| Nov 8, 2005 |
| 11/8/05, 6PM, 5,504 Words |
MeClendon’s alarm clock went off. He usually woke up when his twin brother MaClandon, slammed the door when he left for work. It was 6:45 and Mec hadn’t heard the door slam. Mec went to Mac’s room. Mec knocked on the door. He heard a grunt. He opened the door and went in Mac’s room. Mac grunted, “Yo man, I ain’t tell you to come in.” Mec walked over to his brother and lifted the people off his head, “You going to work?” Mac reached for the pillow without success, “Apparently, not, I haven’t left yet.” Mec sat down on the bed, “Why you ain’t going to work?” Mac grabbed another pillow that was on his bed and put it over his head, “Cause I don’t feel like it.” Mec removed the pillow Mac had just put on his head. Mec felt Mac’s head, “You sick?” Mac sat up, “Don’t you gotta go to work?” Mec punched his brother, “Yea, but I am checking on you. What’s wrong with you?” Mac punched his brother back, “You are bugging me.” Mec threw his brother’s pillows at him, “I’m a call mama and tell her that you are sick.” Mac grabbed his brother around his neck, “Don’t do that.” Mec grabbed his brother’s head, “I knew you weren’t sick. Why you shooting hooky?” Mac wrestled from his brother’s grip, “I just don’t feel like going to work. Leave me alone.” Mec stood up, “I better not find out you skipped work to go hang out with your old lady.” Mac threw a pillow at Mec, “She ain’t no old lady. Don’t hate the playa, hate the game.” Mec made a face, “You ain’t no playa.” Mac smiled, “I may not be a playa, but I still pulled a woman that you couldn’t.” Mec rolled his eyes, “Whatever.” Mec stormed out of the room. Mac was woke now, thanks to his brother. Mac didn’t have a reason to stay at home. He grabbed his clothes, ran to the bathroom, took a shower, got dressed, and headed out the door for work.
Dianne was driving to work. Her mind was on MaClandon. She had to talk to someone about how she was feeling. She didn’t want to talk to Ariel about it. She wanted to talk to someone older and wiser than Ariel. Dr. Adkins-Garnett popped into Dianne’s head, but she wasn’t sure about doing that. Dianne had seen most of the staff members of By Example Ministries go into Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office, walk out, and she had never heard an inkling of anyone’s business around the office. As a matter of fact, she hadn’t heard any gossip around the office either. As Dianne drove to work, she tried to convince herself to talk to Dr. Adkins-Garnett.
By the time Dianne had made it to her job, she had formulated a plan. She would talk to Charlotte to see how trustworthy a confidant Dr. Adkins-Garnett was and then go from there. Dianne had formed a friendship with Charlotte, much to Dianne’s surprise. Dianne didn’t make friends easily, but Charlotte was cool. Charlotte knew everything about everybody at the ministry. She had been Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s secretary since the beginning of By Example. Dianne felt like she was stealing something from Charlotte, by taking her job of being Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s personal assistant. It didn’t matter anyway because Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Charlotte had a very close relationship. At times, Dianne envied Charlotte’s relationship with Dr. Adkins-Garnett.
Dianne walked into the building. Charlotte was the only person there. She was walking around humming and turning on lights, computers, and equipment. She looked at Dianne. Charlotte said, “Hey girl. How are you?” Dianne responded, “Hello. I am good. How are you?” Charlotte smiled, “Blessed, I am blessed.” Dianne smiled. Charlotte always said that when someone asked her how she was doing. Charlotte said, “Can I go shopping in your closet?” Dianne laughed, “Maybe, one of these days.” Charlotte laughed, “Have you worn the same outfit twice since you have been coming here?” Dianne paused and then said, “I don’t know. Does it matter if I have or haven’t?”
“Not really. I was just wondering. Why do you have so many clothes?”
“Can't help it. I like dressing nicely.”
“I guess. Does your underwear match your outfits?”
“Yea, my bras match, too.”
“So, you have on pink underwear?”
“Yea. How long have you been wondering about that?”
“Since you started working here.”
“Ok. You are a trip. Anymore questions?”
“Yea, are you rich?”
Dianne looked at Charlotte, “Yea.”
“Why are you working here?”
“Because Doc G asked me to.”
Charlotte shook her head, “Ok. How did you get rich?”
“I don’t know you well enough to tell you about that.”
“If you say so. Do you like Mac?”
“That’s none of your business. How many more questions do you have?”
“A bunch.”
“Can they wait until another day?”
“Yep, all but one.”
“What is that?”
“Can you give me one of your outfits for my birthday?”
Dianne laughed, “Do you want the matching bra and panties?” Charlotte laughed, “Yea, but can you buy those. I don’t know you well enough to wear your bra and panties.” Dianne looked at Charlotte, “You need Jesus.” Charlotte said, “You didn’t answer my question.” Dianne responded, “When is your birthday?” Charlotte answered, “May 1st.” Dianne asked, “What size do you wear and what is your favorite color?” Charlotte answered, “Fourteen. Blue.” Dianne asked, “What size bra and panties do you wear?” Charlotte blushed, “36B and medium.” Dianne laughed, “How are you going to blush when I ask you what size bra and panties you wear and you just ask me if mine were the same color as my outfit?” Charlotte blushed again.
Dianne sat down at her desk. Charlotte walked over to the chairs in front of Dianne’s desk and sat down in one of them. Charlotte stared at Dianne. Dianne looked up, “What do you want now?”
“Nothing.”
“Why are you over here looking at me?”
“I’m trying to figure you out.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. You’re just kind of interesting.”
“What makes me so interesting?”
“You look and act like you are the most well put together woman in the world. I want to know how you do it.”
“It’s a gift.”
“Do you ever have a moment when you feel like you are going to lose your mind?”
“Yea, all the time, but no one will ever know. When people see that you are weak, they take advantage of you. I don’t let people see me when I'm weak.”
Charlotte twisted her lips. She didn’t say anything for awhile. She studied Dianne. Dianne felt weird, having Charlotte staring at her. Dianne ignored the gawking woman as best as she could. After awhile, Dianne asked, “If I tell Doc G something, will she tell anyone?” Charlotte blinked, “Naw, she’s good at keeping people’s confidence.” Dianne nodded, “What if it’s something juicy and interesting?” Charlotte made a face, “She won’t tell anyone. What do you need to talk to her about?” Dianne smirked, “Like I’m telling you.” Charlotte rolled her eyes, “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Dianne responded, “The questions again. No, I don’t.” Charlotte said, “That’s probably a good thing. I got 8 of them and I can’t get one of them to come down here and stay with my mother for a weekend. Would you believe I’m the middle child? Number 5.” Dianne smiled, “So that’s what’s wrong with you.” Dianne laughed. Charlotte smacked her lip, “Forget you.” Dianne retorted, “You can’t forget me. I’m kind of interesting, remember.” Charlotte and Dianne laughed as Mother Frazier walked into the building. Mother Frazier always came by on Wednesday. She conducted a prayer and Bible study session on Wednesdays at 8:30. Mother said, “Hello ya’ll. What are you all talking about this morning?” Dianne said, “Charlotte’s bra and panty size.” Charlotte started choking. She awkwardly walked towards her desk as Dianne fell out laughing. Mother Frazier looked at Dianne, “I’m a pray for you this morning. I may need to use my oil. Lord, have mercy.” Dianne was still laughing as Mother Frazier walked to the room that she was going to use. Charlotte walked over to Dianne’s desk, “I can’t believe you did that. She is going to tell Dr. Garnett.” Dianne shrugged her shoulders, “So.” Charlotte walked away from Dianne’s desk, “You do need some prayer and some oil.” Dianne laughed.
Mother Frazier walked out of Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office. About 20 minutes later, Dr. Adkins-Garnett called Dianne into her office. As Dianne walked in, Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “Close the door behind you.” Dianne complied. She figured that Mother Frazier had dimed her out. Mother Frazier had gone in Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office earlier that morning. Dianne sat down in a chair and looked innocent. Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked stern.
“Mother Frazier said that she asked you and Charlotte what you all were talking about this morning and you said Charlotte’s bra and panty size.”
“Yes, Mame. I did.”
“Why in the world did you say that her?”
“Dunno. I guess cause it was the truth.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett shook her head, “It took everything in me not to laugh while she was telling me that. She started talking about you being gay.”
Dianne coughed, “How did she come to that conclusion?”
“You tell me.”
“Shucks. I didn’t think that was going to happen.”
“No, you didn’t think.”
“Sorry.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett paused, “It is okay. Just don’t do anything like that again. I think I convinced Mother Frazier that you aren’t gay.”
“I won’t. Thanks.”
“Lord, have mercy. How did you all get to talking about panties and bras anyway?”
“Charlotte started it. She asked me if my panties always matched my outfits.”
“What? I am glad I don’t get here any earlier. Ain’t no telling what I am liable to walk in on. How did you all get on Charlotte’s clothing size?”
“She asked me to get her an outfit for her birthday and I asked if she wanted matching bra and panties. She said yea, so I had to get her size.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett dropped her head, “Maybe I should have let Mother Frazier oil both of you all down with her oil.”
Dianne laughed. Dr. Adkins-Garnett made a stern face at Dianne, “What are you laughing at? You aren’t out of trouble yet.” Dianne stopped laughing. Dr. Adkins-Garnett blew a breath, “Go get Charlotte and tell her to come in here.” Dianne stood up quickly and did as Dr. Adkins-Garnett asked. A few minutes later, Charlotte and Dianne walked back into Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office. They both sat down. Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at them both, “You all need to watch what you all say around here. Mother Frazier was very upset when she left here. She said that you all grieved her spirit. Mother Frazier is an important part of our ministry. I would hate to loose her because you all decided to act a fool.” Dianne interrupted Dr. Adkins-Garnett, “It was my fault. Charlotte didn’t do anything.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett stared angrily at Dianne, “Did I ask you whose fault it was?” Dianne looked down at the ground. Dr. Adkins-Garnett continued, “You two represent me personally. I need you all to act with a modicum of dignity. That’s all I need for Mother Frazier to go around and tell people what you said, Dianne. I would never hear the end of it. From now on, keep your personal conversations, personal. Ya’ll can leave.” Charlotte jumped up first and headed for the door. Dianne followed Charlotte. Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “Close the door when you all leave.” Dianne closed the door as Dr. Adkins-Garnett requested.
When they were outside Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office, Dianne said, “Sorry, Charlotte, I didn’t mean to get you into trouble.” Charlotte grabbed Dianne’s arm, “Don’t worry about it. Mother Frazier must have had a fit in Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office for her to call both of us in there.” Dianne sucked her teeth, “Yea, she did.” Charlotte squeezed Dianne’s arm and then let it go, “It is cool. Dr. Garnett will be okay in awhile. It will be like it never happened.” Dianne walked to her desk, “I hope so.” Charlotte walked to her desk. Dianne couldn’t believe that she had gotten that comfortable with Charlotte. She vowed to never let that happen again.
At 1:34, Charlotte walked over to Dianne’s desk. Charlotte asked, “Have you gone and talked to Dr. Garnett about whatever you needed to talk to her about.” Dianne coldly said, “No.” Charlotte scratched her head, “Are you going to go talk to her?” Dianne coldly said, “That’s none of your business.” Charlotte got upset, “Why are you being so mean?” Dianne looked at Charlotte, “I’m not being mean. I am being business.” Charlotte made a face, “I guess that has something to do with being weak and taken advantage of?” Dianne didn’t answer Charlotte. Charlotte mumbled, “You mean heifer,” as she walked away. Dianne went into to defense mode. She stood up and followed Charlotte, “What did you just call me?” Charlotte ignored Dianne. Dianne grabbed Charlotte and said, “I asked you a question. You need to answer me.” Charlotte snatched away from Dianne, “Don’t grab me again.” A couple of ladies walked out of the rooms that they were in. Dianne asked, “Do you all need something?” One the ladies went back in the room she came out of. The other lady headed straight for Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office. Dianne cursed and then walked out of the building. Charlotte said, “Carla. Can you come here?” A teenage girl walked out of a room. Charlotte said, “Can you watch the phones for me? When Dr. Adkins-Garnett comes out of her office, tell her that Dianne and I went outside.” Carla said, “Yes, Mame.” Charlotte left the building.
Charlotte walked around to the back of the building. She saw Dianne sitting on a bench. Charlotte walked towards her. Dianne folded her arms, “Charlotte, this ain’t the time nor the place.”
“Whatever Dianne, I was just checking on you. Whatever you got stuck in your drawers, you need to take t out.”
“Who do you think you are talking to?”
“I’m talking to you. Get out of my face.”
“You may be able to run everybody off with your mean nature, but I ain’t scared of you.”
“I didn’t ask you to be scared of me. Walk off Charlotte!”
A few minutes later, Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked out of her office. She looked at Dianne’s desk and saw Carla. Dr. Adkins-Garnett asked, “Where is Dianne? Where’s Charlotte?” Carla said, “They went outside.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett headed for the door as she said, “They have lost their minds.”
When Dr. Adkins-Garnett turned the corner of the building, she saw Dianne and Charlotte standing toe to toe, staring at each other. Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked over to them, “Have you all lost ya’lls every loving mind. Are you all both PMSing or something?” Dianne turned a glared at Dr. Adkins-Garnett. Dianne had never looked at Dr. Adkins-Garnett like that before. Dr. Adkins-Garnett stared at Dianne and said to Charlotte, “Go inside. I will talk to you later.” Charlotte left without saying a word.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Dianne, “Say, what is on your mind.” Dianne rolled her eyes, “Nothings on my mind.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett twisted her lips, “obviously you want to say something to me, glaring at me like that.” Dianne looked down, “I don’t need to say anything.” Dianne started to walk off. Dr. Adkins-Garnett grabbed her, “I didn’t tell you to leave. Sit down.” Dianne didn’t move. Dr. Adkins-Garnett made a stern face, “Dianne, I said sit down. Do not make me act a fool out here.” Dianne sat down. Dr. Adkins-Garnett sounded serious. Dr. Adkins-Garnett sat down beside Dianne, “What's going on with you? What happened between this morning and now that would cause you and Charlotte to be arguing.” Dianne smirked, “You told me to keep my personal s=conversation personal.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett slapped her hand to her head, “That didn’t mean for you to be cold to anyone. Good grief. Go inside.” Dianne stood up and went in the building. Dr. Adkins-Garnett sat on the bench shaking her head.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett erupted in the building, “Charlotte, in my office, now.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett didn’t even wait for a response. Charlotte walked into Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office after she closed the door. Charlotte looked scared. Dr. Adkins-Garnett calmed down when she saw Charlotte’s expression, “Please sit down.” Charlotte did as she asked.
“What happened between you and Dianne?”
“I don’t know. She’s crazy. That’s what’s wrong with her. The nut.”
“What happened between this morning and this afternoon?”
“Dr. Garnett, she’s. She needs some help. I asked her had she come in here and talked to you yet and then she acts all mean, I ain’t even do nothing to her.”
“Just calm down. When did she tell you that she needed to talk to me?”
“This morning.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett rubbed her neck, “You can’t be fighting with Dianne in the office.”
“I ain’t scared of her. She may be able to bully everyone else, but I ain’t backing down from her.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “Just calm down. You can’t be fighting with her in the office. Wait until after work and then you all can fight all you all want to away form here. Are you going to be alright?”
“Yes, Mame. Sorry for causing so much trouble.”
“Don’t worry about it. You can leave. Tell Dianne to come in here on your way out.”
Charlotte stood up and walked out of the office. As she past Dianne, Charlotte said, “Dr. Adkins-Garnett wants you in her office.” Dianne rolled her neck, “Now what?” Dianne was tempted to walk out of the building. She didn’t need the job anyway. She could leave and never see these people again. Something inside Dianne told her not to do that. She went into Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office.
Dianne sat down in a chair. Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Dianne, “Rough day, huh.”
“Yes Mame.”
“You’ll feel better after church tonight.”
“I’m not going to church tonight.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t feel like it.”
“Tonight is a night that you need to go to church.”
“If you say so.”
“Did you need to talk to me today?”
Dianne looked surprised, “Who told you that?”
“Charlotte told me that’s what started the argument between the two of you.”
“Charlotte has a big mouth.”
“Yea. She only told me because she cares about you.”
“Please, she doesn’t even know me. Why should she care about me?”
“Because the Bible says, ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens’ that’s why she cares.”
Dianne was quiet. Dr. Adkins-Garnett was quiet too. Finally Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “Are you going to talk to me?” Dianne didn’t say anything. Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Dianne’s eyes and squinted. Dianne frowned, “Why are you looking at me like that?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett stopped squinting, “I am trying to read your mind.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled. Dianne’s face didn’t change. Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “It is okay to get close to the people around here. You just can’t get that close to everyone. It is probably not a good idea to talk about bra and panties to seventy year-old women.” Dianne smiled. Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled too, “Glad you smiled. You had me scared for a minute. I think Charlotte wants to fight you now.” Dianne made a face, “She called me a heifer.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “Charlotte called you that?” Dianne responded, “Yes, she did.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed again, “You must have really upset her.” Dianne grimaced, “She better not call me a heifer again. If she does, we will be fighting.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett frowned, “Just don’t fight in here. Take it down the road somewhere.” Dianne didn’t make a move.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“Nothing. Ill be okay.”
“You’re in here, if you need to talk, you can.”
“It’s not that important.”
“It must have been important. You said something to Charlotte.”
Dianne sighed and got quiet. Dr. Adkins-Garnett patiently waited for Dianne to say something. Finally Dianne said, “I think I am starting to like MaClandon. Not that I want to be his girlfriend or anything, but I like him hanging around.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. You all can be friends.”
“I don’t understand it. Why did he have to like me?”
“God brings people into our lives for various reasons. I can’t tell you why Mac happens to like you. I just know that he does.”
“I can’t do this. I have never had a non-sexual relationship with a man.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked startled, “what does that mean?”
“That didn’t come out right. I can’t believe I am about to tell you this.”
“Take as long as you need.”
Dianne sighed, “I have only slept with one man. But I used to be a stripper. So, the only relationships I have had with a male non-family member.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett paused, “Were you with the guy that you had a relationship with when you were a stripper?”
“Yes Mame.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Dianne with a strange look, “He didn’t care?”
“The only time he cared was when I didn’t make a certain amount of money in tips. He liked the fact that other men paid money to see my body. He is the one who got me the job.”
“That didn’t bother you.”
“Not really. The clients paid me attention and I liked the attention. Plus I got to keep all of the money I made.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed. She couldn’t imagine Dianne being a stripper. Dianne was too classy to be a stripper. Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “You don’t seem like a stripper.”
“well my ex insisted that I carry myself like a lady when we were in public, so he sent me to etiquette classes, modeling classes, and he yelled at me whenever I didn’t act like he thought I should act. I learned how to act quickly.”
“Is that how you got all your money, from stripping?”
Dianne laughed, “No. I invested most of my stripping money, but that’s not where I got most of my money from. When I left my ex, I sued him from alimony since we had been together for ten years. I won. I also sued him because I helped him with his business. I got some money from that, plus some stock in the company.”
“When did you leave him?”
“In 2000.”
“Why did you leave?”
“Because he hit me. I wasn’t going to stick around and being anyone’s punching back.”
“That’s good. I told you that you had a testimony to tell.”
“I’m not ready for that.”
“Your testimony will bless someone, I promise you it will. But you can tell it when you want to.”
Dianne smiled. Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, too, “Back to Mac… Why do you think you like him?”
Dianne smiled, “He so sweet. He is silly. He is always trying to make me laugh. He makes me feel special. It all feels genuine. To top it all off, he doesn’t want anything from me. That’s the weird part. The only other man that treats me like that is my uncle. I don’t get Mac.”
“Mac isn’t your normal young man.”
“I can tell it. I still feel weird about it.”
“Just tell him that you want to be friends.”
“I got a feeling he wants to be more than friends.”
“He can only be what you let him be.”
Dianne smiled, “I know. See, I ain’t right. I like the attention that he gives me. This ain’t easy.”
“Do you know how many old women flirt with Mac, including Taylor with her old behind? They all like the attention that Mac gives them. Both he and Mec have a knack for making women feel special. They go that from their daddy. Mec is good with younger women. Mac is good with older women. That’s just how they are.”
“Your sister-in-law hates me.”
“No, she doesn’t.”
“She does, she gives me mean looks whenever she sees me in church.”
“What do you expect her to do after that little performance at the banquet?”
Dianne put her head down, “I didn’t mean anything by that. I was just being nice to Mac because he couldn’t at the table with me.”
“Dianne, tell the truth, what did you think was going to happen if you tramped through a banquet with the Bishop’s son on your arm.”
Dianne shrugged, “That Mac would get to look special.”
“That’s all you were expecting.”
“Well, when Mec said something smart to me, I wanted to make him feel bad.”
“I could talk to her if you want me to.”
“I don’t know. That might make her madder.”
“It wont. I know what I’m doing.”
Dianne laughed, “I sure would appreciate it, if you did.”
“I will talk to her ASAP.”
“Thanks.”
“When you were stripping, did you get completely naked?”
“Doc G, I think that’s one of those personal questions that I should keep personal.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “That ain’t any of my business anyway. I still can’t picture you as a stripper. Mother Frazier would pour three or four bottles of oil on you if she knew about this.” Dianne got quiet. Dr. Adkins-Garnett stopped laughing, “Don’t worry. Our conversation is going to be between us.” Dianne smiled, “I sure hope so. I am already going to get put out of the church for corrupting your nephew. I don’t need them finding out I was a stripper.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed so hard that she turned red. Dianne laughed with her. The two women talked awhile longer before Dianne left Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office. Dianne felt good after she left Dr. Garnett’s office. Dianne was glad that Charlotte had said something to Dr. Garnett.
When Dianne walked out into the lobby, Charlotte was the only person in the building. Dianne asked, “What are you still doing here?” Charlotte smirked, “Someone had to watch the phones.” Dianne smiled, “I guess you’re still mad at me.” Charlotte twisted her lips, “Yea.” Dianne said, “Sorry about earlier. I shouldn’t have acted like that.” Charlotte looked dazed, “You’re apologizing.” Dianne smiled, “Yep. We cool or what.” Charlotte said, “Yea. Sorry I called you a heifer.” Dianne said, “Cool. Is this the part where we hug? According to my source, after a fight, friends are supposed to hug.” Charlotte laughed, “What source?” Dianne smiled, “A cute curly haired source.” Charlotte giggled, “Oh, your boyfriend.” Dianne made a face, “My friend.” Charlotte stood up, “Whatever. Sure we can hug.” Charlotte walked over to Dianne and hugged her. While they were hugging, Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked out of her office. They stopped hugging. She said, “Lord, what would Mother Frazier think if she saw you two, now.” Dianne almost fell over because she was laughing so hard. Dr. Adkins-Garnett turned red again because she was laughing hard. Charlotte looked at both of them like they had lost their minds.
Dianne made it to church. Dr. Garnett smiled when Dianne walked into the office at the church. Dr. Garnett said, “I thought you weren’t coming tonight.” Dianne smiled, “Someone told me that I needed to be at church after a day like I had today.” Dr. Garnett smiled, “That’s some good advice. Mac has been by here three times looking for you. When I told him that you might not be here, he almost had a fit. He should be through here in a few minutes.” About five minutes later, Mac stuck his head in the door. He smiled when he saw Dianne. He walked in the office. Dr. Garnett said, “I don’t think either one of us invited you in.” Mac smiled, “I couldn’t resist. I had to be in the room. All the beauty in here, made it hard to resist.” Dianne smiled. Dr. Garnett said, “You ain’t that cute.” Mac smiled and sat down. Dr. Garnett frowned at him, “We’re working. What do you want?” Mac looked confused, “Oh sorry. I will leave.” Dr. Garnett laughed, “Sit down boy. Is your mother here?” Mac smiled, “Yes Mame. She in her office.” Dr. Garnett stood up, “Thanks, I gotta go talk to her anyway. You two be nice and stay saved. Ya’ll are in the house of the Lord.” She laughed as she left the room.
Mac looked at Dianne, “What did she mean by that?” Dianne shrugged her shoulders, “She’s your aunt.”
“I heard something about you today.”
Dianne looked scared, “What did you hear?”
“That you and Charlotte almost got into a fight in the middle of the office.”
Dianne sighed, “Who told you that?”
“Carla did.”
“When did you see her?”
“She knows my girl Donnyea. Donnyea told MacArthur. MacArthur told MeClendon. MeClendon told me.”
Dianne laughed, “I bet by the time the story got to you, Charlotte and I were scratching each others eyes out.”
“Yea something like that. I think you would have won.”
“Think. Please I would have mopped the floor with her.”
Mac laughed, “Yes Mame. You look nice.”
“Thanks.”
“I heard something else about you.”
Dianne made a face, “What else did you here?”
“I can’t tell you. You’ll probably get mad.”
“I won’t get mad. What did you hear?”
Mac had a sly grin on his face. He looked like he knew something that he shouldn’t know. Dianne wanted to know what he knew. He stood up and walked towards the door. He said, “I just have one question. Are they blue or yellow?” Mac left the room before Dianne could say anything. Dianne tried to figure out what Mac was talking about. Dianne thought about it for a minute. She was wearing a blue skirt with a blue and yellow blouse. Her mouth dropped open when she figured out what MaClandon meant.
After church, Dianne walked over to MaClandon. She said, “Come with me.” Mac looked puzzled, but he followed her. Up the stairs and to his aunt’s office. When she walked through the door, she said, “How did you find out about what you asked me about earlier?” Mac didn’t say anything. Dianne glared at him. Mac quietly said, “You’re getting mad.” Dianne stopped glaring, “I am not mad. Just tell me how you found out about it.” Mac still didn’t say anything. Dianne smiled at him and then she sweetly said, “Please tell me.” Mac smiled and then slowly said, “The same way I found out about the fight.” Dianne looked mad, “Charlotte told Carla?” Mac quickly said, “No. I think she overheard Charlotte on the phone when she was talking to her mother.” Dianne frowned. Mac looked sad, “Please don’t say anything to Charlotte about it. I don’t want Carla getting into trouble.”
Dianne sat down at Dr. Garnett’s desk. She put her elbows on the desk and then put her head in her hands. She blew a long breathe. Mac said, “I am not going to tell anyone else.” Dianne looked up at Mac, “Yea, but what about your brother?” Mac made a face, “I will talk to him. He won’t say anything to anyone.” Dianne looked at Mac, for the first time, she paid attention to how handsome he was. She shook her head, “That’s all I need is your brother staring at me trying to figure out what color stuff I have on.” Mac laughed. Dianne looked at him, “What is so funny?” Mac gave her an innocent look, “Nothing.” Dianne glared at him, “I cannot believe you asked me that question and in church.” Mac gave her another innocent look. Dianne smiled at him, “That’s why I'm telling your aunt that you asked me that.” Mac looked scared, “Dianne, please don’t. She’ll have fit and yell at me. You can’t.” Dianne liked seeing Mac squirm, “I am telling.” Dianne started dancing and singing, “I'm gonna tell it. I'm gonna tell it. I'm gonna tell it.” Mac said, “What is it going to take to get you not to tell?” Dianne made a face at him, “Are you suggesting that I can be bribed?” Mac nodded, “Yea, and I hope you’re not that expensive.” Dianne smiled, “Oh, it’s going to cost you, big time.” Mac made a face, “What is it?” Dianne laughed, “I'm not going to tell your aunt on you, silly. I am not like that.” Mac smiled, “Are you serious?” Dianne said, “Yes, I'm serious.” Mac blew a breathe, “Thank goodness. Are you going to tell if you’re wearing yellow or blue?” Dianne’s eyes got big, “I'm not telling you.” Mac smiled, “I already know what color they are anyway. Blue.” Dianne made a face, “If you say so.” Mac walked over to the door, “I'm gone, see you later.” Dianne smiled, “Bye.” As Mac walked out the door Dianne said, “They’re not blue. They’re yellow.” Mac turned bright red as he closed the door. Dianne laughed. She couldn’t believe that she had just said that to Mac. |
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