My Truth My Time My Turn

by Shelia E. Bell

  “Fancy, God, I’m so glad to finally hear from you. Tara and I have been worried sick about you, girl. What’s going on?”

  “I can’t begin to tell you everything over the phone, Vic.”

  “I’m getting off at one o’clock today. Do you want me to come over? I’ll call Tara to see if she can come or it can just be me and you. Whatever you’d like.”

  “Ok, but just you, if you don’t mind. Tara would have to bring the baby, which I wouldn’t mind in any other circumstances, but not today. My mind can’t handle it.”

  “Fancy, you have me worried. Okay, anyway, I should be there around one thirty. Do you want me to stop and bring you something to eat? Or get a bottle of wine.”

  “Nah, I don’t think so.”

  “I’ll call you before I come and then you can let me know if you’ve changed your mind and want me to grab something.”

  “Thanks, Victoria. I will. Bye now.”

  Fancy exhaled slightly, feeling a little relieved that she’d reached out to Victoria. She went into the kitchen and poured herself something to drink. She hadn’t had much of an appetite.

  “About to head ur way. stopping at the sub shop to get me a black bean burger. Want anything?”

  “I guess you can bring me one with all the trimmings.”

  “Anything else? Wine? Soda?”

  “No. I have wine and soda here.”

  “Okay, got it. Be there as soon as I can.”

  Victoria arrived less than an hour after texting Fancy. The ladies sat outside on the patio. The weather was perfect for an end of summer day.

  Victoria helped herself in Fancy’s kitchen and retrieved two glasses from the cabinet and filled them with some iced tea Fancy said she had in the refrigerator.

  “Here you go.” Victoria walked out onto the patio and placed the glasses on the table. After that, she returned to the kitchen and brought back two plates to put their sandwiches on.

  I got us potato chips too.”

  “What’s my bill?” Fancy asked.

  “Girl, please. I got it.” Victoria proceeded to sit down and then opened the bags of food, passing Fancy’s over to her.

  “Thanks, Vic.”

  “Now tell me what’s going on with you. I know it has to be serious for you not to come to church or call or text me and Tara back. And when Pastor Khalil told us you needed a friend, we knew we had to do something. Girl, I was ready to bust through those gates out there.”

  “You’re crazy, Vic.”

  “I’m for real.”

  Once Fancy started talking she couldn’t stop until she shared every detail with Victoria.

  Victoria listened intently without saying a word until Fancy was done. She reached across the patio table and held her friend’s hand. “I’m so so sorry. I can’t believe all of this happened and you’re just telling me. How could Hezekiah be so low down? And Winston? Wow, we thought he was the cat’s meow and he turned out to be a snake. This sounds too unreal, Fancy.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it.” Fancy wiped a tear from her eye.

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “It’s okay. I’m just glad I got it out. Thank you for listening and for being my friend, Victoria. I know I should have told you…and Tara too, but I’ve been trying to find a way to deal with this.”

  “Yeah, but you don’t need to deal with it alone. All I can say is God will make a way. I know this might not help much, but I’m glad he revealed Winston’s real intentions. As for Pastor McCoy, he’s just mad because of the divorce and because he’s facing some serious prison time. But none of that is your fault. He’s the one who forced you out of your home, turned his back on you and the boys, and was stealing from Holy Rock. He only has himself to blame. And for him to do you like he did, girl, you better believe his day is coming. He’s really gone too far. God don’t like ugly, but I shouldn’t have to tell you that.”

  “Yeah. It just hurts so bad, Victoria.” Fancy began crying.

  Victoria got up and walked around to where Fancy was seated. She leaned in and wrapped her arms around her friend. “It’s going to be okay. You’re going to come out of this on top. You watch what I tell you. You’ll see. God’s got you.” Releasing her from the hug, Fancy looked up and then squeezed Victoria’s hand.

  “Now, what do you say we open that bottle of Moscato I saw in your fridge? We need to toast to better days ahead.”

  Fancy picked up a napkin off the table and wiped her tears and blew her snotty nose.

  “Ugh,” Victoria said and laughed.

  Fancy laughed too. She got up and followed Victoria as they went into the kitchen.

  12

  “Sometimes blood isn't thicker than water and family will cross you quicker than strangers.” Unknown

  Khalil and Stiles talked over lunch about when he would next return to Holy Rock. “So it’s all good, you’re coming back for your installation as associate pastor the second Sunday in September, right?”

  “Yes, and I plan to bring some of the members of Full of Grace with me.”

  “Cool. Let me know how many will be coming. I can arrange for hotel discounts or find suitable places for them to stay. Whatever it takes.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  Khalil continued enjoying his salmon burger and fries while Stiles dined on a huge mock chicken salad sandwich and fries.

  “Have you heard from my brother?”

  “No, not really,” Khalil replied.

  “Do you have his contact information? The number I have always goes straight to an automated voicemail message. You know that mechanical voice that answers when your phone is turned off.”

  “I’ll give you the number I have in my Contacts, but I can’t promise you it works. It may be the same number you have.”

  “I don’t know what else to do. He doesn’t want anything to do with me. That’s evident by his lack of response or reaching out to me.”

  “All I can say to that is to leave him alone. If he doesn’t want to get to know you as his brother, and he can’t forgive his father, then turn him over to God. That’s what I’ve done. I can’t be bothered about him. You know?”

  “Yea. Well, how is Fancy? I didn’t see her at midweek service or at any of the Sunday services last week? Did I miss her? I know that’s easy to do with the massive congregation you have. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd.”

  “No, you didn’t miss her. She wasn’t there, but she’s good. She’s just taking some much needed time away.”

  “That’s understandable. I’ll give her a call later this evening or tomorrow before I get out of here.”

  Khalil didn’t respond. Instead he took another bite of his food. “Excuse me,” he said when his cell phone rang. “Yes, Eliana.”

  “Hi, Khalil…uh, there’s someone here to see you.”

  “Did I miss an appointment or counseling session? I don’t have it on my calendar and you didn’t say anything about me having an appointment when I left.”

  “No, it’s…it’s your father.”

  “I’m on the way.” Khalil ended the call, wiped his mouth, then opened his wallet and pulled out two twenty dollar bills and one ten.

  Stiles saw the strange look that suddenly appeared on Khalil’s face and heard the concern in his voice. “Everything straight?”

  “Nah, we need to get back to Holy Rock. I think you just talked up the devil.”

  Eliana explained to Hezekiah that Khalil was not in the office. Hezekiah insisted she call Khalil and let him know he was at Holy Rock.

  “I’m sure he’ll want to head back if you’ll call and tell him I’m here, Sista.”

  Hezekiah wanted to show his son that he wasn’t the only one who could show up uninvited and unannounced. It was time out for hiding his hand. Hezekiah wanted what was his, and intended to get it at all costs.

  “Pastor McCoy, Lord have mercy, it sure is good to see you,” Sista Mavis jumped up out of her chair, rushed out of her work space, and
dashed toward Hezekiah when she saw him at Eliana’s desk.

  “Sista Mavis, God bless you. Don’t you look good.” Hezekiah reached out toward her and she stepped into his arms for a hug.

  Sista Mavis blushed. “Thank you, Pastor McCoy. God’s been good to me. Looks like he’s been good to you too. You’re looking mighty spiffy. And sounding good too.”

  “Yes, the Lord has been good to me. Like the words to that old spiritual, I won’t complain.”

  Several other staff members came out of their offices and work spaces to greet Hezekiah, making him feel good that he had been missed.

  “I’ll see if I can reach Pastor Khalil.”

  “Thank you. God bless you, young lady.”

  “If you’ll excuse me. I’ll be right back.” Eliana got up, went to Khalil’s office, and called to tell him what was going on.

  Hezekiah watched Eliana as she walked up the hall. Dang, she fine. I bet my son is tappin’ that. If he ain’t, he’s crazy.

  When Eliana returned, Hezekiah was still standing around her desk talking to Sista Mavis and two of the ministers and one of the other admin assistants.

  Eliana looked at Sista Mavis as she lingered around Eliana’s desk.

  “Did you reach him? Is he at lunch?”

  “Yes, sir, I was able to get in touch with him. He’s on his way back. He should be here in about twenty or thirty minutes.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Hezekiah turned and continued listening to the others gathered around him. However, Sista Mavis was overpowering most of them, trying to dig for information in Sista Mavis fashion.

  Hezekiah knew Sista Mavis like the back of his hand.

  “Excuse me, Pastor McCoy, when you’re done talking I’ll show you to the small conference room. You can wait on Pastor Khalil in there if you’d like.”

  “That’ll be fine. And I’m sure Sista Mavis wouldn’t mind taking me there. Would you, Sista Mavis?” Hezekiah flashed a smile at Sista Mavis and grabbed her hand.

  “Now, Pastor you know you don’t have to ask me that. Of course I’ll take you.” She turned and looked at Eliana.

  “Eliana, you just go on with your day. I’ll take care of Pastor McCoy. You know I used to be his assistant.”

  “Yes, I know. But really, I don’t mind, Pastor McCoy. I know Sista Mavis has a lot on her plate.”

  “No, no, no. I have plenty of time to finish doing what I was doing,” Sista Mavis insisted and stood next to Hezekiah’s chair.

  “Thank you, Sista Mavis,” Hezekiah said.

  “Would you like some water, coffee, a soda? I can go get you something to eat from the kitchen if you’d like.”

  Hezekiah showed both palms. “No, I’m good. You were always good at taking care of me, Sista Mavis. I see you haven’t changed.”

  Sista Mavis blushed again and then looked over at Eliana and rolled her eyes in self-satisfaction “Well, if you’re ready, I’ll show you to the conference room, Pastor.”

  “Wait, Sista Mavis, the conference room is locked. You’ll need the key,” Eliana reminded her.

  “Oh, yea, I guess we will need that won’t we, Pastor?” Sista Mavis chuckled.

  Eliana retrieved the key from her desk and passed it to Sista Mavis.

  “Thank you, child.”

  “You’re welcome, and if you need anything, Pastor McCoy, just let me know. There’s a phone in there that calls directly to my desk.”

  “And mine, too,” added Sista Mavis.

  “Thank you, young lady. Now, Sista Mavis, what do you say I lead the way,” Hezekiah said, “unless it’s moved. It does look different around here.”

  “Yes, there’s been quite a bit of remodeling but the small conference room is still in the same place.”

  Hezekiah pointed. “Up that hallway and to the left?”

  “That’s right,” answered Sista Mavis.

  “Is First Lady Fancy in her office today?” he asked Sista Mavis as they made the trek to the conference room.

  “No, she hasn’t been here in a coupla weeks. She missed midweek service and Sunday services last week, too. That was unusual. She used to be here every time these doors opened. You didn’t hear it from me, but I’m telling you things just haven’t been the same since you’ve been gone, Pastor. I don’t think your sons want her here as much. And you know, Pastor Stiles came back.”

  “Oh, is that right?”

  “Yes, he’s the associate pastor. He hasn’t moved back to Memphis permanently yet. But I suspect he will soon.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Pastor, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I’m just saying, you’re the last person I’d expect to pop up at Holy Rock.”

  “Why is that, Sista Mavis?”

  “It’s no secret that your sons and Sista McCoy don’t have the best feelings for you. You know what I mean? And it was all on the news about your arrest. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned that.” She looked around like she was checking to see if anyone was in earshot.

  “No worries, Sista Mavis. I’ve tried to make amends with my family even though they turned their backs on me when I had my stroke. It almost destroyed me. It’s no wonder I didn’t have another stroke after that. But God.” Hezekiah’s facial expression changed to one of dismay.

  “Lord, that’s a shame. I can’t understand that but thank God the good Lord took care of you. When your friends and family forsake you, He’s with you.”

  “Thank you for saying that, Sista Mavis. It’s important to me that you know, Sista Mavis, the allegations about me embezzling money are all lies spearheaded by them, too. But I still love my family—unconditionally and I forgive them. If I didn’t then you and I know the good Lord won’t forgive me for my wrong doing.”

  Sista Mavis shook her head. “I know you love your family, Pastor. You always have. You gave that woman and those sons of yours any and everything they wanted. And just so you know, I don’t believe you stole from this church. You love Holy Rock too much to do anything like that.”

  They arrived at the conference room. Sista Mavis pulled the key out of her pocket and unlocked the door. “But you’re on the mend now. God’s going to restore everything the enemy stole from you. He’s going to give you double for your trouble.”

  “Thank you, Sista Mavis. I believe that. In spite of what they’ve done and what they’re still trying to do to ruin my life, I want to be in their lives. That’s why I’m here today. Neither of my sons will take my phone calls. I haven’t seen them since my divorce was finalized. And even then, they didn’t say a word to me at the courthouse. I’ve prayed and I’ve prayed. First God told me I needed to remain still—until now. He told me to come to Holy Rock. He told me I have to be the bigger person. That I’m the head and it’s up to me to try to work this out.”

  Sista Mavis sat in the chair and began shaking her head. “Lord, how terrible.”

  “If they still don’t want anything to do with me after today, then I’ll just have to go on about my way. Wash my hands, you know. But, honestly, I miss this place, Sista Mavis. I miss you and the people at Holy Rock.”

  “Pastor, you’re a good man. Always have been, but you know these young folks. You can’t tell them a thing these days. I’m telling you, we’re living in the last days.”

  “Let me ask you something, Sista Mavis.”

  “What is it, Pastor McCoy?”

  “Is my baby boy around?”

  “I haven’t seen him all morning. Sometimes he doesn’t come in until the afternoon. I can check for you. His office is right pass here.”

  “If you’ll check for me, I would appreciate it.”

  “Yes, sir. Just stay right here and let me go see.”

  Sista Mavis left out of the conference room and closed the door behind her.

  Hezekiah gloated. He still had an ally in Sista Mavis. He needed someone he could trust and manipulate at Holy Rock. Listening to her proved she would be perfect. She’d already told him more than he knew. To h
ear that Fancy hadn’t been in the office in over a week put a smile on his face. I bet she’s somewhere bawling her pretty little eyes out.

  Sista Mavis returned shortly after she left. “He’s not in his office. I checked with Sista Eliana. She said he was out of the office today attending a youth seminar at the convention center.

  “Oh, okay. Thank you for checking.”

  The phone in the conference room rang. Sista Mavis walked over to the opposite end of the twelve-seat conference table where the phone was located. “Hello.”

  “Sista Mavis, Minister Davis needs to see you.”

  “Ok, thank you. Tell him I’m on my way.” Sista Mavis looked at Hezekiah.

  “It’s all right. I didn’t mean to keep you away from work, Sista Mavis. You’ve been more than helpful.”

  “You just call me if you need me, Pastor McCoy. God bless you. And I’m praying that you’ll be back in the pulpit real soon. God can do it, you know?”

  “Yes, He sure can. I’ll see you before I leave.”

  Sista Mavis left the conference room, leaving Hezekiah in a much better frame of mind than when he first came through the doors of Holy Rock. He looked at the walls. His picture was still hanging on the wall, along with a picture of his bastard brother, Stiles Graham, and his no-good father, Pastor Chauncey Graham. Added to the wall of past preachers was a picture of his son, Khalil.

  He pulled out his cell phone to call Benny to let him know it would be a while before he came out. Benny assured him he was still parked outside and would wait on him for however long it took.

  Almost as quickly as he ended the call with Benny, the conference room door flew open. In walked Khalil. Behind him was Stiles.

  “So, Father, what do I owe this pleasure?” Stiles closed the door behind them.

  “Sooo, tell me li’l brother, how much of my money did my son pay you to come back to Holy Rock as his crony?”

  “Hello, to you, too,” replied Stiles.

  “I asked you a question. Now what do you want?” Khalil said in a raised voice, and interloping his arms and taking a hard stance while he stared down at his father.