by Pat Simmons
Minutes later, the lights dimmed and a heavyset gentleman, stuffed into a tuxedo, teetered on the stage and faced the audience. Mackenzie turned and nudged me. “You want me to sign for you?”
I shook my head. “I’ll let you know when I need an interpreter, Sister Mackenzie Norton. Right now, I need you to be my woman on a date.”
Mackenzie’s mouth formed an “o.”
“After all, I did tell your class you’re my girlfriend.” I winked right before darkness blanketed the auditorium that was filled to capacity. A preppy-dressed white guy in faded designer jeans and a worn corduroy blazer strolled onto the stage.
When he lifted a trumpet to his lips, I assumed he was the musician Chris Butte. I stretched my arm across the back of Mackenzie’s seat and urged her closer.
A young black guy walked out the shadows onto the stage. Gripping sticks, he made a beeline to the drums. From where I sat, he didn’t appear to be someone who would stand out from a crowd.
Then the drummer proved me wrong. His body language let me know he was setting the pace. Drumsticks twirled in the air like an ice skater, slowing down just enough to fake a baton.
Without realizing it, my head bobbed from side to side as I mimicked him. I had to force my concentration from the stage to look around. Heads moved, but in a different rhythm. I figured they were off beat.
The guitarist took the spotlight after the drummer. I was riveted as his fingers stroked the strings, manipulating my internal tempo. The silent serenade lulled me to sleep before the vibration of the drummer’s thump alerted me he was back in his groove.
When I snuck a peek at Mackenzie, her eyes spoke to me with an I-told-you-so expression. Two hours later, Mackenzie distracted me when she shook my shoulder. Swaying, my lids fluttered open at the interruption. I frowned. “What?”
“It’s over, Noel.”
Frowning, I jerked my head in all directions. People were spilling into the aisle toward the exit. When Mackenzie stood, I did the same, stretching.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” She knew the answer without asking.
Taking her hand, I lifted it to my mouth and brushed my lips against it. “Every minute.”
CHAPTER 9
Sunday morning, church was the first thing on my mind. Mackenzie was the second. She was going to be my strength and temptation.
This was the only day I didn’t jog. My routine was usually fifty pushups and weight lifting in my bedroom. After that, I prayed and showered. I was about to select my shirt and tie when I stopped for a moment of praise. I recited Psalm 150.
I praised God for His sanctuary, I praised the Lord for His mighty acts; I praised Him with my soundless sound of the trumpet, the timbrel, and the vibrating cymbals. I made my own sound, shouting verse six. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. “Praise ye the Lord!”
My flashing strobe light alerted me that someone was at my front door, ringing a bell. It was Sunday morning and I was in no hurry to answer the door for a solicitor, neighbor kid, or someone else. Neither was I concerned about being shirtless and barefoot.
Annoyed at the interruption, I checked the peephole to find Caleb’s teeth blocking my view. Opening the door, I nodded at him and then Pierce who stood behind him. They were dressed in dark suits and ties. I summarized it was Caleb’s monthly church visit.
Otherwise, he would’ve been in bed, recovering from a hangover. That was one promise he kept to our mother, an occasional visit to church. Both wore frowns that marred their identical faces.
“You all right?” Pierce asked, poised for action.
Caleb snapped his cell phone shut and barged in without an invitation. Pierce trailed. Leaving me no choice, I closed the door and followed them as they searched my rooms like crime scene investigators.
“Okay, what’s going on? Why are you two here, and what are you looking for? ” I directed my questions at Pierce. I’d never get a straight answer from Caleb on the first try.
“I came to see how everything went last night.”
“And you came twenty minutes out your way to ask me when texting or emailing me would’ve worked, Pierce?”
Pierce unbuttoned his suit jacket and didn’t back down. “You’re my brother and I can communicate with you in whatever manner I want. This morning I chose to talk to you in person, and I wanted to do it before service, so that I would know what to pray for at church,” he signed and then for Caleb’s benefit he stopped.
“When you didn’t answer the door and we heard voices, Caleb was one minute into talking to the relay call operator. I was thirty seconds away from breaking into the joint.”
I started to sign, but reconsidered. Folding my arms against my bare chest, I was no longer self-conscious about the disfigured skin tattooed on it. “I’m alive. I’m fine, and you two are making me late for church. Goodbye. I was praying.”
Instead of heading to my front door, Pierce walked into my living room and made himself comfortable in my reclining chair. Caleb went into my kitchen, triggering the sensor on a floor mat that let me know his whereabouts. He was raiding an overhead cabinet for breakfast food, again.
Many deaf parents used the sensor to monitor their small children. I did it just to stay one step ahead of my younger brother.
“I’m out of milk, Caleb. Don’t you have cereal at home?” I shouted over my shoulder as I watched Pierce.
Anchoring his elbows on his knees, Pierce bowed his head before looking up. “I’m sorry, Noel, things didn’t work out last night. Don’t be discouraged. That woman should’ve never suggested you go. It was a mockery. I know God heard your cries and will give you the woman who is right for you.”
“Mackenzie could be that woman...” It took three tries before Pierce registered my time-out signal, and stopped his rambling. “Pierce, you and our brother need to leave now.”
Caleb strolled out of the kitchen and into my living room, his jaw bulging with grapes. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re here to support you.” I interpreted his words between chews.
“Don’t forget a free meal, Caleb.” I shook my head in amusement while I planted my fists on my sides. “Listen, Richardson one and three. For the record, I never enjoyed myself more. Believe me when I say that the few times I’ve spent with Mackenzie, I hear things I’d never thought possible. That’s all I’m saying for now. You two can see your way out. I’ve got to get dressed for church service.”
I retraced my steps and almost squashed a grape rolling under my foot. When I turned and yelled at Caleb as another grape shot from his mouth, I laughed until he began to choke. Instantly, Pierce and I were at his side, pounding on his back as he gulped for air.
“Hey, you all right?” I asked, straightening his tie.
Caleb stood. “Yeah, yeah, man.” He waved us away. “Noel, what I was trying to say is the last we checked, you’re still deaf. Now if that changes, I want to know. She has you hear-cinating, not hallucinating.”
Pierce eyed me carefully. “There’s no need for you to get so caught up in this woman, yet. I’ll be praying that you don’t lose your mind.”
“Although, I’d never turn down prayer, your concerns are unwarranted.” After my date last night, I was confident that my relationship with Mackenzie was moving in a positive, Holy Ghost-filled direction.
Checking my watch, I practically trotted down the hall to my bedroom. On a mission, I put on a T-shirt. I splashed on my aftershave, brushed my hair, and scrutinized my mustache to see if a trim was necessary. Passing inspection, I slipped on a shirt. After snaking my belt through my pants’ loops, I finished dressing.
With my Bible in hand, I stopped by the hall closet for my coat. Surprisingly, my brothers hadn’t moved. As a matter of fact, they seemed comfortable. Nodding, I walked out my own door. They were free to stay. I knew they wouldn’t. As I drove off, they were closing my front door as if they owned the place.
Ten minutes later, my soul rejoiced once I stepped inside the church’s vestibule.
My heart pounded excitedly in anticipation of being in God’s presence and seeing Mackenzie. As I reached the door to the sanctuary, I caught a glimpse of her on my left in a far corner. She was gorgeous in her off-white, ankle-length dress that hid too much. I sighed in disappointment.
Grinning, I thought about our date the previous night at the concert. Swaggering in her direction, I stopped when I saw Valerie, who seemed upset, judging from her body language. I should’ve walked away, but I didn’t. I didn’t want to intrude, but I was about to.
“And here, I thought we were prayer partners, making intercessory prayers on each other’s behalf. What happened, Mackenzie?” Valerie’s lips dripped with venom. “You sure you didn’t slip in your request first and just so happened to remember mine later?” Valerie wagged her finger so close to Mackenzie’s face, Mackenzie should’ve taken a bite.
“How could you steal Noel from me? I’m the one who wanted a husband. You wanted God to open a door for you in Chicago.”
How ridiculous? God wouldn’t be that cruel to bind me to Valerie till death do us part. And what exactly what did Valerie mean about Mackenzie and Chicago? I stepped back, but I didn’t go away.
“Girl, I’m going to be praying night and day for you to leave permanently. You’re nothing more than a husband stealer. You took what God sent for me!” Valerie’s lips were so tight with emotion, I misinterpreted Valerie saying, God had sent me for her. I chuckled, yeah, right. If it wasn’t for Mackenzie, I would leave now and return to televangelist sermons.
It was getting a little warm, so I loosened the knot on the tie that took me three tries to manipulate to perfection. I processed Mackenzie, husband, and Chicago. None of them would be happening if I wasn’t involved.
Pierce’s words of caution haunted me. I might be deaf, but I was no fool. Fuming, my nostrils flared. Maybe I had acted too soon and assumed too much. She doesn’t play games, huh? Well, Valerie wouldn’t be the only one confronting Mackenzie.
Mackenzie scratched her head in annoyance. A habit I noticed once when I criticized her driving.
“Listen, Valerie, I sincerely and earnestly petitioned God on your behalf for a mate. How could I get blessed if my prayer was about me, me, and me? I wasn’t looking for or asking God for a boyfriend. Yet, you’re accusing me of stealing Noel from you? And any relationship I have with Noel is not your concern. Oh, and guess what, my sister? Don’t stop praying about Chicago.”
She turned to walk away, but paused. “Valerie, let’s suppose God did send you a wonderful package like Noel. You would miss every blessing that Noel has to offer because you can’t get past his deafness? I like Noel and enjoy his company.
He’s not only nice-looking, but he’s so sincere. And there’s one other thing, Noel could fit into your world only if you let him. If God has him for you, then he wasn’t mine to take.”
Naw, you want to bet? I thought about interrupting, but I had to process Valerie’s moment of insanity. If her twisted mind really believed that, then why did she have hostility toward me? I grimaced. God, I came to this church for You. Lord, I know I have to talk to this woman soon, but God grant me favor to hold off a little longer.
Then there was the matter with Mackenzie. Yes, we spoke briefly about her aspirations in theater, but I’m positive Chicago wasn’t mentioned in the same sentence. As Valerie balled her fists, I was ready to intervene, but Mackenzie attempted to diffuse the volatile situation as she covered Valerie’s hand, bowed her head, and prayed.
Squinting, I recognized words from Romans 13. After Mackenzie finished praying for Valerie, she better pray for herself. There would be a change of plans about this Chicago nonsense. As I turned around to head to the sanctuary, Keisha and Daphne ran into me, signing with animated faces. With them in tow, I continued on to the sanctuary.
Just like little women, the pair selected a pew for all three of us. I knelt to pray and the Campbell sisters followed. I closed my eyes and prayed. When I opened them, they were still beside me like guards. While still on my knees, I searched for their mother. Finding her sitting not far away, she shrugged her apology for their pestering.
I sat and faced the interpreters. Valerie squirmed in her chair, shooting me expressions that shifted between murderous and longing. Mackenzie made eye contact with everyone else in the group, but me.
CHAPTER 10
Mackenzie signed as Pastor Coleman began his morning sermon asking questions.
“Has anyone wondered what to pray, how to pray, or what is God’s will in your life? If you want to build something, you’ve got to have a model. If you cook a dish, you have a recipe. If you become ill, you follow instructions from your prescription to get better. I’m going somewhere with this, so stay with me.”
I briefly glanced at Valerie, who sat next to Mackenzie and appeared tortured. As Pastor Coleman dissected each verse in Luke 11, Valerie relieved Mackenzie and continued the interpretation.
“Remember, saints, prayer is all about God, recognizing Him as the Supreme Being, praising Him for the Name Jesus Christ, requesting His will, thanking Him for being our Provider, and accepting His forgiveness. This is the formula for prayer. Before your get up from your knees, go through the checklist then God will bless you...”
Mackenzie resumed signing during the altar call. I wondered about my checklist? A finger poked my leg, distracting me.
“She’s still ugly,” Keisha signed.
Daphne nudged her. “Momma told you about saying that. I want candy after church and you’re going to get us in trouble.”
I chuckled at their antics. Ten minutes later, behind the pulpit, water shifted in the glass tub as three men, redressed in white clothing, descended into the baptismal pool. I didn’t need to read Mackenzie’s hands as they stroke the air to know what the ministers in the pool recited once they lifted their hands. “My dear brothers, by the confession of your faith and repenting of your sins, we now indeed baptize you in the Name of Jesus for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues.”
The men were submerged and raised out of the water. The baptismal always fascinated me. Yes, I had been baptized, and yes, I experienced the fire of the Holy Ghost. But the spiritual magnitude of a simple physical act was still beyond my understanding.
After the benediction, Valerie stomped away. I sought Mackenzie, which wasn’t easy either as I tugged her away from Nick, the church comedian who I met at Applebee’s. At first she resisted, but with her hand securely in mine, I led her to a nearby pew.
Her behind hadn’t touched the cushion before she started in on me. “You have a lot of nerve, Noel Richardson, eavesdropping on a personal conversation.”
Cupping my ear, I feigned innocence. “What?”
Mackenzie slapped my hand away. She was fuming. “You heard us, Oops, I mean,” she paused, searching for words.
Jokes aside, I engulfed her small hand in mine. Our disagreements were outnumbering our kisses. “Yes, Mackenzie I know what you mean. Why didn’t you tell me about Chicago? I thought we were sharing things, secrets.”
Sarcasm twisted her lips. “Because, silly me, that’s a dream I only shared with Valerie. Now I wished I had kept that to myself.” She stared at me longer than I felt comfortable. “I didn’t pray for you, Noel.”
If her words were a sledgehammer, I would’ve been crushed. Instead, I focused on her face. I didn’t blink, breathe, or move. I waited for her to continue.
“My life changed on Thanksgiving Day when you came over and talked to me. Ever since that moment, it seems like you have always been in my life. The teasing, the holding hands, the kiss… God, Noel, I didn’t feel like I had to question things, wondering if you were here for Valerie.”
“You don’t. Valerie has nothing I want, including friendship, and let me tell you, I’m struggling with my attitude on that.”
“When you asked me to go out, I didn’t hesitate. When you kissed me, I didn’t slap you. Noel, here’s
another note for you to take. My private conversations are just that. Don’t violate my privacy.”
“Noted.” I respected her stormy spirit and honesty. Properly chastened, my hand trailed the wave of my hair down to my neck. Briefly I broke eye contact before meeting her eyes again.
“Mackenzie, there’s a relationship out there waiting to blossom between us. I know you feel that. I’m willing to pull out the stops for you, but that doesn’t include a long distance relationship. I don’t live in Chicago.” I had no right to make demands on her, but I had every right to pursue her until she made a decision that was favorable to us—to me.
“No, but the prestigious Goodman Theatre is there. It’s a regional theatre and a recipient of a special Tony Award for leadership. Its reputation was legendary for hiring the best of the best directors who conjure up authentic plays that many playhouses couldn’t duplicate. A lot of theatres lack the funds to attract the caliber of talents it does and to develop elaborate sets.
I lifted a brow. “Aren’t you already busy with theatre companies here?”
“Yes, I am. During the school year, I wear myself out keeping up with eighteen second-graders, jumping from theater projects to the next play, and then don’t forget being active in church. Sometimes, I take a graduate class. The exhausting schedule serves two purposes. One to amass the perquisite for acceptance into Goodman Theatre…and.”
“Two?” My nostrils flared in frustration, so I regulated my breathing.
“I’m single. Busyness conquers loneliness.”
I wanted to make sure I spoke clearly so she wouldn’t miss a word, be it a misunderstanding, or a misinterpretation. “Mackenzie, you may not have prayed for me, but I’m here now. I think there needs to be a change of plans.”
