What's Blood Got to Do With It?

by Shelia E. Bell

  He had no real reason for lying to Carla either, telling her that he was divorced with no children. When she told him she was going through a divorce herself, and had two young children, instead of pulling back and respecting his own fully intact marriage, Kenneth went after Carla at full force.

  By the time they ended lunch, he had her phone number and she had agreed to have dinner with him later that evening. The rest was history because as often as possible, he flew to Seattle, Washington to be with Carla.

  When he found himself falling in love with her, he couldn’t entertain the idea of leaving Annalisse and Adanya, but he knew he couldn’t let Carla walk out of his life either. He was not only in love with her, he had grown attached to her then teenaged son, Bleak, and his twin sister, Bianca.

  Kenneth used the Bible to justify his actions. Mighty men of God in the Bible had hundreds of wives and concubines. He didn’t believe he served a God who would God chastise him for having two. That would be absurd. When had things changed anyway from the way men lived in the Bible? If it was all right back then, surely God wouldn’t frown on it now. The laws of the land didn’t make sense to Kenneth. A man could have his cake and eat it too, and he was going to prove it.

  The day he proposed to Carla, he had clearly gone overboard. He didn’t stop to weigh the consequences of his actions. All he knew was that he didn’t want anyone else to have her. He wanted Carla Blessinger all to himself and for himself. He proposed to her and she accepted.

  In the beginning of his marriage to Carla, he commuted between Memphis and Seattle, spending sometimes two weeks at a time with Carla before returning home to Annalisse and Adanya. But when Carla became pregnant with their first child, Caitlin, Kenneth made a decision to relocate them to Tennessee. He purchased a house on the outskirts of Memphis in Eads, Tennessee. That way, he was assured that his two lives and two wives wouldn’t collide.

  Carla was naïve herself in many ways because she never questioned the times John was gone for days, sometimes weeks at a time. He had always been a frequent traveler due to the nature of his business. And when she became pregnant with Caitlin, she surrounded herself with being a good mother, but relished the times when John was at home. He had been a good father and a loving husband. Miraculously, Kenneth juggled both women without either of them finding out about the other. He’d always somehow managed to keep both households together. He believed the saying, ‘You can’t make two people happy at the same time’ did not apply to him because he was doing it and had been doing it since marrying Carla ten years prior. Kenneth had gone so far as leasing office space in close proximity to where he and Carla and their kids lived. The name of that business was J. Phillips Technology Group.

  He’d established that company for as long as the two of them had been married. And Carla, well Carla was clueless about Anniston Digital Technology just like Annalisse was clueless about J. Phillips Technology Group.

  Bleak never had a reason to question his stepfather’s motives because he always saw his mother with a smile on her face. John treated her like royalty, in Bleak’s eyes, and even when he left for college and returned to Memphis, he saw how happy his mother remained. He’d treated him like a son, put him, and Bianca, through college, and did all the things he used to long for his biological father to do.

  Kenneth pondered over what he was going to do. He didn’t want to lose Carla or his kids. He didn’t want to lose Annalisse, and Adanya, well he’d lost Adanya months ago, and now he knew that there was probably no chance of them ever reconciling. Their father daughter relationship was dead. Only God would be able to change that. His marriage to Annalisse was cooked meat too, that is if Adanya decided to spill the beans and tell Annalisse about his other life.

  For the first time in his life, Kenneth Anniston contemplated ending it all. Maybe he should just take his own life, call it quits. God would forgive him. And both families would be well taken care of. He’d taken out enough insurance policies so they would never have anything to worry about if something happened to him.

  Both hands extended toward the ceiling. “God, help me. Take care of my little girl. Bless my family, both of them, Lord.”

  Chapter 16

  “When the mind is in a state of uncertainty the smallest impulse directs it to either side.” Terence

  Adanya agreed to meet Bleak at her apartment the following afternoon. She’d had the whole night to think about what had happened, and the more she weighed out the situation, the more troubled she became. Maybe Bleak knew who she was all along. She thought back to when he first approached her at the deli. That could have all been an act.

  “Nanette, what if Bleak knew I was his stepfather’s daughter and just wanted to use me?”

  “What would make you think something like that?”

  “Think about it. Out of all the women in the deli that day, especially the white girls, he came over to our table and introduced himself to me,” Adanya reasoned and pointed at herself.

  “So, I don’t see anything wrong with that. There are a lot of white boys who go for black girls and vice versa.”

  “Yea, true, but it’s still strange. I mean, this guy comes out of nowhere. Neither one of us has ever seen him before. Think about it.”

  Nanette frowned. “Umm, well I don’t know. Sounds a little far- fetched. But I guess it isn’t impossible. But still, Bleak doesn’t seem like he’s the kind of guy who would purposely deceive you.”

  “Exactly. Which makes it even more likely that he did. He hides behind all his God this, God that talk. Acts like the perfect gentleman. Not once has he tried to go to bed with me. Shucks, he’s never even tried to kiss me, I mean kiss me, kiss me. You know what I mean.”

  “You do have a point. I mean, any other guy would have tried a million ways to get you into bed. And they most definitely would have sought some tongue action from you. I just thought he was a real gentleman. You do still have some men out there like that.”

  “Yeah, but have you ever run across one?”

  Nanette laughed but didn’t mean to. She didn’t want Adanya to feel like she was making light of her situation because she wasn’t.

  “Suppose you’re right? But how can you find out if he did or didn’t?”

  “He wants to see me tomorrow.”

  “Are you going to see him?”

  “Yeah. And I’m going to let him know that I know he’s been in on this the whole time. I’ll see from his reaction if my suspicion is right.”

  “Oooo,kay. I hope you know what you’re talking about. ‘Cause I still don’t think he’s that kind of dude. Why would he take a chance of his mother and his siblings being hurt? If he knew your daddy wasn’t who he said he was, seems like he would have confronted him one on one, not go in search of his daughter by another momma.”

  “Maybe he did confront him. We don’t know what went down before I met Bleak. I mean, people are crazy these days. They hide behind their religion, they hide behind their jobs, their families, any and everything. Folks are scandalous.”

  “Guess you have a point. Well, what time are you going to meet him?

  “Three. After he comes from the hospital.”

  “And what about your daddy? Are you going to talk to him? And poor Mrs. Anniston. What do you think she’s going to do when she finds out? Of if she finds out, I should say.”

  “Oh, she’s going to find out all right. You better believe that.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because I’m going to make sure that she does. He’s lied one too many times. Now I feel a little sorry for her. She was young and stupid back in the day, so maybe I can try to forgive her, but him, after this, never. Seeing this charade he’s playing now makes me believe that he knew exactly what he was doing when he raped Anaya. Annalisse was young and in love and she wanted to believe that the sun rose and shined on him. And Bleak’s mother is probably just like her–blinded by love.”

  Nanette shook her head in disgust. “That’s
terrible what he did. But all men are not like him, Adanya. And if your father really did take advantage of your aunt, then he is one sick puppy. I feel sorry for him because God don’t like ugly. He will reap what he sows.”

  “Definitely. And his reaping is about to begin if I have anything to do with it,” Adanya added.

  ◊

  Adanya lounged around the house but her mind was still working overtime. She wondered what her daddy was doing and why he hadn’t bothered trying to contact her again

  Her phone started ringing. “Speak of the devil,” she said to Snoopy. “Hello,” she said with force.

  “Adanya, please don’t hang up.”

  “What do you want?”

  “Pumpkin, I need to see you. We need to talk.”

  “Who are you to call me and demand that I talk to you. And what do we have to talk about anyway? I see you for what you are, a liar, and a manipulator.”

  “Listen, if you’ll just give me a chance to explain, you would understand─”

  “Understand? Oh, I don’t need to hear anything you have to say. It’s already clear to me that you’ve been living two lives. Does Annalisse know?”

  Silence.

  “Oh, so now you’re all quiet, huh? I guess that means she has no idea that you’re a phony.”

  “No, she doesn’t know, and I hope you won’t tell her. Just give me a chance to talk to her first..” His voice sounded deflated.

  “So, this is what this call is really about?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You want to make sure I don’t go running to Annalisse. You don’t want me to tell her about John Phillips. You are something else. Did Bleak’s mother know about me and Annalisse?”

  “No. And how do you know Bleak?”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know? Well, too bad. If he didn’t tell you, then you won’t get anything out of me. The best thing you can do for me is never to contact me again. Not ever,” she screamed into the receiver before she ended the call.

  Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Adanya tried to settle her nerves by taking deep breaths. She nervously paced around the apartment.

  Picking up the phone, she dialed her mother’s number.

  “Thank you, Lord. Adanya I’m so glad to hear from you, baby,” Annalisse said before Adanya could get a word in edge wise. “Baby, I’ve been praying that you would call. I have so much to say to you. But first, tell me, how you’re doing?”

  “Mom, Annalisse, slow down. I’m doing fine.”

  “Baby, where are you? Where do you live? Your Aunt Anaya tried to tell me but…”

  Adanya sliced into her mother’s conversation. “She is not my aunt. You are.”

  Silence.

  Annalisse stuttered like she was taken off guard by Adanya’s remark. “Can I see you? I miss you.”

  “That’s why I was calling. We need to talk.”

  “I agree. Tell me when and where.”

  “Now.”

  “Ohhh, well.”

  “So, you can’t?” Adanya retorted.

  “No, no, I can. Do you want me to come where you are?”

  Adanya paused before answering. She had to think what would be the best place for them to meet? Did she really want Annalisse to know where she lived?

  “Is Daddy there?”

  “No, he called and said he’d be late. He’s meeting with some new clients.”

  I just bet he is. Probably at the hospital, or somewhere pleading with Bleak’s mother, filling her head with more of his lies. Poor woman. “I’ll be there in about half an hour.”

  “Okay, baby. I’ll see you shortly.”

  “Goodbye,” Adanya said and ended the call.

  Without missing a beat, she gathered her purse, keys, and phone and dashed out the door, jumped in her car and shot out of the parking lot in record time. In less than half an hour she was knocking on the door at the house she used to call home.

  When Annalisse opened the door, Adanya was shocked. The woman standing before her looked like she’d aged by at least ten years. There were bags underneath her eyes, and she looked like she’d lost at least fifteen or twenty pounds. She had never been a big woman, and now she looked sickly. It frightened Adanya but she kept her mouth closed.

  “Adanya,” Annalisse shouted and grabbed hold of her. “Baby, I’ve missed you so much,” she cried.

  Adanya didn’t return the hug or share Annalisse’s sentiments. She stood rigid while Annalisse continued to hold on to her like she would never let her go.

  When the woman stepped back, Adanya politely asked, “Do you mind if I come inside?”

  “What kind of question is that? Honey, this is your home. It will always be your home. You know that.”

  Adanya stepped inside. Her eyes immediately zeroed in on the familiar surroundings of the huge house. Everything looked larger. It was almost like going into one of those Vesta Home Show houses that showcase huge, luxurious, newly built homes.

  “Come on, let’s go into the kitchen. I fixed us a couple of sandwiches and some tea.”

  Adanya raised her hand, “I don’t want anything to eat. I won’t be here long.”

  Annalisse didn’t respond. She walked toward the kitchen and Adanya followed. “Well, sit down” Adanya did.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to get you something?”

  “No.” Adanya shook her head. “Tell me, how much do you know about my father?”

  “What kind of question is that?”

  “I mean, how much do you know about him? Like, how can you be sure that he’s really meeting a client tonight? How do you know he’s not, well that he’s really who he says that he is.”

  “Adanya, please I don’t know what this is about, but your father is a good man. She said as she turned her head from side to side. “Your father’s hard work and smarts got us all this. We have a good life. He raised you to know God, and he’s always done everything he can to make a good life for you and me. So what’s this all about?”

  “Uh, hah,” Adanya said. “Oh, Annalisse. I hate to do this. I really do, but I have to tell you about the real Kenneth John Phillip Anniston.”

  “Honey, when are you going to forgive your father, and me? We made a horrible, horrible mistake. That I know. But please don’t make us pay for it the rest of our lives. And please, don’t be angry at your father. He loves you. I love you.” Her voice sounded tired.

  “You think he loves me as much as he loves my two little sisters? Do you think he loves you as much as he loves his other wife?”

  Biting her lip, Annalisse’s face became clouded with uneasiness. “What are you talking about? Sisters? You don’t have any sisters? And wife? Adanya, I know we’ve messed up, your father and I, but that’s still no reason for you to come up in here and tell lies about him.”

  “Lies,” Adanya jumped up from her chair, struggling with her conscience about whether she should go on with telling Annalisse the real deal about her so good and perfect husband. Her conscience lost. “All of it is a lie, Annalisse. My father has another family,” she shouted and screamed.

  Annalisse jumped up this time, curses spewing from her mouth. She took hold of Adanya and began shaking her violently. “Stop it, stop your lies,” she yelled. “Stop it, stop it, stop it.” Her face had turned into a glowering mask of rage.

  “It’s the truth,” Adanya screamed back. “I saw her. She’s a white woman, and they have two little girls. I saw her with my own eyes. I saw him with her,” Adanya said throwing words at Annalisse like daggers. “You don’t believe me, then call him. Call him up right now. Ask him where he is, who he’s with.”

  “I will do no such thing,” she said, as tears formed in her clouded eyes. “What’s wrong with you, Adanya?”

  “Then let me do the honors.” There was no turning back for Adanya. Annalisse’s refusal to believe her, set her heart ablaze. She was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Tired of the lies. Tired of the deceit. She fumbled around inside
her purse until she felt her phone and pulled it out. With shaking hands, she called him. No answer.

  “See, I told you, he’s in a meeting.”

  Adanya looked at Annalisse and her anger began to turn into pity for the woman who’d raised her, taken care of her and yes, loved her. She didn’t want to see Annalisse hurt, but she had to tell her the kind of person her father really was. Annalisse deserved to know. She wouldn’t do Annalisse like they’d done her. She wouldn’t keep the truth from her.

  The phone rang. Adanya looked at the screen. “It’s him calling back. I’m going to put him on speaker.

  Annalisse appeared dazed.

  “Don’t say a word,” Adanya told her. “Hello.”

  “Pumpkin. I’m sorry. I didn’t get the phone in time. I… well I was visiting Caitlin.”

  “How is she? And how old is she anyway?” Adanya peered over at Annalisse who grabbed hold of the kitchen chair like she needed it for support. Cold eyes stared at Adanya’s phone.

  “She’s seven. And she’s still in critical condition. They’re keeping her heavily sedated. Thanks for asking. Listen, Pumpkin, about our earlier conversation.”

  “What about it?”

  “I still need to talk to you. I’m asking you, no, I’m begging you not to say anything to Annalisse. Please, Pumpkin, let me do it.” He continued to beg. “Right now I’m so messed up. My little girl is laying up in a hospital bed and I don’t know how long it’s going to be before she’s back to being a bright, healthy, happy, little girl. And Carla won’t let me see Caitlin unless she’s not with her. I haven’t seen or talked to Bleak . I don’t know where they have Cady.”

  “Ohhhh, poor you. You want me to feel sorry for you? How long were you going to let this go on? Were you ever going to tell me, or my sisters the truth? Or would they have to learn the truth about you like I did? Over some phone conversation or something? What about Carla, your other wife. What kind of woman is she to marry a man who already has a family.”