“That’s good. He’s a jackass.” Tanie’s cell phone began ringing, but she did not move to answer it. Wow, what if it was Roscoe? She couldn’t ignore a call from Roscoe. I was impressed. “Angela, I want to apologize about the other day. You know how I am.”
“I guess I’ll accept your apology, but you’ll do something else or say something else to piss me off.”
“Well, I will say I’m sorry for the next two times right now.”
I smiled at her. I had no trouble accepting her apologies. She was like my one true friend. She’s been with me all of my life. I can’t be mad at her too long. I had no one else if she wasn’t my friend. I was truly alone in this world without her.
Tanie came closer to me and asked, “Why did Jason hit you anyway?”
“I don’t know, Tanie. Maybe, it was because he was around his friends. He could have been showing off for them.”
“Aren’t you tired of that shit?” She asked angrily.
“He hasn’t hit me in a long time, Tanie.”
“Oh my God, Angela, I know I just didn’t hear you say that, he hasn’t hit me in a long time. So, it was okay for him to hit you Saturday?”
“NO, it wasn’t okay!” I shifted where I sat. She was pissing me off again!
She continued, “He needs his ass whipped. He thinks he can walk around here like nobody can touch him, like he can do whatever he wants. You need to get him, show him you won’t be messed with again.”
I said, “I’m just going to stay out of his way.”
“He’ll keep on bothering you, Angela, and you know it.” She continued, “No matter how hard you try to avoid him, he will find a way to mess with you. You have to embarrass him in front of all of his friends. So, he knows not try no shit with you ever again.”
She was driving me crazy. I wasn’t interested in getting Jason back. I didn’t even want to see him anymore. I shrugged my shoulders and asked, “How am I supposed to do that, Tanie? Do you know a way I can embarrass him to the point where he will leave me alone?”
“No, but I’ll help you. We’ll think of something together.”
I thought about what she said. I was afraid of Jason, and every time I go home, I am looking over my shoulder. What can I do to stop him? I didn’t have an answer. As far as I knew, there was nothing I could do to him to make him back away.
I slid off the loading dock trying to land softly. I didn’t want to set off the pain that Jason caused from when he kicked me. I stated, “Jason is not worth talking about.”
“Fine, but I say we should kick his ass as soon as possible.”
I laughed. I wish I could.
“So, what are you doing this afternoon? I know you ain’t doing anything. We can go and hang out at the lake. There is a town picnic, party kind of deal.” She was walking beside me.
“I have plans.” I was kind of proud to say that.
Tanie looked at me surprised. She repeated, “You have plans?”
“Yes, I have plans.”
Tanie asked, “What plans?”
“I’m not telling you. You’re too judgmental.”
She looked at me strangely. “What plans, Angela?”
I hesitated, but I answered, “I’m going out with Alex Westing.”
“You are kidding!” She laughed and pushed me. “So, you decided to bust out of your box. I’m proud of you.”
“Really,” I said with a smile. I loved her reaction.
“Yes, I am really truly proud of you. Where are you guys going?”
“I don’t know yet. I guess we’ll talk about that when we meet up.”
Tanie stared at me, I guess trying to figure out what was really going on between me and Alex. She asked, “How do you feel about going out with him?”
“I feel okay about it. We went out yesterday.” I remarked.
“You lie! I don’t believe you.”
“Alex took me to a Mexican restaurant in Montgomery.”
Tanie screamed and gave me a big hug. “I am so happy for you. How did the date go?”
“He treated me like a lady. He treated me like I’ve never been treated before. Dinner, dancing, and pie.” I laughed. I couldn’t help but to think back to the diner.
“Pie,” Tanie remarked with a strange look. She added, “You seem happy.”
“I am. Yesterday was a good day and today may even be better.”
“Well, I’m happy for you, Angela.” She stopped me and continued, “I know I told you to live, but at the same time, you do have to be careful with him. He is a Westing. You have to remember what you said about him and about you.”
“I haven’t forgotten who he is.”
“But you don’t see what I see. I can tell you’re already forgetting. When you talk about him, you light up. You smile, and I’ve never seen you do that when we’ve talked about other guys in the past.”
“I’ve only dated one other guy, Tanie.”
“You know what I mean. I just don’t want you to get hurt, Angela.”
“I know. I’m not getting my hopes up.” Deep down, I was getting my hopes up. I couldn’t help it.
Tanie paused as she crossed her arms and looked at me. When Tanie and I spoke like this, it was no joke. She was trying to push the truth back into my mind, back into my heart. I looked away. She was right, but how do you control your feelings? She advised, “Don’t expect him to commit to a relationship with you, Angela. Don’t do that to yourself.”
“I appreciate what you’re saying, Tanie. I am very clear on Alex.” I wondered if she could tell I was actually unbalanced and on the fence about him, leaning more towards hope of a relationship.
“And he might be the perfect gentleman, but one thing I’ve learned, Angela; guys will say anything to get what they want from you. Alex is no different. I just want you to keep that in the back of your mind, too.” Tanie was making eye contact with me, trying to drill her words in my head.
We walked around and talked more. Tanie reminded me that Stephanie was supposed to spend the night at my house Saturday, and I totally forgot about her. If Stephanie was in my shoes, she wouldn’t have forgotten about me. I was ashamed of myself and felt bad, and I told Tanie I would go by and see her this afternoon when I got home. Tanie explained that Stephanie stayed at her apartment for the weekend, and that everything was fine. But still I told Stephanie she could stay with me, and I didn’t even think about calling her and making sure she was okay. I would check on her when I got home.
I had to get back to work. I was already late clocking in.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
When I got home, Pritchard’s car was parked in front of the apartment. I wondered if Andrea was still in jail. I got my answer as soon as I walked in. Andrea was sitting on the sofa with her face against the back of her hands. Pritchard was sitting beside her and holding a cup. She looked like her normal self. Hair all crazy and flying everywhere. She had on the same clothes Deputy Brock arrested her in, and she looked like she had been playing in dirt by the way her hands looked.
Pritchard straightened with a smile when I walked in. Was he expecting me to celebrate since Andrea was out of jail? Was he expecting me to run over to her and give her a hug and welcome her home? I tried to get out of that room as fast as I could without running.
But Pritchard spoke before I made it to the hallway. “She didn’t have to serve any time.”
Good for her I thought, and I kept on going straight to my room. I was going to try and avoid her as much as possible, and maybe I would find a little happiness in the process.
After I was finished getting ready for my date, I dug out my checkbook. I had it hidden away in a sock and stashed in an old boot in the back of my closet. If Andrea knew I had a bank account, she’d find a way to empty it. I didn’t even get statements in the mail at my apartment. They were always sent to my job. I went to the kitchen to see what bills were in the basket next to the refrigerator. There was the electric and the water. I paid both. I had a couple of
dollars left in the account. How depressing, but at least we’ll have light and water for the next month. I hid my checkbook back in the sock and boot in the closet, and I left the apartment.
I went out the back door so I wouldn’t deal with Pritchard and Andrea. I heard her crying before I left, and Pritchard was consoling her. They were so pathetic. They deserved one another.
I dropped the envelopes in the mailbox and went to Stephanie’s apartment. The apartment was dark and locked tight. I decided I would try to catch up with her some other time. I was too excited about my date with Alex. I took Andrea’s car. I knew if I asked her, she would say no. So, I didn’t ask. I drove to the park and waited for him. I couldn’t wait to see him again. I felt so good about going out on this date. For some reason, Tanie’s advice didn’t matter. I just wanted to be with him.
I waited for about fifteen minutes before Alex pulled up. That was the longest fifteen minutes of my life, but he was worth the wait. I got into his truck, and he made a U-turn and started heading back the other direction.
He complimented, “You look great, Angela.”
He noticed! I hoped he would. I was wearing a plain light blue skirt and a white t-shirt with lace around the bottom hem. They were once Tanie’s clothes. I said, “Thank you, Alex.”
“We’re not going too far today.”
He turned off unto a dirt road. Alex was driving kind of fast, and I hung on. He slowed down at the first driveway and drove all the way up to the large white house. The same white house I saw when I walked home the other day. It was big and beautiful up close. He parked his truck in the back yard. That back yard seemed to go on forever. There were pecan trees and oak trees and the grass was cut. I don’t know how Alex did it, but the grass had a diagonal line pattern in them. A pond set not too far from the back of the house, and little brown ducks were floating in it. A white double seated swing set close to its banks and it lazily moved in the breeze. I was already in love with this place.
I was surprised to be at this large house because I’ve seen it so many times before. There always seemed to be some kind of party or family gathering especially when I use to sneak into town at night during the weekends.
“Alex,” I asked, “is this yours?”
“Yes.” He answered.
We met each other in front of the truck. He offered his hand to me, and to my own surprise, I placed my hand in his. His touch was warm, soft, and his skin very pale against my dark skin. It didn’t bother him that we were touching. I guess it wouldn’t. He offered me his hand, after all. We walked around to the front of the house, and he was telling me how he climbed one tree in the side yard and tried to build a fortress in one of the trees in the front yard, and how he broke his arm falling out of it. His stories were funny, and we would laugh. I loved that house. I wanted to live in that house and create my own stories with everything around it.
We ended up at the front door, and he opened it for me to enter first. It wasn’t even locked. The wooden porch wrapped around the entire house, and there was empty flower pot stands between the windows. The door opened to a foyer that was framed on each side with a stairway case that led to the same landing on the second floor. It was like being in the movies because all of the furniture was covered with white sheets. There were sheer curtains on all of the windows, and it was bright and dusty. The foyer was even larger than my entire apartment, and the chandelier that hung from the ceiling was absolutely gorgeous.
“Alex, this is not your house.” I just couldn’t believe it.
“It’s mine. I promise you. Pawpaw left it to me.”
“Pawpaw is your grandfather?” I asked, and Alex nodded, “I remember the times I walked home from town, and I took the road outside your house so I could see it. I use to dream I lived here. And I loved how it was decorated every single holiday. Lights were hung around the house during Christmas and New Year. On Valentine’s Day I saw flags of cupid and hearts all around the house. Easter, I remember watching the Easter egg hunts in the front yard. Memorial Day and 4th of July the flags hung off the balcony. I wanted to be a part of the life here.”
Alex listened with a smile. I could tell he was remembering those times, too, except his memories were more personal. I was only a spectator watching from the farthest distance with glimpses of the shell of this house, but Alex was surrounded by its memories. He lived the memories. He added, “During Halloween, there was all kinds of decorations and my grandparents had the greatest Halloween parties. Thanksgiving was the best. All of my family from Alabama, Florida, California, New York, Washington, all over would come to town and spend Thanksgiving here.”
“How did you get this house?”
“I told you Pawpaw left it to me. I spent more time here than any other family member. This place was like a vacation compared to living at home. Pawpaw knew I loved this place, and I guess he thought it was best to leave it to me.”
“I bet that didn’t sit well with your family, huh?”
“Actually, Angela, my grandpa’s word was final in life and death. He let everyone know what they were getting before he died, and no one could fight what he wanted. I’m glad I got this house. I will never sell it.”
“Can I look around?”
“Of course, you can.”
I moved around the house slowly going from room to room with Alex beside me. Everything was covered in the house. I couldn’t believe how many sheets he used. He uncovered a few things and explained what they were and what it meant to him. I began to feel like I knew what it was like to be in that house with him growing up. He must have felt tons of love. I could feel the walls oozing with memories and laughter. I smiled as I listened to him talk about his family.
We entered in a side room on the first floor with a baby grand piano, and he uncovered it. He started playing, and a smile appeared on his face as he closed his eyes. I wanted to sit down beside him, but I didn’t want to mess him up. He only played a little, and I applauded him. I began to feel stupid clapping. So, I quickly stopped.
“Who taught you how to play?” I asked.
Alex answered as he stood, “My grandma. I had lessons twice a week.”
“Well, you are very good. I enjoyed it.”
“Can you sing?”
I answered, “No.”
“That’s too bad. We could have been a duet. Well, anyway, let me show you the kitchen. I have a surprise for you there.”
“I love surprises.” Actually, it depended on what the surprise was, but I had a feeling he wouldn’t disappoint.
The kitchen was huge. It had white tall cabinets and shiny handles, and there was a bar that separated the kitchen from the dining area which was just as spacious. There were glass doors that were barely open and a little breeze was coming through. In the dining room was a marble table, absolutely gorgeous and it had to weigh a ton. In the middle was a pie, a glass bowl with strawberries in its own juices and a bowl of whip cream.
“What kind of pie is that?” I asked as I went over to the table. Alex must love pie. This is the second time we’ve been out, and the second time for pie.
“It’s cheesecake.”
I’ve never heard of that before. It didn’t sound right. “Is it really made out of cheese?”
“You’ve never had cheesecake, Angela?”
“No.”
“Sit down. I’ll fix you a plate.”
“Alex, I can’t eat a cheese…pie or cake. It just sounds so nasty.”
“It’s not nasty at all.” He went over to the cabinet and got two small plates. He placed one in front of me and the other where he was going to sit. He cut me a piece first and then himself. He sat down beside me and scooped some strawberries on top and said, “I hope you’re not allergic to strawberries.”
“I love strawberries, but I don’t think I will like them on a cheese pie.”
Alex laughed and said, “Angela, this is very good. I promise you. You will want another slice when you’re done.”
“W
hat does it taste like?” I didn’t want to sound stupid, but he was giving me something I never ate before. “Is there American cheese in it?”
He answered, “It tastes sweet. It doesn’t taste like the type of cheese you would put on a burger or sandwich. It’s a sweet dessert. Do you like whip cream?”
“Sure.” I wasn’t so excited about trying it, but then I thought about how I tried the Mexican food for the first time, and he was right about it being good. I guess this was a part of busting out of my box as Tanie so smartly put it today.
He put strawberries and whip cream on his slice, as well. He cut a small piece of the pie with his fork, and he held it in front of my lips. I sniffed it first, and he started shaking from laughing. I was being serious. I didn’t want to taste it without smelling it first. Finally, I opened my mouth expecting to taste something like an American cheese taste, but it was nothing like that. Oh my, it was very rich and sweet. He was laughing so much that I started laughing when I was chewing. This was the sweetest surprise, and I was enjoying it fully.
I began eating mine, and he ate his. I could not get enough. We ate another slice, and then afterwards we strolled towards the swing in the back yard.
We sat beside the pond for some time while looking out into the fields of broad standing trees and light green yellow grass. It looked tranquil, and the pond wasn’t muddy looking at all. It was perfect. Everything was perfect at that moment. The back of the field was shut off with man-made wire and wood post fence that touched on the wood line. The end of the field was so far away. It looked like it stretched for miles.
Alex said as he looked out at the view, “I will never get rid of this place.”
“You would be crazy. Do you plan on moving in eventually?” I asked.
“It’s all a part of my plans.”
“What does your plans consist of?”
“Well, I plan on going to graduate school and getting my master’s degree in education. Then I plan on coming back to Colum, and hopefully, get a job teaching special need kids, and eventually, I want to restore this house.”
“That sounds like it’ll take a long time.” I remarked.
The Ex Killer Series Page 9
