Life is Short But Wide

by J. California Cooper

  Tonya looked as if she had just awakened, as she scratched her back. She looked at Tante, saying, “Whoa, there! Who's bustin in my house wit out even knockin? Where ya go in?”

  Tante, faintly, smiled. “It is I, Madame.”

  Tonya looked at the beautifully dressed, immaculate, mature Black woman walking through the hall toward the kitchen. Tee and Dolly, mouths hanging open, stood staring. Even the children hesitated in their struggling with each other.

  Tonya turned her eyes on Myine, who was coming in behind the lady, following her into the kitchen. Her face hardened, and looked fearful at the same time. “Who is this here woman, Myine? It's too early in the mornin for comp'ny and shit.”

  Myine started to speak, but Tante interrupted her, at the same time Tonya saw Tante's resemblance to Rose and Myine.

  Tante continued, speaking clearly and crisply with a slight French accent. “I am Tante Deraineau. I own this house. Myine owns this house. Who are you, and how did you get here? In our house?”

  Tonya was speechless, as were Tee and Dolly. Even the small children felt the atmosphere change; they stood still, staring at the lady in black who had hushed even almighty Gramma. When Tonya found her voice she answered, “I married into this here house.”

  Tante tilted her head slightly, and asked, “To whom were you married? My father is deceased, and I have no brothers.”

  Tonya's need, and desire, for the house would not let her give up. “Ya sister married, was married to my husban.”

  Tante looked straight at Tonya. “Isn't he deceased, also?” Then Tante turned, and started up the stairs Tonya had just come down. “I want to see my bedroom, and my parents' old bedroom.”

  Tonya, knowing her family was watching her, believing in her, tried to find some answer, some lie, for this now hated woman who had come to steal what was rightfully hers. “They ain't ya'H's bedrooms no more. They blongs to us.”

  Tante, already going upstairs, replied, “They still belong to us, dear.”

  Tonya sputtered, “Look! Ya can't come in this here house! This here house is taken a'ready!”

  At the top of the stairs, Tante turned around to say, “I stopped by the District Attorney's office before I came … home. Anticipating that any woman who has done what you have done is an ignorant woman.” She opened her purse and withdrew the envelope, holding it up for Tonya to see. “I have proof of our ownership, and proof that you have one night to move. One night! Now, get out of our house! That does not mean move tomorrow. It means move tonight, and be gone tomorrow.” Tante turned, and proceeded toward the bedrooms as she swiftly put her hand over her nose.

  “Mon Dieu! This house stinks to high heaven!”

  Tonya was thinking about what was in the envelope. How much Tante knew or had been told. Her terror came, not just from the tone of Tante's voice, but from her own knowledge of what had happened in the house. What she, herself, had done. Everyone was so quiet, Tonya could hear Tante's voice from upstairs, from where she stood, at the bottom of the stairs.

  Tante had gone into the room Tonya used, Irene and Val's old room, Rose's room where she had died. “Does anyone actually live in this room? Get all this mess out of here! I will have this house sanitized!”

  Then Tante went into another room. “More of the same! Get all this mess out of my sister's room! I don't need to look any farther. Just get out!”

  Tante began coming down the stairs; her voice was harder, her eyes were black ice. “At eight o'clock in the morning, I am going back to the District Attorney and have him help you out.”

  Myine spoke up. “And have him look into my mother's death. And my daddy's death.”

  Tante was almost in Tonya's face, her black eyes glittering, threatening, as she said, “You have sold my niece for money. You'd better thank God she is safe, and home where she belongs. You tried to make my niece your slave in this house with all these funky, nasty, dirty people, children included, who live like animals! Raggedy, unclean, uneducated, ignorant woman; who the fuck do you think you are! Mz. murdering peasant!”

  Tonya stood silently in front of her children and grandchildren. She wanted to answer, but she kept seeing prison bars, and she was trying to think of some sure way she could blame everything on Leroy. She was overwhelmed by the Black, intelligent, sophisticated woman. So Tonya didn't holler as usual, she just quietly said, “We don have no wheres else to go.” Her voice rose, only a little, yet her mind remained the same conniving mind. “We needs money. Ya can't put kids out in the streets. They got laws now. We needs money.”

  Tante had an answer. “Let me help you understand. You are not here by invitation. You are trespassing on private property, dear. After I count what you owe us for all the time all of you have been here, every dime you ever get will have to come by me, or whomever I appoint; and I will surely appoint my friend, the District Attorney.”

  Tante turned to go through the front door to the outside, saying, “I can't take that stench any longer.” She turned back to say to all of them, “If you take anything that does not belong to you, that you did not bring here with you, I'll have you arrested for that … too!”

  Chile, everyone around here was so glad to see that problem cleared up and out! We all had wanted to help, but no one knew just what to do! So, as usual, we didn't do nothing. We didn't know everything that had happened to Myine at that time-, but it was a damn shame! But Tante sure took care of it. Tante didn't have to be afraid because she didn't live here. Chile, there are some crazy, wicked people in this here world! You know some of them!

  Tante and Myine stayed at Bertha's little house the first night. Bertha took joy in putting fresh, clean white sheets and pillowcases on her bed for them to sleep on. The pillows were feather pillows from their own chickens; not as soft as duck, but the fact that they belonged to their own chickens made up for that little matter.

  Tante slept like the proverbial log. She awakened in the early morning listening to the chickens clucking, stirring to begin their day, her mind running quickly over her early years with her parents in her home. After a moment she turned to look at her sister's child, her niece. She discovered Myine had been laying there looking at her aunt sleep. Myine had been thinking of all her aunt had accomplished in one day.

  She could hear people already helping Tonya move. They seemed to be scrambling, rushing to get away. Myine thought, “Tonya is afraid of the police.”

  Tonya kept trying to keep the noise down so Tante would not waken and come out to see what they were doing, or how they were doing it. She did not allow anyone to take anything from the house that didn't belong to them. “Jes get ya'sef together and lets get on outt'a here!” To get a little of her self-respect back, she added, “I don't wanna have to whip that woman's ass! So hurry up!” Her children and grandchildren respected violence, so they hurried.

  Hearing them, Tante smiled a tired smile, but her eyes were shining brightly on her niece. “Well, it's started. Now we have to make plans for what we are going to do next. Do you know a cleaning company that can come in here to clean and sanitize that whole house?”

  “Bertha will know, or I'll find out.”

  Tante nodded her head as she answered, “We don't have much time. I have to leave here, and get back home this week.”

  Myine frowned. “Ahhhhh.”

  Tante patted her niece's arm. “We don't have time for that either. We need to talk. Talk about your future. What are you going to do? Go finish college?”

  “I never started college. I never went to high school. I studied with my mother. I don't want to go back to school. I was about nine or ten when Tonya took me to that cafe; I was gone five years. I'd be embarrassed sitting in some classroom old as I was. I read everything. I know how to study by myself.”

  “Child, never be embarrassed about improving your condition. Only fools laugh at anybody in school.” Tante sat up in the bed, asking, “Now, how do you feel about staying in that big house all alone?”

  Myine h
esitated. “Well, that is something I wanted to talk to you about. See, Dolly, Tonya's daughter, has a daughter named Lola, and I know Dolly is not going to raise her right. She is not going to send her to school, or even feed her right. Lola will be alone a lot, and hungry.”

  Tante interrupted her. “Myine, you can't take care of the world. You have got to worry about your self. You were sold when you were younger. You lost many years of your youth; and Tonya's the one who sold you.”

  “Oh, Aunt Tante, Lola wouldn't take up much time. I have grown to love her; she is helpless. She's smart.”

  Tante frowned as she said, “I wonder who, in her family, Lola took after.” But, she thought, “Myine is weak like Rose. I'll never let my daughter, Monee, be a weak fool.” After a moment, she said aloud, “Well, do as you want. But it is entirely your responsibility. I will not be coming back here like this again. In my world, you pay for your own mistakes. And I think Lola will be a mistake.”

  After a moment spent staring through the window, she said, “I am going to clean this house out, and I am going to leave you ten thousand dollars in a bank account, this one time. That will be your responsibility also. I will not be able to send more at any time, unless you have a medical emergency. Try to save for it. I am hoping you will be married by then. Anyone can find a husband if they have a house in this town. I don't know when I'm coming back here again. France is my home, where my family is. The family I made.”

  Myine reached out, placing her hand on her aunt's arm. “I'm your family, too.”

  “I know that. That is the only reason I am here. My mother, Irene, and my father, Val, would never forgive me if you lost this house because of someone tricking you out of their dream.”

  “But you didn't know what was happening here.”

  “My life is very full, so many things to do. But I was trying to reach my sister, Rose, when I heard from you, her child. There was nothing else I could do. This is important to me, also. But let us not waste time talking about the past.

  “Now this house is in your name, and my daughter's name. I will tell you about her later, when we have all the things we have to do done. But, when you get married, that's all up to you. What you have can become your husband's. But a piece of it will always belong to my side of the family.”

  Myine smiled, and said, “Good!”

  Tante continued, “I don't like Wideland; never have, except for the Native Americans. So don't think of me when you make your decisions. I may never return here again; and I don't think my daughter will ever come. I have told her the truth about the America I know. Anyway, I have such plans for her; she may live in a castle one day, if I get my way. So this is yours; any added name is really for your protection.”

  “Yes, ma'am.”

  “Remember this, someone has taken your mind and life every time there was an opportunity. You can't let that happen again. You could have gotten directions to the District Attorney, yourself. Everything was on record.”

  Myine looked into the distance of her mind as she said, “Tonya will get away with killing my mother and father.”

  Tante put her arm around Myine's shoulders, as she said, “You have to let God take care of things you cannot help. I feel deeply about those things. But, she won't get away with it. And as for your daddy, it was your daddy's fault she was in this house. It was not all Tonya's fault.”

  Myine laid her head on Tante's shoulder as Tante continued, “Remember, that was a long time ago. We have no witnesses except Bertha, who is old and sick, and we have Juliet and Cloud. My sister is dead; no trial will bring her back. I believe in God, and He said Vengeance' is His. Everyone gets what is coming to them.

  “You have a great deal to do right here, Myine; getting this place straight, getting yourself straight. Use our time and thoughts for that.” After a moment she said, “I believe Rose, your mother, named you ‘Myine’ because she was saying you were hers. That is so like her; full of love. And look what it got her.”

  She looked seriously at Myine and said, “You're old to still be single. Have you ever been in love, Myine?”

  Myine shook her head, “No. Not with a man. I love Lola.”

  Tante smiled. “Well, start with loving yourself, first. Get your teaching certificate. Get some new clothes, and get a good hairdresser. Do something for yourself so YOU will feel better. Rose, bless her soul, is gone; you are here, alive. I'll send you some things I think would look beautiful on you. I'll send you some real perfume, also. American perfume is not to my taste.

  “You think I'm talking about how to look to get a husband; well, I'm not. You don't want a husband who is looking for looks, although you are beautiful to me. I'm talking about you enjoying the things God gave you. I'm talking about the things God put on this earth to be enjoyed: silks, satin, good linens and cottons. Good foods, beautiful, real scenery with beautiful sunrises and sunset. Mountains, deserts, glaciers, and all the animals that live among them. And remember, you are for yourself to enjoy, as well as others. Live, child, live. Lift those worries off your mouth, and smile. You are getting rid of your worst problems!”

  “Oh, Aunt Tante. You make life sound wonderful.”

  “That is what you have to do; make life. And we need to get up and get started making this day a good one. Now.”

  As they were dressing they heard Bertha moving around in the little kitchen.

  As an afterthought, Tante said, “And travel, Myine. Come visit us. You would love France … or Italy, or Spain. Or any place God created, and men have left in peace, so far. That does not leave much, but enough for you right now. Maybe take a year off from college after you get your teaching certificate. Juliet can take care of this house while you are gone. That reminds me, I have to go to this college around here and see what you have to do to get a certificate.”

  Myine was speechless, laughing happily. Thrilled at having her aunt with her in Wideland. Her Aunt Tante, who loved her.

  As Tante went into the little kitchen, she said, “We are going out to dinner tonight, so I'm going to take Myine shopping today. Just get her a few things I would like to see her in. We have to go by the bank anyway. I want to get some money to pay you for all your help.”

  “Oh, Tante, you don't owe us nothing! I'm just glad you come, and I'm glad everthin turned out so good. They really leavin! But ya don't owe us nothing! I'm so glad they gone from here. Now Myine will be alright!”

  Juliet just sat in her chair looking and listening, a tentative smile on her face.

  “Bertha, time is money.” Then Tante asked, “Bertha, do you know a piano tuner around here? I want to get that old piano tuned up, and looking good like it did when I was a child taking lessons. I want it fixed, polished and shining! Now, let's look over your list of people coming to help us with this house!”

  Bertha smiled as she reached for the list. Juliet said, “We are getting some of Cloud's people to help clean. The women can use the money. And Cloud can do some of the handiwork.”

  It was Tante's turn to smile. “Fine with me.”

  Tante made a reservation at the very best hotel dining room in Wideland, after she checked to see if African Americans were welcome there. Her accent negated any but the most absurd prejudice. She wanted a peaceful dinner with her niece.

  Myine was a little surprised that Bertha and Juliet were not joining them, but decided not to mention it. Myine and Tante talked about the business they must attend to.

  Then Tante asked, “What do you know about men, Myine? Are you a virgin?”

  Myine blushed, embarrassed.

  Tante exclaimed, quietly, “You are! An old virgin. Any virgin over the age of eleven is an old virgin these days.”

  Myine stammered, thinking of Pa Whipet, “I've done … a little.”

  Tante smiled, saying, “Listen, I'm glad you haven't been messed over, and some male hasn't left you with a house full of kids.”

  “I'm only going in my twenties, Aunty.”

  “Listen, Myine, i
t happens earlier than that with some people. Fools, I call them. That's why I wanted to say a few things to you. Number one. Never love anyone more than you love yourself. God and children don't count, but watch the children. You can only trust God.

  “Number two. Never ask a man if he loves you, unless you know he wants to tell you at that moment in time. If you have to ask, he does not love you. If you have to ask, he will know it is more important to you than it is to him.

  “Never do any ‘favors’ with your body. Your body is too special, too private for that. It is a gift from God.

  “Be clean at all times. There should never be an odor coming from you, from any place on your body. Any place. One of the things I like about France is the bidet. It helps to keep you clean and odorless … your private parts.

  “You can be a bit sloppy in your dress, sometimes, but always in the best clothes. Old or new.

  “Always love your lover, never do sex for fun and games. It always works against you.

  “Never stop learning. Watch everything that happens to you, and try to understand why it happened.

  “Don't confide all your business to anyone.

  “Don't trust anyone, completely. Perhaps dogs and cats. But remember, Jesus said, ‘None is good, but the Father.’ It does not mean everyone is bad, it just means you never know.

  “Above many other things, don't be a liar or a thief. You have no idea how much love and respect will have to do with the most important things in your life. Your whole life. Not being a liar or a thief is a most important thing to respect, to love. It is not true that it is easier to be bad than it is to be good. It is quicker to be bad; you have to think to be good, but the thinking is so much more beneficial in the long term.

  “Without respect, there is no love … for long, for anyone, but a fool.

  “Keep God in your heart. Be friends with God. You will have to call on Him, perhaps many times, someday. You want Him to know you. I must be honest, I am not as close to … God as I should be.” Tante's face was grim for a moment, then she said, “But I mean to be as soon as my life … adjusts.