A warm, muggy breeze blew across the playground. Only a few minutes of recess was enough to make you feel sticky and in need of a shower. Chastity and her classmates were engaged in their favorite game of hopscotch. As it was her turn next, she was about to step into the first square, when she heard her mother yelling for her, from across the parking lot.
She turned expecting to receive a hug from her, but instead saw her mom frantically running toward her, still in her stained apron from work. Behind her, was a neighbor’s pick up truck packed full of their belongings.
“Come on … hurry! We’ve got to go now.” Kylie rushed over, and dragged her daughter by the arm.
“Momma, no! It’s my turn next!”
“There’s no time! Let’s go now!”
Chastity hadn’t seen that wild look in her eyes in a long time. She knew to obey her mom, and reluctantly ran after her to the beat up pick-up truck, wondering what happened to their car.
Crying, she strapped her seat belt. “Why? Where are we going? I like it here! I want to see Miss Clara! Take me to see her right now!”
“ I want to see her too, but it’s time to go. I know you don’t understand. You’ll just have to trust me.”
They pulled out onto the main strip and started past the diner. Chastity looked over to the garage, where she called home. She silently said good-bye through her tears, while witnessing a handful of strangers going up the stairs to their room.
“Momma, what is going on? Who’s going into our room? Is someone new moving in? Is that why we had to move out? Why are we leaving our car and taking this one?”
Chastity jumped to another conclusion, in anger. “Did you and Miss Clara get in a fight? Is that why we have to leave?”
Kylie let go of some of the air, which she had been holding tightly inside. “No.”
Chastity looked to the parking lot of the diner and saw a familiar car. “Look mommy! That’s the car of the man that came to the school today to take pictures of all us kids.”
Kylie looked, and saw the man sitting patiently inside his car, while his men searched through her room for clues to where she and her daughter had gone. He was no innocent photographer. Her gut wrenched, grateful to have escaped in time … all thanks to Clara’s internal radar.
Kylie was in the kitchen baking her latest perfection, when he came in flashing her picture around. Clara, of course, cooked up a lie and sent him on a wild goose chase forty miles down the way - giving them enough time to pack up a few things. Clara sent her nephews upstairs with Kylie, so that they could help her retrieve most of their personal belongings to put in her brother’s truck.
It all happened so fast that she wasn’t sure if it was real or a dream. All she knew was Clara had saved her again. Now, here she was driving as fast as she could with her daughter in tow.
As she sped past the investigator’s car, she gripped the steering wheel in fear. Please don’t look in the review mirror! Please don’t see us.
Kylie turned the corner and thought she’d gotten away scot-free until her daughter’s revelation punched through the surreal fog she was in.
He took pictures of my daughter. He got her picture today and now they’ll know what she looks like.
She pushed the gas to the floor, and headed for the highway. Her daughter’s babbling excitement over the so-called photographer gave her all that more reason to run.
“Shhh! Chastity, please be quiet! I have to think.” She scolded her daughter, fighting back the dread that was bubbling inside.
Chastity didn’t know why her mommy was being so mean. She wanted to talk about something exciting, to keep her from being afraid. She didn’t want to think about being ripped from her home. And mommy just wouldn’t listen. It wasn’t fair!
As the memories flooded back, she finally understood what her mother must have gone through. And in doing so, she was able to let go of some of the anger she was holding onto. Chastity recognized how scared she must have been, and was fighting off guilt for not understanding her mother while she was still alive.
My mother may have been afraid, but I’m not!
“This is over today.” Chastity grabbed Cheryl’s phone book to look up Jesse Mikale’s address, and tore out the page. She grabbed Cheryl’s keys and headed out the door.
Chapter 36
Once the house quieted down, Jesse retired to his study to read the updated reports from the private investigator. Lauri was helping Alex with his homework downstairs, which enabled him to hole himself away to do his research.
After opening up the file, he saw an envelope full of photos, and a detailed list from the investigator’s findings. He set the photos on his desk, and skipped to the notes.
Subject: Chastity Wayne
Residing at: Jenkins’s home
35479 Mount Herald Circle
Edmond, Oklahoma
His pulse quickened. She was less than five miles away from where he lived. He looked out the window to his neighborhood, and thought, what would I say if I had accidentally run into her?
Deep within him something stirred. He grew up fast once his mother died, and didn’t much of a father and son bond. Although he tried to push down the void he felt - it was always there, like the elephant in the room.
Jesse, without any close family ties most of his life, desired to save any family connection he could with Chastity. He was determined to make amends any way he could. He just didn’t know where to start.
He glanced to his own family photo, which was framed on his desk. His wife and child were the most important parts of his life.
They’re the ones that keep me sane and who taught me what real love was about, he thought grateful to have their unconditional love in his life.
I’d like to get to know Chastity too. But how do I make up for my father and brother’s sins? Do I ask her to trust me? And add ... oh, by the way we’re really not all bad. He shook his head. Like I could ever make light of our family’s history.
Jesse reached for the stack photos he’d pulled from the file. Immediately he felt intrusive, not liking what he saw. The first few shots were of Chastity and her male companion, unaware they were being watched. The rest were of his niece’s bold stare.
He thumbed through them all, staring directly into her gaze, as if she was looking at the lens. It dawned on him by the last photo, in the stack, that she was.
The last image captured her, as she pointed her finger into the lens, in accusation. He knew it was at the photographer, but it might as well have been at himself.
Frustrated, he tossed them to his desk, and brought his fingers up to his temples, to rub out the headache he was getting.
She knew she was being watched. Darn it! I told him to get information on her - from afar. I don’t remember asking for photographs … especially not ones this close. What was he thinking?
He glanced back to the photo, which sat on the top of the pile, and looked into Chastity’s accusing glare.
You didn’t tell him not to take photographs. So this is still your fault. Point the finger at yourself for not being specific of the rules of engagement.
Rules of engagement … those were another subject at hand. How was he supposed to approach this new addition to his family?
She won’t want to talk with me. If I were her, I’d run for the hills.
He crossed the floor, and looked out the window, to the golf course behind their home. Normally, he loved to stand there, as the lull of the carts beckoned, but today he actually envied the week-enders driving their carts, without a care in the world. Only those, who sliced through the air in attempts for greatness, broke the silence of the game. It was a much-needed sanctuary, providing him peace on most days. Today, however, was not one of those days.
I have a feeling that any peace I have is short lived. If she knows why she was being photographed, she’ll know who was behind it.
At that moment, the melodious tune of his doorbell rang through the house, breaking his thoughts.
H
e called out and jogged downstairs. “I’ll get it!”
Chapter 37
Déjà vu!
It was almost as if she was reliving her mother’s plight, only she wasn’t being driven by Cheryl. Still, it felt like she was in another world, as she took each step up to the front walkway of the Mikale home.
What am I supposed to say?
She felt tough on the short drive over, in the heat of the moment, but now that she was here …
How do I know it was him that sent the photographer? She started rationalizing in her head. It might have been his old man. After all, Jesse didn’t even know who I was at the restaurant.
She shook her head clear, needing to stick to her guns.
It doesn’t matter. It still has to stop. I don’t want to be under a microscope any longer!
She half expected to see a lion doorknocker as she approached their porch, but was relieved to see a doorbell instead. After it’s resounding dong declaring her arrival, Chastity mentally let down. To keep her resolve she coached herself back into the moment.
You can do this. Speak what ever comes to mind. You’re stronger than she was ... you can do this!
Chastity heard heavy footsteps coming toward the door, and started to chicken out. Too overwhelmed to speak, she backed away.
I have to go. I can’t do this alone. I need to go.
She turned to leave, but it was too late.
Leave! Quick, she ordered herself and started back down the porch.
Jesse didn’t know who to expect, as he looked through his peephole. He certainly didn’t expect to look through the eyepiece and see her. She looked unnerved, and he wasn’t sure if he should open the door.
He wasn’t sure if he was ready for this yet, but didn’t have too much time for rationale as he saw her turn to leave. He quickly opened the door to stop her.
Nothing like jumping feet first, he thought as he stepped through the doorway.
“Don’t,” he pleaded gently, not sure what to say next.
Chastity sidestepped down the porch to get some distance from him. He was taller than she remembered. Even though he loomed over her, she didn’t have time to feel insignificant. She needed to seize the moment.
“So you know who I am?” She lifted her chin in defiance.
“I do ... and I’ve been wanting to meet you,” he stammered in response to her tone. “I - I just didn’t know if you’d want to meet me. My family doesn’t have any right to step twenty feet in your direction. Let alone ask you over for dinner,” he said apologetically, before adding, “Won’t you please come in?”
She wanted to be angry, and punish him for all she’d unearthed in the last few weeks. Chastity planned on letting him have it, but couldn’t once she saw the sincerity in his eyes, the ones that looked like hers.
She couldn’t help but stare into them and relive the desire she’d had since she was a child of bonding with another piece of her out there. Chastity could deny it all she wanted, but she knew that he wasn’t responsible for any wrongdoing. He was only guilty of wanting to know her, which wasn’t a crime. If it were, she’d be in the same boat.
After all, she wanted nothing more than to learn something good about this side of her family. There had to be some good … after all she was part of them.
She stood there with so many unresolved feelings ... left over anger, insecurity, and confusion, but the need to be accepted finally won the battle. She bit her bottom lip and blinked up to him. She wasn’t about to make this easy on him, but she was willing to take a chance. She just needed to be sure that he was as sincere as he appeared to be.
Chastity took a monumental step back up to porch, and accepted his invitation.
“Thank you, but only for a minute. We do need to talk.”
He stepped back to let her in, hoping this was progress in the right direction. He felt like a rock had been lifted.
From the living room, all Lauri could hear was her husband’s desperate request.
Don’t? Don’t what? Who’s he talking to?
She strained to listen, as she wasn’t sure what was going on. This afternoon, after the investigator left, Jesse was disturbingly quiet. She started Alex on his homework and then slipped into the study. She knew her husband would get around to divulging what was on his mind eventually, but also knew that her curiosity was getting the better of her.
It took a few gentle tries, but her husband finally let go of the load he’d been carrying for weeks. She knew something had been taxing him, and was glad she forced the issue, as Jesse needed to get it off his chest. He also needed reassurance that it was okay to be mad at John.
However, at the moment she was a little more than worried with what was going on outside her front door. All she could hear was her husband’s voice and a muffled reply. Lauri had no idea who he was talking to.
“Mom, what does two times seven equal?” Alex asked for the third time.
“Huh? Oh sorry, honey ... ummm, fourteen,” she responded, with her eyes glued to the doorway.
“Thanks. Who is daddy talking to?”
“I’m not sure sweetie, but I’m sure he’ll be in with in a few minutes.”
The door creaked open giving her a little more access to the conversation on the porch.
“Won’t you please come in?” She heard him ask. Both Lauri and Alex looked up with questioning eyes.
Chastity’s anxiety of coming inside instantly subsided the moment she stepped through the entryway, as she was greeted by warm décor and comfortable surroundings. It smelled of cinnamon scented candles and the colors made her feel at ease from the very start.
Earth tones, she made note.
The next thing she felt was something wet on her fingers. She looked down as a chocolate Labrador was nosing her hand for affection.
“No, Hershey!” Jesse shooed his pet through the kitchen door, back to his crate. “Sorry about that. Please, come sit. Would you like something to drink?”
“Um, some water maybe.” Her reply was so soft, that she wondered where her voice was.
“Okay, have a seat and I’ll be right back. You want it bottled or with ice?”
“Bottled is fine.” She watched him walk away, and sat down.
Her eyes traveled around the room to the archway behind her. Startled, her hand flew to her mouth as she was looking directly into the inquisitive faces of Jesse’s wife and child.
“Holy Crap,” her voice barely squeaked out. Chastity breathed in a few times and finally uttered her apologies. “Please forgive me. I didn’t know anyone was there.”
“No, please forgive me for being rude. I just didn’t know how to approach you without startling you. It’s just...” Lauri laughed and got up. “I’ve heard all about you and have been waiting to meet you. Alex, come in here honey and meet your cous,” she caught herself and finished, “Chastity.”
She watched the dark headed little boy jump out of his chair, and bound in her direction. He put his pencil behind his ear and stuck out his hand, like an adult would.
“Nice to meet ‘cha! I’m Alex.”
Chastity stuck her hand out to meet his. “Call me Chaz … if you like.”
Any doubts she had about her new family, melted as she shook hands with her little cousin. She had a cousin!
“Very nice to meet you, Alex. How old are you?”
“Seven!” He beamed and puffed out his chest.
“Wow! What a great age. You working on homework over there?”
“Yep, mom’s helping me. Except ... I don’t like math.” He wrinkled up his nose.
Chastity had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. She nodded and soberly added, “Me neither, Alex. I’m more into art or books.”
“Me too. Clifford’s my favorite!” He beamed from ear to ear, knowing he’d made a new friend.
Jesse walked back from the kitchen, happy to see that his son broke the ice. He set her bottle down next to her, on the coffee table.
“Here you go
, just like you ordered. I see you met my family.” He apprehensively smiled, and sat across from her.
“Yes, Alex was catching me up on his favorite stories.”
Lauri knew the conversation taking place next would need a lot more privacy.
“Alex, your homework’s pretty much done, so why don’t you and I go watch Clifford upstairs?”
“Great! See ya Ms. Cassady!” Alex waved.
Lauri chuckled and gently reminded him, “It’s Chastity, sweetheart.”
“Sorry. See ya, Ms. Chastity,” he said a little more slowly, making sure to get every syllable, before running upstairs.
Lauri grabbed Chastity’s hands and gave them a squeeze. With a heartfelt smile, she added, “You have no idea what a pleasure it is to meet you.”
Not sure how to feel, she responded the only way she could. “Thank you. Nice meeting you too, Mrs. Mikale.”
“Oh honey, call me Lauri.” She started upstairs to find Alex.
Watching them bound upstairs was surreal at best. Chastity expected to walk into a fight … a conflict. Now, the only conflict she had was within her.
Surprisingly, she was filled with warmth after meeting Jesse’s family. How was that possible when not only an hour ago, she was so angry she couldn’t see straight? To jump from fury to something so heartfelt put her out of sorts to say the least.
“I’m not sure what to think.” She dragged her eyes from the stairs to meet her uncle’s gaze. “I came over to confront you. To yell, to vent, to ... I don’t know.”
“Okay, so tell me,” he said slowly. “I want to know. What ever it is, you’re more than deserving to feel it and say it.” Jesse lowered himself onto the couch, and motioned for her to do the same. He leaned forward, ready to take the hit.
“Do you know about my mother and him? Your brother?” She asked with fire.
Jesse lowered his voice and softened his tone. “Not until recently. I wish I had back then. I could have done something to help.”
“Help,” she spewed, in anger. “How could you have helped?” One of Chastity’s famous looks was almost bubbling to the surface, but she held it back. “Could you have stopped him from breaking my mother into pieces? Could you have stopped him from taking advantage of her?”
Finding Kylie Page 16
