Beauty of Man and Women – Episode 25

Written by Mercedes Keyes
Interracial drama series
Overall rating R

 

Chapter 73

 

Gert couldn't remember the last time she was this giddy with excitement. She had to learn more about that girl… that woman… she remembered her name. Vivian. Riding last behind the long train of cars to the hall with her husband in their Lincoln Towne Car, she could barely sit still.

Bart chuckled, "Okay… what's got you squirming and your legs shakin'?" He asked, driving careful and slow as he did.

"You didn't see her?"

"See who mother?"

"How could you miss her?! She stood out like a black shinning star sparkling in the bright morning sky! Oh my lord… I love my Sylvie… but that one there! Oooh I gotta find out about her. Let's pray Bart – pray real hard that she not married! That she free – 'cause I wanna'ha!"

Bart chuckled shaking his head at her.

"Supposin' you mean Jake, what about Doris?"

"What about her?! She just somethin' for him to do with hisself!"

"Its been six years!" He reminded her.

"He stick with her 'cause he too lazy to pursue another, and she can't have babies! You know our Jake, she means nothing to him. It's time now he settle down. I want him settlin' with that one – that smooth black velvet – godalmighty did you see her!? Oooh Bart, I'm tellin' you – I'll die a happy woman if I can get that son of yours to see what he could have, instead of going after his brother's all the time!" She went on with her mind going crazy, daydreaming of the possibilities. While the child Sylvia carried ran toward the possibility of being light skinned, even white – there was no way in hell one by the smooth dark Vivian would be. She matched up Jake and Vivian in her mind, seeing them together, and grew more anxious.

"Lord please, I'm beggin' you… let her be single! Let her be single!"

"Mother you need to leave our young men alone and let them go where they will… with whom they will."

"They'll mess it up! You can't depend on them to know what's good for'im! Derrick the only one make sense in his choosin'! Look what Shawn come home with at first!"

"I liked Deidre… she was nice."

"May be – but – she obviously wasn't right for our Shawn… after all, look how it ended! 'Sides, if it hadn't been for her, my Shawn might've come home long time ago."

"Yeah but – had he come home long time ago, he might'ah met someone else and then there'd be no Sylvia."

"That's true… anyway… he's sorted out and married up to the right one. Now, we just gotta focus on our Jake – get him goin' on his own so peace can reign with the two here together… we don't get Jake involved – find him his own, he not gonna leave Shawn alone."

"They men now Gert… leave'em to their own lives."

"But he's been messin' with her Bart." She finally informed him.

"Messin' with who?"

"Sylvia! Jakes been comin' on to her! Trying to wreck things for Shawn!"

Bart inhaled deep and long. "How do you know?" He asked.

"'Cause she told me. Poor thing is scared to death; I'm not gonna have it! I will not have Jake messin' things up for them, I think you should talk to him." She advised.

"I haven't seen the boy all week and he didn't show up for his brother's wedding."

"Well that's why Bart… I don't think he wanted to see him marrying Sylvia. I talked to him… warned him about her. However, in view of new things – Vivian to be precise, I can only pray he shows up at the reception. I didn't want him to at first… but now… I hope he will. I may have to call him, make sure he does show up."

"Well make up your mind mother! You want him there or not?!"

"I want him there now… because I want him to see Sylvia's friend! But I don't want him coming there to mess with them! This is Shawn's day! I don't want him blowing it!"

"Well you've warned him, that's enough. Too much pesterin' him'll only push him over the edge! Make'im do something out of resentment."

"We might've had more control of'em if you'd just taken more time with him when he was a boy." Gert sat back looking out of her car window, growing irritated by it all.

Bart sighed again.

"I'm trying to make up for that now aren't I?"

"If you ask me… I think its too late. Damage is done. Lord I swear… if we could just take them, make them live their lives in the way we know it will work for them. Work for us all, then everyone would be happy… and peace would reign."

"Well it don't work that way mother."

"I know that Bart. Don't stop a body from hopin' it. Wishin' it! I just want my children… all my children … to be happy. That's all I want. And… well… Jake … to get that black velvet – oooh Bart you gotta look at her when we get to the hall! She wearing a knock'em out – drop dead gorgeous red dress… and I mean she wearing that red dress! Lord'amercy! If Jake don't see the potential of that one… there is no hope!"

"What if he don't like what he see? What if he not attracted to her?" Bart asked reasonably.

"Oh Bart, don't rain on my parade! I can't think like that right now! We got to think positive! First thing I gotta pray is that he show up! If he don't show up – I don't know what we gonna do!"

"We?!" Bart laughed.

"Yes we! When we get there… you get a look at her… a good look … and tell me if you think our son will notice her or not."

"All right… I'ah take a look. What you gonna do though if she's single, catches his attention, but isn't the marrying kind? What then?"

"There you go again… pissing on my bonfire! I'm just gonna have to find out … I gotta know. I'm tellin' you now… I want her for my Jake… I want that black mare for my Jake… lord'amercy I'm tellin'yah now… I just gotta have her!"

Bart said nothing more, grinning at his wife. She was like a little girl collecting Barbie dolls… however, these Barbie dolls were living and breathing. She was now sick with it, sick with the match-making fever… and he could tell, she wasn't gonna be happy until she made that match.

 

*   *   *

 

"Sheila why you always gotta argue with somebody? Let's just drive around a bit… let everybody get there… then we show up." Vivian wrestled to get her way.

"I ain't thinkin' 'bout you! I gotta go talk to my girl! Lord didn't she look good?!" Sheila drove, praising Sylvia.

"Her man look good! I'm tellin' ya'll now… I've seen his ass somewhere before… I just don't know where. But I never forget a face – if I could just remember." Edwina continued on having said it once already earlier, whispering it during the marriage ceremony.

"How you figure you seen him before? You don't know no white folks!" Sheila argued.

"How you know what I know?! Who I know! Ya'll ain't the only people I circulate with! You know I do have other acquaintances!"

"I don't care who you know – you don't know nothing about him!" Sheila went on.

"Will ya'll hush for a minute – I'm on the phone! I can't hear nothing he saying!" Ellen barked at them with her cell phone to her ear.

"Get off the phone then! Tell that Mexican, call you later! You can't take a shit without him checking to see what's in it!"

"Don't worry 'bout what my man checkin' on me! Hm baby?…" She argued with Sheila then went back to talking to Jose. "… you know how Sheila get… don't mind her. Naw, I ain't gone say that now-…"

"What he say?! What he say?!" Sheila asked looking in her rear view mirror at Ellen, "… tell'im I got something for his lil'Mexican ass! Gimme the phone – I'ah set his ass straight right now!" She fussed.

"Baby look… don't worry about it – we'll be back tonight-…"

"Tell'em you be back when we get back! Goddammit! Who he think he is – he'on run shit!"

"We better be gettin' back tonight! You know I gotta' work in the morning – don't be messing around, Sheila!"

"Look, you just sit there and chill out. All ya'll gettin' on my nerve! That's what I get for bringin' ya'll asses! Next time – get yo'own goddamn ride – messin' with me!"

"Next time I am… every time we ride with you, we gotta be put through some shit! Now come on Sheila… I don't wanna go straight there! I gotta step off in there last, so they can see me… shit – I wore this red dress for a reason! I can't be showing up with everybody at the same time… looking all anxious and shit!"

Sheila shook her head laughing, "Yo' lil'young ass ain't learned nothin'! Showing off! That red dress gone fool around and snag you something yo'ass ain't gone be able to handle! You ought'ah learn that from Hocki Socki!"

Ellen and Edwina cracked up in the back seat, "HOCKI SOCKI!!!" They laughed until tears were in their eyes.

"His name is Laek Chan!" Vivian corrected her, then turned to them in the back seat, "Ya'll need to shet up! Ain't nothin' funny!"

"I'on care what his name is! You got his ass with that red dress! You need to retire that goddamn thing! It don't do nothing but get you in trouble!"

"Hey – lil'trouble don't scare me! Bring'it on! Shit – ain't nobody crazy as me! Whoever it snag… he best be ready! I'm the goddamn trouble here!" Vivian bragged grinning.

"Em hm… that's what yo' black ass say now, but yo'ass was cryin' a few months back over Jackie Chan ass!"

"Can we get out of the past please!? I'on wanna hear about that – that's over and done with – let's go to that Kwik Trip back there! I need some gum and breath mints!"

"I passed it now!"

"You got breaks?! Steering wheel! Turn this son'va'bitch 'round!" Vivian instructed in her bossy way.

"Lil'girl! You better learn to respect yo'elders!" Sheila fussed and waited until she got to a junction in a street and turned down it to circle back, going on as she did so, "Yep… I'm done cartin' ya'll asses around. You should'ah got all this shit before we left… million and two goddamn stores in Chicago – and you wait till now to get that shit… and hurry yo'ass up in there too! 'Cause I will leave you!" She warned pulling into the busy Kwik Trip parking lot, pulling up to park.

Vivian turned and stepped out of the van, smoothing her dress down her body and stepped up to the sidewalk, swinging, swaying her hips with each step she took.

"Look at her ass in that red dress! I can't stand her ass!" Edwina grumbled watching her walk that walk that snatched the eyes of anything male in the area, female as well for that matter. Sheila laughed, "You just jealous cause you can't flaunt yo' shit like that! If I had her figure – I'd do the same goddamn thing – and so would yo'ass! But she better hurry up, 'cause she'll be needin' it to get a ride!"

"Leave her ass Sheila, that shit would be too funny!" Ellen suggested, off the phone now, laughing at the thought.

"Hell naw – not yet I won't… but she better get a move on and leave that hip swinging for later."

"Look at'em ya'll!" Edwina started cracking up laughing, "He gonna blow up the goddamn gas pump! White boy got gas pouring all out the pump!" They were watching as three men stood pumping gas at their cars and truck, all of them suddenly craned their necks, eyes popping out of their heads to see Vivian walk toward the Kwik Trip doors, she pulled it open giving them a view of her from the rear. Sheila was laughing slapping Ellen and Edwina's hands, because they knew there wasn't a man alive who could resist ogling Vivian – especially in that dress.

 

Jake had made up his mind to go to the reception. He'd almost talked himself out of going. He knew he would miss the dinner and the toasts because he had to run by the lumber company to speak to his boss about something before he left town for the next two weeks, and it couldn't wait – considering that he'd just gotten back himself from the big delivery to Minnesota. The plan had been to go in, speak with him – and then return home and get ready for the reception. He stood in Kwik Trip at the counter holding a Pepsi and a pack of beef Jerky, waiting for his turn to purchase a pack of cigarettes as well when the man standing in front of him made an exclamation of, "Holy Jesus – fiery hell what is that… Jesus, Mary and Joseph!" He muttered low.

Lost in thought, having his head down, Jake looked up to see what all the men in the convenience store eyes were locked on, to catch sight of a red dress and red high heeled shoes!

One man who had been out at the pumps rushed into the store and stood staring with the door open. Behind the counter, the store clerk was frozen with his hand taking money from one in line paying him. Both held onto the ten dollar bill as their eyes followed the smooth sway of a creature neither had ever seen before in these parts of Wisconsin.

"Must be from Milwaukee…" One of them whispered.

"Or Chicago… yeah… that looks like something out of Chicago… whoooeee! I ain't never seen no dress like that before." The man behind the counter said low to the others.

"Didn't know they made'em quite that way… them dresses…" One muttered swallowing the moisture in his mouth.

The man at the door was pushed in by two who wanted to come in and see as well. All white… all staring in disbelief.

Vivian pretended not to notice as she strolled slowly along the candy and gum aisle, she wasn't sure how many stood with their eyes locked on her, but there was enough. She loved her red dress. Loved the way it fit her and then turned dead center of the aisle so they could see the back. From the choke ban of the dress around her neck down her back, was  bare skin to see.  The back was scooped out all the way down to just the top of her rear, barely an inch before the crack of her rump. The opening was also wide to the sides of her tiny waist. Leaving all that smooth, stunning, black skin of her back open. As the rest of her, she had a tone, well sculpted back; the kind that provoked a touch from a man's hand. Fully aware that her back, was just as sexy as the rest of her, Vivian flaunted it, she paused deliberately in thought, then turned to look at the man behind the counter.

"Excuse me… but… there are no tic-tac mints here? Do you carry those?"

"Um um um, ri – right here – at – at this counter!" The store worker answered.

"They're here! They're here – right by me ma'am!" One of the men in line stated, swallowing he moved aside so she could see them.

Vivian smiled, showing sparkling, straight white teeth. She was a knock out, wearing red lipstick that seemed to be made just for her; her large, amazing light brown eyes, close to gold, smiled back at those speaking up to assist her.

"Oh … okay… thank you. A couple of packs of gum…" She murmured, picking up two packs she made her way to the front of the store to get her tic-tacs. "Excuse me, I just want a couple of packs and move to the back of the line." She informed them, smiling all the time, stepping between two of the men and reached by them, arching her back, angled her legs, balancing enough to show an incredible side angle of her slender body and amazing derriere. The imagination of every man standing, wondered what delights were hidden within that red dress, beautiful delights they were sure, if her back and legs were anything to go by.

Jake's eyes travelled down her body to her legs, shapely, slender legs that worked with that dress, and then back up slowly, he shook his head thinking, 'God help the man she belongs to… he's a damn fool for letting her out with that red dress on.'

She stood straight again to turn and walk to the end of the line, behind him and spotted him.

He looked straight into her eyes – she was absolutely stunning. He'd never seen a woman so black and so beautiful. She was head to toe perfection. Jake looked from her face, straight to her left hand. No ring. 'Ah hell! Don't do it Jake! You know that's nothing but trouble! That ain't nothing but a devil with a red dress on! You can kiss a peaceful life goodbye if you even consider it! Although… it can't hurt to play with it a bit… imagine that red dress on the floor, and what's inside lying in your bed? Oh yeah… now that… that would be worth passing a few hours in the night… Em hm.'

"Here ma'am, young lady… you can go before me!" The man invited whom Vivian stood before. With a catch in her throat, caught there by the sight of the tall man she'd locked eyes with she realized she was blowing her game. Glad for the distraction, Vivian smiled and turned to the one standing before her.

"Oh thank you… I am in a bit of a hurry. You sure you don't mind?" She responded appreciatively, using her banking voice. Polite, soft and lady like.

"Not at all, go right ahead." He wanted that back turned to him, to see her skin close up.

"Thank you so much," To the one waiting for her to turn. Turning, she offered money for her items, "Here you go." She smiled at the man behind the counter as he hurried and finished the order before her, closing the drawer and ringing up her gum and mints. He took her money and then asked, "You not from around here are you?"

"No, I'm not." She answered simply.

"Aaah, further South?" He asked again.

"Yep." She replied again with an engaging smile, accepting her change. "Thank you." She repeated, heading for the door.

"You have a nice day now… come again!" He called.

Vivian waved with her fingers and made her way out the door. Jake couldn't help but think the movement of her ass looked like a baby chewing a taffy – a nice ass at that.

Everyone of the men standing there were craning their necks to get one last look at her back. When she was out of sight, with the door closed, all starting talking at once. "You see that red dress!?" One asked.

"You should have seen her from outside walking in! Holy mackerel!" Another one spoke up.

"She must be black as jet!" The man behind the counter said.

"Something like that'll tempt any man!" The one who let her go before him said.

"I've never been with one… but lord… that one will make you consider it!" Another commented.

Jake stood silent wondering where she came from. Running through his mind was all the persons he knew in the area. Having lived there all of his life, he knew just about everyone.

"Look at Jake – look at Jake!" One of the men said noticing his thoughtful contemplation. They all knew him, knew the McPherson clan. More than anything, they knew Jake and his reputation with the women.

"So… what you think Jake?" One asked, they all stood watching him, waiting for him to answer.

"I think I got too much to do to stand here waiting in line. Can I pay and get going please?" He answered instead. He never shared his thoughts or business with anyone. He had no best friends that he shared anything with. Most of the time if he needed to talk about something, it was to Kathy Ann… she was his confidante. Most men didn't really want him for a best friend anyway, especially if they were married or serious about their girl. Jake knew that many of them didn't trust him, that was fine with him, they would be stupid to.

 

Vivian climbed into the van shaking. "Oh shit. Oh my God."

"What?" Sheila asked.

"Oh shit."

"What?" Edwina asked leaning forward in her seat.

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh shit." She repeated for the third time.

All three shouted, "WHAT?!!"

"Oh shit – I can't breathe!"

"Would you tell us what the hell is going on?!" Sheila demanded.

"Oh shit I gotta calm down!" Vivian sat back with her hands shaking, trying to control her breathing.

"Gurl you better share some shit! What!? What what what?!" Ellen demanded.

"I just saw, the finest thing I have ever seen in my whole goddamn life!" Vivian gasped.

"Where?" Edwina asked.

"Where the hell you think!?" Sheila turned in her seat to ask.

"Is he white? Is he as fine as Sylvia's?"

"Oh hell yeah! Gurl… oh my god! I almost lost my game! You know ain't no man ever tripped up my shit! But his ass almost made me stumble! Oh, what am I gonna do?! What if I never see him again?!"

"You ain't gone see him again, because we going to the reception! You should have got his number!" Sheila announced about to back out.

"How the hell would that look?! I don't ask for numbers! They ask for mine! Wait Sheila… I gotta see him one more time! Wait till he come out!"

"Hell wit' that! We got to go!"

"Come on Sheila wait! I wanna see his ass too! I wanna see if he look better than Sylvia's." Ellen pleaded.

"It don't matter what he look like! She didn't get his number, and he didn't give up his! I'm out'ah here!"

"Sheila please… just wait one more minute." Vivian asked, just as she did, Jake exited the store.

"There he is." She gasped, "Get the map out, get the map out… pretend we looking over a map."

"It's in the glove in front of you fool! Get it!" Sheila ordered eyeing him.

Vivian quickly snatched open the glove compartment and yanked out the map, unfolding it and looking down so he wouldn't see her looking, he was walking right past the front of the van.

Jake looked to the right and spotted the van filled with women. All black. In the front passenger side seat was the lady with the red dress on, looking down at something in her lap. She lifted a large paper and Jake recognized it as a map. That made sense, so they were from out of town. He was tempted to stop and ask if they needed any help, but something told him not to do it. He knew how he was when it came to women. He would flirt… especially with that red dress. Next thing, he'd be getting her number. They'd end up in bed, and his life would end up taking him on a journey he should be avoiding. Although… he was mighty tempted. The one driving nodded at him smiling, he nodded back, smiling as well, making his way to his truck parked at the end of the walk. Opening the door of his '98 Chevrolet Silverado, taking his cowboy hat from his head, he placed it on the seat and climbed in. Starting it up, he backed up and pulled out of the Kwik Trip parking lot.

"Is he gone?" Vivian asked looking at the upside down map.

"HIS – ASS – WAS – FOI – INE!!! Oh my goodness! You see his tall ass!? Wearing goddamn cowboy boots, two inch heels if he ain't tall enough!" Edwina blasted excited.

"You see his ass in them jeans?! His hair too long though, I'on like no long hair on no man!"

"What the hell you worryin' 'bout it for, you got a man!" Sheila asked.

"Is he gone?!" Vivian asked again.

"YEAH!" All three yelled.

"Gurl you can forget that one. That's long gone now! Yo'ass should'ah got his number." Sheila put the van in reverse. "Oh well, better luck next time!"

 

*   *   *

 

Sylvia had been right. The marriage vows, the putting on the rings, the signing of the marriage certificate and license had changed him. It changed her as well. They were deeper in love. Couldn't stop touching each other. Could not resist looking into each others eyes. Strange how making their partnership official could have such a mental impact. To know that she was now his wife, Sylvia McPherson was riveting. Something about taking on and carrying his name, and standing before man, reverend and God and declaring the remaining of her life to him gripped her in a way that could not be defined with words. She kept thinking back to when she married Armundo – it had not been like this. It had not felt this way. Breathless, heady, intoxicating and dreamlike. A dream… that's what it was. An incredible dream. She touched him at every opportunity that she could, she laid her hands on him. Caressing him, holding his hand, looking into his eyes, eagerly accepting his sudden need to kiss her. Her heart had been beating in an up tempo since they turned in the church as husband and wife. Now they pulled into the parking lot at the hall, with Derrick's van, Paul & Diane's car, Dj's car, his friend's car, from school, Crystal driving the truck with Angela and Sasha riding with her, and Shawn's parents bringing up the rear. Mundo had gotten a ride with Shanna so he could set up his dj table and equipment that had been dropped off earlier before going to the church. All the vehicles sounded their horns through town, taking the long route to the hall. The SUV was decorated with streamers, flowers, tin cans galore and a huge just married sign on the back.

Shawn pulled in and parked; cutting the engine he turned to look at his wife beside him.

"You love me?" He asked grinning.

"Too much!" She responded immediately grinning.

"How much is that?!" He asked.

"That – much!" She answered giggling stretching her arms wide as she could get them.

"That's all!? That's not much!" He complained good naturedly.

"That's – what you mean man? That's as far as I can stretch'em – I can't stretch'em no more!" She laughed.

"Hold'em right there… don't move'em!" He ordered laughing, jumping out of his side of the SUV as everyone pulled in, parking. Running to her side of the SUV he opened the door, she turned laughing with her arms still stretched out as he ordered. He reached in and scooped her up, pulling her out into his arms.

"SHAWN!!!" She squealed laughing.

"Now wrap them arms around me baby!" He ordered hauling her up high in his arms. Sylvia was on top of the world, laughing as she wrapped her arms around him. "You love me?" He asked again, breathless and proud, kicking the SUV door closed and walked towards the hall with her high against his chest. "So much, I'm gonna burst from it!"

"Kiss me!" He ordered.

"I can't, you're walking, you gotta see where you're going." She giggled.

He stopped right in the middle of the parking lot with her in his arms, "Kiss me now." He ordered.

She complied to the cheer of everyone standing outside watching, camera's snapping photo's from every direction.

Shawn growled as he kissed her back totally uninhibited, practically having sex with her mouth using his tongue.

"Holy mackerel! You guys gonna make it through the reception!?" Derrick asked laughing, watching his brother's tongue and mouth devour his wife's mouth. Diane gulped and looked away, her heart beating fast in her chest. It was turning her on to see him in action, only problem she felt was that he was holding the wrong woman in his arms.

They were both breathing hard by the time they ended the kiss, for good reason. Shawn could feel himself growing hard, he thanked gooness Sylvia's long gown hid the evidence.

Angela and Sasha stood with their mouths wide open having witnessed the kiss, then turned to each other, covered their mouths and giggled.

"Shall we go inside?" Shawn asked with his heart hammering.

"I think we better… ou…" Sylvia gasped trying to catch her breath, holding onto him, one arm around his shoulders, the other at his chest, their foreheads meeting.

"I am so much – in love with you… don't ever forget that." He breathed taking steps again heading for the door of the hall. Derrick and Paul ran before him, opening both doors wide so he could walk right in with Sylvia and did. Inside, all the guest that were there already and waiting for them started clapping and taking pictures. The photographer took amazing shots of them walking thru the doors; husband carrying his wife, not in any hurry to lower her to the floor. He walked through the bar area and then through a second set of double doors into the main hall where the tables, food and everything else was set up and waiting for them. Dead center he stopped and turned to everyone, "In case anyone cares to know… I GOT MARRIED TODAY… MEET THE WIFE!!!" She shouted out laughing, giving her a little toss up, making Sylvia laugh and squeal. Hyped, everyone starting whistling, cheering him on.

"I know it was short notice,…" He started saying, they quieted down to hear him. "…but it brings us joy that all present, made it here anyway, and for that… my wife and I thank you! This is the happiest day of our life… isn't it baby?" He turned to her asking.

Sylvia was too choked up to speak, so nodded.

"And… I just want you all to … have a good time, enjoy yourselves and if you will… I ask that you please excuse me, because I need to dance with my wife right now before anything else is done." Shawn turned toward the stage where Mundo was already set up, he nodded his head and the music started playing, 'Wildflower, by Skylark'.

Sylvia gasped, her breath lodged in her chest as her husband slowly lowered her feet to the floor, looking into her eyes he said, "I have always loved this song, from years and years ago… always wondering, what kind of woman inspired them to such lyrics.. now I know… now I know." He whispered pulling her into his arms as they ignored everyone else and began swaying to the music. Shawn stepping softly in time to the beat, leading her as they wrapped their arms around each other and danced. Sylvia felt weak and mesmerized.

"Excuse me, but… aren't they suppose to have the dinner first… then after cutting the cake… they dance?" David whispered to Jessica, who, feeling mushy inside ordered, "Shut up David."

 

 

---

Chapter 74

 

In L. A…

 

Deidre stepped from her shower, drying off, looking at the clock. She had plenty of time. Wrapping her hair in a towel, she lotioned her body, then wrapped a towel around herself and walked from her bathroom through the apartment to her kitchen area and started her water kettle. The phone rang. She smiled, thinking it Terra.

"Hello?"

"Hi… its ummm, me… Jeremiah. I uh – hope you don't mind me calling."

She was pleasantly surprised.

"Not at all."

"Have you time to talk?"

"Sure… a bit."

"I was thinking about you that's all. It's a Friday, and well… I figured hey – maybe we could – maybe… get together or something if you wanted to." Jeremiah spoke soft, coaxing and sexy.

Deidre smiled.

"It does sound tempting, however… I have a previous engagement that I'll be going to."

"I see… well – can't blame a man for trying."

"No… you can't…" Deidre chewed on her lip tempted to invite him along to the awards ceremony, she fought back the sensation – not wanting to encourage anything right now. She needed more time.

"So… this previous engagement… another man?"

She chuckled softly into the phone, taking down a cup from the hook, then grabbed a tea bag from the canister of them, dropping it into her cup. "No… not a man… just a friend. She's a chef, tonight there's a big awards ceremony for restaurant owners and chef's… she's one of the nominees. I'm going to lend her my support."

"Ah… I see. Going alone?"

Deidre laughed as she poured the hot water in the cup. "Yes… I am."

"Surely there's a better way than going alone… I mean… all by yourself." He grinned, she could tell that he was grinning.

"For the time being, there's no other way."

"There's always another way. I mean, an incredibly attractive woman like yourself – attending functions such as that alone? Come on… what's this world coming to."

"It's not that I wouldn't mind you coming… it's just that … well… I don't really wish to start anything that could go too far too soon."

"I see. How about this… how about I meet you there? We go in together, enjoy ourselves – then as it concludes… we go our separate way? How's that. No pressure, no long drawn out goodnights. I get to find something to do with myself for a couple of hours. You get an escort – your friend gets your backing and support. Come on, what'ah'yah say… sounds like a win win situation to me." He enticed.

Deidre smiled, admitting to herself, that she really wouldn't like to show up alone. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled, "Okay… I'll meet you there. Have a pen handy? I'll give you the address."

 

*   *   *

 

Dinner & Toasts…

 

Derrick stood at the long table down from his brother and bride, using his knife to tap his champagne glass, getting ready to make the first toast of the evening. All in attendance turned towards the long table at the front of the hall where the small wedding party sat with family. All were in attendance, including Sylvia's friends, the arrival of which had all the men turned momentarily topsy turvy when Vivian made her solitary entrance. Letting Sheila, Edwina and Ellen enter and go to their table as she claimed a need to go to the bathroom, situated out near the bar and entrance. Of course her timing was impeccable as she made her way down the center of the tables toward the front where Gert had marked a table for them.

Not a man in the room could control himself. They had to look, there was no way they could not. Even Shawn's jaw went slack at the sight of Vivian Cooke. Making Sylvia snap her fingers near his ear, "Ex – cuuse me! New bride here! Eyes here!" She joked. She knew Vivian, and knew as well that no matter where they went, if she was dressed up, she commanded the attention of all males present.

"Who – is – that?!" Shawn blurted, still amazed. He missed her because they'd sat far in the back of the church, entering at the last minute, so the heads of many blocked his view of her. But now… he could see her – and that red dress.

"Would you like a divorce already?" Sylvia joked. Actually she was tickled at the look on his face. Vivian was her girl. Much younger than herself, Sheila, Edwina and Ellen – but they all loved her just the same. She remembered when they were younger, how she used to be, always running from a butt whopping. Tagging behind them because her dad, mom or one of her sisters was looking for her. At first they'd tried to send her home, after all, they were teens and she was just a little girl, who acted like a grown woman, who had just attached herself to them. She had very few girls her age as friends because she always wanted to be in the midst of them. It wasn't long before they stopped shooing her off, and started letting her be with them. She and Sheila often gave her advice. Encouraging her to be better than what people expected of her. Helping her with her homework, and praising her for accomplishments. She was like their collective little sister, both of them very proud of the way she turned out. She and Sheila had always hugged her and told her that she was beautiful and when she finished growing up… she would be a knock out. Sure enough, that – she was.

Shawn turned throwing his arm across Sylvia's chair, kissing her neck and making her giggle. "Now now… I don't want to hear that word from your mouth ever again. That word is not allowed between us." He reprimanded her lovingly. "Now… you do know, that at some point… I'm gonna have to photograph her don't you? Strictly from a professional stand point of view."

"Don't get hurt Shawn. Don't have wifey lay you out on the first day of marriage." She threatened, this time feeling a slight bite of jealousy.

"Baby… I'm a photographer. I can't help myself for wanting to capture on film rare exotic beauty… and look at her, you really expect me not to photograph her, paint her? Strictly from, the eye of an artist. Its what I do baby… its what I'm good at. Yet, there's one thing you need to know…" He took his index finger and lifted her chin, so their eyes could meet. "… no woman, any where, regardless of shape, size, beauty or color… can stand next to you – at your worse. Do you believe that?" He asked, making her drunk on his soft words and hypnotic eyes.

"Considering that its our bread and butter, I guess I have to."

"I don't want you to have to… I want you to know that if I'm looking, I'm seeing the benefit of what she can offer towards adding to my art portfolio. What they can possible offer as a model for book covers. That's all… nothing more." He had explained. Sylvia believed him as he leaned forward and kissed her lips, his hand cupping her cheek, the two of them lost once again into each other. Shawn dismissed Vivian the moment he closed his mouth over his wife's full delicious lips, he groaned… once again aroused, eager for the end of the day.

 

"Now do you see her?" Gert whispered leaning to Bart.

"Yep… that one there… gonna be a handful." He answered, having a feeling that his wife was living out her fantasies and desires through their children. While she hadn't ended up with a black man, she was determined that they would end up with someone black. This side of her was something he long ago accepted, because at least now – he knew, that she was truly in love with him, the rest didn't matter. Including how many of their children did or did not marry black – or whatever else out there that struck their fancy.

"Do you agree, that's exactly what Jake's needing… a handful?"

Bart looked down at his wife, he chuckled and shook his head. "Mother… I'll just leave it all to you."

"Good idea!" She pointed that out and agreed.

 

"Excuse me everyone, I'd like to make a toast." Derrick announced after tapping his glass. "My brother, listen and pay attention. I've been working the brain like hell to remember this toast after finding it on the internet…"

Everyone laughed, Shawn included, who spoke up saying, "I thought toast from the best man are supposed to be original and from the heart?!" He asked.

"Dammit you know how many kids I have… brother believe me… all that original stuff fried and died with baby number four!"

Laughter sounded around them.

 

"Shit that one cute too! How many kids he got?" Edwina asked.

"How the hell I'm suppose to know, I just got here like you!" Sheila reminded her.

"All these goddamn men got women with them… the ones that don't… young ass boys." Vivian whispered out the side of her mouth.

"I'on wanna hear it, should'ah got cowboy's number." Sheila returned.

 

"My brother… for you… it has truly been a long journey. So much of it, you chose to travel alone. Well you're home now, and your family could not be more glad. Blessings to you, to you and your lovely bride… Sylvia… my brother, he's one hell of a bull to ride… hang on darlin' – hang on!"

Everyone raised their glasses with a here here, clinked them to the person next them, because those that knew him, knew that it was true. Shawn laughed cutting his brother a glance to say he'd get him back for that one. He turned to his wife, clinked his champagne glass with hers and said, "Especially tonight… especially – tonight." The warning was loaded with sexual intent. Sylvia's eyes grew huge, while her heart skipped a beat.

"My turn…" Shanna stood and called out after everyone sipped.

"Sylvia… to you I advise, that you share everything with my brother… I mean everything… doing the dishes – doing the laundry – mopping the floors – cooking dinner…"

All the women cheered standing up and calling out, "Here here!"

Sylvia laughed, "You bet I will! Now if someone could please tell me how do you get them to share in having the babies too!"

Many laughed as Meribel stood saying, "Ain't but one way Mama'cita! When the contractions began and start to squeeze down… get his nuts in hand – and squeeze down! That's the only way to share… hm poppie?!" She asked her husband as all the women roared with laughter. Leaving the men, including Shawn covering themselves with both hands, Derrick included, remembering.

Laughing, Sylvia looked at her husband. Shawn turned from her to say, "I think I'll be out of town that day!" Laughter followed as the men called out, "Book a flight now!!" Someone else called out, "Here's back to the days of standing and pacing in the waiting room! Puffing on cigars and leaving the women to their chore!" All the men laughed out, cheering and drinking up. Waiters went around and filled their champagne glasses while laughter came free and easy.

 

"Wait a minute… did we miss something here? Is her ass pregnant?" Sheila asked her friends.

"How the hell we suppose to know! We just got here, just like you!" Ellen said.

"I'ah be damn! She done let that white man knock ha' ass – UP!"

"Hell! Lookin' like that… he can knock my ass up too! I'm tellin' ya'll the more I look at him, the more I know I have seen his ass before – I don't know where… but I never forget a face!" Edwina went on.

"You startin' to sound like a goddamn parrot… don't say that shit – no mo'! If you don't remember… shet that shit up." Sheila ordered.

"Sheila kiss my ass!" Edwina invited.

"He-e-ell naw! I'on kiss no woman's ass! You know I don't lean that way… so keep yo'ass covered round me… save that shit for yo'ol man!"

"I can't believe she pregnant! How old is Sylvia?" Edwina asked.

"Thirty late something… she our age! I'on know what you talkin' about… I just had one six years ago." Sheila defended.

"I guess…" Edwina stated.

"What's wrong with that? Me and Jose tryin' to have a baby." Ellen admitted. "I might be pregnant right now… shoot, the way we be at it, somethin' goin' on."

"Yo'ass better hope it's not H.I.V., 'cause I don't trust that lil'motha'fucka… you know how they is, unfaithful as hell!" Sheila whispered.

"Ex – cuuuse me… I don't think so! I'm plenty of woman for my man, by the time I'm done wit' his ass… mo'nookie is the last thing on his mind!"

"At least you hope so!"

"You know what? Fuck you – fuck you – and fuck you! Ya'll just jealous!"

"Don't include me… I ain't said shit to you!" Edwina defended.

"You was thinkin' it though!"

"That's why yo'ass walkin' home! You better go use the phone, call Greyhound… see what time that bus pullin' up to McDonalds – 'cause you be hoppin' yo' ass on it! That or call Jose's ass."

"I ain't worried… you takin' me home!"

"Take yo'ass to the bridge and drop you off! Talk to me like that again… must be crazy! You betta' ask somebody."

"See Sheila… you always got to be startin' some shit" Ellen had her hand in the air, her finger cocked at her like a gun, her head shifting side to side.

"Put yo' hand down… put that finger away… I'm tellin' you… its a long walk."

 

Sylvia was sitting next to Shawn laughing to herself, because she could just imagine what was going on at the table with her friends by the look on Sheila's face. Vivian was rolling her eyes toward the ceiling, shaking her head sighing. Ellen's finger was shifting from side to side with her head, and Edwina was laughing.

"What is going on at that table?" Shawn asked, looking from Sylvia to her friends.

"Baby… I told you… you said invite them… believe me… I'm glad we can't hear what's going on… I just hope nobody else can, but I know them, especially Sheila. She be talkin' stuff all the time… I'm laughing because I can just imagine it."

Shawn chuckled and looked back at them, he was determined to get to know that Sheila… she looked like someone that would be fun to be around.

Everyone at the large table was served first. More toasts were made by Shawn's friends, some funny – some sincere. His father finally stood to make a toast, saying, "Remember son… anything worth having… is worth fighting for. Keep what is yours… and let no one, no one… come between you and your wife! No matter what… she is your wife! When a McPherson man commits to a woman, heart and soul… everything else… everyone else… is irrelevant… you remember that."

Shawn smiled and nodded feeling his heart swell to hear his father's counsel, unaware of how significant it was.

Sylvia's heart squeezed in her chest as she looked at her father-in-law… their eyes met and she knew then, that he knew about Jake. 'Yes, tomorrow I will tell him.' She thought, realizing that his father was lending her his support.

Everyone clinked their glasses, drinking following the toast.

Surprising a few Sheila stood, deciding that she too had something to say.

"Excuse me… excuse me." She called out to the room at large.

Sylvia's eyes grew huge, taking a deep breath, she sat back and prepared herself, not sure what to expect.

"My name is Sheila Johnson… and this is not a toast. I just got something to say… to the bride and to the groom. Groom… I don't know you, not yet… but I plan to, you better believe it. Sitting next to you… that's my girl. I've been knowing her… since she was ten years old! I met her at school – we became friends… because she use to get picked on from time to time. Her lil'ass was ski-in-nieee! She would try to fight, but she needed some help, and I stepped up to the plate. 'Cause lord the girl didn't look like she ever got a meal! And as you all can tell… I've had a few!"

Everyone laughed.

"Yep… I am not in denial… I am a healthy – fine – black woman… with a damn good man by my side… and that is my point! Groom… Mr. Shawn Everett McPherson… that had better be you! 'Cause you don't want a sister like me coming after yo'ass – do you?!"

Everyone roared laughing.

Shawn stood up, "Sheila Johnson… I most certainly do not! Now can I say something in return?" He asked taken by surprise, but still jovial.

"When I'm done you can – hold on a minute… I know its your wedding baby… but let's get it all out on the table now… because right here, at this table… is all the family she has here for her, besides her children." Sheila spoke, her eyes growing moist. Sylvia had her hand over her mouth, her eyes filling and then spilling with tears.

"All kidding aside… we love her. I – love her! I don't care who you encounter in your long journeys – as your brother said… no where are you gonna find, what you have sitting next to you now. So … I need to hear from you, for my own satisfaction… what you are… because I know what she is – and that's one helluva a good woman. I know that… because I know her… now you may respond."

Shawn took a deep breath, wiping his hand over his face, overcome with emotion himself. No one laughed now, it was serious, and they all respectfully quieted to hear him.

"Sheila Johnson, that is why… my long journey… has now ended. I've found what I've been looking for. Sheila Johnson, there is no man… on this earth… or elsewhere, who loves a woman, more than I love this one. I would never hurt her… she is… a part of me. Believe me, I know what I have sitting right here next to me… there is no doubt in my mind… I love her and I would die for her… and I don't care who knows it." Shawn looked down at Sylvia, who was wiping at her tears.

Sheila smiled looking from him to Sylvia, "Good enough then, that's all I ask. I'll remember those words, and know this… I'm gone hold you to them… you better believe that." She then turned to Sylvia. "You… don't let this much time go by again without making contact! I will always be here for you. I have always been there for you… haven't I?" She asked and didn't give a damn who looked on. Sylvia nodded, trying to get control of her emotions.

"Then stop being alone Sylvia… stop isolating yourself… stop that running that you do … because my sister… you are not alone… not ever." Sheila looked back at Shawn. "I just needed her to know that. Now that's all I have to say. Oh and… thank you for inviting us." She took her seat.

"Sheila…" Shawn called, before he sat down. "I'm making my claim for a dance later – right now." He smiled.

"Bring it on then baby… Sheila won't hurt yah'… I'ah be gentle with you – that way there be somethin' left of you for later!"

Shawn exploded laughing, "Please do be gentle, after all we are going on our honeymoon."

Everyone laughed relieved that the moment of seriousness had passed. Shawn sat back down beside his wife and said, "I like her… now that – is a friend."

 

In L. A…

 

Dressed, Deidre gave herself one last check in the mirror. Smiling, she checked her clock, it was time to go. Grabbing her bag, she opened it to make sure her cell phone was inside, satisfied that it was, her keys and her digital camera was picked up next and made her way out the door, down the stairs and out to the parking lot of the expensive warehouse flats. Dusk was upon her, she was glad now that Jeremiah was meeting her there… maybe… just maybe, she would invite him back to her place. Maybe. She walked to her car, unlocked it and climbed inside. Sitting down, she placed her purse and camera on the seat next to her. Shifting her keys, she inserted one into the ignition switch and turned it.

Nothing

"What the…" She made a face, wandering what was going on. She turned the key again.

Nothing.

"Oh great… not tonight! What in the world is going on?" Uncertain of what could be the problem, she turned the key again. Nothing was happening. No power whatsoever. She sat for a moment wondering what to do. 'Call Jeremiah… see if you can catch him.' She thought, picking up her cell phone, she dialled his number and waited for him to answer. After the fifth ring, she clicked the button and ended the call. She hit the steering wheel, "I can't believe this!" Just for the sake of trying, she turned the key one more time, still the same nothing.

Gathering her purse, camera and snatching the key out of the ignition, she got out of her car and walked back through the parking lot and into the warehouse building again. Entering her apartment, she went to the phone and pulled out the phone book.

Searching through it, she looked for the number to triple A, found it and gave them a call.

"My car is dead in the parking lot where I live. I've tried to start it and nothing. Just silence, no lights, no clicking sound… nothing. Can you get someone out right away please, I need to be somewhere… and I'm going to be late as it is."

"Oooh, the soonest we can have someone there is in about an hour." The person on the other end said.

"An hour?! I don't have an hour! Oh forget it… I'll take a cab and arrange for someone to get it tomorrow. Bye!"

She hung up and figured, what the heck, get a cab there… Jeremiah could bring her home. She looked for a taxi service and dialled the number for it, ordering a taxi. The dispatcher said they'd be there in ten minutes.

Deidre hung up the phone and could do nothing but stand and wait.

 

"You're on! You know the plan… you know where to take her! Let's go!"

The command was given and the yellow cab pulled out from the four different vehicles sitting and waiting just in case she called for either of them.

 

*   *   *   *

 

Cutting the cake and dancing…

 

Sylvia held a piece of cake for Shawn to take a bite, he was laughing and watching her closely, his eyes daring her to be bad and she was, shocking him and all who watched by bringing the cake to her own mouth, taking a big bite, chewed it once and then leaned towards his mouth. The act was so erotic, that Shawn readily leaned forward and stuck his tongue into her mouth lapping up some of the delicious cream frosting. Sylvia wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down and they kissed, and enjoyed the cake as well.

"Lord… what the hell this man done to yo'mama?! We gone have to send the kids home in a minute." Sheila exclaimed to Crystal who was standing next to her with a drink, grinning as she looked at her and shrugged. "Oh my goodness… how much you done had to drink… you grinning awful funny." Sheila observed over the whistles and wolf calls for the couple.

 

"All right, keep it up… you asking for it… that is mean… this behavior of yours continues, I'll be forced into the men's room to shift it up to my waist not to be seen." Shawn warned Sylvia who chuckled and backed away from him winking and laughing.

She felt so happy and carefree. She was on top of the world as she licked the remaining cream from her lips. Shawn watching closely, groaned as camera's flashed. The photographer's assistant was now following everyone with his video camera to capture everything they could. They also had two stationary camera's available capturing footage from the dance floor, the door and the stage. The cake was cut, passed out to all in attendance and then the floor was cleared of the tables and chairs. Sylvia was standing by her friends talking to them and caught sight of Shawn accepting a beer, and then a shot glass of whiskey with his friends. Her brows drew in stunned because Shawn did not often drink. To see him about to drink that as he laughed, downing the shot then chasing it with his beer as he stood in the company of his friends and brother disturbed her. She chided herself for being silly, of course he was celebrating. He was happy and carefree and was just wanting to enjoy himself and have a good time. She turned away and fought back her unease.

"All right ya'll you know what time it is now. I'm Armundo Payne, son of the bride… and its time to clear the floor for some serious gettin' down. Everybody been eatin' good, I know I did – its now – burn off time! We gone start slow though – get warmed up by playing the first song of the evening from papah-Shawn's dedication list. Dustieees… I'm tellin' you now – we had to blow off the dust for his list… mama's too… that's okay though, let's get it started… come on papah-Shawn… your first one's up." Mundo started as Shawn turned looking across the room for Sylvia. Spotting her, he smiled and made his way to the center of the dance floor, his arms up and out inviting her in. Smiling Sylvia sashayed her way to him just as the first song from his list came on, 'Forever mine – by the O'Jays'

"Woooo-we! I can't believe it! I come wit'yah'll ass, I should'ah brought my man with me!" Sheila squealed.

"Shit… I'm callin' Jose's ass! Tell him bring his ass here!"

"Girl is you crazy! By the time he get here, damn reception be over!" Edwina stated.

"Just goes to show… never go to a wedding reception with your girlfriends!" Vivian stated.

"How you girls doing? You all having a good time?" Gert asked stepping up and surprising them as Shawn and Sylvia danced slow holding onto each other.

"Yes ma'am… thank you ma'am." Vivian was the first to answer her smiling.

"I'm so glad. Chile… I got to say something to you, you are just gorgeous! And this red dress! You wearing this dress girl! Lord I've been trying to reach my other son on the phone so he can see you! I got another one you know… these two here taken, but I got one more… thank the lord!"

All four of them looked at Gert like she was crazy.

"Um, okaaay… I – um, see." Vivian responded with wide eyes.

"Don't you worry sugga… mama's got a plan… first thing I need to know… are you married?"

Ellen and Edwina's eyes grew huge, trying not to laugh. Sheila was laughing, and spoke up, "No ma'am… she not. She wore that red dress cause she fishing!"

"Well let me be the first to tell you, you got that hook baited baby with the right lure … believe me you do! So you not engaged either are you?"

Vivian was so stunned she just stood with her mouth gaping, then shook her head. "Um, no ma'am… I'm not."

"Good answer, next question, you looking for something serious or you just messing around?!"

The more questions she asked Vivian, the more animated Ellen and Edwina's laughter at her. Sheila was just looking back and forth from Gert to her. "Girl don't stand there with your mouth open… answer the lady! I know I taught you better than that! You best get vocal here!"

"She ain't slow is she? Sometime when they that pretty, they vacant at the top." Gert said to Sheila. Sheila threw her head back and laughed so hard she had to take steps back and forth.

"No I am not slow! Just stunned! No offence ma'am… but I'm not into being fixed up. I like to be the one choosing, not that I'm not flattered you understand, I really am… but no thank you."

"Chile listen to me… pay attention… you see my two son's here?" Gert asked. All four women were gathered around her.

"Yes ma'am, I do."

"Handsome as the devil ain't they?!"

"Yeah… they are… really nice looking."

"Well I can tell you now… you ain't seen shit!"

"DAI – AM mama Micky!" Sheila was laughing until her stomach hurt, slapping Ellen and Edwina's hand in the air, they couldn't believe her. "You too much! What you say mama, she ain't seen shit?!" Sheila had to repeat. Gert nodded her head, reminding them all of Lena Horne with her mannerisms and talk.

"She – ain't seen – shit! I repeat… because my youngest boy… if I could only find his tail, you will see what I mean. So Miss Vivian… if you ready for long term, park yourself in reserve, and get ready… now I must warn you… he somethin' else! He ain't the marrying kind… but if you play your cards right, you could probably be the very one to finally straighten him out and get him to the alter. 'Cause I'm telling you now… he a handful… but you… I know you a handful too! Oh yeah you are… I been praying all day long 'bout you black velvet! You just let me take care of everything. I got to go now… I gotta find out where he is. Have fun!" With that Gert was gone on her mission.

"She call me black velvet!?" Vivian asked still spinning from her encounter with her.

"She sure as hell did! I ain't never seen no shit like this before. Where white folks hunting us down to marry they sons… something ain't right here – Stephen King shit!" Edwina said with wide eyes.

 

Sylvia and Shawn danced through two more songs, 'Anita Baker's Good Love' and 'Natural High, by Bloodstone', as other's started joining in on the dance floor. The feeling was wonderful to be held in each other's arms. "You okay baby… feeling alright?" Shawn asked leaning low to Sylvia's ear because of the volume of the music. She looked up into his face and nodded. His eyes were starting to show signs of the drink he had. "You alright?" She asked. He smiled, "Now I am… holding my wife." He answered.

"I'm surprised… you usually don't drink – I can't believe you're not feeling that drink you had." She brought to his attention.

"Oooh I'm feeling it baby… I just wanna have a good time tonight okay? Is that okay?" He asked looking into her eyes. She smiled and nodded, discarding her growing apprehension. She really didn't want him to drink, but since he hardly ever, she wouldn't make a big deal out of this one time… it was their wedding night after all. "So… you gonna drink anymore?" She asked unable to resist.

"I'll just have a few beers with my friends… oooh I love you so much! We're finally married… husband and wife! The first day of thousands more to come." He muttered leaning down to hug her close to him, kissing her neck, rubbing her back, his hand rubbing down over the cheek of her butt.

"Shawn… don't… I don't like that…" She complained softly.

"Oops, sorry… I'm sorry baby… I'll behave. Oooh but I love you so much… can't help wanting to touch you."

"Well you can touch me later… when we're alone." She simpered.

"You better believe I will." He kissed her, Sylvia braced herself accepting the kiss, but just in a blink of an eye, she realized she felt different about his attentions. She'd been okay until seeing him drink. The song stopped and everyone clapped. She backed out of his arms smiling, wiping the moisture from her lips. "I'll be back babe… I need to use the ladies room." She said.

"Okay… go on, I wanna watch you walk away in that dress." He inhaled deep and winked at her.

Sylvia turned away and walked off, feeling suddenly self-conscious. She stepped through the wide double doors over into the bar section where a lot of family and guest were gathered. She stopped and talked politely to them on the way, shaking their hands, thanking them for the gifts piled in the corner. Smiling as she walked along, she finally passed the bar and walked down a narrow hallway towards the ladies room, she would have to pass the men's room on the way, just as she reached it, Jake was coming out.

She froze staring up at him with wide, shocked eyes. She thought maybe, he wouldn't come. Had in fact hoped that he would not come. But there he was, standing tall before her, his eyes intently staring into hers.

Jake stepped from the door closing it, maintaining eye contact. "Wow… you're stunning. Absolutely breathtaking… look at that dress on you. My brother's lucky."

Sylvia felt the blood pumping through her veins so rapidly, her blood pressure rose, making the pulse in her neck throb heavily.

"Please Jake… don't cause any problems here tonight… please… we're married now. I'm happy… Shawn's happy."

"Well that's nice to know, that everybody's happy… excuse me… I need a drink."

He walked around her exiting the hall and went to the bar ordering one. Sylvia walked down the hall and into the ladies room with her heart pounding so hard, she grew light headed. She sat on one of the velvet seats against the wall, taking deep breaths. She could hear the music playing, an upbeat tempo was playing. Repetitively she inhaled, holding it and then blowing it out. Her heart was racing, she felt an anxiety attack coming on. She inhaled deep again, held it and then let it out slow. The entire time, holding her eyes closed as she prayed for just a little more time.

 

Jake stood at the bar, in the back corner, out of sight, just watching family members who did double takes when they saw him, smiled and came over to talk to him as he sipped on his Long Island Ice Tea. Night had fallen, only the main hall was lit up, the bar area was dark with just lights from the bar shining down. There were lots of dark corners to hide in, he was tempted to find one. Part of him wished that he had just stayed away. He was determined not to mess with anyone, as long as no one messed with him. He knew he should go congratulate his brother, but he didn't feel it. While he knew he was not in love with Sylvia, he most certainly desired her… given time to get to know her, he felt that desire might grow. Seeing her just then, stirred him – made his heart skip a beat, he wanted to touch her… to feel her in his arms again… to get that sensation of her body being up close to him once more, but not by sneaking up on her. He wanted her to want him, like all the others wanted him… but she didn't. It pissed him off because he knew deep in his gut, that that would never be.

"I should just fuckin' get the hell out of here." He muttered to himself.

"So you finally showed up at your brother's wedding?" Bart surprised him, making him look up.

"Yeah… what the heck, didn't have anything else to do tonight."

"I think you need to go in there and congratulate him."

"Yeah, maybe later dad." He returned looking to his left to see Sylvia passing them to return to the main hall. She looked up at his father and smiled at him, but kept on passed him, he looked from her back to his father, to see his eyes on him.

"Behave yourself son… okay. This is Shawn's night… and that is his wife… let him have what is his."

"Oh! Here we go! Maybe I should just leave!" He said growing irritated already.

"How about trying to be happy for him instead? You don't need to leave, this is after all about family. You should be in the other room with us instead of out here."

"I'm comfortable dad… okay… I'm fine right where I am." Jake lifted his drink to his father, as if a toast and took two deep swallows of it.

Bart stood a moment staring at his son. Here was another one, again… regret.

Jake turned sideways facing the bar, uncomfortable under his father's scrutiny.

"Okay son… take it easy on the drink okay?"

"I'm a grown man dad."

"You driving aren't you?"

"I'll tell you what… if I get wasted, I'll call a cab okay? Promise." He mumbled, then took another swallow from it.

Bart walked by him into the men's room.

 

When Sylvia returned to the main hall, she noticed her daughter talking to DJ, both of whom were standing up on the stage with Mundo, the three of them getting to know each other. Crystal was laughing rather loud, holding a drink. Everywhere Sylvia looked, people were drinking. Then she spotted Shawn talking to Sheila and her friends. He was laughing hilariously, a mug of beer in his hand, half filled. He was in a really good mood. The music was loud, and many of the kids were on the dance floor, dancing to Mundo's mixes, suddenly he turned them down a bit and spoke into the microphone.

"Everybody feeling good?!" He called out.

"YEAH!" All responded, including Shawn.

"Glad to hear it… I'm gettin' ready to put somethin' to the test! Let's see Papah-Shawn – can you feel it?!"

Shawn snapped around to hear Mundo playing one of his absolute favorites, the Jackson's Five, "Can you feel it!" Courtesy of his daughter. Shawn threw his head back and howled, he passed his beer to Edwina, and threw his arms in the air and started dancing. Shocking everyone around him, simply because, for that song… it hit him in that way that forced him to move,  never missing a beat! Sylvia couldn't believe her eyes. He broke into a James Brown move and shimmied out onto the floor, turning and dancing he looked for her, spotted her and waved her onto the floor with him. Sylvia laughed and started dancing up to him. However, the floor was clearly his – the song moved all through him. Those near in attendance stood surprised and laughing as he found Angela and brought her onto the floor to dance with him and then his mother. Having a good time, Gert moved out there as all three of them, Shawn's favorite women danced around him. His body gyrating across the floor freestyle.

Sylvia laughed until she was crying… watching him dance as if he were flying high, displaying no hesitation, it was in his face – nothing but joy.

"SHEILA! COME ON OUT HERE WOMAN!!!" Shawn shouted without breaking a step. Laughing Sheila walked out there to free style her feelings for the song, all teeth showing, loving it.

"DAMN RIGHT… TIME TO BRING DOWN THE HOUSE!! AHH YEAH!!" Mundo shouted in the micphrophone, "That's what I'm talking 'bout! It's that time… everybody… ass on for the floor – NOW! Walls don't need holding up, they stand all by they'self! I'on care if you can't dance, do the twist or something! Everybody can do the twist!" Mundo shouted laughing, clapping and watching Shawn move. He didn't know what blessings they deserved, but already, he respected that man, and yes, loved  him. The talks they'd been having spending so much time alone together, working with each other to get the ball rolling on what his mother needed, what Shanna his sister needed, and what they needed. Laughing and joking, Shawn telling him bits and pieces from his past, about an old friend of his, Jesse. He had Mundo laughing just as much, the other way around. Yes, that was his "Papah-Shawn" He'd been calling him that now for the last week straight and felt that he was. Immediately he went into the next song, 'Sean Paul, Gimme the light' that he used to blend with other fast dance tracks, determined to keep everyone moving.

The teen element cheered, and because she danced with her father, Angela was feeling light hearted and decided to really show her stuff. With Shawn2 out there as well, she thought what the heck. Along with him, they danced blowing everyone away with their moves. Shawn2 thought he was the best until Angela turned loose on him.

"Oh – my GOD! Will you look at your daughter?!" Sylvia called her to Shawn's attention who was sipping more of his beer, he lowered it and took a look, his mouth falling open. He wiped the back of his hand across his moustache and beard, blinking to make sure he was looking at his daughter, and not another girl like her.

He nor Sylvia knew that she could move the way she was moving now. Even at the bon-fire, she'd been reserved and was shy about dancing, though Sylvia had invited her to join them. Now… they could see it wasn't because she couldn't dance. Obviously, the girl had spent a great deal of time alone in her room watching videos and teaching herself to dance, because she and Shawn2 were in a dance battle. They looked like brother and sister instead of cousins.

"What the hell…" Shawn muttered staring at her. Her neck was moving one direction, her feet another, and her body was doing three different moves as well, all at the same time. Shawn looked at Sylvia and pointed his mug towards Angela. "When… how'd that happen?!"

"Don't ask me… that looks like something she learned all that time alone when she was with her mother! Oh my goodness." Sylvia muttered.

Crystal was howling with laughter, and then went out on the floor joining them, dancing up a storm as well, soon DJ was there with her and the floor was taken over by youth until Mundo put on 'Beyonce's, Baby Boy.'

"Ah shit now… my turn, now I'm goin' out there." Vivian said. Once again that red dress demanded attention while she worked her body as that song called for a body like hers to do. The beat had her hips moving like a dying mans last wishes. Hearing all the cheering and gasps, Jake slowly moved toward the main hall, and then stood frozen as his eyes fell on the red dress from Kwik Trip! He couldn't believe his eyes! She was there! Moving on the floor like sex on legs, she was definitely a goddess from another world.

"WOOO-WE! Look at her ass move!" Sheila laughed… because not a man there could take his eyes off of her.

Even Derricks son's were howling. DJ bit into his knuckles, "Mother…" He moaned.

Jake stared as she moved in a controlled gyration, looking as if there were no bones in her body, turning slowly feeling every single beat, until finally she faced him and then saw him. Her eyes grew momentarily wider, until she brought her surprised expression under control smoothing back out her exotic features. Mundo piggy backed both versions of the song, anything he could do to keep her on the floor and moving that way.

Vivian could not believe it – standing not twelve feet away, she saw him and with her heart beating she moved like she'd never moved before, turning like hot creamy liquid to give him a view of her back as she moved going low, her arms moving graceful like coiled snakes capable of striking any moment.

Gert looked in the doorway and saw Jake standing there frozen, his eyes on the red dress.

Gert smiled… all was good.

Next person to see him was his older brother, Shawn stared at him, a sudden rash of heat swept over his body as if someone had poured scolding water on him. Although he'd discarded Sylvia's words the previous night, he hadn't lived 42 years without learning a few things. There was a reason for everything under the sun. Including a reason why his brother went from happily greeting him the day of the sap rush – to suddenly finding no reason to attend his wedding. Yet… there he was.

The songs changed and Vivian laughed after that one, she felt good. She wasn't about to turn and look at him, she couldn't believe her luck, that the guy from the Kwik Trip would be there! She walked toward Sheila with wide eyes giving her head a light tilt towards the door so she could see him. With keen perception, Sheila looked that way and her eyes too grew huge. Ellen and Edwina followed suit.

Jake stood eyeing his brother, who was doing the same. He was wearing black dress pants and a silk olive/sage green long sleeve shirt.

Sylvia glanced toward Jake, and then away, unsure of what to do because Shawn wouldn't take his eyes off of him. Suddenly he was walking away from her toward Jake. Sylvia thought she would faint. Gert saw it, Derrick saw it, and Bart saw it. All of them moved toward them, Sylvia felt herself shaking and went to stand with her friends.

"Oh my God oh by God oh my God." She muttered in a whimper almost cry.

"Who is that?! And what's wrong with you?" Sheila asked.

"That… is Shawn's younger brother." She said.

All four women looked over at them and then at each other.

"You gotta be kidding me." Vivian said.

"Nope… that's Jake… and right now, I feel ill."

"Why?" Sheila asked.

"Because Jake and Shawn don't get along well."

"Ah hell… are we talkin' sibling rivalry shit?!"

"Big time." Sylvia muttered, unable to look back at them.

 

"Well look'ah here, lil'brother, fancy meeting you here. You showin' up kind'ah late aren't you?" Shawn started, the alcohol going to his head.

"Better late than never right?" Jake answered back.

"Well… no congratulations for your brother?!" Shawn asked.

"Congratulations… brother." Jake returned.

"Hmm, there's something there… that gives me that sensation… that you just don't mean it… why is that?" Shawn asked walking directly in front of Jake, who stood a few noticeable inches taller, especially with his black polished boots on.

"I don't know… why don't you tell me." Jake answered, looking down at his brother.

"All right you two… no nonsense tonight, not tonight." Bart walked beside them both.

"I didn't step into his face, he stepped into mine." Jake defended.

"Uh Jake, come this way son… someone I want you to meet." Gert said, pulling his arm to get him away from Shawn. He let himself be led away by his mother, but kept his eyes on his brother, thinking, 'Well dear brother, so be it … you'll be sorry you just did that. Should have left me the fuck alone.'

Derrick could tell, he needed to stay close to them for the rest of the night, looking to his father, "Dad… I'll stick with Shawn." He said.

"Why?! I'm fine… I don't need a keeper. My brother, I don't need a keeper."

"I know Shawn, but lets just keep everything cool okay? He's here, lets all continue to have a good time alright?"

"Hell with that! Why the fuck does he show up here – instead of at my wedding? Why show up now? Huh?"

"Calm down son… you hear? Find your wife… and calm down." Bart spoke to him.

"Shawn, I also think you maybe have had enough to drink." Derrick stated with his father beside him.

"Look… I hardly ever drink! But tonight is my night… I married the woman of my dreams! I'm on top of the world! I'm celebrating… is that okay?!"

"Of course it is… just keep it under control Shawn."

"I'm always under control! I'm going to find my wife! Where's my wife?" Shawn turned from them to see Sylvia talking to Crystal and DJ. He made his way to her.

"WIFE! How you doing baby… you okay?" He asked walking up to her and taking her into his arms, kissing her temple, taking her chin in hand and turning her head for a kiss.

Sylvia couldn't believe the night she was having, Shawn was getting drunk, and she knew that he and Jake already had one brief confrontation. The moment she looked up and saw Gert bringing him over to meet her friends, she made her way to her daughter. She was stunned once again, Crystal… was drunk and starting to act out. A day that began so beautifully, was starting to deteriorate right before her eyes. She prayed and prayed, 'God please… just get us through this night… please.' Then her husband bellowed for her. She turned to him and accepted whatever way he behaved as long as he stayed away from Jake.

"Shawn… Crystal's had too much to drink." She stated right away as he was kissing her.

"Crystal? You okay baby?" He stood erect to ask.

"I'm fine… I'm fine… mama… mama… I'm fine… I'm fine Shawn… serus'ly I'm fine." She slurred, her eyes half open.

DJ was laughing, "She's fine you all."

"You my brotha' man. We got the same – no a'count – good fo'shit daddy! Different mama… but same – ma'fuckin' daddy!"

"CRYSTAL!!" Sylvia yelled at her.

"SORRY MAMA! I'm sorry mama… oops… oops mama… I'm so sorry… f'give me mama… I'ain' mean it mama! I'ain' mean it Shawn… serus'ly. 'Cause… cause Shawn… you m'daddy now… you m'daddy… 'kay… is that okay?" She asked swaying forward and back, struggling to keep her head up.

"You damn right i's okay. In my heart… you my ga'damn daughter! YOU baby… and that boy up there… playin' that music… too gad'damn loud… mine! I don't give a fuck what no body says! Understand lil'girl? Papah-Shawn take care of you baby!"

Crystal got emotional and went to Shawn hugging him, they stood a moment holding each other. Sylvia would've been touched if it wasn't for the fact that both were deep in the cups. Suddenly Crystal leaned back from Shawn making a face, looking at her brother then at Shawn and started laughing, "That shit is LOUD! BOY! TURN THAT SHIT DOWN… WHERE YOU THINK YOU AT?" She yelled and then started laughing.

Shawn was holding onto her, she was swaying. He knew he was feeling numb, but he wasn't swaying yet. He still knew what was going on. "Baby… you've had too much to drink. You gone be sick." He said to her.

"Shawn… she needs to go home."

"Me and Marcus'll take her home Tia Sylvie… don't worry about her." DJ stated, laughing at his sister. They had spent a great deal of time talking and getting to know one another, he'd been sipping light, she'd been drinking down one vodka and cranberry juice after the other.

"Will you do that for us… thank you… you're a good son DJ… good son!" Shawn patted his nephew on the shoulder. "Go home and go to bed darlin' – your mom and I'll see you in the morning."

"I'm fine… I'm fine… I'm okay…" She announced leaning to the left more and more. DJ got under her left side and pulled her arm over his head and across his shoulders, his other arm around her waist. "Come on sis… you'll be fine at home once we get you there and to bed." DJ commented gently. Marcus was there with his keys.

Meribel stepped before them having spent most of the evening helping Shanna and speaking with all the family, and keeping up with her kids, "Where you going son?" She asked.

"Talking Crystal home."

"Okay… do me a favor son, take the van and leave your car with us, and take the kids home please? Its getting late."

"No problem… will do." DJ answered.

He left with his brothers and sisters and Angela, who kissed Sylvia and her dad goodbye. His friend and his girlfriend following behind so that Marcus and Louie could ride with them back to the house.

After they departed, Meribel turned to Shawn and Sylvia. Sylvia stood with Shawn's arm over her shoulder, she held his one hand dangling there, trying to keep him from fondling her breast, her other one around his waist. He was constantly pulling her head to his lips, kissing her temples and whispering that he loved her in her ear.

"You guys okay? Sylvia?" Meribel asked, clear concern on her features.

"We're fine. Aren't we baby… come on lets slow dance…" Shawn lifted his arm and waved to Mundo, he knew the signal… a slow song.

He put on 'Brook Benton & Dinah Washington's, You got what it takes'

Sylvia turned with Shawn, but looked back at Meribel mouthing, 'Keep Jake away from him.' Meribel nodded that she understood.

 

---

Chapter 75

 

In L. A….

 

For the fourth time, Jeremiah walked back out of the dinning room checking his watch, looking for Deidre's car, or some sign of her. She should have been there over an hour ago. Even her friend was starting to worry. He'd gotten there and waited out front for her, thought after a while maybe she had already come and went inside looking for her. He crossed paths with her friend twice before they realized they were looking for the same person and introduced themselves.

"It's not like Deidre to be late. She knew what time the ceremony was to start. She would have been here early. This is not like her, I'm really getting scared now."

"I'll stay on the look out. I've tried her phone, keep getting the network message. I can't imagine what's going on. You go back in with your family, I'll continue to look for her."

"I think we need to call the police." Terra stated, her stomach nervous and giddy.

"Unfortunately, she'd have to be missing much longer for the police to do anything about it. Go back inside, I'll stay on the watch."

Jeremiah stood outside pacing, it was going on two hours now. He agreed with her friend, they needed the police. Because he couldn't imagine where she was between there and home.

 

Crenshaw was crowded and jumping. Vehicles ranging from Chevy's to Mercedes Benz's were decked out, laid up, customized, suped up and blasting loud with the most advanced, stereo equipment. Some equipment obtained by dubious means of dubious quality, others sporting that which was obtained legally and at high cost. It was a car show, every weekend. They didn't need to attend some big car rally or new release event, they made their own style and quality of ride, to bring out and wow those standing by looking. Nor was the gathering just about men and their rides, there were women in their midst too. A few hardcore, masculine women, looking for a woman. Quick to defend their chosen lifestyle as if lack or reaction made them less a woman acting like a man. So there they stood as well, laughing, loud talking – alert – watching the rides roll by, careful to any change or wave in the air that said, something was going down. Being in the hood meant constant readiness – period. It was the life. Too many accepted that it was how they lived, and how they would die. They were especially alert this week, because of the noted activity in the hood from strangers snooping around. Max once again, letting them know – be ready for whatever. They didn't need to be told that – not with drive by's happening unpredictably for whatever reason the initiator deemed it necessary. The mind set was, with all they did to themselves, no one was going to come and add to it.

Maxwell stood laughing at something one of his boys said, trying to chill – sipping a forty-ounce, laughing and talking loud.

"HEY Young blood! Eighty-six that bullshit! Ain't nobody wanna hear that!"

Maxwell received a finger from the young blood, a young woman of twenty-four, sporting her mustang as she played, 'Frank Sinatra – Young at Heart' for his efforts as everyone around him laughed, including himself. She didn't care, she loved Frank Sinatra, of course it clashed with the heavy beat of rap dominating the scene.

"Shorty – won't you take yo' young ass home! Get the hell out these streets! You got nothing better to do?" He asked, winking at her.

"Yo'ass jealous! Like my shit?"

"lil'Hoo Ride! Please girl… take it home!"

"It'ah smoke that wet-back merc'! Ova' the water shit! Mine home brewed – cook the shit out'ah that coffin you got!" She joked hanging out the window to holler at him.

Suddenly there was a commotion, a car speeded up, one of his boys.

"MAD MAX! SOME SHIT GOIN' DOWN ON FORTY-EIGHT MAN!!! MOTHA'FUCKIN' SHOOTIN'! SHAY WHITEY – FEMALE – SCREAMIN' HER ASS OFF!!!"

"What the fuck! HELL NAAAW! NOT UP IN THIS MOTHA'FUCKA THEY AIN'T!" Maxwell rushed to his Mercedes and leapt in, making a sharp u-turn with his boys jumping in doing the same heading for 48th street.

Chaka -(Shorty)- backed hers up and turned burning rubber doing the same, pulling her arm rest down, going beneath the flap to pull her gun free.

She clicked on her 2-way radio… "I'M WIT YOU MAD MAX!!!" She announced. She'd do anything for Maxwell, would guard his back to the death.

"TAKE YO' ASS HOME!!!"

"NO… I'M GONE FIND HER!!! I'LL PICK HER UP!!!"

"TAKE YO' ASS HOME!!!"

 

For Deidre, survival and surrealism went hand in hand.

It only took one moment in time – for ones life to change.

That's all that was needed, just a moment.

One moment could last a lifetime – one hour was an eternity.

One minute, she had been climbing into a taxi cab, giving her destination. Another few passed before she was aware that the direction she was being taken in was opposite to her destination.

"Hello… excuse me?! Where are you taking me?!" She sat forward knocking on the glass panel separating her from the driver.

Deidre's heart took flight when she received no answer.

Suddenly they passed an intersection and low riders in Chevys and Mercedes' suddenly pulled away from curbs coming up behind them. Deidre turned in the back seat to see five of them pull up behind them, she turned back and banged on the glass again. "WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME!!!" She tossed herself around in her seat watching as the vehicles stayed with them, the windows were blackened making it impossible to see. Deidre turned back breathing hard and deep, hands shaking she fumbled with her purse and pulled out her cell phone. Flicking it open, she quickly dialled 911.

 

"She's calling 911."

"Let it go through. We're almost there."

 

"HELP ME PLEASE… I'M IN A TAXI!!! HE'S TAKING ME SOMEWHERE…. PLEEEEASE, HE'S TAKING ME SOME WHERE!!!"

"Where are you ma'am? What taxi are you in?"

Suddenly the taxi made a sharp turn knocking Deidre to the side and started speeding down a neighborhood street. Firecracker popping sounds blasted close to her and Deidre realized they were being shot at.

"OH MY GOD!!!! HELP ME PLEEEASE!!! HELP ME PLEEEASE!! HELP ME PLEEEASE!!!" Deidre screamed falling to the seat and then to the floor screaming into her cell phone. The driver began swerving and cursing, "WHAT THE FUCK?!!! WAAAIT!!! WAAAIT!!! YOU BASTARDS!!! WAAAIT!!!" He screamed out in panic, driving like a maniac trying to get away as he realized, that he was going to die. If dead, there was no way of collecting the pay he'd been promised to drive the lady into the neighborhood and then force her out of the vehicle to leave her there. He needed to get rid of her, she was going to get him killed. He rammed his foot to the gas and tried to make a turn into a tight alley to escape their pursuers. He almost turned the taxi over, it righted itself after hitting the side of building, bouncing and zig zagging down the alley way to escape. The low riders following, turned the corner to try and cut the taxi off as it would try to come out the other end. Two backed up to cut down the alley after it.

"GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!!! GET THE FUCK OUT!!!" He shouted picking up his gun and pointing it at Deidre who was screaming in the back seat.

"GET – THE FUCK OUT!!!" He shouted again. Seeing the gun, Deidre scrambled to the door and threw it open. The other cars were coming down the alley, she barely got out before the driver burned rubber, Deidre was dragged by the door, afraid to let go, barely hanging on, she dropped off of it at an adjacent alley screaming at the top of her lungs. Because they'd filled the taxi with bullets, it was standing still, the driver riddled with bullets. It sat blocking off the adjacent alley, buying her little time. They began pushing at it to get to her. She ran for her life screaming just as another vehicle turned into the alley she was running down, a little red and purple mustang raced up to her and the window came down.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP AND GET IN THE CAR IF YOU WANNA LIVE BITCH!!!"

Breathing hard and heavy, Deidre had few alternatives, the taxi was getting peppered with gun fire and was rolling back, she could see the black Mercedes making its way clear to the alley where they were. She snatched open the door and jumped in.

"LAY THE SEAT BACK AND GET THE FUCK DOWN!!!" Chaka ordered, slamming her trans into reverse as she got on the radio.

"I GOT HER… I'M IN ALLEY 11 – GET THE FUCK HERE NOW!!!" She screamed into the radio, tearing up the rear end of her ride trying to back out of the alley.

"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!! WHAT THE HELL YOU DOING HERE?!?!" Chaka screamed.

"I'M DEIDRE WHERRINGTON – SOMEBODY'S TRYING TO KILL MEEEEEE!"

"NO SHIT!!! BUT NOT UP IN THIS MOTHA'FUCKA THEY AIN'T – HELL GODDAMN NAAAW!!!"

Maxwell popped in his CD flipping to 'The Crystal Method – Busy Child' and blasted it. If he was about to die, he didn't wanna hear anything but the music until oblivion. He was gonna ride it out on adrenaline! The music hyped him and made him floor the Merc' and the power trans engaged and it flew. He wasn't far from Chaka… pissed because she'd followed them.

"YA'LL HEAR THAT?!!! GET TO CHAKA ON 11 – NOW!"

 

Jeremiah walked into the ceremony again, looking for Terra. He spotted her, made eye contact and shook his head. Then walked back out and tried to phone Deidre again, then looked up as a helicopter flew pass over head with its search beams on. Feeling uneasy, he turned back into the large coliseum walking to Terra's table. "Something's wrong. I'm going to her place now."

Terra looked up at him, then at her family. She turned to her mother, "I gotta go… if I'm called…. accept it for me."

"What's going on Miha?"

"I don't know mom… Deidre was suppose to be here… she's not… something's wrong. I'm gonna leave with him. I'll call you later to let you know what's going on." She stood and grabbed her purse and shawl. "Can I ride with you?"

"Let's go."

 

"CODE 2 CODE 2 CODE 2!!! NEED BACK UP NOOOW!!! GANG WAR!! REPEAT – GANG WAR!!! WE'RE IN A WAR ZONE!!!"

 

"I'M HIT … I'M HIT BAD!! SOMEBODY GET HERE QUICK!!!" Chaka cried just as she saw another Mercedes speed from the alley right in front of her car, which was limping along, tires blown out. Five other vehicles merged onto the scene. All she could hear was music, gun fire and screaming. Suddenly her car door was snatched open and she was pulled out. Deidre pulled from the other side. Everything happened in a blur as they were shoved into the other car.

Max had them. His boys were surrounding them, shooting like crazy at the five other vehicles.

"HOLD ON GODDAMNIT!!! HOLD ON!!! YEAH MOTHA'FUCKA'S – YEEEEEAH… MY SHIT BULLET PROOF – TOO!!! DIDN'T KNOW THAT SHIT DID YAH!???" He raged with tears in his eyes, his ears ringing, heart racing, temples throbbing, he swore he rode with the grim reaper riding shot gun. Racing hell bent for the hospital, helicopter overhead, police screeching to a halt as they were speeding towards him while a Mercedes at each side of him fired upon him determined to kill all inside.

"HANG ON SHORTY – HANG ON!!!" He yelled as the police tried to catch up and open fire on the two Mercedes' on his tail.

They were all that was left of the five cars, his boys had blown up the two Chevies, and wrecked the Ford T-bird. Whoever could fade into the alleys to get away did. Those with wrecked vehicles, threw the doors open and laid down on the ground, hands over the back of their heads. Leaving Max to lose the two Mercedes.  They had him hemmed in from both sides, emptying clips on them. He couldn't stop, if he did they would kill him, and if not them, the police would.

"BIG MAC MAN!!! I NEED YOU – I NEED YOU NOW!!! I CAN'T SHAKE'EM… THEY BURNIN' MY SHIT UP!!! "

"COME TO ME MAN!!! BRING'EM TO SLAUSON!!! STAY ON CRENSHAW AND BRING'EM TO SLAUSON – I'M ON MY WAY MAX – I'M ON MY WAY!!"

"HURRY MAN HURRY – I GOTTA GET TO SINAI – JUST HELP ME GET TO SINAI!!"

Max yelled, listening to the women moan, Chaka was writhing in pain trying to be brave, looking into the back seat at the white woman half on the seat, half on the floor. She shook her leg. "WAKE UP!!! DON'T YOU DIE BITCH!!! DON'T YOU DIE!!! WAKE UP!!! They ain't pinning this shit on us!"

Deidre could only lay and blink, she was bleeding, bleeding bad. Suddenly she realized she hadn't spoken to her daughter all week. She decided she would call her in the morning, just to make sure… she was alright… just to make sure.

Max's Mercedes began to shake and knock, smoke was bellowing from the front end.

"We not gonna make it… we not gonna make it." Chaka whimpered growing short of breath, she was growing light headed, losing blood.

"BIG MAC!!! BIG MAC!!! I SEE SLAUSON!!" Max called barrelling towards the intersection of Slauson and Crenshaw.

"MAX – BREAK – NOOOOOW – RIGHT – NOOOOW!"

Max slammed on the breaks, his Mercedes careering to the left, tires screeching to a halt as the two other Mercedes' beside him flew onward, not expecting him to break. They crossed into the Slauson intersection just in time to collide with a massive Mack truck, girded with an iron front grill guard that smashed into them, sending one into the air to land on top of the other one. Both vehicles were stopped cold as Max, hit his gas again and turned down Slauson heading for interstate 10 – pell-mell to merge with traffic, praying his Mercedes made it there. A line of police cars on his tail, sirens wailing, lights whirling and flashing with a helicopter keeping up with him overhead.

Big Mac threw open his truck door, hopped down and laid on the ground, hands on the back of his head, waiting for the officers that were leaping out of their cruisers to approach him, guns drawn and yelling. Offering no resistance he prayed none of them were trigger happy.

 

Cedars-Sinai emergency team were rushing to set up in preparation. They'd heard all the panicked commotion over the scanner, and were standing by after hearing about a gang war and a hail of shots fired at Crenshaw.

"Alright everyone! Its rock and roll time! We don't know who's coming through these doors or how many! Get ready and lets expect the worse!"

No sooner had the words been yelled, when the big doors sprang open with a black male struggling in with one woman over his shoulder and another barely able to stand held at his right side.

"I NEED HEEELP! WE BEEN SHOT – WE NEED HELP NOOOW!"

 

The Reception…

 

As the evening was being brought to a close, Shawn and Sylvia found themselves standing at the door as many of his family began picking up to leave. The hour was growing late, they'd had a good time and now sought to wish the couple best of wishes for their future. With not many left, Shawn's parents decided to leave, feeling that everything would be okay since Jake seemed to be engaged in conversation with Sylvia's friend, Vivian. Believing that all was fine, they loaded up all the gifts and decided to drive them out to Sylvia's for them so they wouldn't have to, knowing that soon everything would be closing up. The only persons left, were Shanna, Kathy Ann, Jake, Derrick, Meribel, Mundo and some of his friends who'd shown up, Shawn's friends and Sylvia's friends, who were getting ready to leave soon.

A bit hot, Shawn had taken his jacket off and draped it over his wife's shoulders because she was chilly from all of the doors they'd opened around the hall to cool the place off after all the dancing. Shawn was still warm and stepped outside with his friends. Because Mundo's friends had shown up in the last hour, they were trying to talk him into doing another set that night somewhere else as he stood playing background music for Shanna and Kathy Ann while they cleaned up, packing away food.

Sylvia finally found time to sit at the table with her girlfriends. Everyone wanted to hear from Vivian how things went with Jake.

"It's not a big deal… we really didn't talk that much. We walked over to the bar, he ordered himself another drink, asked me if I wanted one, I had a Sprite. He grinned at me eyeing me up and down in this dress, and we laughed a bit about the coincidence of meeting at Kwik Trip and then both of us being here."

"That's all?!"

"Well no… he teased me about my effect on the men at that store, saying my body is a deadly weapon, I need to learn to leave it at home before I hurt somebody with it." She grinned.

"That's all?!" Edwina asked again.

"Well I'm not gonna give you word for word."

"Well did you get his number? Did he ask you for yours?"

"No… I didn't give mine, and he didn't ask for it. As you know, I don't ask… not about to."

"So – is it dead then?" Ellen asked.

"I just met the man today. He was nice, polite, funny… flirted a bit, but… I don't know. I get a feeling he was doing it for the sake of his parents, his mom. I don't think he's interested."

Sylvia felt her heart drop… she was so hoping that Jake would like Vivian… that they would hit it off. "So you don't like him?" She asked Vivian.

"I'm not gonna force myself on him. Besides… he got something else on his mind." Vivian stated, looking directly at Sylvia.

"What do you mean?" She asked breathing deep.

 

"Hey… Mundo?" Jake called below the stage where he'd come in from outside using the side entrance.

"Aye… what's up?" Mundo asked smiling.

"Do me a favor… I need you to play a song."

"Sure… I was just about to wrap it up too, I can do one more request – what you wanna hear?"

"Got anything by Prince?" He asked.

"Man – of course… you know it! Which one?"

 

"I mean… he was distracted… his eyes kept wondering off… looking for you." Vivian said directly.

"Huh?" Sylvia gulped playing dumb.

"What? What is you saying?" Sheila asked, looking from Vivian to Sylvia.

"I'm saying… lil'brother Jake… got it big time for Miss Sylvia."

"No he doesn't Vivian." Sylvia denied.

"Girl I know you ain't brought yo'butt up here to stand between two brothers?! 'Cause you don't need that kind of goddamn drama!" Sheila stated, neither of them aware of the sudden music change. Or the fact that it had been turned up a bit, not quite as loud as before, but loud enough.

 

Baby, baby, baaa-by
What's it gonna be
Baby, baby, baaa-by
Is it him or is it me?
Don't make me waste my time
Don't make me lose my mind baby

 

"Look… it's not that! Jake is no more interested in me, than the man in the moon! He is just trippin'!" Sylvia defended.

"I'm sorry Sylvia, but every time your voice could be heard, or when you laughed at something, he was looking for you. Trippin' or not… you got a situation on your hands." Vivian warned.

"Lord girl! I can't believe it! Who the heck playing that song? For a wedding? Ya'll choose that?" Edwina asked.

"What's wrong with it, I love that song. That's a jam! I wouldn't play it at a wedding, but it's straight." Ellen added.

Baby, baby, baby
Can't you stay with me tonight
Oh baby, baby, baby
Don't my kisses please you right
You were so hard to find
The beautiful ones, they hurt you every time

 

Sylvia stared at them listening and suddenly realized what was playing. She sat up and pulled Shawn's jacket around her looking around the room. Shanna and Kathy Ann were laughing and cleaning up. Other than them, no one else was in the hall. She looked up to where the music was playing from. Mundo was gone, leaving it to play.

Paint a perfect picture
Bring to life a vision in one's mind
The beautiful ones
Always smash the picture
Always every time

 

"Ah! Cool song! That's the coolest album Prince ever made man… I never cared for his other stuff! But that one… nice." Paul stated as they were all outside sipping their beer, Shawn smiled and then the song and the lyrics penetrated his senses. He didn't remember that being a part of the line up. He turned in the doorway wondering who asked for that to be played? It would have to be a request, because song for song had been arranged, even the dance mixes. Shawn finished off his beer and turned, feeling a bit unsteady on his feet, knowing he'd exceeded his limit and headed back inside, suddenly feeling a need to touch his wife, see his wife.

If I told you baby
That I was in love with you
Oh baby, baby, baby
If we got married
Would that be cool?

 

She couldn't shake the unease.

"Sylvia's what's wrong?" Sheila asked.

"I'm gonna turn that off." Sylvia shot up from her seat heading towards the stage, stepping up to look for a way to switch it off when suddenly Jake stepped into the door from the side entrance. "Don't turn it off, let it play!" He called to her. Sylvia's eyes grew huge. He stepped up on stage walking towards her. "Let it play… let it play."

"Jake… don't do this… no – please…" She ignored him and desperately messed with all the knobs and buttons trying to turn it off. Laughing, Jake grabbed at her hands, "Leave it! Leave it! It's just a song! That's all… just a song!"

"No! Stop it Jake!" She was almost in tears, not realizing the song played from her son's laptop instead of the console, so no matter what she did, it played on.

You make me so confused
The beautiful ones
You always seem to lo-o-o-o-ose
Baby, baby,  Baby,   What's it gonna be baby?

 

"You know… all I needed was a little more time… just a little more…"

"Please please please don't do this!" Sylvia pleaded with him, her heart hammering.

Do you want him?
Or do you want me?
Cause I want you

 

Shawn walked through the bar area into the main hall and immediately saw Sylvia up on the stage by the console, Jake there with her grabbing at her hands. Derrick and Paul were not far behind him. "Ah shit! Ah shit! Ah hell no!" Derrick blasted speeding up to catch up with Shawn. "Shawn…" He grabbed his brothers arm, Shawn snatched it away and kept moving forward.

Said I want you
Tell me, babe
Do you want me?

 

Sylvia snatched her arm from Jake who was trying to pull her from the player, she went to shove him away from her when she looked up and saw Shawn staring at them as he suddenly slowed his approach.

I gotta know, I gotta know
Do you want me?
Baby, baby, baby –  Listen to me
I may not know where I'm going (babe)

 

Jake looked over at him too and let her go. Shawn's eyes went from him, to Sylvia… her hand was at her stomach, breathing hard.

"TURN THAT FUCKING MUSIC OFF!!" He suddenly shouted over the blaring hit.

"I CAN'T  – I'M TRYING!" She screamed back, on the verge of tears.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING UP THERE WITH MY WIFE!! PUTTING YOUR FUCKING HANDS ON HER!!?"

Jake smiled, "Not the first time!" He smiled and turned to Sylvia, "Is it darlin'?"

"AI-I-IH!!!" She screamed and attacked him, aiming for his face, Jake had to move back and block her blows.

"YOU SONOFABITCH!!!" Shawn roared and charged up the last step going for him. Jake shoved Sylvia out of the way as his brother jumped him.

They were so loud that Mundo and his friends heard them from outside on the other side of the hall, were they snuck out to smoke a little illegal tobacco. Mundo passed the joint back and started making his way back to the door of the hall. Kathy Ann and Shanna were outside loading up her Jeep. Meribel in the kitchen wiping up some of the dishes she brought to add to the banquet. When they all heard screaming and shouting.

I said I may not know what I need
One thing, one thing's for certain baby
I know what I want, yeah
and if it please you baby  please you, baby
I'm begging down on my knees

 

"DERRICK STOP'EM STOP'EM STOP'EM – HURREEE!!!" Sylvia screamed.

Sheila and friends rushed to the stage yelling at her, "SYLVIA GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE OUT OF THE WAY – NOW!!!"

"SYLVIA MOVE BEFORE YOU GET HURT!!!" Ellen yelled. Paul was up on the stage and grabbed her swinging her to the edge and off out of the way as the brothers struggled on the floor, Shawn on top trying to punch Jake, but Derrick was grabbing him back, so he couldn't land a punch.

I want you
Yes I do
Baby, baby, baby, baby
I want you

Yes I do

 

Having not a clue of what was going on or why, Mundo and his friends ran up on the stage, all trying to pull the scuffling men apart as Sylvia stood down stage screaming and crying.

"DERRICK!!! LET ME GO! I SAID FUCKING LET ME GO!!!" Shawn shouted, his nose bleeding from Jake getting a punch in when they'd snatched Shawn back. "I'VE HAD IT WITH YOU – YOU FUCKING BASTARD – I'VE HAD IT WITH YOU!!!" Shawn shouted at Jake as he struggled to free himself from Derrick and Paul. Jake jumped up from the floor wiping the blood from his mouth, his shirt was ripped. "FUCKING LET HIM GO! I'M NOT A LITTLE BOY ANYMORE SHAWN!! YOU WANNA FUCKING FIGHT ME??? HM?… BRING IT ON!! I'M NOT FUCKING SCARED OF YOU!!!"

"JAAAKE – JAAAKE – JAAAKE – COME DOWN HERE NOW!!! STOP IT JAKE!!!" Kathy Ann screamed from below.

"SHAWN PLEASE!!! DON'T!! NO MORE PLEASE!!!" Sylvia wailed.

He turned and looked down at her, his eyes were blazing with heat.

"Let me go! Now!" Shawn bit out, now that he could be heard with the song finally ended. He snatched his arms from them and jumped off the stage and rushed up to Sylvia and grabbed her arm. "Shawn!" She cried out, his sudden rush to her scaring her.

"Shawn! HEY MAN!!! Let go of my mama man! Man… let go of my mother!" Mundo bit out shaking.

"STAY OUT OF IT! THIS IS BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND I!!!"

"Man look! You can talk all the shit you want! Don't hit my mother!"

"I have no intention, of hitting your mother!" Shawn growled, squeezing her wrist, he turned to her, "Outside – now!"

"Shawn! Leave it alone okay? Just leave it alone." Derrick pleaded.

"I'll be alright! Leave him! Please just leave it!" Sylvia cried as Shawn tugged her towards the door. He ignored everyone yelling at him to calm down, his only focus was in getting Sylvia outside away from the hall, but everyone followed.

Jake was stumbling a bit, clearly drunk as well and trying to get around everyone to get to Shawn and Sylvia.

"Get the hell out the way! Move it dammit!" He blasted David and Paul shoving them aside. Kathy Ann was trying to get a hold of him, but he only yanked himself free, ripping his shirt even more. "Derrick get him!!" Shanna cried out watching Jake barrel through them.

"Hang on now! What the fuck you doing!?" Sheila yelled getting upset as Mundo walked feeling uneasy and uncertain of what to do.

"I'LL BE OKAY!!! I'LL BE OKAY!!" Sylvia shouted again with Shawn pulling her further into the parking lot, to their SUV. Holding up her gown Sylvia tried to keep up with Shawn as he took her to the other side of it, snatching the door open for her to get in. She climbed in with her heart pumping in her chest, he slammed the door closed and jumped in the other side. She turned with her back to the door, knowing that if he was mad enough to hit her, she could open the handle and fall out and away from him.

He sat breathing deep and hard, trying to gain control of himself.

"You tell me – what – the hell – is going – on." He bit out low and careful.

"Shawn… let's just go home okay? I'll drive, we'll go home first."

"I wanna know right here… right now… what… is going … on!" He growled with his jaw clenched.

She couldn't answer because suddenly the SUV shook and on her side the door opened and she almost fell out. Jake caught her, pulling her out of the SUV. She couldn't believe it, "JAKE GET THE HELL AWAY FROM ME!!!" She raged at him.

That was it for Shawn, he jumped out shouting, "YOU WANT ME TO FUCKING KILL YOU TONIGHT?!"

"I WANT YOU TO LEAVE HER ALONE! SHE HASN'T DONE SHIT! I'M THE ONE WHO FUCKING TOUCHED HER! KISSED HER!! DEAL WITH ME!!"

Shawn ran at him again, this time they hit the ground with a thud, Sylvia started crying so hard she felt faint. All the men converged on them.

Sheila ran up to her, "That's it, I don't wanna hear no shit from you Sylvia! Get the fuck in my van! We gettin' the hell out of here!"

"Nooo, I can't leave my husband like this!"

"GIRL! I don't wanna hear that shit!"

"Sylvia go! Just go with her!" Shanna cried out.

Sheila, Sylvia and the others rushed to her van with Sylvia sobbing as they piled into the van.

"I can't believe this shit! I cannot believe this! What the hell happened Sylvia?!" Sheila yelled, starting the van and backing up and then forward to drive quickly out of the lot.

Sylvia was too upset, sobbing and thinking about Shawn, back where they left them, fighting on the ground with Jake. She had her hand over her mouth sobbing, "What am I gonna do, oh my god oh my god oh my god! Please please please pleae… I can't take it… I can't take it!" She sobbed.

"Calm down girl! You pregnant ain't you?! You can't be going through this shit!" Ellen reached in the front rubbing her shoulders trying to calm her down.

"It's my fault! It's my fault! I should have told him! I should have told him!" She sobbed.

"Told him what?" Edwina asked.

"That Jake was coming on to me! Trying to – to – get me to – cheat on Shawn with him!"

"What?! Why?!" Vivian asked.

"Because he's – he's jealous of Shawn! Has always been! But – I love Shawn! I just want my husband! I – I just want my husband!" She cried on.

"So… is Jake in love with you or not?!" Sheila asked.

"No! He just wants to wreck SHAWN! And he's done it… and I – I helped him do it! I should have – have told him!!!"

Vivian set back and shook her head. What could she say. She thought about Jake… she had been guilty of doing the same trifling, petty crap as that with her own sisters from just pure jealousy. It had taken her a long time to grow out of it, but she finally had. Obviously Jake hadn't grown out of it.

"I can't believe they've been living in the same town all this time and fighting like that." Edwina said.

"Shawn left home… a long time ago… he just – he just came back… last year… and – and we met." Sylvia cried. "Sheila go back! Please go back!"

"Girl I'm not going back there! I'm taking your ass home!"

"That's why Jake is still acting that way." Vivian said.

"What?!" Ellen asked.

"Because Shawn left… so its like, it never came to a head, never dealt with. He may have moved on, but any chance of Jake dealing with it was taken away from him, so naturally when Shawn returned, things picked up right where they left off." Vivian personally felt.

"Are you defending him! HE'S AN ASSHOLE AND I HATE HIS FUCKING GUTS!!!" Sylvia screamed sobbing.

"Maybe you do hate him girlfriend! But even assholes have their reasons! That's all I'm saying." Vivian fired back.

"I don't give a damn what his reasons are! My husband doesn't deserve this shit!!!" She cried.

"Look ya'll need to calm down, I'm trying to find my goddamn way out of here! Shit I think I done got lost!"

 

---

 

Conclusion Of Series Three

Chapter 76

 

 

Bart and Gert had just finished unloading all of the gifts and taking them into Shawn and Sylvia's home with the keys they gave her. They were about to lock it up when Sylvia's phone rang. Gert went to it as Bart stood at the door.

"Hello?"

"GERT!!! Oh thank god you're there! We're – we're lost and Shawn and Jake have been fighting!" Sylvia cried into Sheila's cell phone.

"WHAT?! Bart… Shawn and Jake are fighting and Sylvia's lost!" She told him then spoke back into the phone, listening as Sylvia was crying. "Calm down sweetheart, calm down, where are you?!"

Suddenly there was silence and then, "Hello? Mama Micky! We lost! Sylvia upset and crying! Yo' sons gone kill each other… but first … tell me how to get the heck out of here!" Sheila begged.

"Where are you?"

"We somewhere surrounded by trees! I ain't seen a street sign yet! I ain't never coming back here no more! Keep my ass in the city!"

"Okay okay calm down. Turn the van around, follow the road back to where you came from, and I will tell you how to get from the hall okay?"

"Yes ma'am! We on my cell phone, so I'll call you back when we reach the hall!"

 

"WHERE'S MY GAD'DAMN WIFE!!!" Shawn was shouting. His mouth bloody, his eye black, his knuckles bruised.

Derrick was trying to get him into the SUV but he wasn't cooperating for yelling and screaming for Sylvia. "SHAWN! SHE'S AT HOME! NOW GET IN THE SUV SO I CAN TAKE YOU THERE!"

"Come on Papah-Shawn… get in the SUV man! Let's get home please!" Mundo was standing at his other side trying to help Derrick get him in.

Kathy Ann was in her El camino, chasing after Jake who jumped in his truck and took off looking for Sylvia. Now, he was suddenly sorry. Needing to find her and apologize, somewhere in the fight with Shawn, he decided he had to make it up to her, so he could then make up with his brother. It was the worst night any of them there had experienced and no one wanted to ever go through it again. Kathy Ann was scared Jake was gonna kill himself because he could see out of only one eye, his knuckles were swollen, if not fractured from trying to hit Shawn, missing and hitting the ground instead.

Meribel was crying and upset because she thought her husband may have a broken nose from Shawn.

David and Jessica left when the second fight broke out.

Paul and Diane left a few moments after Jake finally ran to his truck jumped in and took off.

Shanna was being escorted by Mundo's friends to Shawn and Sylvia's, so she wouldn't have to be out alone.

Leaving Derrick, Meribel and Mundo. Mundo had loaded his gear up in the truck with his friends help, and now he just wanted to get Shawn in so they could pull out. Meribel would drive DJ's car and Derrick would drive the SUV if Shawn would stop yelling for Sylvia.

"SHAWN! I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS SHIT!!! GE'YOUR GODDAMN ASS IN THAT SUV!!! SYLVIA IS AT HOME! NOW GET IN THERE!!!" Meribel screamed at him.

Shawn leaned back against the SUV, his head rocking back. "Open the fuckin' door." He slurred out.

She turned away cursing in rapid Spanish.

Just as they were all pulling out, with the SUV in the lead they encountered the van with Sylvia and friends returning to the lot. Meribel pulled up to it, rolling the window down in her son's car, as Sylvia put hers down.

"YOUR FUCKIN' HUSBAND… HAS DRIVEN US CRAZY SCREAMING FOR YOUR ASS!!! AND HE BROKE MY HUSBAND'S NOSE! SONOFBITCH!"

"Is he all right?!" Sylvia cried out.

"WHO? My husband?!" Meribel asked.

"NO… MY HUSBAND!"

She ripped into Spanish again. "How about we get to the house and you can see your husband! 'Cause I'm done with his ass and Jake's too!"

Sylvia sat back sniffing and put the window up, "Hurry up, follow them!"

"You ain't got to tell me! I swear to GOD up in heaven above! I ain't never bringing my ass back here ever a'goddamn'gain! Not ever again! And they got the nerve to say we don't know how to act! Damn this shit! Everybody mad! Everybody fighting! I done got lost! You married to a lunatic!-…"

"Don't call my husband no lunatic!" Sylvia blasted.

"He a goddamn lunatic! And his goddamn brother insane! And yo' ass married to one! And miss Red Dress hooked on the other."

"I ain't hooked on nobody! I just wanna get going! Its after eleven and I just wanna get back to Chicago." Vivian fussed from the back seat.

 

Bart and Gert stayed put waiting on Sheila to call them back, when she finally did, it was to say they were following behind Mundo, Meribel, Derrick and Shawn. Gert asked her where was Jake, and Sheila answered that she had no clue. An hour later, standing in Sylvia's front window, they saw Jakes truck roll up and screech to a halt in front of Silvia's house. Kathy Ann not far behind him pulling onto the side grassy area.

"Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Would you look at him?!" Gert sighed exasperated with Bart standing beside her as they watched Jake throw open the door of his truck, lean out and vomit on the ground. She looked up at him, he down at her. "No one in her right mind is ever going to marry that boy… we might as well accept it." Gert said. They both turned and made it to the kitchen door, down the steps and stepped outside just as the SUV pulled up onto the grass on the far side of Sylvia's garage. Shawn's truck with Mundo driving it went into his driveway across the road. Meribel pulled up behind the SUV. The van pulled in behind Gert and Bart's townecar. Everyone was jumping out at the same time, Shawn started calling out for Sylvia, Sylvia jumped out of the van yelling for Shawn. She saw his face and burst into tears, getting upset all over again.

Gert herded her into the house with the help of her friends.

While Bart stayed outside trying to get his sons under control. Jake and Shawn were cursing each other out, yelling at each other. In the house, the women were trying to calm Sylvia down. She had to get out of her gown, and into other clothes. Vivian used her bathroom and changed into her Capri outfit, upset because Sheila wasn't even trying to get back on the road, so caught up with Sylvia.

"Sheila! We need to go! I gotta get home! I don't have time for this! I have a job to get to in the morning!"

"I told you to call in!" Sheila blasted back.

"Oh no… hell with this shit." Vivian spat and marched outside and yelled out. "CAN SOME GODDAMN BODY… PLEASE TAKE MY ASS HOME!!!" All the men looked at her as if she were crazy.

Bart looked at Jake, "You… you will either do as I say now… or never show yourself at my home again… I mean it Jake! Give her your keys, get in that truck! And get the hell out of here for a while! Go! Get the hell out of here! Now!"

Jake stood angry, wiping his hand across his face. He started to say something, but he had enough. He turned to Vivian, felt around for his keys. She looked at his truck, walked to it, they were still in the ignition. "They're in here… lets go! I'm telling you now… while I'm driving! Don't say shit! It's been one helluva day!"

Jake dragged himself to the truck, climbed in on the passenger side, slumped down, crossed his arms over his chest, and passed out.

Vivian jumped in after skipping over a nasty spot where he'd emptied his gut. Started it up, turned it around and headed out.

 

Shawn stumbled into the house, walked pass all the women straight to the bedroom and then into the bathroom, slamming the door closed.

Sylvia looked at everyone.

"Please go… I'll be fine… just – go… leave us alone."

"Girl I don't know… he drunk."

"I'll be all right Sheila… really I will… just… everybody…please… I need to be left alone with my husband." She asked.

Gert came up to her. "You call us if you need anything…understand?" Sylvia nodded.

She then hugged Sheila, Ellen and Edwina. "We ain't leaving here yet… we gone get a room, so we'll be right off the interstate at the Super 8, if he start trippin', like he gone hit you, you come on! Hear me?" Sheila stated.

"Okay Sheila… thank you."

Slowly everyone started pulling out of the yard leaving. Mundo came and checked to make sure she was alright.

"I'm okay son… just… leave us – okay?"

He kissed her and stepped down off the porch and trotted across the road, jumped into Shawn's truck and left to make that other set. She shook her head and closed the door. Standing there, she took several deep breaths. Afraid to cross the house into their bedroom and then into their bathroom.

Taking a deep breath, she took the necessary steps and stood at the bathroom door, tapping on it, she called out, "Shawn… can I come in?" He didn't answer, she could hear the water running in the sink, so she knew that he heard. "Please Shawn… I need to talk to you."

Still no answer.

She drew in a deep breath and tried the door, it wasn't locked. She opened it to see him leaning over the sink rinsing his face, rinsing off his knuckles. She walked in and closed the door behind her, leaning against it.

He leaned up bracing himself against the counter top, taking several deep breaths.

"Shawn…"

"You lied to me. You fucking lied to me."

"Can you let me explain first?"

"How many times… did I – I ask you… about my brother… how many times?" His voice was gruff and forced from his chest.

Sylvia felt her chest squeeze, trapping the air there, she had to move, and walked away from the door to lean against the wall behind him.

"Well… don't remember?" He asked, still leaning on the sink.

"I think… three times." She answered softly, tears rolling from her eyes.

He stood up then, his body felt like it weighed a ton to him. He blew out from his mouth a long breath and turned around to face her. "Three times… why'd you think – I asked you… hm… why? Because… I – have nothing… better to do. Just for… lively… fuckin' conversation… hm?"

"No."

"No… that's all you have to say… no."

"No Shawn… that's not all I have to say."

"All… I wanna know… is this… has my brother… ever put… his hands… on you… hm?"

"Oh Shawn … please." Sylvia felt sick to her stomach.

"Answer the question."

"Yes…"

"Yes… he touched you. You like it?"

"NO! No I did not Shawn!"

"He kiss you… he said he did… I heard him… did he?"

"I thought he was you Shawn…" She whimpered crying. "I thought he was you… please listen to me."

"What are you gonna say? Hm… what? Let me think… let me think back… you said to me… across that road… you are honest with me… and I … be honest with you. Did you say that?" He slurred, feeling himself on the verge of collapse.

"Yes… I did."

"So… you want my brother… is that what you want?"

"NO Shawn! NO! No I don't… I swear to GOD I don't!"

"Then why didn't you tell me? WHY! WHY DIDN'T YOU FUCKING TELL ME!! WHYYYYY! SONOFBITCH!!!" He raged and put his fist through the wall two feet from her, making Sylvia scream out, covering her head she started shaking, sobbing, praying.

He stood for a moment seeing her that way, and turned to the door trying to open it, it wouldn't open for him so he stepped back and kicked it open, slamming it back away from him as it came back at him from momentum. He snatched off his vest walking pass their bed, tripped, fell down crawled to the door and climbed up it to his feet, staggered into the living room and sat on the sofa. He sat there… breathing deep…

"I'm sorry I ever came back here… I'M FUCKING SORRY – I EVER CAME BACK HE-E-ERE!!!" He bellowed. Swaying, he leaned back on the sofa, his head rocking until he finally slid to his side. His arm went over his head and he finally passed out.

Sylvia stepped from the bathroom and sat on the bed, tears dropping from her eyes. She sat, and sat and sat, letting the tears roll. An hour later, she stood over Shawn, looking down at him. She laid his check-book, all of his credit cards, and his keys on the table. Then went to him, bent low and kissed his brow.

"I love you so much… but I can't take it… I just – I just can't take it." She sucked in trying not to start sobbing again. "I just… need a little time… just… just a little time… okay… just a little time."

She stood, walked to the door, picked up her bags, and quietly left.