Chapter 11

Monday evening, Auntie was pleasantly surprised to see Brenda and Samantha camped out in her old room. The number of possessions seemed like more than usual but Auntie never questions it. She is just happy to see the girls. Stephanie tries to avoid the obvious. She is waiting for Brenda to come clean. Of course, her sister does not reveal why she is there with all of her worldly possession. Samantha keeps asking to see her father. Brenda assures her that she will get to see him come the weekend. Stephanie is surprised to see Brenda taking the lead in grooming Samantha. Usually when they visit, she and Auntie take care of the baby. Brenda sits around waiting for others to jump in to handle her responsibilities. Without fail, someone always intervenes in time for Brenda not to need to participate. She makes sure that Samantha is put to bed at nine o’clock. The three women sit around the dining table drinking tea and reminiscing about days gone by. When Auntie decides to retire for the evening, Brenda does as well. The three women locked up for the evening. Each head for their respective bedrooms.

Before Brenda can turn the doorknob to her room, Stephanie yanks her by the arm and ushers her into the other room. She closes the door behind them. She motions to her sister to sit down. Brenda follows her directions without objection. “Girl, there is no way in the hell that you can show up with your baby and all of your stuff and think you are not going to fess up.” Stephanie demands in a low whisper. Brenda folds her arms, giving her a look of innocence. They stare at one another for nearly two minutes. Stephanie’s eyes widen to let her younger sister know that she was losing patience. “Bruce broke up with me because he is scared of Richard.” Brenda blurted out as she rolls her eyes followed by a sigh. Stephanie covered her mouth with her hand when she gasped at the news. She recovers quickly. “Nah. That is not going to cut it. Why did you leave Richard for him?” Stephanie utters in aggravation. Brenda takes a deep breath. “I felt like Richard didn’t love me anymore. It was obvious since he has not proposed to me in all these years. Bruce was so nice at first, but he fooled me too. We discussed matrimony. He was mean and harsh to both me and my daughter.” Brenda explained with tears in her eyes. Her sister takes a deep breath. “What do you think made Bruce change?” Stephanie asked in a calmer tone. “When we first started flirting, he was very accommodating to me and the baby. As soon as I moved in with him, he started making demands and I am not accustomed to a man expecting anything but some good loving from me.” Brenda exclaimed firmly. Stephanie slaps her hand against her forehead twice. “Let me get this straight, you leave a man who does everything for you when he is probably waiting for you to act like a wife, but is not pressing the issue. Then you wonder why he doesn’t marry you. You go out, find the next man who wants to marry you and all he wants is for you to actually behave like a wife and that is considered harsh treatment in your eyes. Bitch, you are so dumb.” Stephanie shouts a little louder than she should have. Brenda creeps across the hall to listen at the door to make sure that Samantha did not wake up. All is quiet as she tips toes back to Stephanie’s room. As she closes the door behind her, Stephanie is still shaking her head in disbelief of the luck her sister has with men. She wonders, how did the landing a devoted mate magic skip her?

Stephanie continues with her interrogation of Brenda’s complicated affairs of the heart. She ponders her next question, not sure whether the continued dialogue will remain open, its worth a shot. Stephanie motions to Brenda to come sit down next to her. She bumps her shoulder against her sister gently as if to acknowledge that she understood her dilemma. “Tell me, which one of these men are you in love with now?” Her sister asked with a raised brow. Brenda sat there contemplating her answer. There was silence. Stephanie did not rush her to answer. She waited for however long it was going to take. Twenty-minutes would elapse when Brenda bursts into tears. “I will always love Richard. I don’t think he wants me anymore. Sure, he gave Bruce a couple of lumps but was that for me or for Samantha. She has been telling him about her punishments and he doesn’t like it one bit.” Brenda explained through the tears. Her sister hands her a box of tissue from the bedside table and rubs her back in between the sniffling. Stephanie bites her lower lip trying to think of something comforting to say. She knew that Brenda deserved everything that she received from both men. Her sister’s selfishness is the only reason she is back at home. Stephanie gives Brenda time to pull herself together before asking one more thing about her love triangle. “Well, if you will always love Richard, then why aren’t you doing everything within your power to be the woman he wants to marry? I mean, if Bruce was trying to force it and Richard was waiting for it to evolve, then out of love and care that he has for you shouldn’t you want to try?” Stephanie asks with logic. Brenda wiped her nose as she looked at her sister, searching her sister’s eyes for direction. “How? I don’t know anything?” Brenda expressed with trepidation.

The two sisters stay up nearly until dawn trying to come up with a way for Brenda to get back into Richard’s good graces. She would have to prove her devotion to him even if he denies her genuine gestures. Brenda is not accustomed to being shunned but she was willing to subject herself to the emotional rejection as an olive branch to worm her way back into his heart. The plan was simple. Brenda would begin by learning the basics of running a household. It wasn’t as foreign to her as Stephanie thought because she was already starting to clean house when she was with Bruce. It was a necessary evil she had to endure because the punishment was severe although she never mentions it to her sister. In fact, Stephanie was surprised to see her in the kitchen the Tuesday evening with Auntie trying to learn how to fry chicken. Of course, Brenda nearly caught the kitchen on fire but no one seemed troubled because it was the first time her family members saw her make an effort to do anything for herself. They believe she is finally blooming. For the rest of that first week, Brenda cleaned and tried to cook simple foods. Often, it would burn but she did not get discouraged. She ruined a few loads of laundry by mixing whites and colors in the wrong water temperature. Auntie and Stephanie would praise her for the effort.

On Friday, Brenda set out to take Samantha to visit her father. They leave in the afternoon in order to arrive when Richard got home from work. Surprisingly, he was not at home to receive them. Brenda insists on staying until Richard got home before she left. Richard arrives about an hour later than normal. He is happy to see Samantha sitting on the floor in the living room watching cartoons. Brenda smiled the moment she laid eyes on him. He nodded in her direction to acknowledge her presence. The two do not exchange any words. She kisses the baby goodbye and leaves. Brenda really wants to tell Richard that she is not with Bruce any longer but doesn’t have the courage to admit that the relationship ended. She heads back to Brooklyn. Richard goes to his room to change and prepare Samantha’s space. He wasn’t sure if he would get to see her or not. He hoped that the confrontation with Brenda’s new boyfriend would result in this way. As he tidies his room, he calls Philly. Ring. Ring. “What’s up for the night?” Philly answered. “Man, I can’t do anything. I am on daddy duty.” Richard said with a chuckle. “Oh, homeboy came to his senses. I mean after you knocked some sense into him.” Philly said as he laughed. Richard joined in on the laughter. “I guess. I am just happy that my baby girl is here.” Richard quipped. “What did her mother have to say?” Philly asked. “She didn’t say anything to me about it or anything else for that matter.” Richard expressed in a curious tone. “Maybe, old boy didn’t tell her what happened.” Philly exclaimed. “I doubt that.” Richard retorted. The two continue to talk about work and the weekend for another few minutes before the conversation comes to an end and they both hang up.

Saturday morning, Samantha asked for eggs for breakfast. Jessica accommodated the little one's request. She went on to tell her grandmother that mommy doesn’t make it like that. Richard, Wilma, Monica and Missy found it odd that Samantha would state how Brenda made eggs. Everyone at the kitchen table knew that Brenda didn’t cook. “What do you mean baby, how does mommy make eggs?” Richard asked. “Mommy’s eggs are black.” Samantha giggled. “Oh, why are your mother’s eggs black?” Richard asked. “Mommy’s eggs are black because Auntie said she burned it daddy. You are so silly, why else would they be black.” Samantha answered with a full-on belly laugh. All the women in his family laughed along with her. Richards’ demeanor changed. He was showing signs of frustration. Jessica noticed his mood shift. They all finish with breakfast. The girls take Samantha into the living room to play while Richard help’s his mother clean up the kitchen. Jessica washes while Richard dries. She can tell that he is bothered. “What’s wrong baby?” Jessica asked gently. Nothing, said Richard. “Umm-hmm. Spill it.” His mother ordered. “Bre never tried to learn how to cook for me. Now, she’s becoming Mrs. Domestic for someone else.” Richard grumbled. “Who told you that?” His mother expressed with curiosity in her voice. “Mommy, it’s obvious.” Richard said solemnly. “Obvious to whom?” She beckoned. He doesn’t answer. He pouts for several moments. His eyes fill with water. His mother stops washing the dishes and turns to console him. “All I meant was, how do you know she is learning how to run a household for anyone other than herself and her child?” Jessica whispers as she embraces her son. She can tell that he still has a deep affection for Brenda. They finish in the kitchen and join the others in the living room. It was a good family moment.

Sunday afternoon, Brenda arrives at one o’clock to collect Samantha. Monica answers the doorbell allowing Brenda to enter. She immediately heads for Richard’s room. She knocks, Samantha grants entry. “Come in,” shouts the little girl. Brenda turns the knob. Richard is lying on the bed watching his daughter play with blocks on the floor. “Mommy.” Samantha shouts. “Baby.” Brenda shouted back. Richard smiles when the two embrace. “What are you building baby?” Brenda asked. “A house for you, me and daddy.” Samantha explained. Richard is taken aback by his daughter’s statement. Brenda looks to him for a reaction. He doesn’t express one. She turns her attention back to their daughter. “Hey, we need to start planning for the big day next month.” Richard stated casually. Samantha will be turning two-years-old in April. Brenda nods to acknowledge that she understood. “So, the baby girl tells me that you cook now.” Richard exclaimed. Brenda turns to look at him. “Yes. My Auntie has been coaching me so that I can gain some kitchen skills.” She answered. “I know your man likes that.” Richard remarked with a bit of an attitude. “I don’t have a man at the moment.” Brenda admits with a hint of embarrassment. She peaks his interest in her response. On the inside, Richard is dancing like he’s at a church revival. On the outside, he shows no sign of emotion for or against. “Oh, I am sorry to hear that it didn’t work out.” He said unconvincingly. Brenda smirks and rolls her eyes. “No. I am serious. All I have ever wanted is for you to be happy.” Richard states genuinely. She smiles at him. Three hours later, Brenda starts to gather Samantha’s things so that they could get home before dark. Richard enjoyed his time with them. “Will I see her next weekend?” Richard asked. “Of course. She will be here every weekend.” Brenda stated. “Can I see you?” Richard inquired. Brenda knew that was a sign that he would forgive her. “I don’t know, my Auntie leaves me a list of things to handle while she’s not home and I do not want to abandon my responsibilities. This whole running a household thing takes a bit of getting used to.” Brenda explained. Richard smiled as he shook his head and in an up and down motion. He walks them to the subway station.

Every day going forward, Brenda burned her meals less, cleaned more effectively and her laundry technique was as good as anyone’s grandmother. She knew that with a bit more practice, she could be all that Richard deserved. The two started talking on the phone nightly. Brenda was careful not to make any demands on his time. She only spoke to him when he wanted to call her. She never reached out to him first. They plan the second birthday party for Samantha to be held at Richard’s home. The entire family is invited and everyone shows. It was that Saturday after the party, Brenda asked if he didn’t mind if she stayed with her daughter for the weekend. He agreed. This raised concern amongst his sisters but it was his decision. Philly was suspicion of how quickly Brenda was cozying up to Richard again. The party was a success. Samantha was happy and exhausted. Brenda put her to bed at eight o’clock. Her family members left and she helped the women in Richard’s household clean up. He took pride in seeing her behave like a dutiful wife and mother. For a moment, he forgot all the hurt and remembered all the passion. The later it got in the evening, the more he thought about her softness, the way she felt when he enveloped her. It was inevitable that they would be intimate. In fact, Brenda was counting on him wanting her as much as she wanted him. During the wee hours of the morning, Brenda went from sleeping on a cot in the corner of the room to her long legs wrapped around Richard’s waist with her back arched.

The next morning when Samantha awakes, she finds her mother sleeping in the corner, her father sprawled across the bed and goes to wake him first. She climbs on the bed and tugs at his eyelashes. “Daddy, you awake?” She asks. Richard awakes, looking over at Brenda still sleeping peacefully. “Quiet! Let’s not wake up mommy. You hungry?” Richard whisper. Samantha shakes her head. The two ease out of the room and head to the kitchen. Wilma, Monica, Missy and Jessica all look at him with smirks on their faces. “Good morning.” Samantha shouts. “Good morning baby.” They all replied. Samantha made her request for breakfast but this time, she wanted her mommy to make it. “Well, mommy is sleep so I will make it for you.” Jessica chimed in. “No. I will wait for mommy.” Samantha insisted. Before she could be convinced, Brenda walks through the door already dressed. “Good morning all.” She stated. “Good morning.” They answered. She goes to the pantry to look for ingredients. “Honey, do you want to try my oatmeal?” Brenda asked him. Richard is startled that she wants to make him breakfast. “Sure, I can go for some oatmeal.” He answered. Missy leaves the kitchen with her cell phone in hand as she texted her friend. Jessica and Wilma watch as Brenda prepares a meal for her family. She cooks enough for everyone and it was actually tasty. She insists on cleaning up the kitchen. Richard lags behind to assist. He grabs her about the waist pressing against her tightly, smothering her with kisses on the neck and shoulders. “Stop before someone comes in here.” Brenda beckons. “Why? It won’t be anything that they have not walked in on before.” He whispers sweetly. “Yeah. Well, I think we should take things a little slow.” Brenda insisted. He loosens his grip, gives her a slight slap on her beside and grabs the dish towel as he begins to dry the bowls.

Within a few weeks, much to the surprise of Richard and his family, Brenda announces that she is expecting another baby. The women in his family are suspicion. His best friend has reservations about it but Richard welcomes the pending new addition with an open heart. He asked her to move back into his home. She returns with all of her belongs in a matter of days. Her family is happy to see them back together. His family is uneasy with her return but want to see him happy. Brenda continues to behave productively through her first and second trimester. She starts to slow down at the beginning of her third trimester. Richard starts to take on his former role of chief cook, cleaner and bottle washer. He does not want her straining herself. They want this baby to make it to full term. Samantha is excited about a new sibling. As the time grows closer, Richard and Brenda remember what they went through with their first. They believe that they are ready for this one.

On a cold Saturday morning, in the first week of December, 2003, Brenda gives birth to her second child. It is a little girl. She is perfect in every way. Both Richard and Brenda along with the rest of the family are overjoyed by the newcomer. They would name her Trina. The couple is thankful for the complication-free labor and delivery. Brenda gets out of the hospital within twenty-four hours. Richard continues to work and handle everything in his household. Brenda gets comfortable falling back into her old routine of being a non-participant. By the time Trina is three-months-old, her mother is back to campaigning to become a wife. Richard has other things on his mind, once again, he deflects the subject of marriage and continues working towards a promotion within his company.