Sylvia stopped, putting her hand on her hip, "Did Deidre breast feed Angela?"
"We're not talking about Deidre, not talking about Angela, we're talking about Jesse James, and Jess James is gettin' God's formula, made just for him. Now stop arguing with me all the time and come on here, this discussion has ended."
Sylvia could only laugh and leave it alone, for now that is. They were looking for the kids when they spotted them at the balloon stand. Angela and Mundo bought Isaac and Darren a balloon, Isaac had his, and Mundo was heading their way with Darren's. "Come on lil'man, come on with me." He said right away approaching them. Darren was only too happy to jump from Shawn's arms to Mundo's, who sat him on the ground, but held his hand, even though he was pulling to get away from him. "Oh no you don't, you staying with me." He relieved Shawn right away, hearing it.
Sylvia smiled, her son -when the time came- would be a good father, he was nothing like his own father, so it seemed from the way he was with Isaac and Darren, at least she sure hoped so. Now that their hands were free, Shawn turned taking her by the hand, "Let's get something to drink from the bar." She gladly followed his lead, still looking for Crystal and Ben. The music playing was incredible, making her feel like dancing, she glanced up at Shawn, a flirty look about her, moving to the beat that was playing. When it came to freestyle, she could move like the best of them, plenty of rhythm to grove and keep up with the music then playing. She deliberately moved her hips and butt in a way that Shawn could not ignore, "Come dance with me." She asked.
"Wait 'til I get a few drinks down me." He beamed.
"You either dance with me, or I'm gone have to find somebody else to dance with." She teased, grabbing his hand to pull him towards the area where the crowd danced, enjoying the jams. Shawn groaned, trying to avoid dancing right away, "Sylvia-a-a, don't you know white folk don't dance until they've had a few drinks down'em?!" He joked. Smiling, wanting to enjoy herself, Sylvia started moving to the music in a seductive, fluid, rolling of her hips, laughing as his eyes grew huge in warning for moving the way she was. A young white guy beside her turned to see her moving, smiled with bright white teeth and a, "Whoa, nice, I like that, get dow-..."
"Get the fuck away from my wife, I'ah fuckin' bury your ass in the sand!" Shawn growled, stepping between them so fast, the move blew the guy away.
"Whoa dude! Chill man, hey - it's all cool, mellow out you know, peace and all that wonderful shit." The guy threw his hands up as if in a hold up and backed away, still dancing.
"Shawn!"
He turned looking down at his wife, "You need to watch who you shake your ass at!" He warned.
She wrapped her arms around his waist, cheesing up at him, moving against him trying to coax him into dancing with her, trying not to laugh at the look on his face. "Come on baby, you brought me here, dance with me. You danced at our wedding, so I know you can move." She slowly got him swaying, flirting with him until he too started grinning again, finally wrapping his arms around her, as they set up their own rhythm to the song playing, Shaggy's - Raggae Vibes. The flow of movement with it was easy for Shawn to follow, in fact he started liking it, as Sylvia could see, before long, they were moving through the crowd jamming with the rest as he turned her this way and that from the Caribbean music. It went straight into Sean Paul's - Reggaebeing played and was their first true, jazzy jam party together, both were having a good time getting into the swing of things until they finally moved close to where Mundo, Angela and the boys were dancing on the out skirts of the crowd. Suddenly the music flow changed to a Latin beat where the DJ yelled out, "LAMBADAAA!!!!"
The crowd squealed in excitement gearing up for the dance, while other's stepped back to see those who could do it, clearing an area as the song was performed live with the powerful Latin beat, that soon took over. Excitement shot through Sylvia because she knew how to Lambada. She wanted to get Shawn into it, but he was standing with his eyes wide, staring, stunned. She turned as well to see what he was looking at, only to behold her daughter and his son, moving like a graceful snake, fit tightly against each other, moving as one, united, like living lava, working it so well, people were howling at them.
-(The Lambada)-
Sylvia's mouth dropped open, shocked!
Shawn stood in disbelief because he of course, had no idea Ben, could dance as he was, twirling Crystal about one way, then the other, to come back and throw her back for her to rise up his thigh, gyrating freely as she went, enjoying the music that flowed through her. Shawn froze, with the sight of them blowing him away. He gazed in amazement and then felt himself standing a bit taller as a smile slowly came to him, he looked down at Sylvia, her mouth was still open; he reached over and pushed her chin up to close it. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear. "Look at them, look at her - I've never seen her that way, and you know what, neither have you. It's called ... happy - carefree - uninhibited. Now that's the way, our daughter should be, shouldfeel! I dare you to deny it."
Sylvia couldn't deny it, but no matter what he said, or what they saw, she was standing by her feelings on the matter, it was simply - too soon.
Chapter 257
Madison, Wisconsin
"Hi mom, how are you?" Derrick asked. Meribel was gone with the kids, taking them with her to get some shopping in as well something to eat. They would be staying a couple more days, just to visit with Derrick Jr. before going back home, and hopefully, packing. They'd only mentioned the possibility of moving that morning, and there was an uproar of disapproval from the kids. Especially Shawn2 & Sasha - they had their friends in school to think about, their social life, now - things were certainly getting nasty concerning this woman whose actions were starting to affect them and turn their lives upside down.
"Doing just fine, the family okay?"
"Mmm, well - yes, we're visiting with Dj right now, here, we're fine. It's when we get home that there's a problem."
"A problem, at home? What do you mean?" Gert asked concerned.
"It's all in the air right now, nothing certain, but - we may end up having to relocate, putting our house up for sale."
"Why?! What's going on? Sell your house?"
Derrick sighed, "Before I explain, can you call dad on the other phone?"
"Sure son, just a moment, let me get him."
Derrick sat holding the phone to his ear, listening to his mother leave the room and head off in search of his father. He sat with his head spinning, unsure of anything at this point. But he couldn't have Meribel as upset as this was making her. There was a part of him that felt she was taking it too far. But then, thinking back to the way Margaret was in the school parking lot after his meeting with the school board, maybe not. All the phone calls, no, maybe she wasn't over-reacting, but he was under-reacting. He simply didn't know what else to do. How did one deal with a woman that refused to see, there was no interest whatsoever; he was in love with his wife and knew that he would always be. He wasn't the type of man to go from one woman to the next, there was no need to do that when he had one that saw to all that he needed to be happy. She loved him, took care of the home he provided, and patiently endured his lack of care with her when she'd needed so much more from him in bed. Yet, she'd coped with it, stayed true and gave him time to get himself together. Granted, he'd had to find out for himself what was wrong, however, she was firm in her loyalty to him, to their family, his home. Why, with all that was in their lives, would he seek the attention of another woman, it simply made no sense to him; why any man would seek another woman when he possessed the best already.
His parents were back in the house, he could hear them talking in the background, and then the erratic noises of them picking up the phone. "Derrick? You still there son?" Gert asked a bit out of breath.
"Yes, still here."
"I'm on son, what's this, I hear about you maybe having to sell your home and move?" Bart asked right away.
Derrick sighed, "Meribel and I, well, we're having problems due to a teacher from the
school where I coach."
"What do you mean, you're having problems with a teacher? You mean a woman?" Gert asked.
"Yes, rather, we're having problems with a woman who has decided, that - she wants me and is willing to do anything to wreck our home life to break Meribel and I up."
"And she's a school teacher?" Gert asked stunned by it.
"Yes, she is. She's been flirting with me, coming on to me for some time now. I've done all I can to dissuade her from this course, but she's gotten stuck in thinking if she adheres to her plans, I will some how give up my family for her-..."
"Which is out of the question, right boy?" Bart inserted.
"Of course dad! I wouldn't even consider her. I love Meribel, you both know that I do..." Derrick defended, "... but she won't give it up, she won't give in. She's started calling the house now, over and over again, and - harassing Meribel, saying really nasty and derogative things to her. It got so bad one night, that Meribel was going to leave, take the younger ones and return to Chicago."
"Have you confronted the woman about it son? Told her that harassing your wife is not allowed." Bart asked, Gert stayed on and silently listened.
"Dad, she's crazy. I followed her home one day, went into her place, well because of the things she's done. I invited Meribel to have lunch with me one day, she went into my office to set the food out and the teacher was in there. Meribel attacked her, it got really aggressive. Anyway, I went to her place and she was all over me, I had to twist her arm to get her off of me."
"Should've twisted her goddamn neck, not her arm! She's a goddamn fruit-loop! Sounds coo-coo for Co-Co Puffs to me! How is it you boys attract these crazy ass women?!" Gert blasted shaking her head.
"Mother? No need for cursing, let him finish." Bart corrected her and then back to Derrick, "So now, what have you done about it son?"
"I went to the school board, I reported her to the police and had a restraining order placed against her. But, she's still doing it, calling. Meribel's at the end of her rope with it."
"She needs to shove a red hot poker up her ass, sounds to me." Gert commented and continued, "Meribel can handle her, you need to let her do it."
"Gertrude ... you're doing it again." Bart chimed in.
"You know I'm right, calling their home! Going into his office and interfering between husband and wife! In the bible, she'd have been stoned. Need to drop a big rock on her wacky ass! I swear!"
"Mother, is that a direct quote from the good book?" Bart teased.
"Oh you're one to talk." Gert laughed, "Son, let Meribel do what she has to do."
"Mom, I don't want Meribel fighting with her, she shouldn't have to."
"Obviously she has to son - anytime it's come to you having to sell your home, her home. That's not right, you think that's fair on Meribel?" Gert continued right on.
"No mom, of course I don't think it's fair on Meri, that's why I'm on the phone with you and dad. I'm not sure what to do about it."
"Gertrude, can I talk now?" Bart asked patiently.
"Go right ahead, I'm just gonna listen."
"Well son I'll tell'ya now, going to the school and the law has shown not to work if she still calling. I wouldn't go so far as to sell the house, not yet. Seein' as how it's summer, I think the best thing to do, is load up your family and come here for the summer. She wantin' you that bad, if she that crazy, she won't give up then. Let's see just how desperate she is, let's see if she so out of it, she finds you here. If she does, and shows up, well then - we'll do what we have to do."
"I'm not breaking the law!" Derrick countered.
"Son, when you gonna get it through your head, not to worry about the law, 'cause the law don't worry about you! I've told you boys, how many times, there's just as many crooks and criminals in high places as there are in low. Remember, cops don't watch your ass, family do! Don't worry 'bout all that now, when you get back, get your family up here. We'll worry about the rest if and when the time comes."
Derrick groaned, wishing now, that he hadn't said anything, but it was too late, they knew.
"You hear me boy?" Bart questioned.
"Yes dad, I heard you."
"This here about that gal you brought home and said to us, she's the one. It's about her. You don't let nobody, make her feel what you just say to your mom and I. We know our Meri, and she can't be replaced. So you better get that through your head boy, there's only one of her, somethin' happen to her, what you gonna do then?"
"I know dad, I know."
"Well then, you stand up and be the man I raise you to be! Family first! Your wife - the mother of your children - she is it! Now you get yourself in gear. Mother'll get your rooms ready. Ben is here with us too by the way, no matter - we got room for all."
Having little choice now, Derrick knew what he had to do. "I'll talk it over with Meribel, I'm sure she'll agree."
"Well that's good enough for now then, see you all when you get here. One more thing son..."
"Yes, dad?"
"Heard from your sister? Kathy Ann?"
"No, I gave her money, and she took off, don't know where to, haven't heard from her since."
Bart, nodded, worried about her, exhaling deep, he ended the call with, "All right, speak with Meribel."
* * *
Chicago
At the end of her day, Vivian was happy to see that once again, Paul was right in sight at the L-train station to pick her up after work. He popped the auto unlock for her to get in, smiling at her as she did.
"Hello my dear, oh am I glad you're here, I am so tired, I just want to get home." Vivian started right away.
"I'd never keep a lady waiting, hard day?"
"Oh my goodness, I swear to you, I must have walked from one end of that bank to the other, up and down in the elevator, from one meeting or matter after another, for today, it's over."
"Yes, and in a few more days, it'll be over for good, you excited? No more having to do this day in and out."
Vivian went into thought about it, and looking at her future husband's son, she admitted, "I have a feeling I'm going to miss it. I've been on the go my entire life. I've always taken care of myself and never depended on anyone. This, needless to say, will be a challenge for me."
"But it's different when you get married, the husband is supposed to take care of the wife. You just have to give it a little time, to adjust, right?"
"As you said, in a few days, I'll have no choice, it's going to be a done deal. I'm sure I'll find something to do with my time when I get to Wisconsin with your dad."
"Getting that house in order is going to take some time, let me tell you. There's a lot of work to do in there."
"It's that bad, huh?" She asked, reluctant to know the truth.
"It's - old. Even so, my dad can handle it. When he gets done with that house, it's going to be incredible! I'll be helping him when I get back and so will Kevin, in fact, he's probably helping him now."
"Is it a really big house?" She asked, curious.
"Really really big, I'm thinking, bigger than your friend Sylvia's house, bigger than Sheila's, bigger and taller than Ms Martin's building."
"Wow!"
"Yeah, it's a doosy. Old Victorian and grand, needing some serious TLC. My dad owning it, it'll get it."
"Thank goodness for that. Anyway, what would you like for dinner?"
"Actually, I've eaten. Sheila brought me such a big lunch today, I'm still not hungry from that."
Hearing him mention that reminded Vivian of their earlier talk, her eyes automatically went to his clothes, which were neat and clean. And, he smelled nice as well, no sign of what Sheila worried, even though Vivian knew that he could have showered by now, and so, being subtle asked, "How's your work at that house going by the way, almost done?"
"I'm getting there, working alone as I am - takes longer than it would have if my dad and Kevin were here, but I'm making good progress."
"That's good. I bet uh, what's her name again?"
"Jackie! Jackie Pemberton."
"Ah, yes, Jackie - I bet she's really pleased with what you're doing huh?"
"I think so, she's really nice. Single mother with two kids, she needs all the help, she can get. I'm just glad that I can be of assistance to her."
"Yeah, it is nice of you. I wonder what happened with her husband, did she ever have one, or is she just a single mother?"
"Not real sure, they must be divorced or something. All I know for sure is that he's just - gone."
"Oh, so is she nice to you?"
"Yeah, like I said, she's a nice lady."
"Her kids, are they nice to you? I mean, you haven't had any trouble working there, have you?"
"Her kids are great, well the little girl, she doesn't say much to me, just stares at me..." he stopped to chuckle, "...her son, Ronnie, we're cool, I've helped him with his homework."
"Wow, look at you - just an all around good guy. She's really lucky." Vivian complimented trying to think of a way to get to her other concerns about his time spent in the company of this woman.
Smiling to himself, Paul nodded, "Yeah, the experience is good for me."
"I suppose that's true, but - you shouldn't spend all of your time here, there - helping her. We should go to the movies one evening or something after I get off of work, or, do whatever you wanna do, can't be all work while you're here."
"No, I really don't mind it. Besides, like now, tired as you are, I wouldn't even consider, bugging you to see a movie. You should be able to get off of work and relax. Ahhh, did you want to - well - go to Sheila's and Dennis again tonight?"
"Why? I thought we'd go home tonight, give them a break from us."
"Oh, uh, okay, sure ... if you want, I just thought - well, seeing as how you'll be moving to Wisconsin over the weekend, you'd want to spend as much time with them as you could, before we leave here, that's all."
Vivian could see it now, he was different. Once more, no deep blushing, no little boyish bashfulness. To a degree that couldn't quite be measured, his confidence level had risen in a way that could only be spotted if you knew him before and after ... the question plaguing her mind was, after ... what? Had he really been doing what Sheila swore was true?
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