What's Blood Got to Do With It?

by Shelia E. Bell

  “I think it takes a lot out of a person to hold on to unforgiveness and anger.”

  “This is why I have to do my part to make things better. If I can do that, then I believe I can return to North Carolina a better person.”

  “So what’s next?”

  “I’m going to see him, and meet my little sisters.”

  “Are you going to get in touch with Bleak too?”

  “Nope. I think I better let that stay where it is – in the past.”

  “I just knew you and Bleak would become a couple. Guess some things aren’t meant.”

  “Guess not. Anyway, I’m going to get ready to go see my daddy.” Adanya gathered her purse, stood up and walked toward the door.

  Nanette remained seated. “You need me to ride out with you? Eads is quite a ways you know, and I can be there with you for moral support.”

  “Thanks, but I need to do this on my own. I’ll keep you posted.”

  “Okay, I’ll be here.”

  Adanya turned around just as Nanette got up and started toward her. The two embraced.

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you. You really are my best friend.”

  “I better be.” Nanette laughed.

  “I’ll see you later.” Adanya went back to the door, opened it and without looking back, headed to her car, got inside, and drove off.

  ◊

  Adanya put in the address and followed the instructions of her phone’s navigation system. She turned on her father’s street an hour after departing Nanette’s apartment. Her throat muscles tightened as she looked at the luxurious homes lining the streets. They made the one she’d grown up in look miniscule. Adanya felt her anger and resentment mounting as the navigation system said, “Your destination is on the right.”

  The English style Tudor was back off the street. The closer she drove toward the home, the more she could see just how massive it actually was. She swallowed, and told herself, don’t go there. Let it go. You’re past this, Adanya.

  She drove and parked in the circular driveway behind a pearl white Jaguar. Bet that’s Carla’s Jag. Again, she swallowed, turned off the ignition, and proceeded to get out of her car and walk up the long walkway until she found herself planted in front of the equally massive door. She pushed the doorbell, and sucked in her breath and slowly released it.

  She heard her father from the other side saying, “I’ll get it.” She braced herself, took one last sigh, and waited.

  “Pumpkin,” he said when he saw her standing in front of him. “I’m so glad you came.”

  Her father was in a wheelchair, his legs held in place by wide, black Velcro straps. He hadn’t said anything about being in a wheelchair, no one had.

  “Come on, in.” He pushed the button on the electric chair, rolled to the door and closed it. He then turned and led her into the foyer.

  The sounds of children’s chatter caused her to become a little nervous. At the same time her daddy slowly took hold of her hands, lifted them to his mouth, and gently kissed them.

  “Caitlin, Cady, this is Adanya, your big sister,” he announced before she had a chance to make one more step into the house.

  “Hi, there.” Adanya smiled at the two little blond curly haired girls, who had strong features of the father the three of them shared.

  With a pronounced limp, residuals of the car accident, Caitlin walked toward Adanya.

  “I’m Caitlin..”

  “Nice to meet you, Caitlin. I’m Adanya.”

  She pointed at her younger sister who stared intensely at Adanya like she was trying to size her up. “This is Cady.”

  “Hello, Cady.”

  “Hello,” the little girl replied.

  Adanya followed behind the wheelchair. This is what your infidelity cost you, Daddy. What a price to pay.

  They entered into a hearth room that looked like it been pulled straight from a magazine. Adanya was used to having lived a rather expensive lifestyle, but this place was nothing like she would have imagined. Her father had definitely gone over and beyond for his so called other family, but Adanya kept talking to herself, trying to maintain self-control. She was here to meet her sisters and come to some resolution with her father – that was it.

  “Sit down anywhere you like,” Kenneth offered. “Carla will be back in a few minutes. She’s running some errands.”

  “Thank you.” She sat down in the plush sofa chair.

  “Are you moving here with us?”

  Adanya smiled and shook her heard. “No, honey. I came here because I wanted to meet you and Cady.”

  “Oh.”

  Cady waited on her daddy to get settled, then she climbed up on his lap. Adanya smiled as she watched the little girl. She used to do the same thing when she was her age.

  “I know it took a lot of courage for you to come,” Kenneth said. “But just being here, seeing you again makes me the happiest man alive. I have all three of my girls under one roof. This is going to be some Thanksgiving.” He smiled and Adanya nodded.

  “Baby, did you get everything taken care of ?” Adanya followed his eyes and his voice and saw Carla’s entrance.

  “Yes I did. I have everything I need to assure we have a good Thanksgiving dinner. Hello, Adanya.” She walked over to Adanya and offered her hand to shake.

  Adanya accepted and smiled slightly. “Hello, Carla.”

  “We are so glad to have you. Did John offer you anything to drink or eat?”

  Adanya shook her head, still feeling somewhat weird hearing her father being called by his middle name. “Uh, no, but I’m fine. Thank you.”

  “Are you sure? Because I can get you something. It’s no bother.”

  “That’s right, Pumpkin. Would you like a sandwich, something sweet, something to drink, anything?” Kenneth offered.

  “No, really I’m fine.” Adanya felt awkward. She wanted to jump up and run out of there as fast as she could, but she knew that would not be the thing to do.

  “Look, Daddy, Carla, I can’t stay long. I just wanted to come by, meet my sisters, and well try to make a fresh start with you, Daddy.”

  “I know this isn’t easy for you. God knows I haven’t exactly made it easy, have I?” He held on to Cady as she pushed herself farther on to his lap before she laid back and stuck her thumb inside her mouth.

  Adanya looked at him, and suddenly felt pity for him. She studied his face and he looked worried.

  “It is hard, Daddy. It’s real hard, but God has been dealing with me lately, and I knew it was time to face my fears, so I’m here.”

  “Excuse me, but would you like some alone time with your father?” Carla asked.

  “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  “No, really, I don’t mind. Me and the girls need to get changed for dinner anyway. We’d love for you to join us.”

  “No,” Adanya quickly said. “I can’t. I have some other stops to make. But before you leave, I want to say something to you, Carla.”

  Kenneth looked uneasy. Carla stiffened.

  “I want to tell you that I’m sorry for the way I treated you in the past. I had no right to take things out on you. Will you forgive me?”

  “Of course, but I know you’ve gone through a lot. None of this is easy, not for any of us. So much has happened, but I love your father, Adanya. No matter what he’s done, I love him, and I can’t see myself living without him. He’s a good man, and a good father.” She looked over at Caitlin who was sitting quietly on the sofa opposite Adanya, then at Cady who remained nestled in her father’s lap.

  “I’m sure he is. Daddy, how are you? Does your leg give you many problems?”

  “Let’s just say I’m learning to cope a little better every day. I’m just glad to be alive. I know what happened was my fault. I caused a lot of pain to the very ones I professed to love, and again I want you to know how sorry I am.” He wiped his eyes like he was trying to keep tears from pushing forth.

  “I’m sorry too. I love you, Daddy. And l
ike Carla said, and I have to agree with her, you are a good father. You always were. I can’t deny that. I just wanted to come by here because it’s leading up to Thanksgiving, and I don’t want another day to go by without first of all letting God know how grateful I am, and then to tell you that no matter what has transpired between you and me, that I still love you.”

  Carla, as if unspoken words had been exchanged between them, walked over and removed Cady, who had fallen asleep on her father’s lap. She squirmed when Carla lifted her, but did not wake up.

  “I knew she was going to do that. She always falls asleep when she sits in his lap.” Carla spoke in a whisper. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go lay her down.”

  “Sure,” replied Adanya.

  “Come on, Caitlin, sweetheart.”

  “But I want to stay here with my sister,” she whined. Carla looked over at her husband, and he nodded.

  “Please, don’t make her leave. This is the first time I’ve seen them.”

  “Okay, if you say so,” he answered.

  Carla smiled. “I want you to know you’re welcome here anytime, Adanya.”

  “Thank you.” Adanya replied and Carla disappeared up the hallway.

  “Have you seen or talked to your mother?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s good. Real good.”

  “Do you want to see my room and my dolls?” Caitlin suddenly asked.

  “Honey, not today,” Kenneth said.

  “I don’t mind,” Adanya answered.

  “Okay, it’s up to you.”

  “Come on, I want to show you all my Barbie dolls and my Karito dolls. I have a lot of them.” Caitlin sprung up off the couch.

  “Have fun,” remarked Kenneth. “I’ll be out in the garden when you come back downstairs.”

  “Okay,” Adanya replied.

  Caitlin grabbed Adanya’s hand and led her up the stairs and to her room.. For the next few minutes, Adanya listened to Caitlin tell her the names of what seemed like about twenty or more dolls. The Barbie dolls were in all colors with gorgeous doll outfits and the diverse line of Karito dolls included Wan Ling, a panda lover from China, to Lulu, a soccer star and co-host on a children's TV show to Zoe, a bohemian songwriter from New York.

  On her way back down the stairs, Adanya stood momentarily frozen when she heard Bleak’s familiar voice.

  “What’s wrong?” Caitlin asked.

  “Uh, nothing.”

  Adanya took the last step and there, in front of her stood Bleak. He looked just as handsome as ever, and Adanya felt like she’d lost her breath for a moment.

  “Hi,” he said, looking just as stunned. “What are you doing here?”

  “Hi, Brother,” Caitlin said, and as quick as her body would carry her she rushed over to Bleak who swooped her up in his arms, and kissed her on her cheek before putting her down.

  “Hello, Caitlin,” the blond haired woman said. It was the same female who had been in the restaurant that day with Bleak.

  “Hi, Mallorie. Guess what? Daddy bought me a new Karito doll,” Caitlin said. “You want to see her?”

  “I sure do.” Mallorie flashed a beautiful, flawless smile.

  “Babe,” Bleak said. “Hold up. Let me introduce you to, to uh, my step sister.” He looked just as dumb as he sounded.

  This was the part of the trip she hoped she could avoid. She didn’t want to see him. She just wanted to meet her sisters, spend a little time with them and her father, and then leave. But if she was going to completely heal, and completely let go of the past, she knew she had to release the love she felt for Bleak, and allow it to slowly develop into what she hoped one day could be a solid friendship.

  “I think we’ve already met, honey. Remember, the restaurant. I know it’s been a minute, but I never forget a face. Am I right?” Mallorie asked, and eyed Adanya with caution.

  “Uh, yes, I believe you’re right. I forgot about that.”

  “Adanya,” Bleak stuttered slightly. “Mallorie and I are engaged. We’re getting married next June.”

  Mallorie immediately lifted her left hand and showcased the nice sized diamond on her ring finger.

  “Oh,” Adanya managed to say. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you. Nice seeing you again. Come on, Caitlin. Let’s go see your new doll.” Mallorie kissed Bleak on the lips before she took hold of Caitlin’s hand and led her back up the stairs toward her bedroom.

  “Why are you here?”

  “I came to see my father, and to meet my sisters of course.”

  “Oh, is that right?”

  “Yes, that’s right. I see you and he have made amends too.”

  “Yes. I had to forgive Him if I expect God to forgive me.”

  “Look,” she said to him as her heart continued to play somersaults with her tummy. “It was good to see you again. I hope you and Mallorie are happy. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to find my father and say goodbye.”

  “He’s outside in the front garden.”

  “Thanks.” Adanya walked around and past him.

  “Adanya?”

  She stopped at the sound of his commanding voice. “Yes.”

  “Have a good life.”

  Adanya looked but did not respond. Instead she turned back around and walked out the door.

  She saw her father sitting in the beautifully designed garden. “I’m getting ready to leave.”

  He looked. “Already?”

  “Yes, I have to.”

  “Is it because of Bleak and Mallorie? Be truthful with me, Pumpkin. You know I know you probably better than anyone. And I can tell that you’re upset.”

  “I’m not upset. Bleak was a good friend while it lasted, that’s it; nothing more.”

  “I wish you would stay a little longer. We’ve barely had time to talk.”

  “I know, but I really do need to get going. We’ll talk again soon. I’ll stop by before I go back to North Carolina.”

  “Is that a promise”

  Adanya nodded, turned, and walked off to her car.

  He’s going to marry her. Why should I care? Why does it hurt? Adanya drove in silence, no radio, no CD playing. Only silence accompanied her on the way back to Nanette’s apartment. Silence and thoughts of what she and Bleak might have had. But her life had been transformed and it was time to let fresh memories come into her life.

  Her phone rang. “Hello.”

  “How are things in M-town?” Adanya smiled when she heard Johnathan’s voice.

  “Great. Everything is going according to plan.”

  Adanya liked Johnathan. He made it easier to forget Bleak. She was determined not to put her heart on lock down. She had been praying about Johnathan, and was ready to let God do whatever He saw fit to do in her life. If they were meant to have anything together, then she was not going to be the one to put a damper on things.

  “I just called to hear your voice. I miss you.”

  “It’s good to be missed. I miss you too. I can’t wait to get back.”

  “See you in a few days. Take care of yourself, and Happy

  Thanksgiving.”

  “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Johnathan.”

  She smiled again as she ended their call, while at the same time thoughts of Bleak and his impending marriage quickly disappeared.

  ◊

  The Kaplan family gathered for Thanksgiving dinner at Annalisse’s house.

  Annalisse was rebuilding her life, and seemed to be adapting well to being single. In the divorce, she had walked away with a substantial lump sum settlement, the house minus mortgage payments, her car, alimony for seven years, and 49% stock in Anniston Digital Technology.

  She became heavily involved in the company, which presented some extra perks for Annalisse.

  Adanya was glad to see how well Annalisse looked.

  “Adanya, you remember Mr. Hunt, don’t you; VP of Marketing at Anniston?” The expression Annalisse wore revealed a relaxed, rejuvenated, revitalized
woman. The way she looked at Mr. Hunt, it was easy to conclude that they were probably involved.

  Adanya looked at the well-dressed man and immediately felt at ease when she remembered how nice he had always been to her. When she was a little girl, he would give her candy whenever her father brought her to his office. He sported a bald head, almond colored skin, and had a certain ruggedness about himself.

  “Yes, I remember. Hello, Mr. Hunt.” Adanya smiled. Good for you, Annalisse.

  “It’s good to see you, Adanya. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, sir.”

  As they sat at the dining room table and prepared to dive into the delicious meal, Adanya cleared her throat and stood up next to her chair.

  “Before we eat, I’d like to say something.”

  “Sure, go ahead,” Annalisse said

  “God has been dealing with me for a while. I know I haven’t been the best person to get along with, but I want to be better and do better. I’ve listened to everything each of you had to say about what happened in the past. Adanya placed her hand on Anaya’s shoulder. I even talked to Aunt Anaya. She made me see life so clearly, through the eyes of innocence and a childlike faith. She showed me what love truly means. Love is unconditional. I do believe that you all did the best that you knew how to do at the time that you did it. I believe everything happened the way that it did for a reason. One of those reasons is so that I could be born and experience how blessed, and how loved I am by you all.”

  Adanya started to cry. “Mother.” She looked directly at Annalisse. “Please forgive me. I was wrong to treat you the way I did. You have been by my side all of my life. You have loved me and cared for me. You taught me about the love of God. You have shown me how to be a lady. And I’m so thankful for you.”

  Breaking her eye connection with Annalisse, she looked at Joe Hunt then back at Annalisse. “I’m glad to see that you’re getting on with your life. I hope happiness follow you everywhere you go, Mother.”

  Annalisse smiled, nodded, and wiped tears from her eyes.

  “Each of you provided me with a life that has overflowed with blessings.” She turned toward her grandparents. “Gram. Gramps, thank you for your guidance and for never giving up on me.”