My Truth My Time My Turn

by Shelia E. Bell

  Stiles pulled up into the driveway of Emerald Estates, got out of his car, and walked along the path leading to the side entrance.

  Knock, knock.

  Stiles watched the door slowly open. Josie’s face lit up when she saw his face.

  Opening the door fully, she stepped to the side and allowed Stiles to come into the house. “Stiles, look at you. Aren’t you looking good.”

  Stiles leaned in and kissed Josie on the cheek. “And you look beautiful as always. Here,” he passed the bouquet of mixed flowers to her, “these are for you.”

  A huge smile formed on her face. “Oh my, thank you. They’re beautiful,” she exclaimed and smelled the flowers. “Ummm, they smell so good. Come on in here.”

  Stiles walked further into the house while Josie walked back and closed the side door.

  “Your father’s in the den watching T.D. Jakes. Go on in there. It’s just so good to see you. How long will you be here this time?”

  “A couple of weeks at the least. It depends on how long Pastor Khalil needs me. I was telling Pastor when we talked earlier Khalil’s brother was in a bad car accident. He and Fancy have been spending most of their time at the hospital, which is why I’m here.”

  “Yes, your father was trying to tell me something, but he wasn’t making much sense, you know. But now I understand.”

  Stiles entered the den with Josie trailing behind. “Hi, Pastor.”

  Pastor looked up from his television show and smiled. “Well, well, what a surprise.” He started to stand up. “It’s good to see you, son.”

  Pastor fully stood and embraced his son. “What are you doing here?”

  “Remember,” Stiles stopped and decided not to put the pressure of making Pastor feel he had forgotten their earlier conversation. “I flew in this morning. I’m the associate pastor at Holy Rock now, Pastor. I’m here to fill in for Pastor Khalil. His brother was in an accident.”

  “Oh, yea, I think I remember you saying something about that. So you took the position, huh?”

  Stiles fought back the need to break down. It was just tough, real tough to see the look of unknowing on his father’s wrinkly brow. “Uh, yes, Pastor, I accepted the position.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, son. You know that church means everything to me.” Pastor shook his head and sat back down. “What’s that you got there?”

  Stiles looked at the box in his hand. “Oh, yea, I almost forgot. I brought you and Josie some cupcakes. Vegan cupcakes,” he turned and whispered to Josie.

  “Wow, you’re too much,” Josie said. “Look, Pastor. He brought me flowers, too.”

  “Boy, what you trying to do—steal my woman,” Pastor chuckled and leaned back in his chair, tapping his knee.

  Stiles and Josie joined in on the laugh. It was good to hear Pastor laugh. It took Stiles’ mind off the sadness that had tried to creep into his spirit.

  “Let me go put these in a vase.” Josie disappeared and Stiles passed the box of cupcakes to Pastor.

  She reappeared just as Pastor was opening the box.

  “Oh, looka here, looka here, Josie. Chocolate and strawberry cupcakes.”

  Josie walked up and standing in front of Pastor, eyed the cupcakes. “Ummm, they look delicious.”

  “Thank you, son. Sit down over there,” Pastor ordered and Stiles sat on the sofa while Josie sat in the chair next to Pastor.

  “Let’s see what we’re working with,” Pastor said, picking up a strawberry cupcake. “Josie, which do you want?”

  “You know me, chocolate every time.”

  Pastor picked up a chocolate cupcake and passed it to her, then pushed the box toward Stiles.

  “I’ll pass for now. I’ve got to get something hardy in my belly first.”

  “Well, you know you came to the right place.”

  “You know me, Josie. I was secretly hoping you had cooked.”

  “Hardly a day goes by that I’m not going to fix me and Pastor a full dinner. You know that.”

  “That’s what I was banking on.” Stiles laughed.

  “I got plenty of turnip greens, some skillet cornbread, and a big pot of spaghetti. I’ll fix you some.”

  “Josie you need to have your own TV cooking show.”

  “Boy,” Josie threw up her hand and blushed, “you’re something else.” Josie got up after taking a bite of her cupcake. “These are good. And they’re fresh, too.”

  “I’m glad. The lady told me they were freshly baked.”

  “You stay in here with your father. I’m going to warm this food up. I’ll be done in a minute.”

  “Thank you, Josie.”

  “Look over there in the corner,” Pastor pointed to the corner in front of him by the television, “and get one of those trays.”

  Stiles got up and got the tray and brought it back to sit it in front of him.

  Josie returned with a plate of food, sat it on the tray and then left out of the den again. She returned with a big glass of sweet iced tea and lemon.

  “You know how to spoil me,” Stiles said. “Thank you, Josie.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Stiles bowed his head and prayed over his food. When he was done, he picked up his fork and began attacking the food.

  While he ate, they talked and laughed. Stiles told Pastor for what had to the third time about his new position at Holy Rock and the reason he was in Memphis. They watched one of Pastor and Josie’s other favorite TV shows, “Master Chef Junior.”

  After the program ended, Stiles stretched. “I guess I better get to the other side of town. It’s getting late for me and I have another long day tomorrow. I’m going to deliver the message at midweek service. I sure would like it if you two could come.”

  “I don’t think we’ll be able to make it. Me and Josie don’t get out at night anymore. We don’t see as good as we used to and Josie likes to lock up the house before dark. So much is going on out there.”

  Josie nodded in agreement.

  “I can send someone to pick you up, if you’d like and bring you back home.”

  “No, we don’t want you to go through all of that. But if God says the same we’ll be there Sunday,” Josie said.

  “It won’t be a problem. I’m sure of it. I wasn’t talking about the church van. I’m saying I can get Brother Ron to come and pick you up.”

  “No, son, we appreciate it, but what Josie says goes.” Pastor laughed.

  “Okay, if you say so. But I can get him to come and get you Sunday so you don’t have to drive.”

  Stiles could see the look of relief appear on Josie’s countenance. She had confided in Stiles before about Pastor sometimes forgetting how to get around in the city, and even his lack of remembering familiar places he once could drive to with his eyes closed, like Holy Rock.

  “That would be nice,” said Josie as the three of them left out of the den and headed to the kitchen.

  “Take this.” Josie had made Stiles a to-go plate. “This is in case you get hungry tonight. I put you one chocolate and one strawberry cupcake in the other container.”

  “But those were for you and Pastor.”

  “Yes, I know, but we have plenty. Now, here take this food.”

  Stiles kissed and hugged Josie. “Thank you, Josie. I love you.”

  “I love you more,” Josie replied.

  Stiles turned to his father, standing next to Josie and gave him a hug too. “I love you, Pastor. I’ll see you guys Sunday.”

  “Love you, too, son.”

  “I’ll see you Sunday,” Stiles said again, then opened the door and stepped outside to be welcome by the warm night breeze.”

  He walked toward his car, briefly stopping to look back to make sure Josie closed the door behind him.

  27

  “The thrill of coming home has never changed.” Guy Pearce

  The month of September was just days away. Plans had been made and set for Stiles’ installation the second Sunday. Guest preachers, choirs, and churches
were invited to attend. The celebration was going to be large with a huge banquet dinner to take place at the Peabody Hotel the night before the installation. It was almost like a replay of the Jubilee Tragedy, but hopefully this would have a far different, and better, outcome.

  Xavier was up and moving around, but he was still having trouble with his memory. Dr. Daniels explained to Xavier and his family since he had suffered some brain damage he might experience memory loss and become easily agitated. He still didn’t remember being involved in the crash.

  Ian had given up on rekindling a relationship with Xavier. The last straw for Ian was when Xavier claimed he was not gay and never had been. He acted like he barely knew who Ian was. This was quite upsetting for Ian. He finally said enough is enough, there were too many other fish in the sea, and it was time for him to let this one bite the dust. Ian didn’t know if Xavier was using his accident to avoid his truth, but Ian was fed up with trying to convince him otherwise.

  They both had been quite lucky when it came to Leo Jones’ murder. The suspect who had been initially arrested did not say or mention seeing Xavier and Ian, which is exactly what Ian tried to convince Xavier of the night he went and wrecked his car and almost killed himself. The man was charged and he also pleaded guilty to committing the murder. News media said the man stated Leo Jones had sexually assaulted him before and the night he murdered him, Leo was trying to sexually assault him again in the alley beside the establishment where Leo’s body was found. The man stated that Leo first assaulted him when he first met Leo at the same bar and went with him to a hotel room. He said Leo became violent when he refused certain sexual advancements. When the man told him he wanted to leave, Leo refused to let him leave and then beat him up and sexually assaulted him. He pleaded guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to seventeen years in prison.

  When Ian told Xavier about the case, Xavier became angry and told Ian never to mention anything about Leo Jones to him again. He insisted on Ian leaving his apartment. That was it for Ian. He was so angry that he almost made the decision to tell Pepper all about Leo Jones but decided Xavier wasn’t worth the fight. He remembered what Eliana told him months ago when Xavier was still in the hospital--It’s not like you were in love with him, Ian. You just hate to lose to anything or anyone.

  Ian had moved on. He’d never been lacking when it came to finding someone to spend time with. Truth be told, Ian arrived at the conclusion Xavier was bad news. Xavier was still experiencing difficulty physically and mentally from the accident and Ian was not about to play nursemaid to anyone. He had too much life he wanted to live. He was looking forward to attending the banquet for Stiles Graham with his new found beau. Let’s see how that would rock Xavier’s boat.

  “I’m telling you, Victoria, Stiles is a good man and you’re a good woman. I don’t see why you think it would be a mistake for me to play matchmaker for the two of you.”

  “Fancy, it wouldn’t work. You know me. I like to do things. I mean, I’m adventurous, spontaneous, I’m not the kind of woman who wants to be in church twenty-four seven. You thrive on being at Holy Rock, it’s your life, and me, well, I have to literally pry myself out of the bed on Sunday mornings.”

  “Uh, you’re acting like I’m saying you’re going to marry the man.” Fancy nudged her best friend and laughed.

  “She’s right, Victoria. What would it hurt to meet the man?” Tara interjected. The three ladies were gathered at Victoria’s house, getting ready to go to a play at the Orpheum Theatre.

  “Doing things like what we’re doing now is what I like. His idea of fun is probably going to Bible study every week.”

  “You are so crazy,” Tara said.

  “Which is why I think you should meet him,” Fancy pressed. “He needs someone to make him laugh again, someone who will bring him out of that self-imposed shell he has himself in. The man has been hurt so much that I think he’s terrified to trust his feelings. He’s closed himself off to having a real relationship again, to having fun. You’re just the woman who can open him up.”

  Victoria looked at Fancy. This time she didn’t laugh or counter with a smart rebuttal. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

  “You darn right I am. So, here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to introduce the two of you at the banquet Saturday night. You’ll sit at my table.”

  “Hold up, up front? At your table?”

  “Yep, at my table.”

  “But isn’t that going to be at the head table? I do not want to be sitting at the head table. I’ll feel like I’m in a zoo or something. Everybody watching you eat and whatever.”

  “There is no head table. Stiles didn’t want that. Our table will be in the center of the room. It’s going to be me, Xavier, and I’m sure he’s going to bring Pepper.”

  Victoria smiled at hearing her daughter would be accompanying Xavier. Since meeting Xavier, Pepper was like a different girl. She was at church just about every Sunday, something that Victoria used to have to force her to do when she was a teen. She didn’t run around clubbing or hanging out. Most of her time was spent with Xavier, and Xavier despite the gay rumors that had circulated about the young man, seemed to be into Pepper as well, so Victoria no longer entertained those thoughts.

  “Who else is going to be at the table?”

  “Khalil, of course, and whoever his guest will be, you, Stiles, Stiles’ parents and Cynthia Jones, Leo Jones’ widow.”

  “What about you, Tara?”

  “Girl, I will be with my boo and kids. We already have our table reserved, so do what the lady wants. This is your time, your turn to have a good man in your life. It’s not all about Stiles Graham.”

  “Tara’s right. You deserve someone to love you and treat you with respect and kindness.”

  “Uh, we may not even like each other.”

  “Okay, if you don’t hit it off there’s nothing lost, but what if you find out you can’t keep your hands off each other. Would that be so bad?”

  “Well, he is a fine piece of chocolate.” Victoria giggled.

  “You got that right,” Tara agreed.

  “He is that,” said Fancy, remembering the kiss they’d shared, but then quickly dismissing it out of her mind.

  “Okay, I’m in.”

  “Whoohooo, it’s on,” screamed Fancy and kicked up her legs.

  “This is going to be so much fun,” Tara said and the three ladies got up from their seats.

  “Now, let’s get out of here before we miss all the good parking spaces. You know how parking is downtown. And this play is sold out, so the earlier we get there the better.”

  “I’m behind you,” Fancy said.

  “Let’s go,” said Victoria as thoughts about the possibility of being in a relationship with a preacher and pastor filtered through her mind. A bit of nervousness caused her tummy to rumble, but she quickly dismissed it and replaced it with some what if it does work thoughts.

  28

  “Somewhere between heartaches and waiting comes another chance to be found by someone who can show you that you are not just an option

  but the only choice.” Unknown

  The banquet was first class. From the music to the food to the ambiance. It was like a fine dining restaurant mixed with an upscale nightclub type of atmosphere.

  Khalil had made it clear when the banquet was being planned that he wanted a live DJ and a wide array of divine tasting food. There was a space set up for a dance floor. Several couples danced to Pop songs and R&B tunes, with all of the music being tastefully chosen for such an event. It was good, clean fun.

  Khalil despised when churches had stuck up, run of the mill, boring functions. He was a young man who still liked his secular music and having a good time. He wanted his congregation to feel comfortable even when attending an event such as this. For instance, after their annual New Years’ Eve watch service, they brought in the new year with a big New Year’s Eve bash held in the youth center at Holy Rock, complete
with the same things as tonight’s event, just more. There was good food, good fun, dancing, laughing, a time to celebrate.

  Fancy introduced Stiles and Victoria. She had already told Khalil and Xavier her plans to play matchmaker. They didn’t like the idea of their mother interfering in the lives of others and their relationships, but they put up little protest.

  Xavier thought Victoria was a cool lady. Pepper had a lot of her ways. As for Khalil, as long as it detracted Stiles and his mother from each other, he was good with it. He didn’t know much about Victoria Rawlings, but he surmised if his mother was cool with her then he had no qualms about her.

  Khalil leaned in and whispered to Eliana, “You look beautiful.”

  Eliana looked at him and whispered back, “Thank you.” She was glad she listened to her best friend, Carol. Buying and then having the nerve to wear the chic red maxi, off the shoulder, mermaid style dress with flare sleeves was out of her comfort zone. But it seemed to pay off after Khalil told her for the third time how beautiful she looked.

  Xavier and Pepper engaged in light conversation as Pepper sneaked every opportunity to people watch, really looking for Ian. Xavier had come a long way since his car crash but for now he still relied on a wheelchair for mobility. There were times he sunk into a depressed state whenever he thought about what could have happened and why he intentionally did what he did. He hadn’t confessed to anyone that his desire at the time was to kill himself. Though those suicidal thoughts had passed, they were replaced with guilt and self-condemnation for doing something so stupid as to crash his car. He’d already been stuck in a wheelchair for almost a month. He understood how his father must have felt not being able to move about like he once did. Thank God he had great family support.

  Pepper was another source of support for Xavier. She had been by his side since day one, from what his mother told him. Every day after she got off work she headed for his house. They practically lived together because most nights, she didn’t go home. She took care of his needs. His mother and home health aides tended to him during the day and a CNA remained on call for his weekend care. “Do you want to dance?”