BOMAW 7-9

by Mercedes Keyes

  "WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, SHAWN!?"

  "Kathy Ann! Just leave, just go!" Her mother directed her.

  "NO, NO, NO! I DON'T WANT HER TO GO!" Shawn shouted at his mother, then through clenched teeth bit out, "This is my house! I tell people when to go, here!"

  Instantly furious, Gert swung without hesitation, and slapped him clean across the face as hard as she could.

  Everyone sucked in a shocked gasp.

  Shawn stood a moment, staring down at her, saying not another word.

  "Don't you ever - talk to me - that way!" Gert bit out, fuming, "You been gone too long, son...too long. So long, that you've obviously forgotten yourself. Acting a damn fool in front of everyone because you can't have something you have no rights to! Control of other people! You leave your sister alone! You understand me? Leave her alone! At 42 years old, you should have more control of yourself! Now cease making a public spectacle of yourself! You ought be ashamed!" Gert turned from him to Kathy Ann. "If you wanna go, you go. But if you stay, ain't gonna be no mess, understand me?!"

  "Mama, I was trying to avoid him! But Shawn doesn't like it when he can't have something his way!"

  Shawn turned from them and stormed off behind the garage. Meribel was standing beside her husband, looking up at him. "Go talk to him, Derrick." In answer, "He needs to cool down first."

  "Dai-amn! Man...mama's don't play that shit! I thought it was just black mamas' who slap the taste out yo'mouth!" 2Times muttered towards Mundo out the side of his mouth. "Hush, man, that shit ain't funny. Don't fuck with my papa-Shawn, man." Mundo warned.

  "Chill, man...I'm just sayin', dai-amn!"

  Mundo decided to keep the music playing, and set out the deck of cards for the three card tables that was set up for the adults, get some spades games going.

  Gert turned from the spot and glared at Bart, feeling he should have intervened.

  "You in trouble now." Lucas leaned over to mutter.

  "Hell, when am I not." Bart muttered back.

  "I must say, she one helluva woman! Ain't too many women can stop they grown up sons when they on a roll and done lost they temper."

  "That she is. As for my boys, they know not to cross their mother. Unless they wanna deal with me."

  Kathy Ann went to her daughter and son, telling them she was leaving. If they weren't coming with her, they'd need a ride. Jenny Lee told her she could call her boyfriend to pick them up later. Walking to Sylvia, Kathy Ann stopped her as she was heading back to check on her husband. "Sorry about this, but—I told him to leave me alone."

  "It's not your fault, Kathy Ann. But—you know, he can't be blamed entirely. His family means a great deal to him. Always has. While it is certainly true, you don't have to share anything with him, it is obviously eating him up that his own flesh and blood sister treats him like shit, especially for no reason. All he's ever tried to do, is be there for all of you." Sylvia was getting emotional. "Maybe he is—a control freak—okay... no one knows that more than I. The thing is, you could have tried—to work this out with him - or maybe, just not come. But obviously as family, he doesn't mean to you, what you mean to him." Sylvia walked off. She hadn't meant to say all of that to her, but it had poured out.

  Kathy Ann stood a moment, unable to move. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes; turning, she walked off to her vehicle. With every step she took, for the hundredth time in her life, she again, contemplated suicide. Such an easy fix. That's all it would take. However, contemplation was as far as it would get. She wasn't the suicide kind, no matter how agonizing her life became because of her dilemma. She hated being the way she was. Feeling the way she did. She'd battled it for most of her life.

  She climbed into her car. Started it and pulled away.

  One time, at one time, she thought she'd overcome it all, because of Dathan Thatcher. He was amazing. He'd looked similar to Shawn, dark hair, tall, good looking and funny. He'd had the most amazing eyes she'd ever seen. For the longest, she'd secretly admired him. Dreams of him, began to dominate her thinking. Finally, some peace of mind she thought then. Just as Shawn was considered a catch in school, so was he. There was one problem with Dathan, however, he'd set himself up in competition against Shawn. He was in the lower grade, and strove to outdo Shawn in everything that he could. They'd been like two bulls in a pen. Angered over a close call in track, Dathan made the mistake of going for Shawn. Shawn had beat him just about senseless in front of a large crowd. Humiliating him.

  As for Kathy Ann, little did she know at the time, that Dathan was aware of her attraction to him. Thinking the entire matter over, for the hundredth time, it still came to mind clear as a bell what happened and why. Years later, she fully understood why Dathan Thatcher suddenly "wanted her". Back then, Kathy Ann had been flattered by the older student's attention to her. Clueless, that he'd sat on his humiliation the entire summer. Ignorant of the fact that the delay in his revenge had been due to the fact that there was no way of getting to Kathy Ann before school resumed, because Bart kept close tabs on his daughter's activities. Then school started back up, she was a sophomore, he was a senior. Slowly, carefully, with a painstakingly sadistic plot, he toyed with her emotions, driven to make sure that she fell in love with him. Desperate for an escape of the haunting skeleton in her closet, Kathy Ann fell. Although she held out as long as she could, she finally gifted him with her virginity.

  Because few knew that Shawn had taken off, Dathan included; there was no need for him to withdraw his plan. He knew that Shawn didn't have to be present to feel the heat of his revenge for daring to humiliate him. Dathan couldn't whoop Shawn, but one thing he did know, as everyone knew who went to school with the McPherson's —he was the guardian of his siblings. All knew, that with his heart, soul and being, he protected them, especially—his sisters. Wanna hurt Shawn McPherson ... hurt one of his siblings. Hurt his little sisters.

  Dathan Thatcher did. Not learning until much later, that the older sibling was gone. Left.

  It was like open season on the young McPherson's that were left. Diminished only by the next brother stepping in, Derrick. He wasn't a fighter, but he was a defender. Unlike Shawn, who would track you down. Derrick would only deal with what he was confronted with. The bigger of all brothers, with a fist impact that no one wanted to experience, they left Jake, Kathy Ann and Shanna alone if he was on the scene. When he left for school, Jake and Kathy Ann, were forced to step up to the plate and did. Jake's first true victim, Dathan Thatcher. Because he couldn't chance anyone else going for them, because he was on his own with two younger sisters to protect, he needed to be noted as even more dangerous than Shawn. Knowing how they all feared Shawn, he was forced to go one better. Having little choice, he broke Dathan's nose, his arm, and every finger on his one hand. That had been enough. Parents were tired of reporting the violence to the school, parents were tired of calling the police; only for Bart and Gert to come and defend the actions of their sons. Needing the peace restored, and realizing someone was going to get seriously hurt, if not killed—the McPherson's...were left alone. Acceptance, and thus calm had settled in place; and life, peace and tranquility was restored. All save for Kathy Ann. Broken-hearted, filled with anger and pain. Humiliated to the highest degree, and with no alternative outlet for it—once again, Shawn—became the target, the reason, that Kathy Ann's life, was and still is, a living hell.

  Going home was out of the question. Dwight might be there. So she went to the next best place, the bar. Where she would drink, and drink until she passed out, to wake up tomorrow, and begin the cycle again.

  Chapter 176

  When Sylvia made it behind the garage to look for her husband, he was across the backyard, at the furthest end, leaning against the fence. Unsure of herself, she walked towards him. He was looking off in the distance across a plowed field positioned behind her property. Coming up beside him, she was trying to dry the tears in her eyes. She hurt for him. She could see it so clearly now; his father had made him into the m
an that he was, and Gert had allowed him to make him this way. Yet, now, because he was hardwired, set—in being what he was, he was catching hell for it. Catching hell for still trying to take care of his siblings. The same siblings who seemed willing to kick him in the teeth for it. She had to amend that for Derrick and Shanna, but the other two—they were getting on her nerves. She also resented Gert slapping him in front of everyone. Whether he may have deserved it or not—Sylvia couldn't take anyone laying any more hurt on her husband. She didn't care if he were right or wrong. And if it had been her son, yeah - it was wrong, but he wasn't her son; he was her husband and she understood him, more and more each day. Standing beside him now, seeing his red face, the moisture below his eyes, she was on the verge of going back and telling everyone to go the hell home.

  "Shawn?" She called his name gently.

  He sniffed, cleared his throat and wiped his face.

  "Baby... look at me." She urged.

  He couldn't. He could only look out at the land. "What's wrong with me, Sylvia? What am I doin' wrong?"

  "Nothing! You're not doing anything wrong! You are what they made you, and now they can't handle it, and it's pissing me off! I will go tell them all, get the hell out of here, now! You want me to tell'em?!" Sylvia was on the verge of crying, when Shawn turned to look at her. He smiled and chuckled. "Look at you. Why are you upset?" He reached and caressed her cheek.

  "Because I can take only so much of this shit! You need to tell them all, kiss yo' ass and get the hell outta your face! You want me to tell'em?! I don't care!"

  He smiled again, leaned away from the fence, moving her over before him, her back against it. She saw the mark on his cheek from his mother and grew even madder. "No...you don't have to do that. I'm okay. Really, I am."

  "Shawn, you need to let them go!"

  "Let who go?!"

  "Your family! This obligation of responsibility you're still carrying around! They are all, grown ass people! Kathy Ann is grown! You do not have to beg her, kiss her ass, to get her to appreciate you! Love you! You cannot make her love you, Shawn. You cannot make her be peaceable, if she's not willing. You need to let it go."

  "Excuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt, but—can I speak with my son a moment, Sylvia...alone?" Gert asked.

  They hadn't heard or seen her approach. Sylvia could not stop the dirty look she gave her if she tried. As much as she knew that a son had no right to speak to his mother the way Shawn had spoken to her, it was not enough for her to remain neutral. As irritating as he could be, she still couldn't handle anyone hurting him.

  Gert sighed, but said nothing. She supposed it was only right that his wife should be on his side. Seeing the look on Sylvia's face, only made Gert love her more, because she knew that her son was in good hands. But she couldn't let things continue on as they were.

  "Go on, I'll be all right. An' don't be mean to our guests." He bent and kissed her brow and gave her a slight nudge. Sylvia walked off to leave them alone to talk. Gert's eyes followed her retreating back, saying, "She really loves you."

  "Yeah, she really does." He returned.

  Gert turned to her son to face him.

  "There's something you need to know, Shawn. Now is not the time or the place for it. But you need to know. Tonight, after this is over, I want us to go for a little drive, okay?"

  "Is this about Kathy Ann?"

  "Yes, it is."

  "I see."

  "Not yet, you don't...but tonight, you will. I'm sorry I had to slap you in front of everyone. But I will not be spoken to like that. Not by either of you. Makes me no difference where you've been, and what you've accomplished. I'm still your mother—will be until the day I die. Until that day, you will respect me. Do we understand each other?"

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "All right, then. Lean down here, so I can kiss that cheek I slapped."

  Shawn did, and she did. He put his arms around her and hugged her. "I'm sorry, mom, really I am."

  "That's good enough, then. It's over and forgotten. But don't forget, we need to talk...tonight."

  He nodded.

  They turned walking back to where the guests were gathered, to see that Officer Collier had arrived and was standing and talking with Bart. Shawn took a deep breath and joked it off, telling everyone he talked to, "I forgot about her right hook. Won't forget again."

  They all laughed, especially Dennis. Once again, that seed was growing to relocate.

  Soon everyone dismissed the earlier drama and card tables were filled with players. The punished who were tucked away here and there were let out. And the kids began jamming and dancing to the mixes Mundo was playing.

  Crystal's girlfriends were dancing and messing around with Mundo's friends. No one noted the few times different ones slipped off to the woods to smoke some weed. The dusk was coming down around them. Jake, Dennis, Shawn and DJ were standing back watching everyone dance. Vivian, among those grooving, was dancing with Shawn2, laughing and enjoying him. Even with keeping her moves subdued, her body had a way of moving with a sensuality that was controlled by the rhythm of the music playing, it was close to impossible to ignore. With her arms up swaying away from her body, and her hips rolling naturally— one would have to be blind not to see her.

  High, tipsy from drink, feeling good. Music in his head, and Vivian in his sights, Japa-black, aka—TatSuYa Jun—better known as TJ—could not keep his eyes off of her. Never in his life had he seen such an amazing looking black woman. Where he stood, he had an excellent vantage point. Her back was to him, every twist, turn, dip or so of her hips, that dress would caress, collide and clung to her rear end, giving his mind's eye an idea of what she probably looked like naked. Such a tiny waist and sweet rounded hips, curves he wanted so badly to test.

  "Damn!" He muttered to himself, licking his lips, he couldn't resist. Forgetting himself, forgetting where he was, he stepped forward, and grabbed her by the waist; using his hands to measure it, whispering in her ear, "You so fine, tiny waist, I can circle it with my hands."

  It happened so fast, Vivian didn't know what was happening. Shocked, she jumped away from him, turning to tell him off when next thing she knew, Jake had him by the back of his shirt, yanking him back for the punch. A punch that would have knocked him clean out, if not fractured his jaw—if—that is, Shawn hadn't seen it coming and grabbed his brother just in the nick of time.

  "FUCKIN' BASTARD, WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU, T'PUT YOUR HANDS ON HER! LET ME GO!" Jake jerked his shoulders hard to break free of Shawn.

  "MAN—WHAT THE FUCK, ARE YOU CRAZY!" TJ yelled back. Mundo leapt between them.

  "YOU GONE, MAN!!! YOU GONE! GET THE FUCK UP OUTTA HERE! YOU DON'T TOUCH MY MOTHER'S FRIENDS! WHAT!? YOU DONE LOS' YO'GODDAMN MIND?! What the hell was that dawg? You can't be that gone man - fuck'out'ah here!"

  Shawn had stepped back, letting Jake go. As long as Mundo was between them, Jake wouldn't move on him, however still furious, he shouted over Mundo's shoulder, pointing at TJ, "PUT YOUR GODDAMN HANDS ON HER AGAIN, I'LL RIP YOUR FUCKIN' ARM OFF AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS!!!"

  "MAN, I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY!!" TJ taunted, being pulled back by 2Times and DJ—Mundo remaining between them.

  "EH, MAN! DON'T SAY NOTHIN' ELSE! DON'T SAY NOTHING ELSE!!! YOU WRONG, DAWG—YOU WRONG! LIKE I SAID—YOU GONE! YOU BES' MAKE IT QUICK! I AIN'T GONE TELL YOU NO MO'!"

  "MAN, FUCK YOU TOO, MAN!" TJ stuck his middle finger up at Mundo, and he ran and attacked him.

  "SHAWN!!!" Sylvia screamed.

  Dennis and Shawn were right there, and so was Officer Collier, who stepped into it. He knew TJ's parents. Had known his father for a long time. Knew TJ as well, "IN MY CAR! Right now! I'm taking you home, or I'm taking you to jail—which is it?!" He spoke right into TJ's face.

  "Fuck it! Take me home."

  "Good choice! Let's go."

  TJ shook them off, straightening up his clothes. Before walking away, he gave Mundo a dirty look, then Jake. "Don't look at them, watch where you're going!" The
police officer commanded. He'd come to the barbecue while on duty. Come for a bit on break, then leave. Come back again, ate —then left. This was the last time he'd come before he was off duty. To which, he'd sign off, and then return immediately afterwards.

  Bart, Lucas, Gert and Lydia had been sitting at a table together playing cards. The whole time the action had been going on, they'd only turned in their seats, holding their cards. Now that things were back under control, nonfazed, they turned back to the game. When Lucas looked back, it was to see his wife, peering into his hand. "You was looking at my cards!" He accused her.

  "No, I wasn't, must be all in yo' head."

  "Obviously, these fools entertainin' you, ain't e'nuff—hmph—lookin' in my hand, Jesus Junior gone have to hol' me back." Lucas threatened.

  Bart made a face and looked at Gert, who burst out laughing, it seemed her husband had a new name. Lydia was laughing too, "You crazy, Lucas, you just mad 'cause ya'll losin'."

  Bart looked at Lucas, who was grinning—enjoying himself. A barbecue, a real barbecue, wasn't no good if at least one somebody didn't get mad and try to knock somebody out. It just wasn't normal otherwise. He played his card, excited, because his hand was loaded and they would be taking the next few books.

  "Yo' turn, Ms. Gert." Lucas reminded her, bobbing his head to the music playing, knowing the game was about to turn in their favor.

  Jake paced, taking several deep breaths. Inhaling and blowing out, inhaling and blowing out.

  "Just breathe, man...just calm down and breathe. Hey, ain't nothing but a thang." Dennis spoke to calm Jake down. Kevin and Paul stood red faced, blown away. To see their father this angry, was rare. They knew he could get mad, but it was the first time they'd actually seen him go to attack someone. They'd heard about the wedding reception, where their uncle Shawn and father had fought, but then, it had been their uncle who'd attacked. This time, it was their father.

  Kevin looked from his father to Vivian. She was standing with Sheila, Shanna and Sylvia. Shaking, nervously biting her thumbnail, obviously about approaching their dad. After what he just saw, Kevin didn't blame her.