Pushin'

by L. Divine

  I’ve done all I can do as godmother and will make sure I take care of Nickey Shantae’s spirit. After all, she is a caul girl like myself. I don’t want her to end up having the same drama from the start because my mother let the hospital destroy my caul instead of paying it the proper reverence it’s due. I’ll make sure I get Nickey’s caul after she makes her arrival, which should be any minute now. Mickey’s pushing for her first Mother’s Day, and we’re all anxious to meet her little girl.

  10

  Mama’s Day

  “Thank you Mama for the nine months you carried me through/…No one knows the pressure you bear a just only you.”

  —SIZZLA

  At five-fifteen this morning, Mickey became the proud mother of Nickey Shantae Esop. Both mother and child are doing fine and resting well last time I checked. I’ve been home for a couple of hours, unable to sleep because of this morning’s excitement. The birth was one thing, but convincing Mickey to ask for Nickey’s caul from the nurses was another thing entirely. I had to tap into Mickey and the nurse’s minds at the same time. I didn’t even know I could do that, but with my mom’s help we got it done—completely wiping me out in the process. That coupled with me sharing Mickey’s labor has rocked me physically and mentally, yet I still can’t fall asleep.

  My cell vibrates on the coffee table and I pick it up and answer without checking the caller ID. I’m too tired to care.

  “Hello,” I answer.

  “Jayd, are you okay?” Mama asks, sounding concerned. It must be after seven if Mama’s already calling me.

  “Yes, just tired. Mickey’s baby was born early this morning,” I say into the phone, realizing that won’t excuse me from today’s festivities. Mama and Netta are very serious about Mother’s Day and it’s an all-day affair for them. My mom and Mama’s other children all know the deal. I hope Mama likes the stove we bought her. It should be delivered early this afternoon, and I want to make sure I’m there to receive it.

  “Did you get the caul?” Mama asks. And people think I’m direct.

  “Yes, ma’am,” I say, yawning in the process. I really need to catch up on my sleep. “And I won’t forget to bring it with me.” I turn over on the couch, deeper into the pillows, trying to avoid the sun shining through the windows. We really need to get some darker shades.

  “Good girl. I’ll see you later, Jayd—but not too late. Catch a nap and come on. We need your help to feed the Mothers,” Mama says, referring to our annual celebration of the eldest ancestors of them all. Most people fear the Mothers, calling them witches and all sorts of unholy names. But the truth is that if it weren’t for them, nothing would exist. Our mother, Oshune, is over the Mothers and, as her daughters, we have a special relationship with them that is not to be ignored.

  “I know, Mama. I’ll see you in a little while.” I hang up my cell, ready to pass out on the couch fully clothed, but not before Jeremy calls.

  “Hello,” I say groggily, but I’m glad to hear from my man.

  “Hey, Jayd,” Jeremy says. “How are Mickey and the baby doing?”

  “They’re fine. Tired, but fine,” I say, smiling at the thought of Nickey and Mickey resting peacefully after a hard day’s work on all of our parts—Nellie not included. That girl’s a piece of work and then some. But I’ll give her a piece of my mind later. Right now all I want to do is sleep.

  “And how are you?” I love that I’m a priority in Jeremy’s life, even if it is too early to call me this morning. Usually I’d be up for work and he’d be at the beach, unless he chose to sleep in.

  “I’m good, Jeremy. But I do need to get some sleep before going over to my grandmother’s house today. We have a long afternoon planned and I haven’t slept at all.” I rub my lower back, remembering the labor pains I absorbed for Mickey. I hope she knows what a good friend she has in me. If not, I’ll spend the rest of my life reminding her and so will Nickey. She remembers it, just like I remember bits and pieces of my birth. Having a vivid memory comes with being a caul child, as well as all the other gifts that can seem like a curse at times. Speaking of which, I’d better take some medicine before my cramps return and interrupt my eventual sleep.

  “Okay, I won’t hold you. I know you’ve had a long night and morning. Will you have some time to chill later?” I miss Jeremy, too, but it’s going to be a full day and I need to visit Mickey at the hospital before visiting hours are over tonight.

  “I honestly can’t say, baby. It depends on how long we’re at my grandmother’s house and then after that I need to study,” I say, remembering all the work I have ahead of me this last month of school. With cheer and the school play on my plate, I’ve got a lot going on. Not to mention the cotillion rehearsals, which begin as soon as school’s out. At least my official presidential duties don’t start until school starts again fall semester, allowing me somewhat of a break. I know summer’s going to fly by, as usual, but I still welcome the warm break.

  “I’ll call you later to check on you. My mom’s planned a brunch for the family and after that I’ll be at the beach.” Jeremy’s so predictable. If he and Chance aren’t working on their cars, they’re at the beach surfing—not that Chance surfs much. But he does smoke and drink, also a favorite pastime of theirs.

  “Have fun and tell your mother I said Happy Mother’s Day.” I don’t really mean it, but I should be nice, even to my unofficial enemies.

  “Same to your mom and grandmother, Jayd. I’ll check you later.” I hang up the phone and settle under the covers, ready to fall into a deep sleep. Hopefully, I can get in a few good hours before getting up. I need to at least buy flowers and cards for all the mothers in my life. I tried to sneak in flowers with no greeting card last year, and Mama almost had a fit. She couldn’t care less about me saving a few dollars. Mama wants the card, too, and I have to oblige. After all, it’s her day, not mine.

  After eating a quick breakfast, I quickly dress and head out the door. I got a good four hours of sleep and feel slightly rejuvenated. I can’t wait to get a full night’s rest tonight when I get back home, but that’ll be hours from now. It’s already after twelve and the day’s just beginning. My mom sent me a text saying she’ll meet me in Compton instead of here like we originally planned. I’m sure Karl did something special for her, even if I’m the one she should be spending Mother’s Day with.

  Last year, I made my mom breakfast and served her in bed, just like they do on the commercials. She loved it. This year we’ll have to settle for a joint celebration, which is customary anyway. I just miss the one-on-one time my mom and I had before she met Karl. But it’s all good. Maybe when they get married they can buy a house big enough for all of us to fit in, and then I can see my mom more often.

  Before I leave, I need to call my stepmother, Faye, and make sure she got the card I sent her earlier this week. My brother and sister usually spend the day with their mom—my dad’s first wife—so I know Faye feels alone because she has no children of her own. My dad didn’t want any more kids and forbade Faye from getting pregnant, even though she is twenty years younger than him. That’s messed up, to me, but it’s their marriage and grown folks’ business, as Daddy would say, which means I have no say in the matter.

  “Happy Mother’s Day,” I say after Faye answers the phone. I’m glad she picked up and not my dad. He’ll get his call next month on Father’s Day, as always. Today is all about the women.

  “Jayd, sweetie. How are you?” Faye asks. I can hear her smile through the phone. She’s a sweet woman when she wants to be, but she has her moments.

  “I’m good. Did you get the card I sent?” I ask while I check my outfit in the mirror one more time. I opted for some simple purple yoga pants and a gray top. We have a lot of spirit work to do, and I know I’ll be required to change into my whites at some point, so there’s no point in getting all dressed up.

  “Yes, I did. Thank you very much. Your father told me you went to the eye doctor. How’d that go?” she asks, checking on h
er investment. Technically we’re all on her insurance, and because she works for a state school, she gets the best benefits.

  “I haven’t gone yet,” I say. I refuse to drive nearly thirty miles to see the eye doctor or the dentist.

  “Jayd, you really should take advantage of having good insurance available to you. Everyone doesn’t.”

  “You’re right, and I’ve been meaning to ask if it’s all right to change my dentist and optometrist to a closer location. I called customer service and they said I only need your social security number and they’ll approve the transfer.” Faye pauses slightly and I already know the answer’s no, but it was worth a shot. For some reason, she doesn’t trust me unconditionally like my mother does. I know all my mom’s and Mama’s information, just in case I ever need it one day.

  “Oh, Jayd. I’m not comfortable with that,” Faye says as if I asked her for a loan. “Besides, the whole family goes to Long Beach. That’s the way it’s always been. You’re driving your mother’s car, right?” she asks, sounding just like her husband. Why did I even bother? Talking to one is just like talking to the other.

  “Yeah. I have to go,” I say, ready to end this conversation. One minute more is too long for me. “Happy Mother’s Day, Faye. I hope you have a great one.”

  “To your mom, too, Jayd.” Ending the call, I rush out of the house, lock the door, and jog down the stairs. I don’t want to miss Mama’s gift being delivered or the look on her face when she sees it. I’ll stop at Ralphs and grab the flowers and cards before hopping on the freeway. I should also pick up something for Mickey since it’s her first Mother’s Day, too. How cute is it that Nickey showed up today, out of all the days she could’ve been born? That girl knows she’s special.

  When I arrive on Gunlock Avenue, practically the entire block is hanging out on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. I love May weather. I can smell Mama and Netta’s cooking all the way down the block, or perhaps my nose is extra sensitive to the way they get down. I take the flowers and cards out of the passenger’s seat and exit the car, ready for our celebration.

  “Where’s Lynn Marie, Jayd? I thought she was coming with you.” Mama asks, eyeing her candy, cards, and other gifts. There’s so much stuff we can hardly see the dining room table. Her godchildren spoil her on this day especially, and her sons look like they chipped in, too. There are even more gifts on the coffee table. After what I witnessed this morning, mothers deserve all this and more for what they go through bringing life into the world. The job is no joke.

  “She’s on her way,” I say, placing the gifts I brought and the bag containing Nickey’s caul on one of the four dining room chairs with my purse. Netta’s singing in the back, hard at work.

  “Your mama being on time for once would be a good gift,” Mama says, spotting a box of See’s candy, our favorite. Maybe she’ll share some of that with me later. Aside from Netta’s melodic voice, I can hear something large coming down the narrow street. I peek out the window to see a huge appliance truck and the drivers are looking for what I assume is Mama’s address. It’s here and just in time, too. I’m sorry my mom’s not here yet, but we can’t wait on her forever.

  “Your real gift’s outside,” I say, pointing to the deliveryman exiting the large vehicle. His partner hops out on the passenger’s side, all set to help with the delivery.

  “What did you do?” Mama says, opening the screen door and stepping onto the front porch with Lexi and me right behind her.

  “We bought you what you needed and wanted this year—a new stove.” I step off the porch, sign the delivery papers and watch as they unload the appliance off the truck.

  “You want this to go through the front or back, miss?” one of the drivers asks. Netta walks up the driveway from the back yard, smiling.

  “Yes, the back is fine,” I yell. My uncles come out of the garage where they’re all hanging out, smoking and watching television, to see what’s going on. Even Daddy, home early from church for a change, looks on, curious, at the oversized box being wheeled into the backyard. Jay, already in the kitchen, looks out the window, watching them maneuver the gift indoors.

  “We’ll have the old one moved out and this one hooked up in no time, Ms. Jackson,” the deliveryman says, mistaking me for my mother, who shares my last name even if she’s been divorced for almost as long as I’ve been alive—but not for much longer. After she and Karl tie the knot, I’ll be the only Jackson around here.

  “Jayd, where did you get the money for this?” Mama exclaims, completely surprised by the delivery. She watches the men unplug the old stove. If I didn’t know better, I’d say this old thing actually appears relieved to finally be laid to rest.

  “I’ve been saving my money, just like you taught me to,” I say, smiling at Mama’s joy. It’s about time she had something she wanted.

  “I’ve been praying for a new stove for so long, baby. Thank you,” Mama says, hugging me tightly with tears in her eyes. Daddy and the boys look completely foolish as we embrace. How could Daddy not know Mama wanted this, when she’s been hinting about it forever? I wish it would fit in the backhouse and we could move that stove in here, since this is where everyone else also cooks. I really don’t want the men touching the stove.

  “Hey, Jayd, if you ballin’ like that you should let a nigga hold something,” my uncle Kurtis says, almost ruining the mood. But I choose to ignore his ignorant ass and focus on Mama’s smile. My other three uncles eye the stove carefully, touching the clean, white knobs as the deliverymen finish hooking it up before taking the old one away.

  “Don’t touch it,” Mama says, stepping in front of her gift like she’ll be able to protect it from getting used. Good luck with that. With the exception of Daddy, Bryan, and Jay, these fools around here have no respect for people or their things. If they did, they wouldn’t be living with their parents well into their thirties.

  “Yeah, I’m with Mama,” I say, stepping to the side of the new acquisition and protecting it fully. “Y’all can use the microwave from now on. This is for Mama’s use only.”

  “Whatever, Jayd,” Jay says, laughing at our vehemence, but Mama and I are serious. We know they’ll eventually mess it up and that’s not okay with me. One of these punks always ruins a good thing, and I’m determined not to let that happen this time around, especially not to Mama. She’s been through enough and her tired eyes say she’s still going through it.

  “What’s going on here?” my mom asks, walking into the dining room through the front door. “Oh, it came already? I wanted to be here for the delivery,” she says, closing the front door behind her. As usual, my mom looks stunning in a cream, off-the-shoulder jumpsuit with pumps to match. Her long ebony hair is flat-ironed and hanging down her back, her green eyes sparkling. The beauty of their older sister takes even my uncles aback. Let the hating officially begin.

  “Look what the cat dragged in,” my uncle Junior says before retreating down into the den off the living room, which he and two of his brothers share. How Bryan, Jay, and Daddy ended up sharing the bedroom next to Mama’s bedroom I don’t know. But it just worked out like that.

  “Well, hello to you, too,” my mom says after her brother. “Hey, y’all. Happy Mother’s Day, Mama,” she says, walking over to Mama and hugging her tightly with flowers in her hand.

  “You knew about this, Lynn Marie?” Mama asks, overwhelmed all over again by the surprise. Not much gets past Mama, but we got her good this time.

  “Of course I knew about it. Who do you think helped pay for this thing?” My mom checks out her investment, winking at me in the process. “You did good, Jayd. I couldn’t have picked out a better stove myself.” My mom can be cute when she wants to. She was up in my head the whole time I shopped for the damn thing, telling me what to look for and how much was too much, since she maxed out most of her credit cards. I gave her my half in cash and she charged the purchase so we could get it delivered on time. Having them hook it up and remove the old stove was a whole o
ther issue, and expensive, but well worth every dime.

  “My girls,” Mama says, taking both my mom and me in her arms, allowing her emotions to flow. Netta comes in from outside and joins in the hugging. My mom and I join in the tear fest, making the men in the room uncomfortable. My uncle Kurtis joins his brother in the den, bored with the love in the room.

  “Well, let’s see what this baby can do,” my uncle Bryan says, slapping his hands together and licking his lips like he’s about to get something good to eat. But unless he’s going to Wendy’s or somewhere, he’s in for a rude surprise.

  “I’m serious, boy. There will be no cooking on my stove,” Mama says, releasing us from our group hug and smacking Bryan’s hand. She emphasized the word my like it’s a baby she just gave birth to. He’d better back up if he knows what’s good for him.

  “Lynn Mae, you can’t be serious,” Daddy says, laughing at his wife, but she’s not joking. He then looks at the dozen roses and card he bought Mama, sitting on the dining room table with all the other flowers and cards, suddenly feeling inadequate. It’s not my fault he didn’t hear Mama every time she asked for the same thing repeatedly. I don’t know why Daddy didn’t buy what Mama said she wanted. But maybe he’ll listen more closely the next time Mama asks.

  “The hell I’m not,” Mama says, staring at the stove. “I better not catch anyone using my stove, you hear? Or I’ll never cook for any of you again—ever.” All the men laugh at first, knowing Mama makes that threat a few times every day. But it’s apparent that Mama’s very serious this time.

  “All right, girls. Let’s get to the spirit room. We have a lot of work to do,” Netta says, heading back outdoors. “The Mothers aren’t going to feed themselves.” Netta’s more excited about the festivities than Mama, who eyes her gift one last time before exiting the kitchen. I quickly grab my purse and Nickey’s bag, following Mama out with my mom right behind us.