“Char, hurry up. I still need your help. Aunt Renee and Uncle Dallas are pulling in the driveway now.” My mom called up the stairs.
“Oh great, she probably wants to drill me some more before everyone gets here.”
“Probably.” Richie added before turning towards the stairs.
“Richie, help me out—so she doesn’t keep asking questions. Change the topic or something, would you please?”
“Fine, fine, I will.” He agreed.
Just as we reached the living room the door opened and Uncle Dallas, Aunt Renee and our cousins, Jane, Justin, Jude and Jewel came in, quickly followed by Chelsea and Courtney, the twin’s girlfriends, who rode together.
“Char, please take their coats and put them on my bed, dear.” My mom said while placing bread in a basket on the table. “Richie, go tell your dad that Aunt Renee and Uncle Dallas are here and let the twins know the girls are here. Thanks babe.” She offered up quickly while covering the bread basket with the cloth napkins to keep them warm.
“Don’t go too far.” I whispered to Richie.
“Hi Char!” Jewel said, smiling as she reached to hug me, unexpectedly.
Pulling back a moment later, she looked at me oddly and said “how are you?” Jewel, a year older than I, is a sophomore at Georgia Tech. We don’t see each other that often, except for holidays. She’s always been peculiar but interesting, wearing mostly black and retro-style clothes from the sixties. She dons black nail polish, an ebony page-boy haircut and bright red lipstick. A small dragon tattoo, which was all the talk last Christmas, wraps around her left wrist. Jewel, a true PK kid of a Southern Baptist preacher—is always pushing the envelope. An avid reader and a computer junkie, Jewel’s really smart and almost always has a book tucked away in her purse in case she gets bored of the conversations around her. She could probably hack just about anyone’s computer if she wanted and only seems to listen to things people say if juicy gossip is involved. I’ve been intrigued by her ever since we were kids as she exudes strong self-confidence and the ‘I don’t care what you think about me’ mentality. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind even if it meant having one less friend. If she were an animal she’d be a cat—she does her own thing and only seeks attention, purposely, when she’s bored and wants some amusement from some lesser intelligent human.
“I’m good Jewel. How’s Georgia Tech?” I asked, wondering why the odd look.
“It’s great. Lovely people, silly games—you know typical college life. So, it looks like the freshman fifteen caught up with you?” She said smiling.
“Huh?” I said.
“Freshman usually gain fifteen pounds in their first year of college.”
“Oh that—yeah all that good junk food makes you pack on the pounds.” I smiled, faking.
“She looks great. Doesn’t she?” My mom said, overhearing our conversation as she came up to hug Jewel.
“Gorgeous as usual.” Jewel said, eyeballing me with a slightly curved smile.
“Thanks Jewel.” I smiled again as I took her coat and rushed towards my parent’s bedroom. I was starting to feel a bit paranoid. Had Richie told her something? He tended to get along with her the best out of all the cousins mostly because they loved to gossip.
Moments later, the doorbell rang again and I hurried to answer it before I got stuck in any more strange conversations with Jewel.
“Hi Charlotte, long time no see.” Father John said as he took off his old black Fedora.
This night was becoming more nerving than relaxing. I hadn’t seen Father John in over four months. He reached to hug me and this time I pulled my stomach back quickly before he realized my secret. I wondered though, with him being a holy man, if he could tell I were pregnant or if anything was different about me. I smiled as sweetly as I could, trying to pass for the young innocent Charlotte he knew me to be. Oh this secret was starting to drive me nuts. If I could just get it out I’d hopefully feel better at some point, at least after my parents got over the initial urge to lock me in my room for the next century.
“How’s school treating you young lady? You look more grown up since the last time I saw you. I mean, sophisticated.” He said, smiling.
“Yep, all that education will do that to you. Can I take your coat?” I asked kindly and in an effort to finish our conversation quickly.
“Sure. Thank you Char.”
“Oh Father—it’s so good to see you. We’re so happy you’re here.” My mother welcomed Father John as he walked into the open living room/dining room area.
She began introducing him to my Uncle Dallas and his family as my father and brothers came in from the porch. I could see headlights coming down the driveway as the door wavered open. It was either Grandma Rose’s guy friend, Bo, or maybe Uncle Harry and Aunt Dottie. Uncle Harry was so much fun and Aunt Dottie was super sweet. Their kids, Rosie, named after Grandma Rose, Johnny, and Annabelle were down-to-earth and fun to be around. I got along well with Rosie, who was my age. Johnny and Annabelle were also twins and ten years old—the youngest of the cousins. I looked forward to catching up with Rosie who was studying art at the Art Institute of Chicago. She too is free-spirited, like Jewel, but kinder like her mother, with an infectious laugh that lights up any room she’s in.
As the car drew closer, I could see Rosie smiling and waving wildly at me. I was excited to catch up with her. We hadn’t seen each other since last Easter and I knew she’d have some cool stories to tell about Chicago. We’d (the twins, us and our moms) visited there a few summers ago and were enticed by the old and beautiful architecture, along with the vibrancy that the Windy City radiates. She was so drawn to that city that she decided to go to school there for interior design and architecture. I couldn’t wait to see her. As they parked the car I saw another set of lights coming down the driveway. I thought that must be Bo—the sweet, quiet, little friend of Grandma Rose’s that I met before we left for school. I’d have to wait a little while longer to sit down and chat with Rosie until I welcomed everyone in and took their coats. I figured I’d sit next to her at dinner and catch her up on the turn of crazy events in my life. I knew she wouldn’t say anything to anyone.
I welcomed in Uncle Harry, Aunt Dottie, the twins and Rosie. I reached out and kissed them on the cheeks instead of a full hug. Rosie lightly pinched my cheek and said “I missed you cuz” before going over to smooch Grandma Evi. I took all the coats to my parent’s bed and came back quickly to get the door for Bo.
“Grandma, Bo’s here.” I yelled back into the house before I took down the steps to help him up the stairs.
“Hi Bo.” I said, meeting him on the gravel driveway.
“Hi honey, how are you?” He asked sweetly as he reached over to hug me.
“Good, thank you.” I smiled as I took his arm and we headed towards the front porch, where Grandma Rose was now standing to greet him.
Once we were all in the house—it was buzzing with life and laughter. It was good to see everyone. I started to think about CeCe and all my cousins whom were not plagued with the choices they made. I, again, was reminded of that night. I wished I could take back what we did. I wished I could be like them—excited about my life and laughing about college stories. I was still somewhat bitter deep down where no one else knew. I wondered if I would ever find that happiness again—for more than just a night. Somewhere out there was someone, surely, who could love me, love us. At least for now my family loved me.
My mother called everyone to the table for Christmas dinner. My father said only a six-minute prayer, this time, which is good for his track record of ten minute plus prayers in the past. All the adults, my twin brothers and their girlfriends, sat at the bigger table while all the other cousins sat at the smaller kids table. Rosie sat next to me and told me about Chicago and the cute guy, with dreamy blue eyes and long surfer-blonde hair, she met in her ceramic studio’s class. She also told me about her crazy roommate and how she labels everything in their dorm. Jewel peered over at us from
time-to-time in-between breaks from talking with Richie and Jason. I whispered something in Rosie’s ear since all the other cousins were now talking loudly. She looked at me surprised and started to say something when I tapped my index finger to my mouth. As I turned to see if anyone saw her start to blurt out, Jewel was looking right at me. She smiled and excused herself from the table. I wondered if she heard or knew anything. I looked back at Rosie and whispered “please don’t tell anyone”. She nodded in agreement and we took our plates to the kitchen to clear our spots before sneaking up to my bedroom.
I was so happy to finally tell someone else in my family who wasn’t going to strangle me. It felt a little better and a little easier after telling someone. It had been so hard to keep this secret. Rosie asked me all about Skylar and about what my plan was. She was really sweet and listened and then encouraged me telling me that everything would work out in the end. She asked to see my belly and I lifted my hoodie so she could touch my baby bump. She rubbed it and said a little prayer, “God bless this baby and bless Char with whatever she needs to do this”. Rosie was such a sweetheart and more like a sister than a cousin. We laughed and talked some more before we went back downstairs.
By this time, everyone was done eating and the adults were laughing and talking about random things. My father had left to his office to grab his Bible so he could begin the Bible story. Soon we’d all be gathered around the Christmas tree in the living room listening to my dad read about Jesus’ birth while the boys quietly started World War III with Uncle Harry. Rosie and I snuggled up by each other on one of the sofas. Jewel had her nose in one of her books before looking up at me and smiling again. Why the heck did she keep smiling at me—like she knew something? Did Richie tell her? Did she hear me talking to Rosie? No, she couldn’t have heard us. Richie wouldn’t have told her I don’t think. He was usually pretty trustworthy.
“Richie, come sit by Rosie and I before all the seats are gone.” I yelled.
“Okay sister, I’m coming.”
As soon as he sat down I began interrogating him with whispers.
“Did you tell Rosie anything?” I whispered in his ear.
“Like what?” He asked, looking surprised.
“You know what.” I said giving him the stink eye.
“Oh that. Well.”
“What?” I asked, as he paused, looking nervous.
“She tricked me Char. She said that you told her and asked me what I thought.”
“What were her exact words?” I asked, sneaking a look at Jewel—who again looked up at me, from her book, and smiled politely.
“She said, ‘so, Char told me, you know —what do you think about that’?”
“That sneaky girl! No—I didn’t tell her anything and she knew that she could trick you into telling her. I knew when she smiled at me oddly after I hugged her that she must have been on to something.” I said, still whispering into Richie’s ear.
“Do you think she’s going to tell anyone?” Richie asked.
“I don’t know but she better not. Richie, how could you tell her?”
“I didn’t know. Honestly, I wouldn’t have told her or anyone. I thought you told her.”
“Ughh, don’t tell anyone else.”
“Are you going to say something to her?” He asked.
“No, not yet; I’m going to keep an eye on her.” I whispered before pinching his ear.
“Ouch, you and Grandma are set on taking off my ears.”
“Remember that the next time you think about talking about me.”
I looked over at Jewel again and this time she fixed her gaze on me and smiled. I wanted to rip the little smile off her face. Did she think this was funny? She must know that no one else knows. That too-smart-for-her-britches-know-it-all was driving me crazy. I looked at her and nodded my head with as stern a face as I could manage. I was always nice to everyone. Being rude or firm, except to Jersey the day I broke up with him, did not come easy for me. She knew that I wouldn’t say anything to her unless she pushed.
As usual, the boys began shooting spit wads at each other with an occasional pillow being launched at someone’s head. Instead of enjoying the annual event I sat quietly wondering if Jewel was going to say anything. She continued to smile at me at times—not the kind of smile that’s sweet but the ‘I know what you did’ smirk. Other than juicy gossip there was no reason for her to say anything. In a few months everyone would know anyway unless she wanted to be the one to tell everyone first. I looked at her and frowned thinking that could be it. Maybe she would say something. Tonight was not the night for that. I would tell my parents in my own time; it wasn’t her business. Last year everyone was talking about her dragon tattoo and how disrespectful it was to her body or at least to her dad, a preacher. I didn’t care and didn’t bother listening to all of it. I thought tattoos were neat—not that I wanted one but it looked good on her.
I dreaded the next few hours hoping Jewel wouldn’t say anything. We had dinner; we listened to the Bible story, opened presents, and did the gift exchange game. It was almost time to leave for mass. She hadn’t said a word and I was starting to feel pretty good—given the last few hours of not knowing what she may or may not do. I stayed quiet and helped clean up in the kitchen. Rosie stayed by my side and helped wash dishes with me. She washed and I dried them. Cousin June put them away with my mother’s directions of where everything went.
“Hey everyone, before we leave Jewel and Justin had a great idea.” My Uncle Dallas said.
“Let’s have everyone say something they are thankful for and what they look forward to in the New Year.” He said excitedly, as if it were the best idea since the invention of the wheel.
While mostly everyone else went back to the living room, I kept drying dishes and figured I’d sneak away before it was my turn. I didn’t want to engage myself in any of Jewel’s games. I didn’t want to be part of any of her gossip. My mother came over and said she’d take over so we could sit down. I told her that she was always doing the dishes and that she should just go relax for once. She smiled and went to sit down. One by one, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and brothers shared what they were thankful for and what they looked forward to. My mother and father went and next was Jewel’s turn. I stopped drying dishes for a second to hear what she was going to say. My heartbeat sped up and I worried what would pop out of her candy-red mouth. I could barely breathe. I looked over at her and saw her smiling at me.
“That sneaky snake,” I whispered under my breath, “she better not say a word.”
“I’m thankful for all of my family here today and I look forward to having even more family here next year for Christmas.” Jewel smiled, “it’s just so good to have your family around at the holidays.”
I let out a small sigh of relief and turned to head towards the bathroom.
“Wait a minute, Char still needs to go.” Jewel said loudly as all the family turned towards where I was standing previously, stopping me in my tracks.
Smiling, I said, “I am thankful for a wonderful family and I look forward to all that God has for me next year.” I started to back away towards the bathroom, again.
“Yes, I am so excited for you too Char and for you, Aunt Susan and Uncle Richard! God has really blessed you all. You must be so excited to be having your first grandbaby.” Jewel said excitedly with fake enthusiasm.
Suddenly I felt all the blood drain from my body as her words registered in my head.
“What? What are you talking about Jewel?” My father asked while chewing on some homemade deer jerky.
“The baby—you know!” She stopped smiling and looked concerned.
Suddenly all eyes were on me and my belly. I stood there helplessly with my mouth gapping wide open. I saw Father John’s eyes bulge as he did several Hail Mary’s and a sign of the cross.
“Hey, it’s my turn.” Richie said abruptly. “I’m thankful that I got the lead role in Fiddler’s Roof and I am looking forward to dropping out of school
and pursuing theatre full time. It’s a paid gig and everything.”
Everyone was still quiet after Richie stopped speaking. My father took his eyes off me for a second to give Richie a quick quizzical look.
“I think it’s time for church everyone.” Grandma Rose said to break the silence.
“Char, we need to see you right now in the office.” My father said sternly.
I was in a state of shock. That little dragon witch just ousted me in front of entire family. I could barely breathe. I couldn’t believe this was happening now. The whole night had been mostly good other than the odd smiles from Jewel. She knew my secret and waited for this moment. Again, I felt the sting of pain from feeling betrayed and left hanging alone. My stomach became queasy and I turned towards the office—knowing my parents were right behind me.
“Before you say anything I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m…I’m really scared and I didn’t know how to tell you because you’ve been so proud of me and right now I feel so stupid. So, please don’t make this worse. I already feel like a loser and a failure.”
“Char, how did this happen?”
“Suez, we know how this happened. What were you thinking? Were you trying to screw your life up?” My father yelled.
As my dad came closer, I burst into tears. He was so angry and my mother looked at me with disappointment. I knew it would hurt but not this bad. Losing Skylar was hard enough. Now, my parents looked at me differently. This was not the way I imagined them finding out.
“What are you going to do about school?” My father demanded. “Are you going to drop out? Where are you going to live? What a minute—who’s the father? It better not be Jack Delano!” He continued.
I couldn’t speak. I stayed quiet, crying more. I just wanted to leave. I couldn’t face them.
“No, it’s not Jersey.” I sniffled.
“Char, is it Skylar?” My mother asked in a calm voice.
I looked up for the first time since we came into the office and mustered up enough courage. “Yes, it’s Skylar.” I could feel tears stream down my cheeks, burning as they went.
Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970) Page 11
