Time moves in one direction; memory in another.
W. Gibson
Saturday evening arrived and the fall weather presented perfectly clear skies, billowy clouds, and the temperature hovered in the seventies with a gentle breeze.
Hezekiah and Fancy, who some members jokingly called the Marjorie and Steve Harvey of the Christian world, because of their over the top fashion statements and extravagant lifestyle, stepped inside Holy Rock’s newly built 12,000 feet multipurpose hall. Hezekiah’s head was raised upward like he was King of the jungle. As far as he was concerned, he was the king of Holy Rock, Fancy his queen, and their two sons, heirs to the throne.
The first family didn't go directly into the banquet hall, but instead were whisked off by George and members of his security team to a private area of the hall that had a number of smaller breakout rooms for more intimate events and gatherings. The plan was for the first family to remain out of sight until Pastor welcomed the guests, prayed, and then Minister Eddie would introduce them. They would come out and onto the purple carpet that was rolled across the glossy floor just for their entrance.
Inside, the banquet hall was exquisite with a drapery entrance, soft amber uplighting, and an amber tint washing over the glossy floor. Guests entering could be seen and heard relaying their utmost satisfaction of the setup and decorations. Each clothed table was surrounded by eight clothed chairs, with fresh bouquets of fall flowers, and place settings that sparkled as if they had bits of diamonds encrusted in them. There was a complete staff to welcome guests and direct them to their pre-assigned tables. Everything was perfectly placed.
Fancy and Hezekiah relaxed while they viewed everything taking place inside the hall from closed circuit television. Fancy couldn't be happier with the way things appeared. It reminded her of one of the beautiful Paris halls she and Stiles had been blessed to visit.
Some of the mid-south's top political heads and officials, along with prominent pastors and their first ladies were in attendance.
Rena and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, entered the luxurious hall. She gasped at its beauty, as did her mother, as they were escorted to their table. Rena took her seat and wasted no time people watching. She recognized some of the long time members as they made their entrance.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson got up from the table to go mingle with old friends who they hadn't seen since leaving Memphis. Rena remained at the table alone, glancing around, fake smiling as strangers passed her by, and taking in the splendor of it all. Pastor McCoy has really made his mark on this city, she thought to herself. It looks like the entire city of Memphis is here. I wonder if Stiles is coming.
Continuing to look around, she smiled when she caught a glimpse of Pastor at the front of the room. He looked like he was headed toward the stage area. Someone announced that the banquet was about to officially start.
The escorts brought two couples to her table. Rena didn't know them, but they exchanged pleasantries and smiled at each other as the couples sat down.
Visually searching for her parents, Rena saw them standing several tables away talking to some other guests. She got up and headed in their direction to let them know that the banquet should be starting and they probably should return to their table.
Moments after they returned to their table and sat down, Pastor walked up to the podium and began talking.
“I want to welcome everyone to the fortieth Jubilee of Holy Rock. God is good and we are blessed. I’m thankful to be standing here, able to see somewhat clearly,” he laughed lightly, “all of you beautiful people who have come to celebrate this joyous occasion. Please stand and join me for prayer.”
Pastor proceeded to pray and when he was done, departed the podium. Rena followed him with her eyes and saw him sit down at a full table. Her tummy fluttered nervously when she spotted Stiles.
Minister Eddie walked up three steps leading to the stage and approached the podium. "Those who are able please remain standing to welcome the First Family of Holy Rock," he announced.
A thunderous round of applause filled the room. Rena turned to the side and looked toward the back of the room to watch as the First Family entered.
Hezekiah looked handsome in a black designer tuxedo with all the manly trimmings. Holding her hand, Fancy walked beside him looking radiant in a custom designed royal purple, tiered, peplum dress that rested just slightly above her knees. Dripping from her neck, wrist, and hands was a girl’s best friend—diamonds. Khalil, Xavier, and Hezekiah’s aunt, all just as fashionably dressed, followed.
The applause continued as the first family nodded at the guests and walked up the aisle leading to the front of the room.
Since she was standing, Rena was able to gain a clearer view of Stiles. He stood next to Pastor, looking handsome as ever in a black tailored suit. Rena felt her tummy do a somersault.
As the first family drew closer to their table at the front of the room, Pastor's eyes widened. Josie stood to the right of him. He took hold of her hand like he needed to steady himself. It didn't seem to be enough so on the other side of him he latched onto his son’s arm and held on.
Stiles looked down at his father, and in turn helped to steady him. "Are you all right?" Stiles leaned in and whispered.
Barely able to speak, he slowly nodded and responded weakly, "Yes. I'm...I'm okay."
"What’s wrong? You look pale," Josie whispered in his ear with a concerned look on her face and in the tone of her voice.
"Nothing," he whispered. "Just felt a little dizzy for a second. I think I got up too fast. I'm good now."
"Ladies and gentleman, the McCoys of Holy Rock," Minister Eddie announced again.
Like royalty, Hezekiah and Fancy waved and then the family took their respective seats.
"You may all be seated," the minister instructed the crowd after the McCoys sat down.
Pastor, still wobbly and shaken, sat down. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He removed his white handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow.
"Are you sure you're all right?" First Josie then Stiles asked.
He reassured each of them that he was fine, all without taking his eyes off the woman who looked identical to someone from his past. Someone he wanted to forget.