Amaryllis

by Nikita Lynnette Nichols

  zle, That will surely blow your mind.

  Michelle frowned and studied the puzzle piece. Why would someone send her a picture of feet?

  Amaryllis walked into the living room and asked, “What are you frowning at?”

  Michelle gave her the letter and puzzle piece. “Look at this.”

  Amaryllis didn’t have to read it to know what it said, but she did it to humor Michelle.

  “Girl, what’s this?”

  “I don’t know. It came in the mail today.”

  “Where’s the rest of the puzzle?”

  “Only one piece was in the letter.”

  Amaryllis looked at the puzzle piece of James’ feet. “Don’t worry about it. It’s probably just someone playing games.”

  Michelle took the letter and the puzzle piece from Amaryllis. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” She put the letter and the puzzle piece in the envelope and took it upstairs to her bedroom.

  Amaryllis was grinning from ear to ear. It was a game all right. A game that Michelle wouldn’t win.

  A week and a day later, the mailman brought the office mail to Amaryllis’ desk. She saw the gold lettering on an envelope and smiled. There was also a box from Blessed Events Consulting, addressed to Michelle. Amaryllis wondered which of the two she’d give to her sister first. Michelle was excited about the wedding invitations and would probably tear the box open before opening any other mail. Amaryllis placed the envelope with the gold lettering in Michelle’s mail basket on her desk and she placed the box of invitations in the center of the desk. Michelle was off at court and if she was having a good day in the courtroom, as she always did, those new findings would definitely destroy her mood.

  At 3:30 P.M., Michelle exited the elevator. “Hey, sis, how are you?”

  Amaryllis stopped typing and looked at her. “You’re in a great mood.”

  “Yes, I am, and it’s because Price & Associates won the Henderson case today. Life can’t possibly get any better than it is right now. Everything is absolutely perfect. If God never did anything else for me for as long as I live, what He’s done already is more than enough.”

  “Good for you, Michelle. I wish I had your attitude,” Amaryllis said, knowing that Michelle’s carefree mind-set was about to do a three-hundred-sixty-degree turn.

  “Get to know God and you can have it.”

  “Whatever,” Amaryllis replied disrespectfully. Michelle was always throwing God in her face. ‘You really need to be in church, Amaryllis.’ ‘You need to get saved, Amaryllis.’ ‘You should ask God to bless your food before you eat, Amaryllis. ’ ‘Come to church with me and James, Amaryllis. ’

  “Has a gorgeous minister called today?”

  “Nope. But there’s a surprise waiting for you on your desk.”

  Michelle smiled. “He sent roses, didn’t he?”

  “Why don’t you take a look?”

  Michelle walked into her office and saw the big blue box and shouted with joy. “Yay, my wedding invitations are here.” She anxiously opened the box and pulled out a single invitation. Suddenly, her grin turned upside down and she hollered out. “Oh, my goodness. What is this? How could this happen?”

  Surprise, surprise, surprise. Amaryllis was at her desk with the same silly smile as Gomer Pyle often wore on television. She composed herself then jumped up and ran into Michelle’s office. “Michelle, what’s wrong?” Amaryllis played the role of a devoted sister, ready to do combat with whatever was ailing Michelle. Michelle was stunned at what she was reading, and couldn’t say anything. Amaryllis walked over to her and asked again. “What’s wrong?”

  Tears were streaming down Michelle’s face. “My invitations are ruined.”

  Amaryllis took the invitation from her hand and read it. “How in the world could they mess this up?”

  “The question is why is your name on there at all, Amaryllis?” Michelle wasn’t the least bit suspicious that her baby sister was the culprit.

  “Sweetie, sometimes these things happen.”

  “How?”

  “Since I was the one who actually placed the order, maybe the lady just got the names mixed up.”

  “Well, I’m gonna find out.” Michelle snatched up her telephone and was getting ready to dial when Amaryllis stopped her.

  “Michelle, you are in no mood to talk to anyone. Let me handle this for you. Besides, you’re too nice. When I get through with this company, they won’t know what hit them.”

  Amaryllis took the telephone from Michelle and told her to dial the number. After a couple of rings, someone answered. “Yes, who am I speaking with? Yolanda, this is Michelle Price and I’ve just received my wedding invitations. Heck no, I’m not pleased with them. Because you screwed up the entire order, that’s why. No, that’s not what I faxed you. Hold on a minute.”

  She motioned for Michelle to get the copy from her file cabinet. Michelle gave Amaryllis the manila envelope. “Yolanda, I’m holding in my hand what my secretary faxed you. I told you, what? Listen, Yolanda, my wedding is less than seven weeks away. I want this order corrected and sent to me within the next three days. And if your company can’t get a simple name right, then maybe you shouldn’t be in business. And just so you know, I sue companies that try to get over on people. You’ve got three days ... Yes, that’s fine.”

  Amaryllis hung up the telephone and looked at Michelle. “See, problem solved. Your new and corrected invitations will be here in three days, and Yolanda’s gonna eat the bill. You’ll be receiving a refund check.”

  Michelle looked at her sister in awe. “I’m so glad you’re on my team. I thought you were gonna get ghetto on her.”

  “If you weren’t sitting here, I would have. But since you won’t let me cuss, you missed out.”

  Amaryllis picked up the box of wedding invitations. “I’m sure you don’t wanna look at these anymore, so I’ll shred them.”

  “Thanks, sis, and please don’t mention this incident to James.”

  Amaryllis closed Michelle’s door behind her and headed into the file room to shred the invitations. She had thought about keeping one invitation for a souvenir but decided against it. Michelle was upset and Amaryllis found satisfaction in that. James, on the other hand, was destined to pay a bigger price.

  Michelle reached for the mail in her basket. She saw the gold calligraphy lettering on an envelope and paused. She slowly opened the letter and saw another puzzle piece enclosed in a sheet of paper. This piece showed a part of a gray leather sofa and the left side of a light skinned person’s back and butt. She read the letter.

  Roses are red, Violets are blue. This

  world is full of surprises, There’s one

  waiting just for you.

  After shredding the invitations, Amaryllis came back into Michelle’s office. “It’s quitting time, Michelle.”

  She saw Michelle sitting at her desk with one hand over her mouth. With the other she was holding the puzzle piece. Amaryllis walked further into her office. “Another letter?”

  “Amaryllis, I think someone’s stalking me.”

  Amaryllis read the letter and looked at the puzzle piece. “Don’t get upset. Let’s take it home and put it with the other one and see what we’ve got.”

  Once at home, they connected the two pieces. It was clear that a naked light skinned woman was straddling a man.

  “Who in the world is sending this to me?,” Michelle asked Amaryllis.

  “Michelle, it’s probably a bridesmaid joke.”

  Michelle thought about that. “You know what, Amaryllis? Jodie is the type to do something this crazy.”

  “See, it’s nothing for you to worry about.” For now.

  On Saturday morning, Michelle had just finished vacuuming the entire town home when the telephone rang. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Michelle, this is Tamara Brown from One Magnificent Moment. Your wedding gown has arrived along with your maid of honor, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses.”

  Michelle was very excited
. After yesterday’s issue with the wedding invitations, she could use some good news. “That’s wonderful, Tamara.”

  “When would you and your ladies like to come in for your fittings?”

  “How about today?” Michelle squealed.

  “Fine, I’ll make an appointment for one o’clock this afternoon,” Tamara said.

  “Great, that gives me plenty of time to round everyone up.”

  Michelle hurried upstairs and knocked on Amaryllis’ door, then poked her head in. “Good morning, sis.”

  Amaryllis was lying on the bed watching television in her usual funky mood. “What’s so good about it?”

  “The bridal boutique just called. Our dresses are in and we have a one o’clock appointment for a fitting.”

  Amaryllis didn’t respond to Michelle’s exciting news. She kept her focus on the television.

  “Amaryllis, did you hear me?”

  “Yeah,” she answered nonchalantly.

  “Aren’t you excited?”

  Excited for what? It’s not my wedding. Amaryllis hopped out of bed and went into the bathroom. “Of course, I am. I’m hungry. Can you make me cinnamon toast?”

  “No, I’m gonna treat my ladies to breakfast at the Pancake House before the fitting, so get ready.”

  Michelle went downstairs to her bedroom and called Jodie. “Good morning, Jodie, what are you up to?”

  “Hey, girl, I’m making oatmeal for Mya. This little girl acts like she’s a maniac. No one can say two words to her until she gets at least three tablespoons of this stuff in her belly.”

  “Well, let her throw a tantrum just a little bit longer. I’ll be there in an hour to take you two to breakfast, then we’re going to the bridal boutique to try on our dresses.”

  “The dresses are in? Ooh, I’m so excited.”

  “I’m glad someone is.” Michelle was upset that her sister hadn’t shared in her joy.

  “What do you mean?”

  “When I told Amaryllis, she behaved as though she couldn’t care less.”

  “So. Don’t let that bring you down. This is all about you, Michelle,” Jodie encouraged.

  “I know, Jodie, but she’s my sister.”

  “Like I said. So?”

  “You don’t understand.”

  “No, Michelle, you don’t understand. You’re preparing to marry a man who worships the husk on your feet.”

  “I ain’t gat no husk on my feet.”

  “Umph, umph, umph. Did you hear yourself, Michelle? You said, ‘I ain’t gat no.’ Aren’t you a college graduate? You know better than that, Counselor.”

  “Whatever. I still ain’t gat no husk on my feet.”

  “And she says it again. Anyway, back to your sister. This is supposed to be the happiest time in your life. You don’t have time to pacify anyone who can’t get behind you and support your mood. And I don’t like your sister’s attitude. I only met Amaryllis twice when I came to visit you at the law firm. Her attitude was very chilly both times.

  “Even when I call your house, if she answers she’s not cordial at all. Whenever I ask to speak to you, I hear a thump, like she throws the receiver. Amaryllis acts as though the whole world revolves around her, and I think she’s jealous of you.”

  “Jealous, of what?”

  “Of your life and what you and James have.”

  Michelle refused to believe that. “Jodie, that’s crazy. Amaryllis is my sister and I’ll share whatever I have with her and she knows that.”

  “Michelle, sisters share their parents, clothes and secrets, not their men. Do you feel me, girl?”

  “What are you saying, that Amaryllis wants to be me?”

  “Uh, yeeaah. And you should keep your eyes and ears open where James is concerned. The man cherishes and adores you and he lets the whole world know it. A lot of women see that and want a man like yours for themselves. But there’s only one James Bradley and you got him. If a woman can’t get her own perfect man, what’s to stop her from trying to get someone else’s?”

  “Girl, you’re starting to sound like my father.”

  “Doesn’t that tell you something?”

  “Amaryllis is my flesh and blood. I can’t imagine her betraying me.”

  “Humph, like Cain and Abel? Listen, Michelle, I know you love your sister and you’re not supposed to imagine things like that, but that’s where I come in as your best friend. I’m just looking out for you, that’s all.”

  “I trust James.”

  “And you should because he’s trustworthy. But we’re not talking about James. It’s Amaryllis you need to be asking yourself if you can trust.”

  Chapter 11

  After eating their share of pancakes, Michelle and her ladies arrived at One Magnificent Moment at a quarter ’til one. She signed her name in the registry, and five minutes later, a lady approached her.

  “Hi, Michelle. I’m Tamara.”

  Michelle smiled. “Hi, Tamara. These are my ladies. My sister, Amaryllis, is my maid of honor, my best friend, Jodie, is my bridesmaid, and this little cutie is Mya, my flower girl.”

  Tamara gave them a huge grin. “It’s nice to meet all of you. I have your gowns all set up for you. Follow me, please.”

  Jodie grabbed Mya by the hand and the women followed Tamara to a room where their dresses were hanging and looking beautiful. The first thing Michelle saw was her wedding gown and she squealed with delight. “It’s so beautiful.”

  They wanted to save the best dress for last, so Michelle helped Mya into her dress as Amaryllis and Jodie tried on their own dresses. Mya jumped and twisted in the white lace and chiffon as she admired herself in the mirror. Michelle sat with tears in her eyes as she looked at her ladies in their gowns.

  Amaryllis wasn’t in a festive mood, but she did have to admit that the burnt orange Donatella Versace gowns that Michelle selected for her and Jodie were beautiful. Except for the need for a four-inch hem, their gowns fit them perfectly. Jodie was properly measured at the bridal boutique three months ago and because Amaryllis was still in Chicago at the time of the initial fitting, she had given her measurements to Tamara over the phone. They brought their stilettos with them and the gowns were still too long. Mya’s dress was perfect, but when the time came for her to take it off, she had a fit. In the dress, she looked like a little princess and she knew it.

  Michelle had even bought Mya a miniature tiara to match the one she was wearing herself. Michelle lifted the crown from Mya’s head and she fell out and started rolling, kicking and screaming. She still had her dress on, so Michelle quickly picked her up. “You can’t keep the crown on, Myaboo.” Michelle said. She sat Mya down on her lap and tried to unzip the back of the dress. Mya slouched down, then fell to the floor. Michelle looked at her mother. “Jodie, take this dress off of her.”

  Jodie was busy getting out of her own dress. “Nope. You’re always sayin’ you want a house full of kids. Consider yourself in training.” Jodie turned her back to Michelle and continued undressing.

  Michelle got on her knees and literally fought with Mya to get the dress off. When she finally pulled the dress over Mya’s head, Michelle was out of breath. She sat on the floor and watched Mya throw a temper tantrum. Tamara knocked on the door and asked what all the fuss was about and Michelle explained that the little princess wanted to remain in her fairytale dress.

  Mya got up from the floor and snatched the tiara from Michelle’s hand and put it back on her head. Michelle took it off and Mya fell down again kicking and screaming. The kicking isn’t what got to Michelle, but it was the piercing scream that was driving her nuts. She asked Tamara for the price of the small tiara.

  “That particular style costs eighty-nine dollars,” Tamara answered.

  “Can you please put in a rush order for another one?” Michelle set the tiara on top of Mya’s head and she immediately stopped screaming. She decided to let Mya take that tiara home with her. Michelle figured she’d do the smart thing and order another one because by t
he time the wedding date arrived, the tiara Mya currently had on her head would be destroyed.

  Mya stood in front of the mirror and started twisting and jumping again. She didn’t even care that every time she jumped, snot dripped from her nose.

  Michelle looked at Jodie. “You do this everyday, huh?”

  “Everyday, all day; so as Bishop T.D. Jakes says, ‘Get ready, get ready, get ready.’ ”

  Michelle placed the back of her hand on her forehead. “I don’t know, I may have to rethink some things.”

  “You’re a preacher’s wife now, Michelle. You’ve got to set that great example.”

  “What example?”

  Jodie chuckled. “To be fruitful and multiply.”

  “I did say that I wanted a house full, didn’t I?”

  “I believe those were your exact words.”

  Michelle looked at Mya bending and chewing on the eighty-nine dollar tiara. “Lord, help me.”

  With Mya satisfied and quiet, it was time for Michelle to try on her gown. Both Jodie and Amaryllis helped her. Between the two of them, it took twenty whole minutes to tie the strings of the corset on the Reem Acra couture white gown. They attached her train and put the tiara on her head, along with the veil, and stood back to admire her. Michelle was beautiful anyway, but the white gown accentuated her chocolate brown skin. With the dress fitting her every curve, sparkling at every turn she made, and the diamond crown on her head, Michelle was every bit a queen.

  Mya walked up to Michelle. “Ooh, pwittee.”

  Dressed in the strapless gown, Michelle looked at herself in the mirror. “It feels a little snug around my breasts.”

  Amaryllis spoke. “That’s because you’re cursed like me with those double D’s.”

  “They are not a curse, they’re a blessing,” Jodie said.

  Michelle chuckled. “In what way, Jodie?”

  “Sweet innocent, Michelle, must I teach you everything? We’re gonna buy you a push up bra and stuff those coconuts in it. While you’re walking down the aisle toward James, your cleavage will be wiggling and bouncing, and that, my virgin friend, will cause James to lose his mind.”