What's Blood Got to Do With It?

by Shelia E. Bell

  Adanya found it difficult to sleep because Anaya wandered in and out of the guest room at least four times during the night. She stood next to Adanya’s bed and rubbed Adanya’s hair while singing her name, Pretty, Adanya. Pretty Adanya.”

  It was close to one in the morning when Adanya received her last visit. Adanya drifted into a twilight sleep; she felt herself tossing and turning. By the time morning came, she still felt wiped out and achy. The chattering of her grandparents, along with Anaya, roused her from her sleep so she got up. She was somewhat confused by the days. After a minute or two, she was glad to remember that it was Friday and she had no class lectures. Plus, the university remained closed because of the biting winter weather. Maybe she would have time to get over the flu, cold, whatever it was and make a solid decision about what she was going to do with the facts she’d learned

  Adanya stretched and yawned. “Good morning,” she said as she sauntered into the kitchen. Her grandma immediately stood.

  Anaya ran up and hugged her. “G’morning, Pretty Adanya.”

  “Good morning, Aunt Anaya.”

  “I laid out towels and some toiletries in the back bathroom. I washed and dried the clothes you had on too, so you can put them back on after you get yourself cleaned up,” Mrs. Kaplan told Adanya.

  “I don’t know what I was thinking last night, because I have clothes in my car.”

  “Don‘t worry about it. Maurice is outside. He can get ‘em. You know that you can stay here as long as you need to.”

  “Thanks, Gram. I’ll see. What’s Gramps doing outside in the cold?”

  “Clearing ice off the front porch and walkway.”

  “Oh.”

  “After you get dressed, come in here and put some of this hot food on your stomach. It’ll make you feel better.” She raised one hand up to stop Adanya from saying anything, whether she intended to or not. “It won’t be anything heavy. Just a slice of toasted sour dough bread and a bowl of oatmeal. I have some hot apple cider tea too. You have to keep your energy up so you can fight off that nasty cold, flu, or whatever it is.”

  Adanya didn’t put up a fuss. She went into the bathroom and took a hot bath. Thirty minutes later, she was sitting at the kitchen table alone, eating the breakfast Gram had prepared.

  Gramps entered.

  “Gramps, thank you and Gram for last night. I didn’t know what I was going to do or where I was going to go. I still haven’t processed everything that’s happened, but I’m praying that God will show me what to do, because if he doesn’t, I don’t know how I’ll get through this.”

  Gramps walked over to Adanya. “He took hold of her hand, guiding her to her feet, he hugged her.

  Adanya felt his hot tears landing on her left shoulder. To discover all of the lies and deceit caused an emotional turmoil to play like a marching band in her mind.

  “Gramps?”

  “Yes, sweetie.”

  “Gram wants me to stay, but I can’t.” She tilted her head upward and looked into his red eyes.

  Gram appeared. “Where are you going to go? Back home I hope.”

  “It won’t be home, and it can’t be here.”

  Adanya walked swiftly past her grandparents, and went to retrieve her bag of luggage and her coat. After putting on her coat, she prepared to leave, but stopped dead in her tracks. Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan were right behind her. She struggled to maintain an even tone to ward off the sense of rage that had started boiling inside. “I want to say goodbye to my mother.”

  Her grandparents stepped aside and gave her clearance to go toward Anaya’s sitting room.

  Knock. Knock.

  Adanya turned the door knob gently and slightly pushed the door open. “Aunt Anaya.” She peered inside and saw Anaya with an intense stare directed at the flat screen posted on the wall. The male and female hosts on the screen were engaged in what looked like amusing conversation. Anaya appeared hypnotized by their laughter and dialogue because she didn’t budge or bother to look up. Adanya took cautious liberty to go and sit down next to her.

  “Aunt Anaya.”

  As if coming out of a trance, Anaya turned her head to face Adanya. She smiled and then turned her attention back to the television.

  Adanya fought back the tears as she looked at Anaya for the first time as her biological mother. She thought back to the night that the sweet innocence of her mother was stolen; whether it was by accident, or rape, or God’s will; whatever the politically correct term, it had happened and Adanya felt sickened by it.

  Adanya watched Anaya while her mind flashed a screen of questions. How would she ever be able to make sense of any of this madness? How could what happen be chalked up to a mistake? How could Annalisse marry the man who impregnated her own twin sister? How? What other secrets might they be keeping from her?

  “Aunt Anaya, I’m getting ready to leave. I wanted to tell you goodbye.”

  Anaya’s eyes remained glued to the television screen.

  Adanya slowly got up. She kissed her on the cheek and rubbed her hair. “Bye, Pretty Anaya.” She walked out of Anaya’s bedroom. “Gramps. Gram,” she called out as she made her way into the front of the house. They were sitting quietly in the family room. “I’m leaving.”

  They both got up and followed Adanya to the door.

  “’Danya, I wish you would stay. We need to work through this as a family,”

  “Gram, I don’t mean to be disrespectful. I promise I don’t, but look what happened the last time everybody worked things out as a family.” Adanya scurried out of the house before she allowed their hurt to make her change her mind.

  Adanya sat in her car and hoped the heater would start warming up the ice cold interior. She was glad to see that the sleet and ice had started melting. The sun was trying to push itself from behind the clouds. She texted Nanette. “can I come ovr?

  Nanette texted right back. “Sure c u soon b careful.”

  The drive didn’t take as long as it would have had the streets still been iced over. She arrived at Nanette’s townhome in twenty minutes. Almost instantaneously, after she used the door knocker, Nanette opened the door.

  “Don’t you look a hot mess?” Nanette said, in her jammies, with a multi-colored quilt hanging off her shoulders.

  “I feel like a hot mess. How could my life become so screwed up in a matter of twenty-four hours.”

  “Girl, puhleeze. After I thought about what you told me last night, I started tripping really hard. I figured you were trying to pull some kind of prank on me or something.” Nanette pulled the quilt tighter around her narrow shoulders.

  “I wish,” remarked Adanya.

  “Sit down.” Nanette’s demeanor turned serious. “I’m sorry if I came off like I’m insensitive. This is just some wild stuff; the made for TV kind of drama.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it.” Adanya clenched her jaw, and tried to stifle her cry. “What am I going to do? I cannot go back there. It’s no longer home.”

  Nanette sat with her legs propped on the couch, her arms clasped around them. Tears appeared in her eyes like she was experiencing firsthand the hurt and disbelief of her best friend.

  “Tell me what to do.” Adanya pressed. Her cell phone rang while she searched for answers in Nanette’s hazel eyes. She ignored it.

  For an instant, Nanette’s piercing glance sharpened. “Why didn’t you answer?”

  “That was my father. And my mother keeps calling too, but I can’t talk to either of them right now.”

  “Well, I’m here for you. But I’m going to be honest, I have no idea what to tell you. This is too much like a soap opera. Why don’t you just chill for now, we can talk it out later

  Adanya exhaled and gave in. She pulled off her boots and laid back on the tangerine oversized chair. Within minutes, she had drifted off to sleep.

  ◊

  Nanette shook Adanya and aroused her from her sleep. It was late afternoon. Her eyes slowly opened and Adanya sat upright in the chair.

 
“What is it?” she asked.

  “Wake up and listen. I’ve been thinking. Why don’t you call your parents.” Her hands flew up in the air.

  Still groggy, Adanya sat up. “I don’t know. The last thing I want to do is have another confrontation with them. I can’t take any more of their excuses.”

  “Think about it at least. If you want, I’ll go pick up Snoopy and bring him over here. That way you can have some alone time. Maybe that way you can begin to think things out before you go back.”

  “That would be great. You sure you don’t mind?”

  “That dog loves me. I have a few errands to run first, then after that, I’ll go get him. In the meantime, you know how to make yourself at home.”

  “Thanks, Nanette. I love you, girl.”

  “I love me too.” They chuckled.

  “Call me if your plans change and you can’t pick him up. I know how you can get lost when it comes to Gerald.”

  “If you had given that handsome hunk, Blake, Bleak, Block, whatever his name, a chance, you’d probably be doing the same thing.”

  “Humph, I don’t think so. You got the wrong one.” The two friends laughed some more and for a while the past twenty-four hours were just that – the past.

  “You don’t think you’d consider going out with him?”

  “Who? Bleak?”

  “Duh, yeah. Who else would I be talking about?”

  “I don’t know. Could be one of the number of eligible men I have hanging around. I don’t tell you everything.” Adanya laughed at her own made up words.

  “Girl, please.” Nanette paused. “Hey, what about I introduce you to one of Gerald’s friends?”

  Adanya picked up one of the sofa pillows and threw it at her. “You better not.”

  “But you need a distraction.” She chunked the pillow back. “Let me get up and get ready to get out of here. I want to do what I need to do and get back.”

  “I think I’ll do some online apartment searching.”

  “You know you’re welcome to stay here.”

  “Yea, I know but I need to get a feel of what’s available out there. Plus it’ll keep my mind busy.”

  “Sure, understood.”

  Nanette left Adanya alone in the living room while she retreated to her bedroom to change. Adanya flipped channels. The ringing of her cell phone barged into her channel surfing. It was Annalisse.

  “Why do you keep calling me?” Adanya blasted her as soon as she answered the call.

  “Where are you? Mama said you got up and left without telling them where you were going. And you’ve had your phone turned off or on silent or something. Honey, please, tell me that you’re okay. We’re worried about you.” Her voice sounded high pitched and tired.

  “Is Daddy there?” Adanya asked coldly and ignored her mother’s questions.

  “Yes. Please, come home. We need to talk, sweetheart.”

  Adanya sighed heavily. “Seems like that’s something that should have been done years ago.”

  “Honey,” we need to talk. For the sake of our family.”

  Adanya hesitated. “I can’t. I’ve heard more than enough.” She ended the call without allowing her mother the chance to respond.

  Nanette entered the room, prepared to leave for her errands.

  “Nanette, I am so tired already.”

  “What happened now?”

  “Uggg, my mother, uh Annalisse, I should say, just called.”

  “Hold up.” Nanette jogged out of sight and returned seconds later with a key. “Take my spare door key just in case you feel the need to get out and get some air.”

  Nanette placed the multicolored key into Adanya’s hand.

  “Thanks.”

  A serious expression replaced Nanette’s usually relaxed, carefree look. But this was not a laughing matter. Trouble was on the horizon and no one could tell how much more things were about to explode.

  ◊

  Adanya drove with no particular destination in mind. She had tried to take the time alone to evaluate her true feelings but sitting alone in Nanette’s apartment hadn’t worked. Without thinking, she made a right onto Park Avenue then called Nanette. “Have you picked up Snoopy yet?”

  “No, I was about to head over there. Why? What’s up?”

  “You were right. I needed to get out and get some air. And I also need to act like the grown woman I am, and handle my own business.”

  “Are you talking about going to talk to your parents?”

  “Not necessarily. I’m talking about I can go and pick up Snoopy myself.”

  “I told you I was on my way.”

  “I know, but really, I’ll get him. I don’t plan on hanging around there. I need to get some more of my clothes.”

  “Okay, but call if you need me.”

  “I will. ”

  Adanya turned on the street she’d lived on since the age of twelve. She swallowed the knot that had formed in the base of her throat. She didn’t use her remote to open the garage, but chose to pull up and park in the front driveway.

  Adanya got out of the car and knocked on the front door. Annalisse answered.

  A smile revealed itself when she saw her daughter. “Why didn’t you use your key? Never mind, I’m just glad you came home.” She reached out to hug her, but Adanya brushed aside and escaped Annalisse’s reach.

  She stopped just a hair past the entrance. Adanya looked at Annalisse. “Home? This can never be home again. I just came by to get some of my things.” Snoopy came running toward her and almost jumped in her arms. “And to get Snoopy, of course.” Adanya leaned down and picked up the excited dog. He gave her sloppy kisses and she returned his affection with pats and hugs.

  Once she was fully inside the house, Adanya looked to her left in the open area, and with surprise met the solemn stares of her father and grandparents, all sitting in the hearth room. She didn’t know how to react, respond, or relate to any of them at this moment. The harsh memories invaded her mind like a tidal wave. She stopped and returned their stares with one of her own. Only hers was far less sympathetic, and if anything, revealed Adanya’s mounting anger.

  Annalisse nervously stepped in front of Adanya. “Sweetheart, let me get your coat. You look a little weak. You’re still fighting that cold, aren’t you.”

  Adanya jerked away before her mother could help her take off her coat. She put Snoopy back down on the floor. “Don’t bother. I can do for myself. I’m not a baby. But it seems that’s something you all have forgotten.” She took off her coat, turned, and hung it up in the coat closet in the hall. Adanya strolled into the hearth room, then stopped.

  “What is this? Another one of your secret meetings to decide my poor mother’s future…or mine?”

  “You should be ashamed of yourself,” her father said.

  She looked around at everyone present and said with a bite in her voice. “Me? Ashamed? Why? Because I’m speaking the truth?”

  Her father looked away.

  Her grandmother offered advice. “Honey, I want to let you know that you’re entitled to feel the way you do. You should take all the time you need to get through this. Talk to us one on one. Get counseling. Spend more time with Anaya. Whatever it takes, we’re going to support you.”

  “Speaking of Aunt Anaya, where is she?” Adanya scanned the room.

  Annalisse spoke up. “With Kaye.”

  Adanya began with a spiel of her own. “You all handled me and Aunt Anaya in a totally disrespectful, unkind, not to mention careless manner. Now my mother is almost forty years old, and what does she have? Nothing but a bedroom full of stuff, a phone so she can call me, you, Annalisse and Kenneth, maybe some friends from church, but even that’s monitored. Outside of that, she has no life.”

  “You can’t say that. That is her life. She lives in her world, and she’s quite happy in it,” Annalisse retorted.

  “Who made you a mind reader?” Adanya snapped. “Plus, I don’t care what any of you say, it’s not fair that
my mother grew up never knowing me as her daughter.” Adanya pointed at herself. “You all made that determination for her, and for me.” Adanya crossed her arms and faced Annalisse head on. “Guess you’re supposed to be the perfect twin. Too bad you happen not to have kids of your own.” Adanya’s face was a glowering mask of red. “Walking around frontin’, talking all your God talk, telling folks’ how good God is to you.”

  “Listen, here, ‘Danya. I know a lot has happened, but it’s still no reason for you to come parading all up in here like you’re going to whip somebody’s behind or something. We are your elders, at least most of us will admit that,” her grandmother said sternly and looked around the room.

  “Gram is right,” Gramps added. “Everything that we decided back then was done after much prayer and fasting. You forget that your mother was a minor, a child back then. She had no real say so about what we did.”

  Adanya rolled her eyes.

  Kenneth stood up and started talking. “I know I stayed on my knees many nights asking God to forgive me and work things out. I was worried about Annalisse. I was worried about Anaya. I was having a baby by my girlfriend’s sister.”

  Kenneth walked up to Adanya. “I’m so sorry.” His shoulders shook as he spoke and his sobs gave way like a dam bursting. He reached out and clung to Adanya like he would never see her again.

  Adanya wiggled out of his grasp. and stared at him for several seconds, then said, “There is nothing, absolutely nothing you can say that will rid me of the disgust I feel for you.”

  Before he turned and walked away, Kenneth wiped his eyes with the back of his hand like he was trying to keep the tears from escaping.

  Gramps stood. “Look, everybody, I suggest we gather around the table, eat, drink, laugh, and talk like we usually reserve for Sunday afternoon. Adanya, your mother invited us to come over for lunch. I wish you would take a little time, sit down, eat, and we’ll talk things out.”

  Kenneth leaned in and reached toward Annalisse. She stepped into the crook of his arms.