| Nov 15, 2005 |
| 11/15/05, 4:30PM, 8,374 Words |
Dianne knocked on Ariel and Greg’s door. No answer. Dianne knew they were both there because their cars were in the driveway. Dianne knocked again. No answer again. Dianne knocked a third time as she thought, “I'm not going anywhere.”
Dianne heard Greg’s voice uttered an expletive, “Why you just standing there? Get the door!” Greg opened the door. Ariel was standing beside him with an evil look on her face. Greg said, “Hey Dianne. What you do to this girl? She’s been tripping for days.” Greg walked back to his room, not waiting for an answer. He left Dianne standing outside the house with Ariel standing in the threshold of the door, staring at Dianne.
Dianne managed a smile, “You going to let me in or what?”
“NO!”
Dianne sighed. It was hard to take Ariel’s harshness. Dianne forced another smile, “What are you mad about? Speak your mind.”
Ariel looked as if she wanted to cut Dianne with a knife instead of with words, “You left me for that high yella young behind joker. I can't believe you.”
Dianne wanted to laugh. Ariel was so mad that spit was flying out of her mouth. Dianne controlled herself, “I didn’t leave you. You walked off. I called you to tell you to wait and you got mad and left. This ain't on me.”
Greg walked back through. He uttered an expletive, “Close my door. Air ain't free.” He mumbled a string of expletives and some derogatory things about women as he walked to the kitchen.
Ariel walked outside and closed the door behind her. Dianne made a face, “We can't go inside?”
“I don’t want you in my house right now.”
Dianne leaned up against the wall of the house. Greg and Ariel’s porch was not inviting to its visitors.
Ariel watched her traitorous friend lean against her wall, “I don’t want you on my house either.”
Dianne stood up straight, “You are intent on being mean.”
“Whatever.”
Dianne couldn’t believe that Ariel was acting this way, “See, the olds me would have been done cussed you out, but the new me is going to let you make it. I should have cursed you out when you disrespected me in front of MaClandon. You know full well that if I had pulled some mess like that, I would still be getting cursed out.”
Ariel interrupted with fire in her voice, “You through yet!”
“Dianne stared at Ariel with coldness in her eyes, “No, I'm not. I should bust your tail right now and see what happens. You wouldn’t be acting all mean then.”
Ariel smacked her lips despite the fact that she knew if Greg knew that she had flirted with another man like that, he would have hit the roof. Ariel retorted, “You ain't going to do that. Why you tripping over that boy anyway. Ya’ll just friends. Remember.”
“You shouldn’t have put him in a position like that. It wasn’t right and you don’t know if I like him or not. You were wrong for that.”
Ariel rolled her eyes, “Why didn’t you come to the hotel after I told you I was going home? I waited for you.”
“Tell the truth. How long did you wait?”
“Five minutes.”
Dianne laughed, “It took you ten minutes to walk to the hotel. How long did you think it would take me?”
Ariel laughed, too, “Did you tell him we were going to be downtown?”
Dianne looked shocked at Ariel’s accusation, “No, our time is our time. I would never do that. I can't believe you even asked that.”
“I just asked a question. Awful funny he showed up downtown.”
“Well, I didn’t have a thing to do with that.”
“He is cute though.”
Dianne smiled, “I know. You know I don’t mess with ugly men.”
“So you say.”
Dianne laughed, “You were madder than a little bit. I need a Kleenex to wipe the spit off my face. That note was nasty.”
Yea, I know. Why that boy sniffing after you anyway?”
“You know how men are about their Caramel.” Dianne did a sexy dance move and started laughing.
Ariel almost fell, she was laughing so hard, "There goes my girl. I was wondering where she went. You flirted with men more than anybody else I know.”
I am still me, just a different me.”
Ariel made a face, “A dull you.”
Dianne gave Ariel a pat on her shoulder.
Ariel smiled, “I can tell that you are different. I still ain't sure I like the new you.”
Dianne leaned on her friend, “We cool?”
“Yea, we cool.”
The two of them hugged. They stood outside talking for over an hour before Dianne left and went home.
***
It was revival time at the Greater Buelahland Interdenominational House of Rest. The evangelist was a fiery young preacher who preached the people into frenzy. He messages send conviction that caused sinners to come to Christ. They brought comfort to those who were in need of comfort. They brought healing to those need healing. The church was being revived nightly.
Dianne had felt the fire well up in her a time or to, but she refused to let it come out any other way, but through her tears. She didn’t relish the idea of running around the church as if she had lost her mind. The feelings she felt were great and she liked the way she felt. She had made a point to ask Dr. Adkins-Garnett what was going on at the first chance she got.
MaClandon had praised God so hard that he was so full of the spirit that he could hardly walk. His twin brother, MeClendon had fallen out a time or two. The revival was just what the church needed.
***
Dr. Adkins-Garnett called Dianne into her office. After Dianne closed the door and sat down, Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “I was told to ask you this.” Dianne made a confused face. Dr. Adkins-Garnett continued, “Why do you keep stopping the Lord from blessing you. Every time it looks like the Lord is going to bless you. You stop it.”
Dianne was confused, “I am not sure what you mean.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett knew that Dianne was confused. Dr. Adkins-Garnett shook her head. How did she let Taylor bait her into asking Dianne that? Dr. Adkins-Garnett sighed, “What do you feel when you are in church?”
“It feels weird. It feels like I am on fire inside me.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett wanted to laugh, but she didn’t, “What do you do when you feel like that?”
“I try to stop it.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “Why do you try to stop it?”
“I don’t know.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett knew that she should have explained this to Dianne before now, “That’s the spirit of the Lord working on the inside of you.”
Dianne made a face, “What does that mean?”
“It is the Lord moving on the inside of you. He may be cleaning something on the inside of you. He may be trying to comfort you. He may be trying to just touch you. It’s different sometimes.”
Dianne nodded.
“How does it make you feel?”
Dianne looked perplexed, “It feels good, but I don’t want to run and jump around like some of those people. I just end up crying because it feels like I am going to burst if I don’t do something.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “Why don’t you want to jump and run around?”
“I'm scared I may start dancing like I used to when I was a stripper.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “That would be funny. Church would probably stop completely.”
Dianne laughed, too.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “You don’t have to worry about that. God will be in control of you and you won’t dance like that.”
“Are you sure? I still don’t like the idea of running and jumping around all wild.”
“Yes, I’m sure. If you are in the spirit, God won’t let you make a fool of yourself.”
Dianne looked off and then back at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, “It may take awhile before I run around.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “That’s okay. You can praise the Lord however you want to.”
“How come I have never seen you dance?”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett made a face, “I'm too old to be doing all that wild stuff. Plus, I have danced myself out over the years.”
Dianne laughed, “I guess.”
“What was your stage name when you were a dancer?”
Dianne blushed, “It was Caramel.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed hard, “Are you serious?”
“Yes, Mame.”
“That fits you. Hum hum hum. Lord have mercy. I bet you men went crazy when you came out.”
Dianne blushed again, “Yes Mame.”
“You don’t look or act like you used to be a stripper.”
Dianne smiled, “You see why I don’t want Caramel coming out in church.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “You are crazy. I would be funny to see you drop it likes it hot.”
Dianne doubled over laughing, “What do you know about dropping it like its hot?”
“Don’t let the gray hairs fool ya, Baby girl.”
“Ok, see you tripping.” Dianne laughed hard.
“Yea, I know a little something.”
“I see that.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Dianne talked for awhile longer.
***
MeClendon walked up to Dianne after revival service was over, “Hey Miss Lady.” Dianne made a face, “Do you know my name?” Mec smiled, “Yea, its Dianne.” Dianne flared her nostrils, “It’s Sis. Roberts.” Mec laughed, “Hey Sis. Roberts.” Dianne suppressed the laugh that had risen in her, “You don’t have to say it like that.” Mec smiled slyly, “I know.” Dianne said, “Did you want something?” Mec smiled, “Yea, some of us are going to get something to eat. Would you like to go? Mac’s going, too.” Mec gave Dianne a player smile. She stared at him coldly, “Does Mac know you are inviting me?” Mec made a face, “Does he need to know that I am asking you? We are leaving in a few minutes. Meet us in the front of the church.” Mec walked off before Dianne could tell him no.
Dianne was standing outside waiting for MaClandon or MeClendon to show up. She watched as Donnyea and Shalalah stood talking to each other. The two of them made her feel old. She was dressed differently than them. She talked differently than them. She acted differently than them. She wondered what MaClandon saw in her.
Dianne felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around. It was MaClandon. He was smiling big, “What are you doing out here?” Before Dianne could answer, MeClendon walked up to them, “Cool, you made it. Alright ya’ll let’s roll. DeWright, who you got with you?” A tall dark skinned guy responded, “I got four people with me.” MeClendon smiled, “Donnyea, who you got?” Donnyea said, “I got like four or five with me.” MeClendon smiled, “I'm full. Mac, why don’t you ride with Dianne, I mean Sis. Roberts. Ya’ll can follow us.”
MaClandon looked as if he could have spit fire. MeClendon grabbed his brother by the neck and whispered in his ear, “You can thank me later.” Everyone headed to their cars.
After Dianne and MaClandon got into Dianne’s car, Dianne asked, “Are you okay?” MaClandon sulked, “Yea, I'm fine.” Dianne touched his leg, “You are too cute for your face to be looking that mean.” MaClandon smiled. Dianne smiled, “Are you sure that you are ok?” MaClandon said, “Yea, I just didn’t tell Mec to invite you.”
“Yea, I know.”
MaClandon sucked his teeth. He was so mad at MeClendon. No one asked his twin brother to invite Dianne anywhere with them. MaClandon didn’t want to share Dianne with his silly friends. They would probably end up embarrassing him by doing something stupid.
“MaClandon.”
MaClandon jumped when Dianne said his name, “Yea, what is up?”
“I am just talking to you and you are ignoring me.”
MaClandon made a face, “Sorry.”
MaClandon was planning on giving his brother a piece of his mind. MeClendon was always doing something he didn’t have any business doing. The more MaClandon thought about it, the madder he got.
“MaClandon.”
MaClandon jumped again, “Why do you keep yelling my name?”
“You are ignoring me again.”
MaClandon sighed, “Sorry, can we talk later? I can't concentrate right now.”
Dianne was quiet for the rest of the ride to the restaurant.
The group of young adults and Dianne walked up to the restaurant. Dianne felt out of place walking with the rowdy bunch of kids. She tried to act as if she wanted to be there, but if she had her way, she would have went home.
The group had to wait to be seated. The stood outside talking.
“Yo, did you see Sis. Trevor. I swear she is going to run into a wall one of these days.”
“You need to quit. Mother Johnson got her praise on for real.”
“Yea, she is going to hurt herself.”
They talked about some of the other people that were at church. Dianne smiled as she imagined each person that they talked about. She was surprised that she knew most of the people that they were talking about.
Donnyea said, “Sis. Roberts, when you gonna cut loose and dance at church?”
Dianne smiled, “You can call me Dianne. I don’t know.”
Donnyea continued, “I bet you dance as proper as you walk. That would be funny to see.”
Dianne smiled. MaClandon shot a look at Donnyea.
Donnyea shot a look back at MaClandon, “I'm just messing with you.” Donnyea went to talking to Shalalah in a whisper.
The hostess called their number. After the walked to the table, they all sat down. The group was still loud and rowdy. They all looked at their menus and discussed what they were going to order. MaClandon leaned over to Dianne behind his menu, “I got you.” He smiled. Dianne said, “Okay. Do they have lobster on the menu?” MaClandon laughed. Donnyea said, “I guess the lovebirds want to be alone.” Both MeClendon put his menu down. Dianne made her Not Now face. MeClendon shot Donnyea a look, “Dang, girl. Act like you got some home training.” Donnyea snapped, “Whatever, they are the ones behind the menus. Tell them that.” MaClandon said, “Grow up okay.” Donnyea said, “Negro, please. Just cause you got your old woman here, don’t mean I won’t read you.”
Dianne wanted to curse, “What did you just call me?” Donnyea stared at Dianne, “I called you an old woman. What?” Before Dianne could answer, MeClendon said, “Everybody calm down. It ain't even gotta escalate to this. Donnyea, apologize.” Donnyea didn’t say a word. MeClendon frowned, “Girl, don’t make me act a fool up in here. Apologize!” Donnyea looked at Dianne, “Sorry.” Dianne bit her lip and told herself, “Walk off, Dianne. Leave it alone.” She said, “Cool.” MaClandon grabbed Dianne’s hand under the table. That calmed Dianne down a bit.
After the incident, the table was quiet for about ten minutes. Finally, MacArthur said, “Anybody got the new DM Adkins CD. It is off the hook.” That was all it took to break the silence. From time to time, Donnyea would shot a crazy look at Dianne. Dianne ignored her.
Donnyea and Shalalah stood up. Donnyea announced that they were going to the restroom. About 3 minutes later, Dianne stood up and excused herself. She headed for the restroom. When she walked in, Donnyea and Shalalah were standing at the sink talking. Shalalah jumped when Dianne walked in. Donnyea gave Dianne a defiant stared. Dianne looked at Shalalah, “Shalalah, can you excuse us, please?” Shalalah looked at Donnyea. Donnyea nodded. Shalalah left the restroom.
Donnyea walked up on Dianne, “What? You got something to say.” Dianne backed up from Donnyea, “You need to watch who you are walking up on little girl.” Donnyea walked up on Dianne again, “Whatever old woman.” Dianne made a fist, put it to her mouth, and blew, “You really need to walk off before you get hurt.” Donnyea didn’t move, “YOU need to find a man your own age. With your old self.”
***
Shalalah walked to the table by herself. MaClandon and MeClendon both looked at her and asked, “Where’s Donnyea?” Shalalah quietly said, “She’s in the restroom with Dianne.” MaClandon said, “Oh Lord.” MeClendon said, “You left them in there. Girl, Dianne is going to kill that girl. Go back in there and get them.” Shalalah said, “I going up in there. You tripping.” MaClandon was already walking towards the restroom. MeClendon walked up to MaClandon before he got too far away, “Man, leave it alone. Debra, you and Shalalah go in there and get Donnyea. Please.”
***
Dianne silently prayed, “Lord, don’t let me hurt this child.” Donnyea walked up to Dianne and stare at her in her eyes, “I don’t care who you are and where you came from. I ain't going to stand by and let you have MaClandon. He don’t need you.” Before Dianne could answer, Shalalah and one of the other girls that were with them walked in. Debra said, “Donnyea, what are you doing?” Donnyea said, “I am putting this hag in her place.” Shalalah gasped, “Donnyea, have you lost your mind? Sis. Roberts, I am so sorry. I don’t know why she is acting like this.” Donnyea got brave with her friends in the restroom with her, “You ain't gotta apologize foe me. It’s whatever old woman. We can step outside now.” Debra grabbed Donnyea, “Girl, you are about to get your tail whipped. If you don’t shut up, I may just help her whip your tail. You stupid. Mac done already told you, he don’t want you. Quit acting ignant. Come on.” Debra drug the resistant Donnyea out of the restroom.
Shalalah stared at Dianne, “I'm sorry. Donnyea has had a crush on Mac forever. She acts like this with every girl that he brings around. You gotta just overlook her.” Dianne didn’t say anything. Shalalah’s voice was shaky, “Are you gonna be okay?” Dianne smiled, “Yea.” Shalalah smiled, “I think you’re cool, if that means anything.” Dianne laughed, “Thanks.” Shalalah was about to say something else. Dianne stopped her, “You don’t need to say anything else. It is okay.” Shalalah started to walk out of the restroom. She stopped, “Were you going to hit her.” Dianne smiled, “Naw. Thank God, I'm saved, though.” Shalalah laughed and left the restroom.
***
Donnyea and Debra sat down at the table. MeClendon looked for signs that Donnyea had been in a fight. There were none. MeClendon didn’t let her sit down. HE grabbed her and led her outside the restaurant.
After Debra sat down, MaClandon asked, “Where’s Dianne and Shalalah?” Debra snorted, “They are still in the restroom.”
***
MeClendon drug Donnyea over to his car by her arm. Donnyea yelped, “You’re hurting my arm.” MeClendon didn’t say anything until he got to his car, “Your ignant behind is going to get hurt acting like a fool. What is wrong with you? Mac don’t want you. Get over it. If you act like that again, you won’t have to worry about Dianne because I am gonna handle you. You are gonna apologize, too and mean it or else I will let Mac get hold o you. Stupid girl.” Donnyea made a face, “I ain't apologizing to her.” MeClendon got right up in Donnyea’s face, “I said you were. Don’t play with me right now. I ain't in the mood. You are two seconds from getting cussed out. This ain't the time to be acting a fool. You are going to apologize. I mean it.” Donnyea didn’t say anything. They walked back into the restaurant.
***
Dianne stared in the mirror for a few minutes. She blew a breath. “I have got to be losing my mind.” She pulled herself together and left the restroom to head back into the restaurant. As she was walking back to the table, she bumped into a familiar person, Sabrina Norman. Sabrina saw Dianne, “Hello, Sis. Roberts. What are you doing here?” Dianne responded, “Hello, Sabrina. Trying to get something to eat.” Dianne walked to the table.
MaClandon stood up while Dianne sat down. Dianne looked at MaClandon and smiled. MaClandon smiled. MeClendon cut his eyes at Donnyea. Donnyea finally said, “Sis. Roberts, I apologize for my unruly behavior earlier. It was disrespectful. I know better than to act like that in public.” Donnyea looked off and didn’t wait for a response from Dianne.
The waitress finally brought the food for the eighteen people that were sitting at three tables pushed together. Norie blessed the food and everyone started to eat.
As they talked and ate, MaClandon spotted Sabrina and a guy walk in. MaClandon gasped quietly, “What is she doing here?” Dianne looked at him, “Who?” MaClandon sighed, “Sabrina.” Dianne shrugged her shoulders. MaClandon silently prayed that Sabrina wouldn’t notice them, but he had prayed the wrong prayer because Donnyea looked up saw Sabrina and yelled, “Hey Sabrina.” Sabrina looked in their direction. MaClandon couldn’t disappear. Sabrina had spotted them.
Sabrina walked over to the table with the guy she was with in tow. Sabrina walked right up to MaClandon and said, “Hey. Long time no see.” MaClandon smiled, “Yea, I guess so.” Everyone else at the table was quiet waiting to see what would happen. Sabrina said, “This is James. He's my man.” Sabrina hugged James tightly, hoping to make MaClandon jealous. MaClandon said, “Hey James.” James responded, “Hey. Bree, we going to go eat?” MaClandon couldn’t believe that James had called her that.
Donnyea opened her big mouth and spilled, “Mac had a woman too. He’s with Dianne now.” Donnyea smiled with accomplishment. The whole table looked at Donnyea. She said, “What, I thought they were introducing their new mates. I just helped the process along.” Norie, who was sitting across from Donnyea, kicked her.
Sabrina looked at Dianne and burst out laughing, “You hooked up with that. You lying to me.” Donnyea instigated, “Yea, he did.” MaClandon responded, “And if I did?” He put his arm around Dianne’s shoulder. Dianne smiled at Sabrina and kissed MaClandon on the jaw. Sabrina’s mouth almost dropped to the floor. MeClendon hollered, “Oh my!” Donnyea looked hurt. Sabrina said, “You all wont be together long. MaClandon doesn’t know how to make a woman feel like a woman, that’s why I got me a real man.” Dianne smiled, “He makes me feel like a woman, well enough to suit me.” Dianne rubbed MaClandon’s arm seductively. Everyone at the table gasped. Sabrina grabbed James’ hand and walked off.
MaClandon slowly let Dianne’s shoulder go. He smiled at her. Dianne couldn’t believe that she was in the middle of the mess that she was in. MeClendon said, “Ya’ll scandalous. Scandalous, ohh. But I ain't mad at nobody.” He wished he was close to his brother so he could high-five him. He looked at Donnyea. Her face was long and sad. MeClendon thought, “That’s what your trifling behind gets.”
The group ate and talked amongst themselves. Dianne tried to eat, but she didn’t have much of an appetite. She wanted to just go home. MaClandon noticed that Dianne wasn’t eating. He leaned over to her, “You okay?” Dianne sighed, “No, I wanna go home.” MaClandon stood up and grabbed Dianne’s hand, “Come on.” Dianne stood up. Donnyea asked, “Where you all going?” MaClandon shot her a look, “None of your business. Ain't you caused enough trouble tonight?” Donnyea rolled her eyes.
MaClandon looked over in Sabrina’s direction. She was looking at him. MaClandon grabbed Dianne by her hand and walked her outside.
They made it Dianne’s car. MaClandon still had Dianne’s hand. Dianne looked at their hands, “I don’t think we have an audience out here now.” MaClandon reluctantly let Dianne’s hand go. He smiled at her. He wasn’t sure what to say after tonight. He said, “Sorry about all of this.” Dianne giggled, “It’s okay. Your friends are crazy.” Mac smiled, “Yea, I know. I wished this wouldn’t have happened. I didn’t tell Mec to invite you.”
“I know. It is okay.”
“Are you upset?”
Dianne sighed, “Yea, a little, but not at you.”
“Cool. Who are you upset with?”
Dianne looked off. She really didn’t want to talk about it.
“I guess you don’t want to talk about it.”
Dianne looked at the ground, “No, I don’t. Do you need me to take you home?”
“Uhh no. I can hop in the car with one of them.”
Dianne smiled, “Okay. See you later.”
MaClandon smiled, “Cool. Thanks for backing me up in the restaurant with Sabrina.”
Dianne shook her head, “You’re welcomed.”
MaClandon didn’t move.
Dianne looked him in the eyes, “What?”
MaClandon looked at her in the eyes, “You look beautiful in the moonlight.”
Dianne didn’t feel like dealing with MaClandon being flirtatious right now, “Thanks. I'm leaving.” Dianne moved towards her car door. MaClandon grabbed the door after she got in and leaned down in the door.
Dianne looked at him, “Goodbye, MaClandon.”
MaClandon smiled and kissed her on the lips. He took off back towards the restaurant.
Dianne sat in the parking lot for a few minutes. Her emotions raced. She was mad one second. She was cheery the next second. She touched her lips and vowed to handle MaClandon the next time she saw him.
MaClandon walked back to the restaurant smiling. He knew that the next time Dianne saw him, she was probably going to kill him, but he didn’t care. He would gladly take the punishment that was coming behind the wondrous risk that he had just taken.
***
Bishop had gotten wind of the scene at the restaurant. He had Mac in his home office talking to him, “Son, I can't believe you let that happen. Why in the world would you act like that?” Mac knew that he had nothing to do with the whole thing. It was Mec’s fault. Mac said, “Mec did it. He invited Dianne out to eat with us. This ain't on me.” Bishop said, “Yea, but you are the one that was hugged up with Sis. Roberts in public. I am very disappointed in you. I would have never expected you to act like this. I will talk to Mec, too. Don’t worry about that.” Mac was mad. He was going to knock Mec in the mouth as soon as he saw him. Bishop kept on talking, but Mac wasn’t listening.
Bishop finally stopped fussing at his son. Bishop allowed him to leave the room. Mac walked downstairs to the kitchen of his parent’s house. Mec was in the kitchen talking to their sister Gloria. Mac walked up to Mec and punched him in the mouth, “Ain't nobody ask you to invite Dianne anywhere. You need to stay out of my business.” Gloria moved out of the way. Mec grabbed his lip and then rushed towards his brother. He pushed him into the counter, “Nigga, you need to calm down.” Mac didn’t calm down. He punched Mec in the stomach. Mec doubled over and grabbed his stomach. Mac punched Mec in his jaw, while Mec was looking down. Mec gathered what strength he had and stood up. He swung at Mac and missed. Mec hit the cabinet door and broke it. Gloria screamed, “Daddy, they down here fighting.” Mac punched his brother in the stomach again. Mec grabbed his stomach, swinging blood from his cut hand on the kitchen floor. Mac grabbed his brother and started wrestling with him.
Bishop ran in the kitchen to find his sons wrestling on the floor. A few seconds later, Sis. Adkins appeared in the kitchen. She gasped when she saw blood on the kitchen floor. Gloria was just watching her brothers fight. Bishop grabbed at both of the boys, “Quit this and now!” The boys continued wrestling, almost knocking Bishop over. He grabbed Mac and pushed him aside. Bishop then grabbed Mec and stood him up. Sis. Adkins ran over to Mec and grabbed for his hand. She stepped on the glass as she walked over to him. She looked down and said, “What are you all doing?” Bishop looked at his wife and then his daughter, “Ya’ll leave. I'll handle this.” Gloria left the kitchen quickly. Sis. Adkins stared at Mec. Bishop looked at his wife, “Darlene. I got this!” Sis. Adkins slowly left the kitchen.
Bishop looked at Mec and then at Mac. “Who started this?” Neither of the boys said anything. Bishop asked again, “Who started this?” Mac said, “That fool!” Mec yelled, “Nigga, I got your fool.” Bishop said, “Mec, don’t use that word. Mac, don’t call your brother a fool.” Mec held his bloody hand. Bishop said, “Mac, go wait for me in my office while I fix Mec’s hand.” Mac left the kitchen. Bishop and Mec walked to the downstairs bathroom to clean Mec’s hand. They heard the front door slam. Mac had left his parents’ house. Bishop yelled, “Darlene, call Mac and tell him to get his behind back here.” Sis. Adkins complied. Mac didn’t answer his phone.
***
Mac walked quickly. He was mad. He knew that his father was going to come down on him and let Mec get off as usual. He wasn’t going to stick around for that. Mac’s phone rung again. He looked at the phone to see who was calling. It was his mother again. He had no intention of talking to her or any other member of his family.
Mac let his mother’s call go to voice mail. He grabbed the phone and dialed Dianne’s number. Dianne picked up the phone, “Hello.” MaClandon said, “Hey Dianne, it is Mac.” Dianne could tell that MaClandon sounded funny, “Are you okay?” MaClandon sighed, “Naw, can you come pick me up?” Dianne was silent. She wasn’t doing anything, but she didn’t feel like being with MaClandon right now. She was still mad at him. MaClandon said, “I guess you’re busy. Don’t worry about it. I'll be okay.” MaClandon sounded so hurt that Dianne said, “Where are you? I will come get you.” MaClandon told her where he was. Dianne met him 20 minutes later.
MaClandon got in Dianne’s car after she stopped. His clothes looked disheveled and his hair was messed up. Dianne said, “Were you in a fight or something?” MaClandon said, “Yea, with Mec.” Dianne made a concerned face, “Where is he?”
“He is at my parents’ house.”
Dianne looked around. She wondered which house belonged his parents. She said, “Aren’t your parents going to be looking for you?”
“Yea, I don’t care. I just wanna get out of here.”
Dianne didn’t want to get in the middle of anything between MaClandon and his parents, “I think you should go back to your parents’ house and talk to them. They are going to be worried about you. Plus, I don’t want to get in the middle of this.”
MaClandon scowled at Dianne, “Whatever Dianne. I should’ve known that I couldn’t count on you.”
Dianne knew that what MaClandon had just said was out of anger, “You’re upset, so I am not going to respond to that. I still think you should go back to your parents’ house.”
MaClandon looked down at the floor, “Whatever.” He got out of the car and slammed the door. Dianne controlled her temper. She hated it when people slammed her door. She watched MaClandon walk off in her rearview mirror. She felt bad leaving him like that, but she didn’t want to get in between him and his parents. His parents already didn’t like her. They would have a fit if they knew that she had taken their son away after this incident.
Dianne grabbed her cell phone and called MaClandon’s number. He answered, “Yea, what?” Dianne blew a breath, “I know you’re mad, but you don’t have to be rude. I was just calling to check on you. I can come back and get you after you talk to your parents if you want me to.” MaClandon sputtered, “I don’t want you to do anything for me. Bye!” He hung up the phone before Dianne could respond. Dianne dropped her phone on the seat and headed for her house, fuming for even coming to pick MaClandon up.
***
MaClandon made it back to his parents’ house. He walked in the door to find his mother pacing up and down the hallway. She looked at him, “Where have you been? Why didn’t you answer your phone?” Mac said, “Mama, leave me alone.” Sis. Adkins stared at her son. She wasn’t sure who was standing in front of her, but it wasn’t her sweet son. She thought, “This is all Dianne Roberts’ fault!”
Bishop walked out of living room and looked at his son, “Did you have time to calm down?” Mac looked at his father, “Yes sir.”
“Do you think you can talk now?”
Mac rubbed his forehead, “Yes sir.” Mac headed to his father’s office without even being told to.
Bishop met his son in his office, “What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing.”
“You have never acted like this before. Why are you beating on Mec?”
“Mec started this whole mess. If he hadn't invited Dianne to go out to eat with us, last night wouldn’t have happened, but ain't nobody gonna say that to him. He gets away with everything. You all are always on my case!”
Bishop walked over to his son and hugged him. Mac lay on his father’s chest and cried.
Mec walked into his father’s office, “Mac, I am sorry man. I didn’t mean to cause this much trouble. I was just trying to help you out.”
Mac moved from his father’s arms and looked at his brother, “Man, I ain't ask for your help!”
“Mac, calm down, you don’t have to shout.”
Mac glared at Mec, “You always butting in! You get on my nerves.”
Mec looked at his brother with tears in his eyes, “I'm sorry man. I didn’t know all of that mess was going to happen last night. I'm sorry.”
Bishop said, “You all need to work this out. Do I need to stay in here with you all? I don’t want my office tore up.”
Mec looked at Mac. Mac said, “No sir.”
Bishop left the office.
Mec said, “I didn’t know Donnyea was going to act like that.”
“Whatever man, you know Donnyea always acts a fool whenever I am with a woman. You should’ve known she was going to act stupid.”
Mec sighed, “I know. Who knew Sabrina was going to walk up in there? That ain't my fault, Dawg.”
“Yea, it is. You shouldn’t have asked Dianne anything. Ya’ll ignant. Ya’ll don’t know how to act like adults. Ya’ll embarrassed me.”
Mec looked at his brother, “Come on, man. It ain't my fault ole girl stuck up. She doesn’t know how to have fun. Why don’t you fuss at her?”
Mac wanted to hit his brother. He just stared at him, “Whatever, just because Dianne doesn’t act ignant and ghetto doesn’t mean that she’s stuck up. She just knows how to act in public, unlike them trifling girls you mess with.”
“Whatever.”
Mac sat down at h is father’s desk. Mec sat down on the couch.
Mac looked at his brother, “Is your hand okay?”
“Yea, I just had one piece of glass stuck in it. Pops yanked it out. It hurt, but I'm cool.”
Mac couldn’t believe that he had gotten the best of his brother. That was the first time that had ever happened. He laughed.
Mec said, “What you laughing at?”
“I whipped you.”
“Boy please, you ain't whip nobody.”
Mac kept laughing, “You are the one bleeding. I ain’t got a scratch on me.”
Mec laughed too.
They were quiet for awhile.
Mec said, “Was she mad when she left?”
“Yea.”
Mec was quiet for a second before he said, “Dawg, she backed you up good with Sabrina. I was waiting for her to slob you down at the table.”
Mac laughed, “Yea, that’s my girl. She got my back.”
“Did you see Donnyea’s face? It was on the floor in about four hundred pieces. I was like, that’s what you get.”
Mac shook his head, “Why that girl still stuck on me? I already told her that I didn’t like her.”
“Man, I don’t even know. She tried to get with me after you turned her down.”
Mac didn’t know about that. He made a face, “Did you?”
“Naw, fool. I ain't gonna do you like that.”
Mac shrugged, “I don’t know. You are a dog.”
Mec laughed, “Whatever. I really am sorry, man.”
“Yea, we cool. Just leave Dianne alone, please. I got this man. Dang.”
Mec smiled, “Cool. I gotta it. Why does she call us by our right names>”
“I don’t know.”
Mec walked over to his brother and hugged him. After Mec let him go, he high-fived his brother. Mac asked, “What is that for?” Mec bumped his brother’s chest with his, “You da man, Dawg. You scandalous, but you da man.” Mac laughed.
***
Dianne picked up her cell phone. It was MaClandon. Dianne said, “Hello.”
“Hey, it’s me.”
“Who’s me?”
MaClandon sighed, “The guy who was upset with you before. I'm sorry.”
“Yea, you are. What do you want?”
“You.”
Dianne made a face, “whatever. I don’t have time for you right now. What do you want?”
“You.”
Dianne made another face, ”I am going to hang up on you.”
“Can I come see you?”
“No.”
MaClandon begged, “Please. I need to see you.”
“Why?”
“It will make me feel better.”
Dianne huffed, “No. I don’t want to see you right now.”
“Please. I really need to see you.”
There was no way that Dianne was going to let MaClandon talk her into letting him come see her. “Bye MaClandon. I'm getting off the phone.” MaClandon sadly said, “Bye.” They hung up the phone.
Twenty minutes later, Dianne’s phone rung again. She picked it up. It was MaClandon again. She answered it, “Hello.” MaClandon said, “Hey. Do you want to see me now?”
“No.”
MaClandon sighed, “I'm sad.”
Dianne made a face. She didn’t want to fool with his young behind right now. She gathered herself and said, “Why?”
“Because you are mad at me.”
Dianne sighed heavily, “MaClandon, I will talk to you later.”
“Wait, Dianne. I’m sorry I was so rude earlier. Don’t be mad at me. Please. I need one person in my life that isn't mad at me.”
Dianne huffed, “That’s not my problem. I drove all the way over there, because you asked me to and you acted a fool with me. MaClandon, I do not treat my friends like that and I don’t expect them to treat me like that. I am being as nice as I can right now. You need to leave me alone right now. I will talk to you later!”
MaClandon said, “Ok. Bye.”
Dianne hung up the phone without saying goodbye.
***
Mac was lying on his bed with his head buried in the pillow. There was a knock on the door. Mac yelled, “Go away!” Donnyea’s voice answered back, “I need to talk to you.” Mac heard Donnyea’s voice and forgot that he was sad. He jumped up from the bed and ran to the door. He opened it and glared at Donnyea, “You ain't got nothing to say to me. I can't stand you right now. You are shady, Donnyea. You shady. Get out of my face!” Mac slammed the door in Donnyea’s face.
Donnyea knocked on Mac’s door again, “Mac, please. Let me talk to you.”
Mac yanked the door open, “Talk and talk fast.”
“I'm sorry. I couldn’t help it. Every time I see you with her, it makes me mad.”
Mac’s expression didn’t change, “I don’t want you. I never have and I never will. Get over it!”
Donnyea started to cry, “You are mean.”
“You scandalous and trifling. What’s your point?”
Donnyea sobbed, “I can't believe you are acting like this.”
“I can't believe that you would try to get with my brother when I turned you down.”
Donnyea looked shocked in between her tears. She walked off crying.
Mac went back his bed. “I have upset almost every woman in my life. I am truly on a roll. God, what is wrong with me?”
***
Donnyea walked up to Mec who was playing Football on the Play Station with DeWright. She slapped him. Mec jumped up, “Girl, what the *&^@ is wrong with you, slapping on me like that?”
Donnyea screamed, “I can't believe you told Mac that I tried to get with you.”
Mec grabbed Donnyea by the arm and drug her to his room. He slammed the door after they walked in the room, “You are truly tripping.”
“Yea, but you said that you weren’t going to tell him that. I can't believe you.”
Mec sat down on his bed, “I wish I would have never asked that woman to go out to eat with us. This don’t make no sense. Get out!”
Donnyea cried, “Forget you, bastard.”
Mec made a face, “Whatever. Bounce!”
Donnyea left Mec’s room. She slammed the door. She went into the living room and grabbed her stuff. She left the house.
Mec sat on his bed and looked up to Heaven, “Lord, I shole do need You right now.”
***
Sunday morning was somber. The service at Greater Buelahland Interdenominational House of Rest moved slowly. It seemed as if there was a weight on everyone in the church. The voice of the Lord said to Bishop, “Have Angel sing “My Soul Loves Jesus” before your sermon.” That’s exactly what Bishop Adkins did.
Angel sung under the anointing of the Holy Ghost. Everyone in the church was crying. Something broke while she was singing. After Angel sat down, the organist began to play the praise music. Bishop started dancing all over the pulpit. Sis. Adkins followed behind him. Before long, the whole church was praising God in their own way. After about twenty minutes of praise, Bishop called an altar call. When Bishop called the line, most of the church ended up in the line. Bishop laid hands on everyone who came through the line. Some people fell out. Others just cried. Several people danced all over the place.
After Mac went through the line, he walked over to Donnyea, hugged her, and apologized to her. Mec followed Mac and hugged Donnyea. He apologized to her. Donnyea cried and apologized to both of the boys.
Sis. Ida Taylor was standing next to Dianne. Before Dianne realized what had happened, Sis. Taylor had pulled her into the altar call line. Dianne stood in the line crying. She watched Bishop Adkins pray for the people in front of her.
When Dianne reached Bishop Adkins, he laid his hand on her head. He leaned to her ear and said, “God said ‘Forgive your mother’.” Dianne stopped crying and looked at Bishop. He said it again, “God said ‘Forgive your mother’.” Dianne just stared at him again. Bishop Adkins looked in the direction of his wife, “Come here, Sis. Adkins.” Dianne watched Sis. Adkins walked towards her. Bishop looked at Dianne and said, “This is your mother. Tell her you forgive her.” Dianne looked at Sis. Adkins. She was crying. Dianne didn’t say anything. Bishop said, “God is going to wait on you. You have to do this, so that the past won't have hold of you anymore. This is just for you. God said to wait until you do.”
Dianne felt like she was holding up the whole service. For once, being the center of attention didn’t feel good. She looked at Bishop, at Sis. Adkins, and then back at Bishop. Bishop leaned to her ear and said, “God is using my wife, to see if you will be obedient. He knows that you aren’t too fond of her, but He is gong to wait until you do.” Bishop looked at his daughter Angel, “Sang for me Angel. My soul loves Jesus.”
All of the preachers were looking at Dianne. All of the altar workers were looking at her. Dianne blew a breath. She wasn’t sure what she had gotten into. Bishop smiled at her, “God’s waiting on you.” Finally Dianne walked over to Sis. Adkins and said, “I forgive you, Mama.” Dianne fell into Sis. Adkins’s arms and wept. Years of hurt, pain, hatred, and scorn felt off of Dianne. She looked at Sis. Adkins, she looked like Dianne’s mother. Dianne said, “Mama, I forgive you for shooting Daddy. I forgive you for ruining my life.”
Dianne tried to stop speaking, but she couldn’t, “Mama, I forgive you for telling me that you weren’t my mother anymore.”
Dianne fell back into Sis. Adkins’ arm and cried some more.
Sis. Adkins hugged Dianne as if she was hugging one of her own daughters. Sis. Adkins could feel the pain that Dianne felt. Sis. Adkins repented to the Lord for being so mean to Dianne.
When Dianne finally stopped crying, she was sitting on the front row, still lying in Sis. Adkins’ arms. Dianne wiped her face with her hands. Sis. Adkins handed her some Kleenex. Dianne wiped her face again. Dianne looked at Sis. Adkins’ suit. It was covered in Dianne’s make-up. Dianne felt bad and promised herself that she would give Sis. Adkins some money to get her suit cleaned.
Bishop talked for a few minutes before he gave the benediction.
Dianne went back to her seat to get her stuff. She sat down on the bench. She put her face in her hands. She knew that she looked a mess. All of her make-up was on Sis. Adkins’ dress. She shook her head. She felt a hand on her back. She looked up. Donnyea was sitting next to her. Dianne was too drained from crying to fight with Donnyea. Dianne hoped that the girl hadn't come to cause more confusion. Donnyea started crying and then said, “Sis. Roberts, I am so sorry for how I acted the other night. I shouldn’t have done that.” Dianne smiled at the crying girl and hugged her. Donnyea left crying. Dianne just sat on the bench.
Sis. Adkins’ assistant walked up to Dianne and said, “Sis. Adkins wants to talk to you in her office.” Dianne grabbed her stuff and followed the lady to Sis. Adkins’ office. Dianne walked in the office. Sis. Adkins said, “Have a seat please.” Dianne sat down. Sis. Adkins stared at Dianne for a few minutes, “I sincerely apologize for how I have treated you.” Dianne smiled. Sis. Adkins smiled back, “If you don’t mind me asking, where is your mother?” Dianne sighed, “She’s in jail.”
“For killing your father.”
Dianne looked at the floor and then back at Sis. Adkins, “Yes, Mame.”
“When was the last time you saw her?”
Dianne wasn’t sure what she felt. Normally, she didn’t like talking about her mother, but she it felt safe to talk about her, “I don’t know, but it’s been a long time.”
“Maybe you should go see her now.”
Dianne looked at the wall. She had no intention of going to see her mother. It was her mother’s idea for her to never come see her. Dianne didn’t want to go where she wasn’t wanted. “I'll think about it, but I don’t think I will be doing that.”
“It was just a thought. I will be praying for you.”
Dianne said, “Thanks.”
“I will let you go. I’m sure that you are ready to go home by now.”
Dianne stood up, “Yes Mame. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
Dianne left Sis. Adkins’ office.
When Dianne walked out of Sis. Adkins’ office, MaClandon was waiting for her.
He smiled when he saw Dianne, “Hey.”
Dianne touched her face. She couldn’t believe that MaClandon was seeing her looking like she was looking.
MaClandon smiled, “You look great to me.”
Dianne smiled.
MaClandon asked, “Are you getting ready to leave?”
“Yes.”
MaClandon smiled, “Can I walk you to your car?”
“Yes.”
They walked to Dianne’s car in relative silence.
When they made it to Dianne’s car, MaClandon reached for her keys and opened her door for her. He kept her keys and walked over to the passenger side of the car and got in the car. Dianne looked at him, “Can I have my keys, please?”
MaClandon smiled, “In a minute.”
Dianne smiled, “What's up?”
“Nothing, I just wanted to make sure you are okay.”
“I am.”
Mac hugged Dianne’s keys with his hand, “What did my father say to you?”
“None of your business.”
MaClandon smiled, “What did you say to my mother?”
“None of your business.”
MaClandon smiled, “Why do you call me and my brother by our right names?”
“I don’t call people by their nicknames.”
MaClandon extended Dianne’s keys towards her. When she reached for them, he pulled them away from her.
“Why are you playing with me?”
MaClandon smiled, “because I don’t want to leave you.”
“Can I have my keys, please?”
MaClandon handed Dianne her keys. She started the car and drove out of the parking lot with MaClandon in the car with her.
MaClandon looked at Dianne, “Where are you going?”
“None of your business.”
MaClandon was nervous, “Why are you kidnapping me?”
“You said that you didn’t want to leave me.” Dianne turned the corner from the church and drove down the road.
MaClandon made a face, “Come Dianne, take me back to the church. You play too much.”
Dianne ignored MaClandon.
MaClandon grabbed Dianne’s arm, “Dianne, quit playing. No one knows I'm with you. Take me back to the church. I ain’t playing.”
Dianne stopped the car at the next stop sign. She turned the corner and headed back to the church. She pulled up to the front of the church. She stopped the car and let MaClandon out of the car. He stared at her. She said, “You chicken.” He said, “Whatever.” He got out of the car. Dianne waved at him and sped off.
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