meal to her. Adanya quickly studied the contents of her order to make sure everything was correct before she moved ahead.

While driving, she scanned her mind for things she could do to past the time. Normally, when she wasn’t at work, she would be at home spending time with family or hanging around church. But church was a far cry from her mind. Not only could she not see herself going to the church she’d practically grown up in, she would never be able to stay in the same house with her parents again. As for living with Nanette, she already knew that was a temporary fix too. Nanette had her own life. They were best friends and Adanya wanted to keep it that way. Moving in permanently would only put a cramp in Nanette’s life. The fact that Nanette had a boyfriend and a host of other friends who sometimes visited, and that was cool, but not all of Nanette’s friends were Adanya’s friends.

She resolved that the sooner she got her own spot, the sooner she could get on with revamping her own life and maybe reaching out to establish a closer relationship with Anaya.

Adanya ate while she drove in the direction of the college. There were several apartment complexes in and around the area. If she moved close to the college campus she could walk or sometimes bike to work. Adanya released a giggle at the thought of seeing herself all suited, booted, and riding a bike. She slowed her pace and turned into a complex that looked appealing.

Umm, these look nice, and new too. Even better than the ones I saw the other day. Adanya drove farther into the complex until she saw the leasing office. Outside of the office was a box that held brochures. She got out of her car and retrieved one. She pulled into a parking space, but kept the engine going, while she studied the different floor plans the complex offered.

Adanya concentrated on looking at apartments and townhomes with at least two bedrooms. She wanted to have space for Anaya to come on some weekends. That way she could spend time getting to really know the person that lived inside Anaya’s world. It was not going to be an easy feat, Adanya believed, but she was determined that she was not going to turn her back on her real mother, whether Anaya understood their connection or not. It was time for a change in her life. Maybe what Gram said was partially true. Maybe God could turn around what had happened, and miraculously work it out for good.

Adanya was about to end her apartment search but was intrigued by a set of duplex flats she saw tucked on the corner of a side street. They were a little farther away from the college, but she could still make it to work by car in less than ten minutes. Her drive through the complex revealed a small complex of duplex flats with well-manicured lawns, private garages, a small convenience store on site, along with several other quaint businesses. She felt like she hit gold when she saw someone walking their dog. It had to be divine intervention for her to see the For Lease sign in front of one of the flats. Adanya stopped in front of the sign and wrote down the information.

I’m going to call. No sense in putting off later what I can do now. No one answered, but a pleasant voice invited her to leave her information. Adanya did. Her phone rang moments after she ended the call.

“Yes, I just called,” she explained to the agent on the other end of the line. “I left a message about the flat you have for lease on Central Avenue.” Adanya listened to the man as he told her about the twelve hundred and ninety-five square foot duplex flat. The private community was less than three years old. The duplex came furnished, had two bedrooms, a den, two bathrooms, an eat in kitchen, a private patio, and it was pet friendly. Adanya sucked in a deep breath. It sounded like everything she wanted. She released a welcoming sigh when he told her the monthly rate. It was well within her budget. She never had to worry about money before, but now she was determined that she was no longer going to expect or rely on her parents’ hefty income to give her the lifestyle she had grown accustomed to. If she had to start from scratch that was what she was going to do.

Adanya made an appointment to meet with the leasing manager in an hour to tour the place. She remained in the area, checking out the rows of businesses located inside the community. There was a high end store stocked with bedding items, kitchen accessories, and decorative pieces that she could purchase to fix up the flat. She became giddy with excitement at the thought.

Time flew by a lot more quickly after she started imagining all the things she could do with a place of her own. She pulled up in front of the flat and waited. She didn’t have to wait long because a car pulled up and parked next to her. A portly looking man got out and looked in her direction. She let down her window.

“Are you the leasing manager?”

“Yes, ma’am.” The man walked over to her car and quickly passed Adanya one of his business cards. “Roy Mathis.”

“Adanya Anniston,” she responded, as she opened her door and stepped out of her car.

They talked while the two of them walked toward the unit. As soon as he opened the door, Adanya’s eyes grew big.

“Ahhh, this is really nice.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

After the tour she decided to apply for it. Mr. Mathis informed her that if she were approved for the duplex, the move-in date would be the first of the month, just three weeks away.

Divine intervention or making a move without thinking: Adanya didn’t know which it was, but she did know that it felt good to be taking some control over her life – everyone else had managed to ruin it.