Rose, Exposed

by Afton Locke

  “I practice vodou. My people came to Louisiana from Haiti.”

  “I’ve never heard of vodou,” Rose said. “Will you explain it to me?”

  Cali smiled, seemingly pleased by her curiosity. Maybe the woman was a fairy herself, sent here to help Rose navigate her confusing life.

  “Do you see the plate of cookies and glass of milk on that counter?” she asked.

  Rose nodded. “I wondered why you left it there instead of eating it.”

  “It’s not for me,” the other woman replied. “It’s for the lwa and my husband’s spirit. He still takes care of me.”

  The evening drifted by in minutes and even hours while Rose listened, fascinated, to an explanation of vodou. When Cali finished, Rose’s coffee cup was empty and the cookie dish was bare except for a few crumbs. Apparently, the lwa were spirits that needed to be appeased by food and gifts so they’d help the living.

  “Then maybe the lwa and the fairies are really the same thing,” Rose concluded.

  “May be, which is why you need to respect them,” Cali replied.

  “I will.” Rose yawned, wondering what time it was. She was about to go upstairs to bed when the padding of bare feet approached. The last person she expected to see was Mary in her long, white nightgown.

  “Evening, Miss Mary,” Cali said, becoming a different person than the one who had sat across from Rose all night. “Are you hungry?”

  Mary stood, mute and blinking, for several seconds. It was clear from the confusion on her face she hadn’t expected to see Rose here.

  “There you are, Rose.” She tugged at the delicate blue ribbons adorning her neckline. “I became concerned when you didn’t come to bed.”

  “I’m sorry I worried you,” Rose replied. “I lost track of the time.”

  “Cali, could I trouble you for a glass of milk?” Mary’s gaze connected with the offering on the counter. “That one will do.”

  Rose exchanged a glance with Cali that promised to keep her secret too.

  “Oh, no, Miss Mary,” Cali exclaimed. “I’ll pour you a fresh glass.”

  After Mary had her milk, Rose accompanied her up the grand staircase. It was so late. Rose’s feet dragged with each step from fatigue, creating loud echoes as she gripped the smooth banister for support. In Mary’s presence, however, she had to become her other self, her white self. Tired or not, she had no choice.

  “What were you doing down there talking to her?” Mary asked once they reached the upstairs landing.

  “I was hungry,” Rose replied, sticking to the truth as much as possible. “She entranced me with her stories and the time slipped by.”

  Mary opened the door to their room. “Well, I think she’s rather spooky. I’d stay away from her if I were you.”

  “Maybe you’re right,” Rose muttered.

  What would Mary do if she found her with Cali again? Rose dreaded the moment when she might have to choose between two friends. It had taken her whole life to make friends and she didn’t want to lose either one. At least her choice of man was clear.

  Thinking of Leroy reminded her of tomorrow’s fish fry. It would be a relief to get some respite from being white. Tomorrow, she’d be immersed in a completely colored world. She hoped she performed her role as well there as she did here.

  * * * * *

  Leroy wondered if he’d arrived in heaven early when he rowed Rose down Crab Creek to his homeplace to meet his family the next afternoon. The scent of frying fish reached across the water, pulling Caleb’s old rowboat to shore.

  “I hope you’re hungry, sweet girl,” he told Rose, helping her out of the boat.

  He watched her gaze around, getting her bearings. The sight of children playing, men joking and women fussing over food was second nature to him.

  “Have you ever been to one of these before?” he asked.

  She shook her head and bit her bottom lip. “No. What am I supposed to do?”

  “Eat! Then talk and whatever else you feel like doing.” He planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Stop looking so nervous. Everyone is going to love you.”

  He took her hand, always thrilled by the way her strong, slim artist’s fingers felt against his palm. His girl, he thought with satisfaction. He couldn’t wait to show her off to everyone, but his mother deserved the honor of being the first.

  Leroy watched Rose’s expression while he led her to the familiar blue cottage. If she was shocked by the crude way his family lived, she didn’t show it. He brushed a mosquito off her arm. Why hadn’t he fixed that sagging clothesline? The smell of marsh mud let him know he was home. Did she mind it? If only a breeze would stir. Maybe he shouldn’t have brought her after all.

  She turned back to the water where an egret took flight. “The marsh is very wild here. It would be a good subject for a painting.”

  That was his Rose, seeing the beauty in everything.

  He grinned and opened the door for her. “Then I hope you paint it sometime.”

  Once she was his wife, he planned to take her here every Sunday to visit. He could picture her now in his church, walking down the aisle in a white dress. She was in his world now.

  Inside, Mama moved a pan of steaming yams, which filled the air with the mouth-watering scent of butter and cinnamon, to the table. He hugged her hard. With everything that had happened lately, it felt as if he hadn’t seen her in years.

  “Thank God you’re here, Leroy,” she said, pounding his back. “This is the first fish fry we’ve had without your father.”

  He looked at the empty chair. “I know.”

  After the hug, he looked back at his girl standing in the shadows and returned to her side.

  “Mama, I’d like you to meet someone. This is Rose, the woman I’m going to marry.”

  While Leroy didn’t expect his mother to greet Rose with open arms, he wished she’d look a little more enthusiastic. She dusted her hands and walked toward her, staring and frowning at Rose harder with each step.

  “I-I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, ma’am,” Rose said.

  Leroy looked down at the floor. The girl couldn’t sound more white if she tried.

  “My acquaintance?” Mama repeated as if it were a foreign word. “Son, you didn’t tell me you was bringin’ home a white girl.”

  He exchanged a glance with Rose, wondering how much she wanted to reveal about herself. She nodded her permission.

  “We come in all colors, Mama,” he said. “That’s why they call us colored, isn’t it?”

  Mama shrugged and turned back to her yams, as if her opinion of Rose had risen a little, but not much.

  “Make yourself useful, Rose, and help me carry this food outside,” she said.

  “Of course,” Rose replied. “Everything smells wonderful.”

  “By the looks of that fancy dress you’re wearing, you’re not used to eating this kind of food,” Mama commented.

  Now Leroy wished he’d told Rose to wear her plainest dress instead of her prettiest one with lace. Mama’s dress was so faded he could hardly tell what color it used to be. It was going to be a long evening.

  “I’m going to go look for Sadie and leave you two to…get to know each other.”

  He left Rose with his mother and went outside, running into a bunch of men from the Rockfield Oyster House. He used to work with them in his oyster shucking days. Being back here at this annual event reminded him how much his life had changed in one year.

  At the last fish fry, he lived and worked here, Papa was still alive and he hadn’t met Rose yet. About the only thing that had stayed the same was the plaid cap sitting comfortably on his head. Maybe that was why he always wore it.

  As soon as he saw Jimmy Clark, the men fell into a rough hug that almost knocked them both down.

  “Damn, you’ve gotten big and strong,” Jimmy declared. “What you been doing with yourself to get like that?”

  “Construction. I’ve been helping Caleb Rockfield build up Pearl Point.”

>   Leroy’s stomach sank when he remembered the best job he’d ever had was gone. Clipping rosebushes didn’t even come close. Marrying Rose would make everything worth it, he reminded himself. His goal was so close he could already see, smell and taste it. Each passing day brought him even closer. Spending every day and night with her, introducing her to everyone as his wife, giving her children so she’d never leave…

  If he was lucky, he might even get his old job back. Caleb could be harsh, but he had a soft spot in his heart, especially when it came to Pearl and her family.

  “That’s great,” Jimmy replied. “I think his brother is worried I might quit the Oyster Island plant and go down there.”

  “Are you still the fastest shucker at the plant?” Leroy asked.

  Jimmy wiggled his talented fingers. “You know it.”

  “You got a woman yet?” Jimmy was so good-looking and successful, Leroy was sure he must.

  “No, still searching,” Jimmy admitted, his big smile fading some.

  The men became friends last year when Jimmy courted Pearl and helped make repairs to the Johnson cottage. The poor guy never had a chance because she was secretly in love with Caleb the whole time.

  “You’ll find her when you least expect her.” When a stray ball rolled at their feet, Leroy lobbed it back to the child who lost it. “Come meet my girl.”

  He interrupted Rose as she helped Mama lay food on the outdoor tables, introducing her to Jimmy and his other friends. When a hard finger tapped him on the shoulder, he turned and looked into the angry face of his sister.

  “Leroy Johnson, you’ve been here how long and you haven’t even noticed me?”

  He turned and pulled her into a hug before she could go on. “I’m sorry, Sadie. I set out to find you and got sidetracked by the guys.”

  “Well, it’s good to see you.” Her scowl grew soft, almost too soft. The evening light must be playing tricks on him, because she looked as if she might cry.

  “Sadie, I want you to meet Rose, my fiancée.”

  After sweeping a curious glance over Rose from head to toe, she drew back. “Fiancée? I didn’t see that coming.”

  “It’s my turn to settle down now,” Leroy said.

  He wished his sister had greeted Rose more warmly than his mother had. Rose looked extra pale tonight. Meeting his family was not going as well as he’d assumed. Hopefully, they’d come around, because it was hard to enjoy himself with Rose so miserable.

  “Gather everybody,” Mama said. “It’s time to eat.”

  Leroy glanced around. “Pearl isn’t here?”

  “She and Caleb are coming a little later. Said they’re busy working. I think those people must work in their sleep.”

  Guilt settled in Leroy’s belly, robbing his appetite. They were working extra hard because he’d deserted them and he still hadn’t told Mama she wouldn’t be getting the money she was used to.

  Rose didn’t seem to have much appetite either when they began eating. There was nothing wrong with the food. The fish, fried with cornmeal batter, was the best he’d ever tasted and the garden tomatoes were as juicy as ever.

  “Rose is a painter,” he announced halfway through the meal.

  “That’s nice,” Mama said. “Do you make any money at it?”

  Rose sipped her lemonade. “Not so far. I’m going to art school right now. I just do it because I enjoy it.”

  “Hmph.” That was Mama’s opinion of anything that didn’t pay well.

  At least Mama conversed with Rose. Sadie didn’t say a word to her. She just cast her a few cold glances. He should have remembered his sister wasn’t fond of pretty girls.

  Mama looked at Rose’s plate and clucked with disapproval. “This food must not be fancy enough for her, Leroy. You’d best take her home before she starves to death.”

  Rose blinked as if she might cry. “I’m sorry to waste it. The heat has affected my appetite. I’d love to take it home with me to eat later.”

  Mama sniffed. “I guess you could do that.”

  Leroy set down his corn cob and wiped his hands on his trousers. This was turning out to be the worst fish fry of his life. He’d assumed Rose would have a wonderful time and everyone would adore her. What a fool he’d been. Oh, well. It was just one night and it would be over soon enough.

  After dinner, some folks remained at the tables to talk while others cleared the empty plates or played ball. Rose helped clean up. He knew he should get her out of here right now, but part of him wasn’t ready to leave yet. He needed this time at home with his family. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay long enough to see Caleb, though.

  When he glanced back at the table where Sadie sat by herself, he knew why he couldn’t leave. Something was wrong with his sister. He followed her line of vision to her husband Buck…who was talking to a pretty woman across the way. Now that he thought about it, Buck had been close to the woman most of the evening.

  Aw, hell. He’d always known that man was trouble. Before he’d met Rose, he’d been very concerned about Sadie’s marriage and had vowed to keep an eye on her. He could kick himself for forgetting all about it.

  Leroy sat at the long, wooden table across from her. “Why is he over there when you’re over here?”

  She shrugged and picked at her rolled-up shirtsleeve. “Because over there is where he wants to be. You haven’t been by your woman’s side tonight either.”

  He glanced at Rose in the distance as she carried a pan into the cottage. Even now, the sight of her long legs and willowy curves filled his groin with heat. Having her ride his lap in that boat was something he’d never forget. Her body had melted under his touch, making her agree with whatever he wanted. It was a handy tool to have when dealing with such a headstrong young lady.

  “No, but I ain’t talking to other women either,” he finally said. “Who is she?”

  When a fly landed on the table, Sadie smashed it with her fist. “She just moved to the area.”

  “Is he seeing her?” Leroy asked bluntly.

  “I don’t think so,” she replied. “At least not yet.”

  Leroy swore he’d take Buck apart before that ever happened. Sadie leaned her elbow on the table and buried her mouth into her upturned hand. Her shoulders shook with unshed tears. He turned around and shot a hateful look in her husband’s direction. The bastard didn’t seem to have any idea he had a wife, much less how upset she was.

  Leroy stood. “Let’s get you in the house for a while.”

  Rose looked at them as they passed by, but didn’t say anything. He hoped she understood. When they entered the cottage, Leroy was relieved to find it empty.

  “Divorce him,” he said after they went in Sadie’s old room.

  “Why?” She sat on her old bed. “So everyone can pity me because I’m too ugly to be a wife?”

  Leroy sat on the bed beside her and shook her arm. “Now you stop with that talk about being ugly, hear? It hurts me.”

  “You’re kind, Leroy.” She wiped her wet cheeks with her fingers. “But who else would marry me? I want children.”

  He handed her some facial tissues from the dresser and sat down again. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, there’s someone for everyone.”

  Sadie just blew her nose in reply. “Lots of women look the other way. Me and Mama need Buck. He does everything he’s supposed to.”

  Everything except love his wife, Leroy thought. If he lived here, he could take care of Mama and Sadie himself so they wouldn’t need Buck. But how would Rose fit into all this? It was so complicated he couldn’t begin to figure it out.

  “I’d love to go out there and take him apart.” Leroy slapped his fist into his other palm. “Just say the word and I will.”

  She sniffed and closed her hand over his. “Please don’t. But thanks for offering.”

  “I feel helpless,” he said. “There must be something I can do.”

  “You already did by listening to me. I’ll handle this, Leroy.”


  He turned and hugged her. “I’m working over at Caleb Rockfield’s old house. It’s a school now. You come by if you need me.”

  “I will. You’d better get back to your girl.”

  Leroy stood. “Don’t you like Rose?”

  Sadie shrugged. “How should I know? I just met her.”

  “You don’t like her.”

  “She’s so different from the rest of us,” his sister said. “Be careful, brother. She might get the notion someday to want one of her own kind.”

  The image of Rose sitting on the porch with Jonathan Carter flashed through his mind. Sadie was wrong. He was sure Rose knew exactly what she wanted. Him.

  Rose drifted into the shadows when Sadie came out of the cottage. Leroy’s sister had looked so upset when they’d gone inside that Rose followed to see if they needed help. Hearing their words drift out of the screen window had stopped her cold.

  She’d heard proof that Sadie didn’t like her. As if she needed it to be spelled out. Rose had felt as if she were an outsider the minute she’d set foot here. She knew Leroy’s mother didn’t care for her any more than his sister did. The two women even looked alike, one a younger and bigger version of the other. They both had cold eyes and walked with military purpose, as if they wouldn’t hesitate to kick something out of their way. Or someone…

  Yesterday, Rose had believed Leroy’s promises about fitting into his family. She should have known it was just wishful thinking.

  Having no desire to sit with strangers, she stayed among the trees, hoping to communicate with the fairies, lwa or whatever they were. She wished Mary or Cali were here.

  When Leroy’s mother walked by on her way to the cottage, Rose ducked behind a cedar tree.

  “Mama, I need to talk to you about something,” Leroy said once his mother entered the house. “You’d better sit down.”

  Rose wasn’t proud of herself for eavesdropping, but she needed proof to complete the decision forming in her heart.

  Go ahead and say it. Tell him you don’t like me.

  “I don’t have that job anymore.” Rose cringed at the defeat in his voice. “I-I can’t send you the money. At least not for a while.”

  “Good Lord,” his mother replied. “What happened? Did you lose it?”