| 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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| 11/8/05, 2 PM, 5,128 Words |
Dr. Adkins-Garnett called Dianne into her office. After Dianne walked in the office and sat down, Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “Bro. Sheard is bringing his daughters over here today at 3:30.” Dianne smiled, “Cool. I hope they like it. How old are they?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett responded, “They are 10, 8, and 5. I want you to be their mentor.”
“Who me?”
“Yes, you.”
“You joking, right.”
“No, I am not joking. You are they reason that they are coming to the ministry, so you get to be their mentor.”
“There is no way that I should be mentoring anybody’s child. I didn’t get them here. I just gave them the information.”
“Dianne, you did get them here. You will be a good mentor for those girls.”
“Ain’t no way. All three of them? Naw, ain't no way. Doc G, I cannot do that.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett frowned, “Why do you call me that? You have people around here calling me that? Ya’ll make me sound like I’m a rapper or something. You got all kinds of things around here changing.
Dianne knew what Dr. Adkins-Garnett was talking about. Every since she had started working at By Example, the staff had started dressing better, trying to keep up with her. Dianne looked at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, “Quit distracting me. I can’t do this.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “Yes, you can.”
“What am I supposed to do with them?”
“You call them; check up on them, like Monica did with you.”
“Oh my Lord. Why me?”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “You need to quit being so melodramatic. You can do it.” Dianne stood up, “Yea, right.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “You will need to do the interviews with them. I will come in there with you, but you’ll have to conduct the interviews. Charlotte can get you the paperwork.” Dianne sighed as she walked out of Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office.
Dianne made it home after a long day at work. The interviews with the Sheard girls took forever, especially the one with the five year-old. She wouldn’t be still. She kept trying to see what Dianne was writing. Dr. Adkins-Garnett was out of her mind to think that Dianne should be mentoring that man’s children. Dr. Adkins-Garnett was out of her mind.
After Dianne had changed from her work clothes, she picked up the phone and called her best friend Ariel. Ariel’s husband, Greg answered the phone. A few minutes later, Ariel voice came over the phone, “Hello.” Dianne said, “Hey girl.” Ariel sarcastically said, “What, you are talking to heathens these days?” Dianne sighed, “Do not start Ariel. I just want to talk to you.” Ariel could tell that her friend of 26 years didn’t sound like her usual self. Ariel replied, “Sorry. What’s up?” Dianne said, “Can you come over here?” Ariel said, “Give me twenty minutes. See you when I get there.” They said goodbye and hung up the phones.
Dianne had been friends with Ariel every since she was 6. Dianne didn’t know what she would do if she couldn’t be friends with Ariel. They had been through everything together. Ariel was her biggest supporter when she decided to leave her controlling ex-boyfriend. Dianne didn’t know if she would ever find another friend like Ariel. Dianne had to lead Ariel to Christ. There wasn’t any other choice, it had to be done.
There was a knock on Dianne’s door. She walked over to the door, looked through the peep hole, and saw that it was Ariel. Dianne opened the door and hugged Ariel after she walked in the door. Ariel looked around Dianne’s house. Ariel hadn’t been over since Dianne had gotten saved. Dianne looked at Ariel, “What are you looking for?” Ariel smirked, “Your big old Bible.” Dianne made a face, “Would you quit?” Ariel laughed as the two of them sat down on the sofa. Ariel tapped Dianne on her arm, “So, what do you need to talk about?”
“Things are crazy in my life.”
“Oh, so being a Christian ain’t all it’s cracked up to be?”
“Naw, that ain’t it. Being a Christian is cool. You should try it. It’s just a lot going on.”
“Like what?”
“It’s the job, church, and MaClandon.”
Ariel looked dazed, “Hold up, who’s MaClandon?”
“The pastor’s son. I already told you about him.”
“Oh yea, the boy you kissed on the jaw. What does he have to do with you?”
“I will tell you that later. Dr. Adkins-Garnett wants me to mentor these three little girls. She is out of her mind.”
“Dr. Adkins-Garnett, that’s your boss right?”
“Yea, she’s nuts.”
“Yea, she is, if she thinks little girls should be looking up to YOU.”
Dianne made a face, “You ain’t have to say it like that.” Ariel laughed, “Do they make two inch heels for little girls? I can just see those little girls trying to be like you and dress up all the time.” Dianne laughed with Ariel, “You need to quit. They are some cute little girls.” Ariel shook her head, “What does their daddy look like?” Dianne made a face, “He looks ok. He is married, but his wife is sick.” Ariel smiled, “If you say so.” Dianne smirked, “You need to quit.” Ariel said, “Mr. Morris keeps asking about you.” Dianne smiled, “Really?”
“Yea, he almost had a fit when he found out that you had a job. He seemed a little upset that you didn’t come work for him.”
“I couldn’t work for him. I’d have to sue him for harassment.”
“Girl please. He has a man.”
Dianne looked shocked, “Quit lying. He is gay?” Ariel nodded her head, “Yea, Dude came by there the other day. None of us knew. I tripped out. Mr. Morris’ man kissed him right on the lips in front of all of us. Girl, we all had our mouths open. After Mr. Morris introduced him as his lover, Margaret got up and left the office. She doesn’t work there anymore.” Dianne looked dazed, “Ariel, stop lying.” Ariel shook her head, “I ain’t lying. I swear for God, I could not make anything like this up.” Dianne put her hand over her mouth, “Woe. That’s deep. I can’t believe that.” Ariel stood up and walked into the kitchen. She looked in the refrigerator. She stuck her head from behind the refrigerator. She held up a box of conversation hearts, “Di, who gave you these?” Dianne looked in the kitchen. Ariel was holding up the conversation hearts that MaClandon had given her. Dianne blushed, “MaClandon.” Ariel closed the refrigerator door and stormed back over to the couch. As she sat down, she said, “How you going to go to a church and start messing with the pastor’s 25-year old son? They are going to put you out of the church.” Dianne made a face, “I am not messing around with him. We are just friends.” Ariel started dancing and singing, “But you say he just he just a friend. You say he just friend.” Dianne hit Ariel on her arm, “You are going to quit.” Ariel laughed, “Have you all been out on a date?” Dianne shook her head and told Ariel about the adventure at Happy Way. Ariel almost fell off the couch laughing. Ariel howled, “Girl, you were not at a bowling alley in some heels.” Dianne laughed, “Girl, yes, I walked up in there in some 2 inch sling backs.” Ariel laughed hard. Dianne told Ariel the rest of the story. Ariel was laughing so hard that she was crying. Dianne could hardly talk because she was laughing, too.
Ariel said, “You and your friend.” Dianne smiled, “Yea, he is sweet.” Ariel made a face, “Sounds like you might be falling for him.” Dianne made a face, “No, I am not. We are just friends.” Ariel smacked her lips, “if you say so.” Dianne was quiet for a second then she said, “I may have gotten him into trouble with his father, though.” Ariel said, “How did you do that?” Dianne told Ariel the story.
***
It was the Saturday before Valentine’s Day. Greater Buelahland Interdenominational House of Rest was having a Valentine’s Day banquet. Dianne wasn’t sure how she let Dr. Adkins-Garnett talk her into going to the banquet. It was a chance for Dianne to buy a new evening gown, so it wasn’t going to be that bad. Mac was supposed to sit with Dianne, but his father had told him that he couldn’t sit at the table. Dianne pushed all of that out of her mind as she walked into the hotel where the banquet was being held. There were men that Dianne recognized from the church standing in the foyer of the hotel. When she walked in, they stopped talking and stared at her. An older man almost fell over trying to turn around and get a look at Dianne. She smiled at them and walked pass them. She looked around the hotel. There were people all over the place. Some were dressed up. Some weren’t. There were couples, single men, and single women walking around. There was a long winding stair case in the middle of the foyer. The sign at the bottom of the stairs read, “GBIDHOR Valentine’s Banquet, Upstairs.” Dianne looked at all those steps. She didn’t want to walk up all those stairs by herself. She looked up at the top of the stairs. One of the Adkins’ twins was leaning over the railing looking down. When the Adkins’ twin smiled at her, she knew that it was MaClandon. She thought about motioning for him to come down the steps, but she didn’t. She started walking up the long flight of stairs. A man caught up with her on the stairs and walked up the stairs with her. He was talking about something. Dianne wasn’t paying him much attention.
Mac was leaning up against the railing. He was looking around the hotel. He looked down and saw a woman dressed in red walk in the door. The woman looked up. It was Dianne. Mac smiled at her. She smiled back. Mac watched her as she walked up the stairs. Min. Dawkins caught up with her and walked up the stairs with her. Mac got upset as he thought, “Why is this fool talking to my woman?” Mac stopped thinking about Min. Dawkins and focused on Dianne. She had on a long fitting red dress. She had ruffles on her shoulders that were dark red. The skirt of her dress was dark red. The blouse portion of her dress had light and dark red in it. She had on long dark red gloves. She had on satin dark red shoes. In her hand she had a satin dark red purse. Mac watched her long pearl necklace move slightly as she walked. The necklace matched the rest of her pearl jewelry. Mac thought Dianne was a movie star for a moment as she walked up the stairs because men were staring at her like crazy.
Dianne had finally made it up the stairs. She walked up to MaClandon and said hello. He said hello back. Before she could walk in the banquet room, MeClendon walked over to her and said, “Girl, you are going to make me forget I am supposed to be saved.” Dianne scowled at him, “Why don’t you go somewhere?” Mac laughed as Mec sulked off.
Dianne looked at Mac and said, “Have you been in there yet?” Mac said, “Yea.” Dianne twisted her face, “Do you know where your aunt is sitting?” Mac smiled, “Yea.” Dianne looked in the room, “That’s cool. You look nice.” Mac smiled, “But not as nice as you.” Dianne smiled, “Thanks. You wanna walk me in there.” Mac smiled big, “Girl, yea.” Dianne extended her arm to Mac, who grabbed it quickly. Mac looked in the direction that his brother and friends were standing. He made a face at them as he started walking Dianne towards the door.
Bishop Adkins looked at the door. He made a face when he saw his son escorting Dianne Roberts across the room. His wife, Darlene Adkins, looked at him, “What is Mec doing?” Bishop said, “That ain’t Mec, that’s Mac.” Sis. Adkins looked at her son again. It was Mac. Her eyes almost popped out of her head. She grabbed her husband’s arm, “Has he lost his mind?” Bishop frowned, “Don’t worry about it. I will handle it.” Bishop walked away from his wife, towards his son.
Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked up. Dianne was walking in the room with Mac on her arm. Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled as she thought, “Oh Lord. This is going to be trouble.” Eld. Garnett smiled as he watched his nephew struck like a peacock with Dianne on his arm. Dr. Adkins-Garnett hit Eld. Garnett on his leg. He made a face. Mac and Dianne reached the table where Dr. Adkins-Garnett was sitting. Dianne spoke to everyone at the table, and then thanked Mac for walking her to the table. As Mac turned to leave, Dr. Adkins-Garnett leaned over to Dianne and said, “You are crazy, you know that.” Dianne smiled.
Mac smiled as if he had just won a political office by a landslide. He knew that the church busybodies were probably talking about him and Dianne like crazy. A couple of men gave him a “Go head, Dawg” with their chins. Mac stuck his chest. He was feeling good. Mac looked at his mother. She made a mean face at him. She had never made that kind of face at him before. Before Mac knew what had happened, his father was standing next to him. Bishop grabbed Mac by the arm and ushered him out of the banquet hall. Dianne saw Bishop push Mac out the door. She felt bad.
Bishop ushered Mac to the men’s restroom. Bishop pushed Mac through the restroom, using Mac to open the door. Mac rubbed his chest after he got in the restroom. His father glared at him, “Boy have you lost your mind? What did you think you were doing parading around in there hugged up with that woman?” Mac looked innocent, “Daddy, she asked me to walk her in the room. She grabbed my arm I didn’t do anything.” Bishop blew a hard breath, “Don’t give me that innocent look. I thought we talked about this. You better be glad that I got to you before your mother did. She almost had a fit.” Bishop blew another breath. Mac looked down, “I didn’t do anything. Was I supposed to tell her that I couldn’t walk her in?” Bishop glared at his, “You didn’t have to walk in the room like she was your woman or something. Lord, I know everyone up in there is talking about you. Your mother is going to kill you, if she gets hold of you.” Mac smiled, “Sorry.” Bishop somberly said, “I bet you won’t be smiling once your Mama gets you.” Bishop turned to leave. Mac stopped him, “I looked good walking in with her on my arm didn’t I?” Bishop smiled at his son, “You don’t quit, do you?” Bishop shook his head and walked out of the restroom.
Mac was looking in the mirror fixing his tie when his brother and his friends, DeWright and MacArthur walked in the restroom. DeWright walked over to Mac and high-fived him, “Dawg, you the man.” Mac smiled. MacArthur said, “I wish I were you.” Mec said, “Ya’ll need to quit. It wasn’t all that.” MacArthur bumped Mec arm the arm, “You need to quit hatin’ on your brother. He out did you Dawg. He just walked the finest woman in the building up in through here. You gotta give him props. I ain’t mad at ya.” MacArthur high-fived Mac, who was grinning. Mec ignored his brother.
The banquet was over. People had starting leaving. Mac walked over to the table where Dianne was. He pretended to talk to his uncle in the hope that Dianne would ask him to walk her out. Dianne acted as if she didn’t see Mac. His uncle made a face at his nephew to let his nephew know that his plan had been discovered. Finally Dianne looked at Mac and asked, “Will you walk me out?” Mac grinned, showing all of his teeth and said, “Yes.” Dianne extended her arm. Mac took it and they walked out of the room.
Sis. Adkins was watching her son as he made his way over to the table where that hussy was sitting. Sis. Adkins thought, “If she doesn’t stay away from my baby.” She didn’t let herself finish the thought. Sis. Adkins almost became livid when she saw the woman give her arm to Mac. Sis. Adkins couldn’t believe how quickly Mac took the woman’s arm. Sis. Adkins twisted her lip as she watched her son walk out of the door arm in arm with that woman.
Mac and Dianne finally reached Dianne’s car. Mac didn’t let Dianne’s arm go at first. Dianne looked at him and he finally let her arm go. Mac asked, “You going home?” Dianne responded, “Yea, where else am I going to go?” Mac smiled, “Can I go with you?” Dianne looked stunned, “Did you just ask me what I think you just asked me?” Mac didn’t respond. Dianne shook her head, “I hope getting to walk me a round makes up for not getting to sit next to me.” Mac excitedly said, “Yea, it does! My father is probably going to kill me, but I am going to die happy.” Dianne laughed hard.
***
Dianne finished her story. Ariel was looking at Dianne like she was crazy. Dianne started laughing. Ariel said, “That boy’s mama is gonna come looking for you.” Dianne frowned, “Yea, I know. She frowns at me, every time she sees at church. I don’t care though.” Ariel shook her head, “girl, they are going to put you out of that church for corrupting the pastors’ son.” Dianne giggled. Ariel said, “Where’s my other story?” Dianne looked funny, “What other story?” Ariel said, “The candy.” Dianne said, “Oh yea.” She smiled before she told Ariel the story.
***
Dianne looked up. MaClandon was walking in the door with some bags in his hands. As he walked towards her, he said, “Happy Valentine’s Day. Lady in red.” She smiled at his corny attempt to be cute. He smiled back at her as he walked by her and towards the desk where Charlotte was sitting. He handed a bag to Charlotte and said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, girl.” Charlotte smiled like crazy as she said, “Thanks, sweetheart.” Dianne made a face. She didn’t like the way Charlotte had called Mac sweetheart. Charlotte sounded a little too sweet when she said it. Dianne shook her head after she realized that she was getting jealous.
Mac smiled at Dianne as he walked by her again. He walked into Dr. Adkins-Garnett’s office. Dianne heard him say, “Hey Aunnie. Happy Valentine’s Day to my favorite girl.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett said, “Thanks. Sweetie. You make an old lady feel special.” Mac responded, “Aunnie you ain’t old. You just better.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed at her nephew as he walked out of his office. Mac walked out of his aunt’s office, smiled at Dianne, and then walked out of the building with a bad still in his hand. Dianne stared at the door after it closed. She thought to herself, “I know he did not walk up out of here without giving me something for Valentine’s Day. I can’t believe him.” Dianne watched the door for a few more minutes. When Mac didn’t walk back through the door, Dianne turned to Charlotte and said, “Ill be right back, Charlotte. Can you watch the phone for me?” Charlotte responded and then Dianne made a mad dash out the building. She looked around for Mac, but she didn’t see him. She looked puzzle as she thought, “I can’t believe that he just left.” She paused for a moment and then snapped her fingers. She started waking towards the back of the building. As she turned the corner, she saw MaClandon sitting on one of the benches. He started laughing when he saw her.
Dianne made a face at Mac when she walked up to him. He stood up and said, “I didn’t think you were ever going to come out here.” Dianne folded her arms and stared at Mac. Mac smiled at her, “Why are you staring at me like that?” Dianne rolled her eyes and her neck at the same time. Mac blew a breath, “You are one mean looking woman.” Dianne bit her lip and then said, “I know you walk up in there passing out bags and didn’t bring me one.” Mac laughed, “Was I supposed to bring you one?” Dianne made a face, “Forget you.” She smacked her lips, turned around, and started to walk off. Mac caught up with her and blocked her path, “You are so impatient.” Dianne retorted, “You play too much.” Mac smiled, “I know. I can’t believe you are mad a t me.” He laughed. Dianne made a face, “I am not thinking about you.” Mac danced, “Yea you are. Cause you are out here with me.” He licked his tongue out and danced some more. Dianne laughed at him. Mac stopped dancing and grabbed Dianne’s hand. She shook her hand from his hand. He smiled as he made his eyebrows go up and down. Dianne made a face, “I am going back in the building. I got stuff to do.” Mac smiled, “That’s cool, but I still got your present.” Dianne acted as if she didn’t care, “So what.” Mac smiled and handed her a bad, “I can never have any fun.” Dianne looked in the bag as she said, “You need to learn how to talk.” In the bag, there was a card and a box of Brach’s conversation hearts. She looked at Mac and smiled, “Thanks. How did you know to get me these?” Mac smiled, “I have ways.” Dianne thought for a second. She said, “Oh yea. Charlotte.” Mac smiled. Dianne put the bag at her side and turned to go back into the building. Mac said, “Are you going to read the card?” Dianne stopped and turned around. She opened the bag and took the card from the bag. She read it. It said, “I hope your Valentine’s Day is as wonderful as you have made my life.” Mac had signed it, "Thanks for letting me walk you in and out of the banquet. Mac.” She looked at Mac and smiled. He was grinning so hard that she could see all of his teeth. She turned and waked back into the building.
When Dianne walked back into the building, Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Charlotte were sitting in the chairs in the lobby. They both stared at Dianne when she walked in. Dianne looked at both ladies and walked by them to her desk. They watched her as she sat down. Dianne stopped moving, “What?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Charlotte smiled. Charlotte said, “What did you get?” Dianne raised her eyebrows and then let them drop, “Some candy.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett asked, “Is that all?” Dianne titled her head, “No, he gave me a card, too.” Charlotte laughed, “I'm surprise he didn’t bust up in here with two dozen long stem roses.” Both she and Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed. Dianne looked annoyed, “What is that supposed to mean?” Charlotte looked at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, and then at Dianne, then back at Dr. Adkins-Garnett, “Why is she acting like we don’t know that Mac is crazy about her?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett shrugged, “I don’t know.” Dianne made a face at Charlotte, “Whatever Charlotte.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed, “What does the card say?” Dianne looked at the bag, “Nothing in particular.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Charlotte before she said in a deep voice, “Dianne, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Dianne rolled her eyes, “You tripping. The card didn’t say that. Am I the only one that has some work to do?” Dr. Adkins-Garnett laughed. Charlotte sung, “Dianne got a boyfriend. Dianne got a boyfriend.” Dianne bawled up a piece of paper ands threw it at Charlotte. Charlotte caught the piece of paper as she stood up. Dr. Adkins-Garnett and Charlotte headed back to their desks. They bother sung, “Dianne got a boyfriend. Dianne got a boyfriend,” as they walked away. Dianne shook her head and laughed.
MaClandon walked in the building. Dianne ignored him. Charlotte started laughing. Mac sat down in a chair in the lobby. Mac looked at Dianne, “Why she laughing like that?” Dianne looked at Charlotte and said, “She needs Jesus.” Charlotte laughed and then started humming. Dianne made a face. Mac looked at Charlotte and then back at Dianne.
After a few minutes of being silent, Mac walked over to Dianne and said, “Can I have some candy?” Dianne looked up at him, “Huh.” Mac smiled, “can I have some candy?” Dianne made a face, “Some of what candy?” Mac smiled, “some Valentine candy.” Dianne frowned, “No.” Mac leaned on her desk he poked his lip out, “Please.” Dianne laughed, “Naw. Move out the way.”
Dr. Adkins-Garnett walked out of her office with all her stuff in her hands. She announced, “I’m going home so that I can see my husband.” Charlotte said, “Bye. Don’t have too much fun.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled at Charlotte, “Stay out of grown folks business.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett looked at Dianne, “Can you lock up?” Dianne smiled, “Yes Mame.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled at her nephew, "You be nice while I’m gone.” Mac smiled, “Always, aunnie, always.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett smiled, “See ya’ll tomorrow.” Charlotte and Mac said, “Goodbye.” Dianne said, “Wear the black one.” Dr. Adkins-Garnett turned bright red, rolled her eyes at Dianne, and walked out of the building. Dianne laughed. Mac looked at Dianne like she was crazy.
Charlotte got up from her desk. She said, “I am going to go turn the computers off.” Charlotte left before anyone could say anything. Mac made a sexy face at Dianne. She smiled. Mac asked, “Where are you going for Valentine’s Day?” Dianne smiled, “Wherever you are taking me.” Mac lost his balance and almost slipped off the desk. Dianne said, “Be careful.” Mac said, “Uhh yea.” Dianne said, “Where are you taking me tonight?” Mac coughed and mumbled, “What?” Dianne scratched her face with her French tipped nail, “You heard me.” Mac stood up, “You are killing me. Why you gotta mess with me like that?” Dianne looked at her computer screen, “What makes you think I am messing with you?” Mac blew a breath, “You shouldn’t toy with me like this.” Dianne looked at him, “I’m serious.” Mac stared directly into Dianne’s eyes, “You would go out with me tonight for real?” Dianne stared back at him, “Yea, maybe. If you asked me.” Dianne was actually serious. Not that she wanted to go out on Valentine’s Day; she just didn’t want to be at home. Mac sighed, “This is not happening. I want to so bad, but I better not.” Dianne said, “Ok, that’s cool.” Mac looked lost. He wished Dianne would have begged or something, but she didn’t as quickly as she had said, that she would go out with him, she acted as if he had never mentioned it. Mac looked disheartened, “I’m going to go see if Charlotte needs some help.” Mac left as Dianne said, “Ok.”
Mac helped the two women lock up the building. He walked them outside. Charlotte got in her car and drove off, leaving Mac and Dianne standing in the parking lot. Dianne asked, “You want me to give you a ride home?” Mac’s heart was screaming, “Say yes, fool. Say yes.” Mac brain was telling him, “If your parents find out, they are going to strangle you.” Mac looked down at the ground, “Naw. Ill ride the bus.” Dianne walked close to Mac, “You sure?” Mac sighed without looking up, “Yea, I’m sure.” Dianne touched Mac’s face with her hand and titled it up so that he was looking at her, “As cute as you are, you shouldn’t look so sad.” Mac nuzzled his face into Dianne’s hand, “I know.” Dianne let Mac’s face go, “What’s wrong?” Mac sighed and drooped his face, “I can’t do what I want to do.” He hoped that Dianne would touch his face again. Dianne didn’t. Instead, she asked, “Why can’t you do what you want to do?” Mac blew a long slow breath, “it’s hard to explain.” Dianne smiled, “Could you lift you head up?” Mac complied. Dianne smiled at him, “Thanks for the candy and the card. You sure you don’t want me to drive you home?” Mac sighed, “Yea, I'm sure.” Dianne unlocked her car, got in it, and started it up. Mac walked up to her window and knocked on it. Dianne rolled the window down, “Yea.” Mac smiled, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Dianne smiled back at him, “Thanks. Happy Valentine’s Day, to you too.” Mac smiled and walked away from Dianne’s car. She pulled out of the parking space and then the parking lot. Mac was left alone to walk to the bus stop and ride the bus home, where he would end up spending Valentine’s Day with his brother and their friends. This was going to be a horrible day.
***
Ariel stared at Dianne after she finished her story. Ariel asked, “Why didn’t he ask you out?” Dianne said, “I don’t know.”
“Sounds like he really wanted to go out with you.”
“Yea.”
“Would you have gone out with him?”
“Yea, I would have. I don’t know why he didn’t ask me out. Maybe he didn’t want to get into trouble with his parents or something. I don’t know.”
Dianne looked off into space. Ariel looked at her friend, “You wanted him to ask you out didn’t you?” Dianne looked at Ariel, “Yea, a little.” Ariel started singing, “Dianne got a boyfriend. Dianne got a boyfriend.” Dianne hit Ariel on the arm, “Quit it.” Ariel stopped singing, “Tell the truth, for real. Do you like him?” Dianne looked away from Ariel and then back at Ariel. As much as Dianne didn’t want to admit it, she liked MaClandon a little bit. Dianne said, “What if I don’t want to answer that question?” Ariel responded, “You don’t have to, but I am going to make an assumption from your non response.” Dianne didn’t say anything else. Ariel talked for awhile about her husband, Greg. Ariel left Dianne’s house after 10:00. Dianne was left alone with a lot of thoughts, most of them involving MaClandon. |
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| 11/7/05 – 12,007 Words Total |
Wow, I am surprised as well as pleased that I wrote a total of 12,007 words yesterday. I just started writing and the words flowed. The story took a turn that I was not expecting, nor planning on doing yet. It is cool though.
My novel is currently at 33,675 words.
I am so happy. That’s far better than I did last year. Come on, do a little dnace with me.
You can read yesterday’s work. It turned out pretty good.
I created a blog for MaClandon totally by accident. You can read what he wrote about Dianne in it. You gotta read the story to see what I am talking about. Here’s the link for that part. Here’s the link… http://www.alwaysinspired.info/NaNo05-Mac/. It is purely for the sake of the story.
Well, to today’s work. Talk to you later.
Keep reading and thanks for reading. Do not forget to let me know you came by. |
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