LEANDRA
Two Months Later
The aroma of turkey and dressing, both turnip and collard greens, chitterlings, and honey-baked ham filled the house. Every cap on my stove had a pot on it. I had the platter of macaroni and cheese sitting on the counter to cool along with a pot of black-eyed peas and four sweet potato pies. I was going to make a chocolate cake, but Shariece said she would handle dessert, so that was one less thing I had to fool around with. “Damn, baby, it smells amazing in here,” Taj said, sliding his arms around my waist as I stirred the turnip greens.
“Thank you. These turnip greens are almost done and I’m warming the turkey and dressing up in the oven. Did you set the table?”
“All set and ready for company.” Things were going better than I expected between me and Taj. It took a while, but I finally was able to accept him making porn films. I figured as long as he was safe and not sticking dicks in his mouth, I was cool with it. A lot of women would say that I’m crazy as hell, but they’re not in a relationship with Taj; I am, and I love him. He had told me about the mess going on with Jimi, and that the best thing was to cut ties with him. With all the drugs that were running in and out of his place, getting as far away from Jimi as he could was a good idea. “What time did Emjay and Shariece say they were coming?”
“I told them that everything would probably be ready by four o’ clock, so I suspect that they should be here around three-thirty.”
“I could not be happier right now,” Taj said.
“Why is that?”
“Spending Thanksgiving with the woman I love. I’m going to be a father. What’s not to be happy about?” I finished stirring both pot of greens, turned around and gave Taj a long, sweet kiss.
“This is one of the craziest years I’ve had, and I’m glad that it’s over, that we can move on with our lives,” Leandra said.
With everything that had gone on, I was more than ready to say good-bye to 2012 and usher in 2013, which could not come quick enough for me. “Amen to that, you and me both.”
“Did you get a chance to speak with Deandre’s mother?”
“Yeah, and I could tell from the crack in her voice that she was still very upset about his death.”
“You didn’t tell her about all the other stuff, did you?”
“His tapes? Of course not. She’s better off not knowing that about her son. Best that she remembers him like she always saw him. She came down last week to pick up his body and take him back to St. Pete for burial.”
“Well, even though Deandre had his issues, I could only hope that he can find peace in death that he couldn’t find in life. My prayers are with his family.”
“I can’t imagine what they must be going through this Thanksgiving,” Taj said.
“They’ll get through it.” Taj pulled me close and hugged me. “Time heals all as they say. You want to get the ham sliced up for me?” I said.
“Oh, that reminds me. Where’s the electric carver I bought?”
“I think I put it in that last drawer at the end of the counter.”
Taj took the carving knife and rinsed the blade off under water. I was about to grab a few bowls to put the black-eyed peas and creamed corn in when my cell phone rang. It was Nishelle. I pressed the green icon on my phone. “Hello?”
“Happy Thanksgiving, Ms. Fox.”
“Hey, girl, Happy Thanksgiving.”
“What are you doing?” Nishelle asked.
“I’m just over here cooking. I’m almost done.” When Taj began cutting the ham in slices, I walked into the dining room to drown out the buzzing sound the electric carver gave off. I checked the glasses and plates to make sure there weren’t any spots on them.
“What did you cook? ’Cause, ma, I know you can throw down in the kitchen.”
“Girl, what didn’t I cook? I got turkey and dressing, greens, both turnips and collards, honey baked ham, creamed corn, black-eyed peas, and you know I have to have me some chitterlings.”
“Uh-uh, you can have that swine. That stuff stinks.”
“It only smells like that when you’re cleaning them, but once you get these babies going in the pot with some salt, put some onions and bell pepper in them, that takes the smell right off of them.”
“I will have to take your word for it, but I’m still not putting my mouth anywhere near pig intestines.”
“Listen to you. Are you cooking?”
“Me? Cook? L, you know me better than that. I can boil water, maybe toast some bread, but I’m no Martha Stewart. Wish I could cook like that sister, though. I’m over at my auntie’s house.”
“Is that all that noise I hear in the background?”
“Yes. The house is filled with uncles, aunties, cousins, second cousins and third cousins all in one house. I’m hiding out in Latoya’s bedroom upstairs. It’s too much. I need a break from all the craziness.”
“Nishelle, you past crazy,” I said, laughing. “I know it ain’t that bad.”
“It’s not, really, but you know how family can be.”
I heard someone in the background laughing hard and loud. “Who is that laughing like a witch?”
“That’s one of my first cousins, Kora. She likes to laugh at her own jokes, thinking she’s Sommore, and honey, don’t let her start drinking. She’s a hot-ass mess when she’s had too much Hennessy. I stay as far away from her as any beautiful black woman can possibly get when she’s had too much to drink.”
I burst out laughing. “Listen to you.”
“Once everybody fills their bellies, they’ll leave Kora with auntie to clean up. They always do. No one wants to put up with her. She’ll be spending the night, I’m sure.”
I noticed one of the wineglasses had a few spots, so I rubbed them out with my thumb. Taj came with the turkey and dressing and placed it at the head of the table. I chuckled when I saw him wearing my other cherry-printed apron. He gave me a kiss. “Girl, she sounds like a mess.”
“And don’t even get me started on all these bad-ass kids running around here, Lee. I don’t know if I can take a whole weekend of this.”
“I think you’ll manage. What time did you get to Gainesville last night?”
“A little before ten o’ clock.”
“Is it cold there?”
“It’s cool enough for a sweater, but not cold-cold. Only a day, and I already want to jump in my Saab and drive back to Tallahassee. I should have taken you up on your offer to spend the holidays with you.” Nishelle could be the biggest drama queen. She had no idea how lucky she was to have a family that loved and cared about her. Some people don’t have anyone to spend Thanksgiving with.
“Well, I’m sure you will tell me all about it when you get back, but until then, enjoy Turkey Day. Your drunk, bad joke-telling auntie, your crazy cousins, enjoy it all, because that’s the kind of stuff you will laugh about when you get to my ripe old age.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Baby, cut the heat down on the greens for me, and I think the turkey and dressing is ready to take out of the oven,” I told Taj. I heard someone call Nishelle’s name in the background.
“Well, let me go before Latoya has the entire house looking for me.”
“I know how crazy things can be with family this time of year, but that’s what makes it all worthwhile. Family is family.”
“I’ll give you a call tomorrow; let you know that I survived unscathed.”
“Sounds good, and don’t be so hard on your people, crazy aunties, cousins, uncles or otherwise. They are all you have. Trust me, I know.”
“I’ll talk to you later, Lee. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“You too, baby girl.”
* * *
I went back to the kitchen to help Taj with the food. Who knew he could be so handy? “Who was that?” he asked.
“That was Nishelle. She’s spending Thanksgiving with her family in Gainesville. It sounds like she—” I paused when I felt the baby kicking.
“What is it?” Taj asked. “Lee, is everything all right?”
“The baby just kicked again. Here, feel.” I placed Taj’s hand on my baby bump.
“Oh shit, I felt that.” Taj rested his head against my belly. “Cut that out in there. It’s not time for you to come out yet.”
I laughed. “Boy, you so silly.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to be a daddy.”
“You? I can’t believe somebody’s going to be calling me Mama again after twenty-two years.”
“Stop talking like you’re old. You look damn good.”
“Aww, you’re so sweet.” As I gave Taj a kiss for his kindness, the doorbell rang. I looked at the cookie jar clock above the sink. It read, 4:20. “That must be Emjay and Shariece.”
“You want me to get it?”
“No. I like you in that apron. It brings out your eyes. Finish putting the food out. I’ll get the door.” I wiped my hands on my own apron printed with cherries. I answered the door to find Emjay and Shariece standing there in their Sunday best. “Hey, Happy Thanksgiving,” I said, as I threw my arms around Shariece. She wore a navy wrap dress with six-inch heels to match.
“Hey, girl, Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving, Mama.”
“Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, baby.” It was hard to get my arms around Emjay with the five-layer chocolate cake he was holding in his hands. “You look so handsome in your suit.” I got all teary-eyed looking over my son and best friend. And it wasn’t because of seeing them together, but because I was glad to see them both alive. Emjay had white gauze wrapped around his head from the concussion he had suffered from being bludgeoned by Myrick, and I could still see a few cuts and bruises on Shariece. I led them into the living room.
“Mama, you ain’t crying again, are you?”
“I’m happy to see you two, that’s all. I’m truly blessed.” Shariece gave me another hug. “You don’t know how thrilled I am to have my best friend back.”
Taj made his way into the living room where we were standing. “Hey, ya’ll made it. Happy Thanksgiving.” He shook Emjay’s hand and hugged Shariece.
“You too, man,” Emjay said.
“Thank you, Taj. Happy Thanksgiving,” said Shariece.
“Cute apron,” Emjay said.
“You like this? I think we might have another one with flowers on it. I can hook you up,” Taj joked.
“No, brother, I’m good.” All of us laughed.
“Here, I’ll take this cake to the kitchen. Girl, this cake looks so good we might as well skip dinner and start on dessert.”
“Six layers.”
“Oh, six layers this time?”
“It’s Thanksgiving. You know how extra I like to get. Besides, you’re eating for two now.”
“Ain’t that the truth. I’m avoiding the scale until I push this human being out of me.”
“Ya’ll want something to drink, some champagne?” Taj asked.
“Sounds good,” Shariece said.
“Apple cider for me, baby.”
“Ma, so how’s the baby? What did the doctor say?”
“Everything is fine. The baby is healthy and other than my blood pressure being a little high, I’m fine too.”
“Do you think you should be on your feet? Shouldn’t you be lying down or something?”
“Emjay, I’m fine. Dr. Winn gave me some medication for the high blood pressure, so everything is good.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
I got four wineglasses out of the cabinet while Taj twisted the corks off a bottle of Chardonnay and apple cider. “Speaking of doctors, how are you doing?”
“She gave the both of us a clean bill of health. Other than the bruises and scratches Shariece endured, and the bump on my head, we should be fine.”
“Thank the Heavenly Father for that.” Taj poured wine and cider into the glasses and passed them around. “Let’s make a toast,” I said. The four of us raised our glasses. “Here’s to good friends and family.” We raised our glasses, clanging them together and took sips of the white wine.
“Lee, did you talk to Rochelle’s brother?” Shariece asked.
“Yeah, I did.”
“How is he?”
“He seemed okay. He came down to make arrangements to have Rochelle’s body shipped to Blacksburg for the funeral. He didn’t think it was a need to tell their mama about Rochelle’s death. With the dementia, he said she doesn’t even know her own son.”
“That’s so sad,” Shariece said.
“It is sad,” Emjay said.
“Was she the only daughter?” Taj asked.
“It was just her and Edmond. She had told me about how sick her mama was, and that she was thinking about leaving here to move back to Blacksburg to take care of her because Edmond had his hands full with his own family.”
“So what is he going to do now?”
“He didn’t say, but I would imagine he’s going to put her in a home. He’s got his wife and kids to take care of, so who’s going to see about his mama?”
“I’m sorry, ya’ll,” Shariece said.
“Sorry for what, baby?” Emjay asked.
“Just for . . . bringing Myrick into our lives.”
“Shariece, don’t even go there. You had absolutely nothing to do with what that sick bastard did. If anyone is to blame, it’s the cops for not informing you that he was released. The blood of all his victims is on their hands, not yours, so don’t blame yourself.”
“Mama’s right, Shariece. Nobody here blames you for what that freak did.”
“Have the police made any progress to his whereabouts?” Taj asked.
“They’re still searching,” Emjay said. “They searched his house and found more bodies in the basement and in a storage building in the backyard. One of the victims was a good friend of Chadae.”
Shariece rubbed her arms like a cold chill ran up her limbs as Emjay explained. “Deputy Newburn says the FBI has stepped in,” she said.
“Good. If anyone is going to dig him out, the feds will. It’s about time some real cops took over with these sad-ass excuses for police officers around here.”
“He could be all the way to Alaska by now,” Shariece said.
“Baby, you can’t keep living in fear of the guy.”
“Emjay’s right,” I said. “No matter what happens, you have to move on with your life. Living in fear is exactly what that crazy bastard wants. The best thing you can do is live your life. The FBI will deal with Myrick.”
“I don’t want them to catch him,” Shariece said. “I want them to kill him. No courts, no jury of his peers, just shoot him dead.”
“I second that,” said Emjay.
The conversation was getting way too eerie. “You know what? Enough talk about Myrick. It’s Thanksgiving and the worst is over. It’s safe to say that it’s been a difficult year for us all. Why don’t we all go around and say what we’re thankful for. Taj, you start.”
“Well, I’m thankful for the health and happiness of myself, my lady and our baby’s health.” I gave Taj a kiss for his lists of warm, heartfelt thanks. I was next. “I’m thankful for the Almighty Heavenly Father for letting me see another Thanksgiving and my beautiful son who is growing up to be a man any mother would be proud of.” I began to get choked up again. “Damn, these hormones.” Everyone laughed. I took Shariece’s hand. “I’m thankful to have my best friend and my sister back in my life as well as a wonderful man. Praise Jesus for you all.” I looked at Emjay to let him know that he was next.
“Dang, I don’t know how I can top that one, but I will try. I’m thankful for God for getting us all through these past few months and allowing me to continue to live a happy, healthy life. I’m thankful for my beautiful mother who has worked so hard over the years in making sure I have the best of everything, and never giving up on me, and last but certainly not least, I’m thankful for Shariece who has been my rock. I love you.” I smiled warmly when she kissed Emjay. Seeing them together made me realize just how in love they were. She was next.
“I’m thankful for my God allowing me to see another light of day. Thankful for my best friend, my heart and my sister, Leandra Fox, and for leading me to my hero, my rock and other half, Emjay Fox. Rest in peace, Rochelle, Deandre, and all of those who have fallen victim to Myrick Nickels. May all of the families be blessed.”
“Amen,” we all said.
“My stomach has been growling all day,” Emjay said. We all chuckled.
“When are you not hungry?” Shariece asked. “Do you know he actually liked that hospital food they were feeding him?”
“He will eat anything that isn’t tied down,” I said. “I remember how picky you were as a child. Wouldn’t eat nothing green unless it was candy or Jell-O.”
“Sounds like me when I was growing up,” Taj said. “I couldn’t stand broccoli and I couldn’t stand cabbage.”
“Exactly. Ma wouldn’t let me get up from the table unless I ate all of my cabbage. I mean, why cook it if you know we’re not going to eat it?”
“Because it’s good for you. I’m going to make sure the baby eats plenty of vegetables.” We went to the dining room where every corner of the table was occupied with a bowl or dish of something from turkey and ham to oxtails and hot-water cornbread.
“This is a big ol’ spread,” Shariece said.
“Girl, you know I don’t play when I get in the kitchen. I’m going to float away like a Goodyear Blimp after all this food,” I said.
“Don’t worry. We’re getting back on Jenny Craig after the holidays.”
Taj sat at one end of the table and me at the other while Emjay and Shariece sat across from one another. “Do ya’ll know the sex of the baby yet?” Emjay asked. “Am I going to have a little brother or a little sister?”
I glanced across the table at Taj. “You want to tell them?”
“Only if you want to,” he said.
“It’s a girl.”
“A baby girl,” Shariece said, smiling. She rushed over to me and gave me a big hug. “A daughter. Congratulations, baby.”
“I don’t care if it’s a girl or a boy as long as it’s healthy,” Taj said.
“I’ve always wanted a baby sister,” Emjay said.
“Uh-huh, let’s see if you say that when you’re changing her diapers and we call you over to babysit.”
“What was that about diapers? I’m a little deaf in this ear.”
“Yeah, exactly.” We all laughed.
“Have ya’ll decided on a name yet?” Shariece asked.
“I was thinking of either Jayda or Violet. Like after my favorite flower.”
“I like Violet, that’s pretty,” said Shariece.
“I like it, too. Maybe Violet Jayda. Who would like to say the blessings?”
“I’ll have a go at it,” Taj said. We all held hands and bowed our heads as Taj began. “God, thank you for this good food we are about to receive, for life, love and health. Bless all the families that are gathered around the table this day, and may those who are without find their way into your grace and the arms of their loved ones. Thank you for your blessings, God, Amen.”
“Amen, Hallelujah. All right, everybody, dig in.” As we all spooned food on our plates, I looked around and could not have been happier to see all of us at the dinner table together. I was truly blessed.