The Yin Yang Effect

by Dana Littlejohn

  “Doug says hi, Debbie.”

  Debbie waved at the phone and stuffed another violet in the hole she was working on.

  “Pearl’s still upset, Doug. She doesn’t come out of her room except to eat.”

  “Oh, that’s messed up. Opal, I, umm, left you a gift on your porch. Something to remember me by when you’re in The Big Apple. Hope you don’t mind.”

  “Really? No, I don’t mind at all.” She covered the phone. “Hey Deb, go look on the porch and see if something is out there,” she said excitedly. “Thank you, Doug, but you know you didn’t have to.”

  “I know that, but I wanted to.”

  Debbie returned with an Easter basket. Instead of grass and eggs in the basket it had satiny brown material with a small white box on top of it.

  “What is it?” she asked reaching for the box.

  “Open it and see,” he said in her ear.

  Inside the box was a gold key and opal heart dangling from a black and white plastic chain.

  “Oh, Doug, it’s beautiful. Did you make the string?”

  “Yeah. A little something I learned in camp when I was a kid.”

  “What’s the key to?” She handed it to Debbie.

  She fingered it, nodding and smiling then handed it back.

  “My house. You’re welcome to use it anytime.”

  “You know I won’t use it.”

  “It’s a commitment gesture. I’ve been digging you for a while and that key opens my front door, but it could open my heart, too, if you let it.”

  “Doug…” She sighed. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting. You know, all distant and everything. I just…”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it. When you get back we’ll start over and just delete this last week from our memory. We’ll even hit Club Caliente` again and do it up right. Ok?”

  She chuckled. “Ok, and thank you for the key chain.”

  “You’re welcome. Have a good trip and hurry back.”

  “I will. Bye.” She slid the phone back on the table with the key chain.

  “Girl, what am I going to do about that man? This is so different than when we played with Roy.” She went back to digging.

  “What do you mean?” Debbie took another pot off the table.

  “With Roy it was a game from the very beginning. He’s young and I had no intentions on keeping him. But Doug…” She shook her head smiling. “I could see myself with him. He’s so sexy and dominant. With Roy we set the rules and he followed them. That’s fun when it’s a game, but not if you’re going to keep him.

  Nobody wants a man who can’t handle his business and you can run all over him.”

  “I guess your man’s gotta have some kind of back bone, huh?” she said unable to stop the giggles from slipping out.

  “Hell yeah, girl! I’m a handful.” She fell over laughing, and her friend laughed with her.

  They finished planting and went to pull Pearl out of her room. The rest of their day was spent watching movies before they retired, making it an early night.

  Chapter 7

  The following days were spent packing and doing last minute shopping. Early Wednesday morning, Debbie and the twins left for Indianapolis International Airport. Their flight arrived on time at La Guardia Airport in Queens, N.Y. where Uncle Carlos waited for them with open arms.

  Carlos Velasquez was a giant of a man at six foot seven, solid and very wide across the chest. He wore his black wavy hair that was graying at the temples combed back, his dark skin was still smooth, except for the laugh lines around his eyes, and he moved toward them with the power and speed of a man half his 59 years.

  Hugging Debbie tightly, he lifted her and spun her around before putting her back on the floor. “Ahh, Debra. Te pareces a tu Mama, hermosa come ella. Usted debe visitar mas a menudo,” he said smiling.

  “Thank you, Uncle, but, please speak English. The twins don’t speak Spanish.”

  “Forgive me,” he said addressing the twins. “I was just telling Debra how much she looks like her beautiful mother. She should come see us more often.” He released her, keeping her close by, and surveyed the twins. “So these are the twins? All grown up as well.”

  Pearl and Opal stood, nodding in awe of the giant man before them.

  “Hmm, I see only cosmetic differences between you two.” He reached his hand out. “Which one are you?”

  “I’m Opal,” she said taking it. “She’s Pearl.”

  He took her hand and pulled her into a hug and then Pearl. “Come, the car is waiting.”

  “Umm, Mr. Velasquez…”

  He held up a large hand to stop her. “Please, you have been friends with Debra for…what?” He looked over his shoulder at her.

  “Since middle school, Uncle.”

  “Since middle school,” he echoed. “That’s what? The better part of…” he counted on his fingers, “…fifteen years. I won’t hear another mister out of you, you’re family. You may call me Uncle Carlos, as well.”

  “Oh, ok. Uncle Carlos, we have to pick up our bags downstairs. Is your trunk going to be big enough?”

  He smiled and nodded. “Yes…” He gave a quick look over his other shoulder.

  “Pearl, we have a limo parked out front. You always pick someone up from the airport in a limo. It’s a New York thing.”

  He continued to the baggage area with the girls giggling behind him. The limo took them from LaGuardia Airport to Kew Gardens, Queens where he and his wife Carlotta lived in the house they raised their three sons in.

  Stepping out of the limo, the twins stood staring at the huge two story, five bedroom, red brick Victorian style home that stood out from the rest of the contemporary style homes on it’s block.

  “Wow,” they said together.

  “Yeah, I know. I used to say the same thing when I came here every summer when I was little.”

  “Oh my goodness! Look how beautiful!”

  An older Spanish woman came through the door with open arms. Debbie smiled and walked into them.

  “Aunt Carlotta.”

  Carlotta Velasquez still held the shape and beauty of her youth. With her supple olive skin, hands as soft and smooth as Debbie’s own and that youthful sparkle in her eyes, one would never guess that she was older than Carlos by four years.

  “Oh, it is wonderful to see you again, darling. And these must be your twins.

  Look at how grown up they are as well.” She hugged them next.

  “Yes, Aunt Carlotta. This one is Opal and she is Pearl.”

  “Wonderful! Come, come inside. I‘ll show you to the rooms you will be using. The driver will bring the bags in.”

  Carlotta took them upstairs to the rooms as the driver followed with their bags and they began settling in.

  As Debbie unpacked a knock came to the door. “Yes, come in.”

  No one came, but the knocking continued.

  “Yeah! Come in!”

  No one came again, but the knocking got louder.

  “What the hell…” She threw the shirt down on the bed walking to the door and swung it open.

  A man stood in the door way that looked like a younger version of Uncle Carlos.

  “It’s about time. I thought you were going to let me stand out here forever.”

  “Antonio?”

  “Ohhh, so, now it’s Antonio. When we were kids it was Tony baloney.”

  “Ohmigosh!” she screamed as he hugged her, lifting her off the floor and spinning her around laughing.

  “Look at you!” He put her down and looked her up and down. “Damn, you’re beautiful. Who knew?”

  “Look at me? Look at you! You’re a fine as hell!”

  He puffed up with pride. “Well you know, one of my brothers got the brains, one got the looks and I…well, I got the combo deal.” He ran his hand through his wavy black hair, laughing.

  She slapped at him playfully and laughed with him. “Still the same ole Tony, full of baloney. So, what’s up? I know you got
something up your sleeve for me and my girls. When will your brothers be here?”

  “They won’t be here until the cookout on the weekend, and as soon as you guys get settled we’re outa here. We’re going to a party.”

  “A party? But it’s Wednesday?”

  “You say that like we need a special day to party.” He chuckled. “This is New York girl, the city that never sleeps. While you’re here you’ll find that out first hand.” He gave her another quick hug. “Go ahead, finish up and get your girls. I’m gonna see if Pop will give me his car or if we’re going to have to cab it all night. My car is only a two seater.”

  He went out the door then popped his head back in. “Hey. I noticed you even got some booty back there now, too.”

  “Oh shut up!” She laughed and threw a pillow at the already closing door.

  Debbie checked on Opal and Pearl when she was done and helped them settle in before they went down to the kitchen for something to eat. After a light lunch they went to the den to wait for Tony.

  “Hey! That’s us!” Pearl said looking at the pictures on the wall.

  Debbie and Opal came over. “Holy shit, that is us. I remember taking this, too. I think we were on our way to summer camp. How did your aunt and uncle get this picture?”

  “I don’t know, I guess my mother sent it to them. Wow, look at us.” She laughed. “We were wearing pigtails!”

  “Ohh, Opal. Look at our rusty knees!”

  “Yeah. I’m sure glad we can fill out a two piece bathing suit better than that now.” She laughed with them.

  “Amen to that, sister.”

  “Hey, look over there. It’s another one of us.”

  They walked around the den looking at all the pictures all over the walls, finding several of themselves at different ages and functions, as well as pictures of Tony and his brothers and several of her other cousins.

  “We definitely have to take a better picture for your aunt and uncle while we’re here.”

  “Why? I think you look beautiful, so innocent and sweet.”

  They turned to see Uncle Carlos in the doorway.

  “Uncle, why did my mother send you these crazy looking pictures of us?”

  “I have plenty. Your mother has been sending pictures of you for years and several of them were of you and the twins. We’re your family, she keeps us updated on your life. Most of them are in a book, but Carlotta hangs her favorites. That one is mine.” He chuckled and pointed to the camp picture.

  Sitting in a large black leather chair by the dormant fireplace, he motioned them to the couch across from it.

  “I have given Antonio my car for usage tonight, but I told him to have you back by 8 o’clock. I will need it for errands.”

  “Only until 8 o’clock? That doesn’t give us any time to really hang out, Uncle.”

  “I mean A.M., Chiquita.”

  “As in the morning? Oh, well, we’ll be back way before that, Uncle.”

  He smiled a knowing smile. “We’ll see. I have also given him money to get you whatever you want. You are here at my request and I won’t have you spending a dime of your own money. Ok?”

  “Ok, Uncle Carlos,” they said in unison.

  He stood. “Now go, he waits out front for you.”

  Almost falling over each other, they ran excitedly out the door. Tony sat outside in a black 2000 Lincoln Town Car with cream interior. The twins jumped in the back as Debbie slid into the front seat.

  “Hi, Tony.” She slammed the door. “This is definitely nicer than riding in a cab all night.”

  “And cheaper,” Tony added, chuckling.

  “That’s Opal and that one is Pearl.” She pointed to them.

  “Hmm, I see time has done them justice, too. So it’s Opal with the streak, Pearl without. Yes?”

  “Yup.”

  “Cool. Let’s roll.”

  “So where are we headed?”

  “The BQE.”

  She sent a confused look at the twins who just shrugged. “And that would be…?”

  “The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. The friend I told you about, that‘s having the little get together…” He gave her a quick look. “…he lives out in Brooklyn. His name is Rock.”

  She shrugged. “Whatever.”

  Tony drove wild and fast, bobbing and weaving through traffic. The twins frantically strapped on their seatbelts, reaching for the door handles and the handles on the ceiling. Luckily the ride didn’t last long enough for them to panic too much, and less than an hour later they were there.

  Tony parked in front of a dreary, dilapidated building in downtown Brooklyn near the docks. Even though there were cans up and down the street, trash lay about on and off the sidewalk, adding to the buildings’ sad look. A man, looking as run down as the building, with over grown hair on his face and head and dirty, ripped up clothes, lay sprawled on the steps leading to the entrance.

  “Hey man, is Rock up there?” Tony asked walking up the steps.

  “What do I look like? The fuckin’ doorman?”

  “Come on, man. Is Rock up there or not?”

  He took a long drink from something in a crumbled brown paper bag before answering. “Yeah, yeah, he’s up there…making all that damn noise.”

  Tony stepped over him. “Damn, man, thanks.”

  Inside the building smelled of urine as they walked up more stairs to the second floor, where they could hear the music playing half way up. They followed it to the end of the hall and Tony banged on the door.

  “Yeah, what?” a tall thin man said swinging the door open.

  “What the fuck do you mean, what? Where’s Rock?”

  “Oh, it’s you. He’s here, man. In the back.”

  He motioned for the girls to follow him as he moved through the already crowded apartment. The music was even louder inside, but no one seemed to mind. They stopped in a smoke filled living room that was definitely filled to capacity.

  “Some little get together!” Opal yelled over the music.

  Several people greeted Tony cheerfully until one female came from the kitchen.

  “Oh, hells no, Tony! What the fuck is this shit?”

  “What’s up, Sony?”

  “Don’t fuckin’ ‘what’s up’ me. Who the fuck is this, Tony, huh? Who the fuck is this?” she yelled pointing at Debbie and the twins.

  “Calm down, girl.”

  “Oh, so now it’s calm down, huh? How you gonna come through the spot with another bitch?” She threw the girls a dirty look and wrapped her arms around her chest. “You know, Tony, you are too much. First I hear that you still messin’ around with that hoe Rita out on the island and now this.”

  “Rita? Come on, Sony. Why would I mess around with a skank like Rita when I got somebody as fine as you to hook up with? That’s like comparing hamburger to filet mignon.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  He smiled. “Don’t be like that, Sony baby,” he said silkily. “It ain’t like that.

  This is my cousin Debbie and her girls. They’re visiting me from out of town.”

  She twisted her lips and tapped her foot. “Mmm, hmm, like I’m gonna believe that old bullshit line.”

  “It’s not a line, baby girl. You know I wouldn’t lie to you. You’re my baby girl.”

  He smiled, pulling her close, sliding his hands over her butt. “She’s my father’s only sister’s daughter. That would make us first cousins. You know, the kind that causes two heads and four arms. So, now that you know my family history, you could stop with all the hostility.” He kissed her, squeezing her butt. “Now, be a good girl and go find Rock for me. Tell him I’m here, ok?” He gave her another quick kiss. “Will you do that for me?”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling. “Yeah, Tony, I could do that for you.” She giggled.

  “I knew you would, that’s why you’re my baby girl. Now go.” He pushed her away with a light smack on the butt.

  She turned smiling and blew him a kiss as she pushed her wa
y back through the crowd.

  The girls watched her walk away.

  “Well, that was just disgusting to watch.”

  “Don’t hate the player, Opal, hate the game.”

  Tony sat on the arm of the small sofa that was in the middle of the living room.

  The girls crowded closer to him and looked around the room. The D.J. was crammed in the corner with a few people dancing around him. A girl sat on the speaker while a guy danced between her legs. A couple stood against the wall of the doorway, kissing and three other couples squeezed on the sofa that Tony sat on.

  Others were just milling around.

  “Does your friend always have parties like this?”

  “Naw, man. I told you, this ain’t a party. This is just a few friends over kicking it.”

  He chuckled.

  “Humph! Looks like a party to me.”

  “Shit, this ain’t nothing.” He turned, hearing a familiar voice. “Yeah, here comes my man now.”

  Rock stood in the doorway, filling its frame full of wide, rippling muscles, the dim lighting making him look darker than he was. He retained his nickname from his days as a Golden Glove champ who was able to take several punches to the head without falling. Along with his name, he kept the bald head and goatee he had and added a gold hoop earring to his eyebrow to help cover the one scar he had left from those days. He spotted Tony, pushed Sony away from him and walked to his friend with a smile.

  “My man! What’s up, Tone?” He greeted him with a rough hug and slapped him five.

  “Chillin’ man. What’s up with you?”

  “Hangin’ in there, Poppie. Been calling you for a minute, man. I got sick of hearing your lame ass voice mail, ‘you missed me, you know what to do’. Where you been?” He looked the girls up and down.

  “You know how it is, man. Busy, busy, busy.”

  “Hmm, I see that. Three women will always keep a man busy. Good looking out, man. They’re a definite upgrade from that Johnny and Spike you usually roll with, that’s for damn sure.”

  “Naa, man, it ain’t like that. This is my cousin Debbie and her girls from Indiana. This one’s Opal and this is Pearl.”

  He looked back and forth between them. “You guys are twins?” He watched them nod. “Tone, you shouldn’t have. You know I always wanted twins of my very own to play with…and it ain’t even my birthday,” he said chuckling.