The Veil

by K. T. Richey

  “Well, do you have something to tell us?”

  “Oh, this is nothing. I met him and we took a picture at the parade.” She couldn’t tell them she knew him personally and had been spending time with him. She knew how her mother would act. Her daughter knew Bernard Taylor. She would be asking him to do programs at her church for the next fifty years. She couldn’t tell them they were friends and spoke to each other almost every day, sometimes two or three times a day. She definitely could not tell them she was attracted to him.

  “You met who?” Her mother walked over, wiping her hands on her apron. She lifted the magazine and looked at the picture. “You know Bernard Taylor? Why didn’t you tell us? It’s just like you to keep this a secret from us.”

  “Mom, I met him. That’s all.”

  “The book says you’re his gal pal. Look at what you’re wearing. You couldn’t find anything better to wear for a picture in Jet? Oh my goodness, I’m going to have to call Mama.” She wiped her hands on her apron.

  “Mom, think how upset Aunt Mattie is going to be when she finds out your little girl is in Jet magazine with Bernard Taylor,” Misha said with a crooked smile. “We can wait until she gets here with Uncle Paul or we can call her now and tell her.”

  Her mother raced to the phone on the wall. Misha laughed when she heard her mother telling Aunt Mattie about the picture. She had never seen her mother so excited about anything she did.

  “So how long have you known him?” Justin asked Misha.

  “A little while. Listen to Mama. By the end of the day, all of Atlanta will know about the picture in Jet.”

  “You don’t tell anybody anything do you? You could have told me.”

  “I didn’t want anybody to know. Besides, Bernard is very private.”

  “You two dating?”

  “Naw, it’s not like that. We’re only friends. That’s all.” Misha returned to her magazine.

  Misha forced herself up from the chair just as Pam and the children walked into the house. After greeting them, she stepped into the carport and punched in Bernard’s number. A loud scream came from the house. Apparently someone showed Pam the picture.

  “Happy Thanksgiving,” Bernard said when he answered the phone.

  “‘Gal pal,’ Bernard?” Misha walked out into the yard.

  “Aren’t you going to wish me a happy Thanksgiving?”

  “Why didn’t you tell me about the picture?”

  “I wondered how long it was going to take you to find out. Who told you?”

  “My brother saw it. Now my mother is telling everybody who will listen about it. I’m sure she’s going to send Justin to the store to get more copies.”

  Bernard laughed.

  “What are you laughing about? It’s not funny. You should have told me.”

  “You’re right. I should have. I wanted to surprise you.”

  “Please don’t do that again. If I had known, I would have worn something else. That outfit made me look fat.”

  “You looked like a beautiful pregnant lady. They asked me if your baby was mine and when she was due.”

  Justin walked out of the house, putting on his coat. “Misha, Mama’s sending me to the store to get some more copies of the magazine. Do you want one?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Who are you talking to?” he asked, noticing the phone to her ear.

  “None of your business.”

  “You’re talking to him aren’t you?” He ran to the door leading into the kitchen, telling Pam and his mother that Misha was talking to Bernard Taylor. Her mother and Pam ran out of the house, screaming and smiling.

  “See what you did?” Misha returned to her phone call.

  “Is that Bernard Taylor? Let me speak to him.” Pam reached for the phone and Misha twisted away from her.

  “Bernard, my mother and sister-in-law want to speak to you.”

  He laughed. “It’s okay. Put them on the phone.”

  She handed the phone to her mother and listened while she interrogated him. Misha knew he was enjoying every minute of the conversation without hearing his voice.

  “Mama, you better check on your food,” Misha reminded her.

  Her mother handed the phone to Pam, who tried to act as if she spoke to celebrities every day. Speaking to him briefly, she handed the phone back to Misha and walked into the house.

  “See what you did? You should have warned me.”

  He continued laughing. He seemed so thrilled about the picture. Misha was excited too but she did not want him to know. They looked good together, like a couple in love. She sighed. He was not Matthew. God, if this is not what you ordained, please stop it now. This guy is too good to be true. Misha was falling hard. She had to stop it and trust God that Matthew would be with her soon.

  “I’m getting ready to go to my parents’ for dinner,” Bernard said. “Call me when you get home this evening. I should be home about eight.”

  “Do your parents know?”

  “I told my parents about you before we were ever introduced.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Misha, I’ve got to go. Call me this evening.” That was one thing she did not like about him: he had a way of avoiding questions. She stared at the phone in her hand. What did he mean by telling his parents before they met? The question would have to wait; Miracle was hungry.

  This Thanksgiving, Misha was the center of attention. Not because she was pregnant, but because she knew Bernard Taylor. Her family wanted to know every detail. Her mother asked her if he could do a concert for her church.

  Misha rushed home from her parents’ house to call Bernard. She wanted to set him straight and make sure he knew not to do that again. Thinking about the parade, she realized Bernard had arranged the picture the day of the parade when he asked the photographer to take the shot. But when she heard his voice on the phone, she forgot what she was going to say. He apologized for not telling her about the picture and promised not to do it again.

  They continued their conversation until Misha became too tired to talk. They had so much in common. She could talk to him, unlike Roger. He wanted to know her dreams and vision. No one had ever asked her that before. She told him every detail of her completing her master’s degree and probably opening up a private tutorial school. She shared with him that God told her she would be moving to Washington. She did not know when or how. All she knew was God sent her places to minister and she did what He said. She talked until she had nothing more to say.

  The following day, she decided to call Judy to tell her about the picture. She did not want Judy to find out like her family. To her surprise, Judy already knew about the picture and said she was wondering when Misha would tell her. Her husband stopped her from calling several times to ask her about Bernard. She could not convince Judy they were only friends. Judy insisted there was chemistry between them that showed up in the picture.

  “You’re putting too much into that picture,” Misha said.

  “I know what I see. There’s something going on between you two.”

  “I’m in my third trimester. I could deliver any day. No man in his right mind would be interested in me.”

  “A man in love is not in his right mind.”

  “Bernard doesn’t love me. Besides, you know my husband’s name is Matthew.”

  “I know what I see. The two of you were glowing.”

  “You have a vivid imagination. I’ve got to go.”

  She hung up the phone. Glowing? We were not glowing. She was in total disagreement with what Judy said. Everybody was reading too much into the picture. As she lifted the magazine, she could see it too. How could she be so obvious? He was such a nice guy; she would have to tell him about Matthew soon. Then it will be left to God. She hated to lose him as a friend.

  Chapter 32

  The growing baby inside of her was stretching, trying to find room in her compact space, and pressed herself into Misha’s lungs. Misha found it difficult t
o breathe. There were times when she had to sleep sitting up just to be able to breathe. She was bigger than she had ever been in her life. Even her maternity clothes felt too small. She felt miserable and to top that off she had a doctor’s appointment. She did not feel like being poked and prodded by the doctor. Nor did she feel like going out in the cold, breezy December air. She could not even get excited about having her last ultrasound to see if Miracle was developing without problems. She knew in her heart that Miracle was fine, healthy and strong. She just wanted to stay in bed.

  Luckily, her classes were over and her mother decided not to go to her appointment with her. She could not face any more questions about Bernard from her. Today, she was irritated and did not know why. Everything was getting difficult for her, even sitting, standing, and walking. She was about to leave the apartment when her phone rang.

  “Hey, I’m in town. What are you doing today?” Bernard’s voice rang out over the phone.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming when we talked last night?”

  “I decided this morning. I wanted to see you. Besides, it feels like I’m being drawn here, like I’m supposed to meet somebody. It’s almost as if I can hear someone calling me here. Most importantly, though, I wanted to be with you.”

  “I’m on my way to the doctor’s office. I have to go every week now. After that, I have a birthing class at the hospital.”

  “Who’s going with you?”

  “I’m going by myself.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “You don’t have to. If I wait for you, I’m going to be late.”

  “I’m right outside your door.” She opened the door and he was standing outside. She shook her head and walked past him. “Hey, wait for me,” he said.

  “Come on, Bernard. I’m going to be late.”

  At the doctor’s office, Bernard and Misha sat patiently, waiting for her name to be called. Bernard looked in the many magazines about pregnancy and child rearing that sat on the table next to him. They heard Misha’s name and he helped her get up from the chair and joked about the way she wobbled toward the exam room. She gave him a look that let him know she was not in the mood for jokes. Against Misha’s protests, he followed her into the exam room. Why? They did not have that type of relationship. She introduced him to Dr. Trinidad and began her exam.

  Misha watched as Bernard’s face brightened at the sound of the baby’s heartbeat. A proud father he would someday be. He was getting enough practice asking Dr. Trinidad questions. Misha wanted him to leave but did not want to be rude to him since he had done so much for her. She wished he was out in the lobby, especially when Dr. Trinidad checked her cervix.

  “Mr. Taylor, aren’t you that preacher on TBN?” Dr. Trinidad asked as she pulled the latex gloves off her hands.

  “You’ve seen me on TV?”

  “I thought I recognized you.” She walked to the sink and washed her hands.

  The thought of her doctor knowing Bernard irritated Misha more. How would her white doctor know a black gospel singer?

  “Come on. We’re going to walk down to the ultrasound room. We’re going to do the last ultrasound. Your baby has turned and is getting ready to make her appearance. Let’s see what she looks like.”

  They walked to the small, cramped room where the ultrasound machine was stored. Misha lay down on the exam table and grimaced when Dr. Trinidad placed the cold gel on her abdomen. Bernard and Misha watched the screen on the machine and oohed at the same time when they saw a face come up on the screen.

  “There she is. Look, she’s looking at you.”

  “That’s Miracle?” Misha looked at the face—a clear, defined face—of her baby on the screen. She did not expect to see a real face. Her eyes were barely open. A tear fell from Misha’s eyes.

  “She’s beautiful, Misha. She looks like you.” Bernard caressed Misha’s forehead and bent down and kissed her on it. He returned his stare to the picture.

  “Looks like everything is fine. I guess I’ll see you back next week.” Dr. Trinidad gave the picture to Misha and left the room.

  Bernard embraced Misha as she began to cry. She was glad he was there after all. The impact of seeing her baby’s face was too intense for her to handle alone. He held her hand as they left the doctor’s office, leading her to their car. She stared at the picture. Bernard said Miracle looked like her. That’s the best news she heard all day. God knew exactly what she needed to brighten her day.

  After the birthing class and lunch, Bernard took Misha back to her apartment. She was tired and had to go to the bathroom. She did not feel like talking to him. She wanted him to leave but he sat down on the sofa and made himself at home. When she returned to the room, she sat down beside him, trying to be nice.

  “Have you decided on a name for her?”

  “Not yet. I told you my grandmother wanted me to call her Elizabeth. I’m sort of leaning toward Courtney.”

  “How about Taylor?”

  “You’re saying that because it’s your name. Taylor is a pretty name for a girl though. I’ll think about it.”

  “I don’t think you understand. I’m asking you to name her Taylor, not her first name.”

  “Elizabeth Taylor, you’ve got to be kidding.” Misha started laughing. That was the funniest thing she’d heard all day. “My grandmother did say she was going to be a star. Elizabeth Taylor Holloway. That’s funny.”

  Bernard was not laughing. He seemed frustrated. He stood and walked around the room. “Misha, I’m asking you to name Miracle Taylor. Not her first name. Not her middle name. But her last name. Name her Taylor.”

  Misha stopped laughing and stared at him pacing nervously around the room. She stood and walked to him. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying I want her last name and your last name to be Taylor.”

  “You’re asking me to marry you? I have to say no for a few reasons. You’re overwhelmed by the doctor’s visit and birthing class. Give it a few days; you’ll get over it.”

  “Misha, sit down.” Both of them walked to the sofa and he helped her sit down. “I’ve been praying about this. No one understands me like you do. I can talk to you about anything. It’s not about today. It’s about every day I’ve known you. I look at you and see the most beautiful, understanding woman I have ever met. You’re an anointed woman of God. I love you with all my heart. I want to be wherever you are.” He stood and began pacing the floor again.

  “I don’t know about your relationship with Miracle’s father. You never talk about him other than to say he’s dead. But, I promise you, I’ll be the best father she could ever have and love her like my own.” He sat back down on the sofa.

  Misha knew she had to tell him about Heckler. However, she had learned to let him talk. She could see he needed to. She sat quietly on the sofa, caressing her large abdomen.

  “I know we haven’t known each other long. I need you. I love you.” He leaned over and kissed her. Miracle began moving. He leaned back. “I don’t think she likes me. She kicks me every time I’m near you.”

  “See if she does it again.”

  Bernard smiled and moved closer to her. Their lips slowly met and Misha felt herself being drawn deeper into his embrace. Then, Miracle moved even more. Misha pulled away from him and struggled to get up from the sofa. “Bernard. I can’t do this. I can’t do this to you. There are some things you need to know about me.”

  “What things?”

  Misha walked over to her computer desk in the corner of her living room. She opened the drawer and pulled out a scrapbook. “I was raped. Miracle’s daddy, if I can call him that, was a consultant the school hired to do an evaluation on my school. I walked in on him while he was attacking one of my students and he raped me instead.”

  She told him how she kept having visions about Amber being attacked by Mr. Heckler and calling her name and how she knew she had seen him somewhere before when he came to her school. She told him how he kept asking her out and
saying inappropriate things to her. She even told him about Roger and his friendship with Heckler.

  “You said he was dead.”

  “The police killed him. He tried to kill me three times but the gun would not go off. Then, he took the same gun and went outside and fired two shots at the police and they killed him.” She handed him the scrapbook filled with newspaper stories about the incident.

  “I thought about aborting Miracle when I found out I was pregnant. But, I couldn’t do it. She is a miracle.” She continued telling him about her cancer and how her doctor said it would take a miracle for her to get pregnant. She told him everything, how she prayed for a baby from her own body and God blessed her with Miracle.

  “I can’t marry you. You’re not my husband.”

  “How can you say that?” Bernard asked.

  She sat down in the Queen Anne chair in front of him. “Well, since I was a child, I’ve known my husband’s name is Matthew. After all this happened, God confirmed this to me. He told me to call him here. He said if I call him, he will come. So I’ve been calling him. I know he’s going to show up one day. I’m sorry if I led you on. It was not my intention. But I can’t marry you. I can only marry who God ordained for me. He will understand my ministry and the call on my life.”

  Bernard stood up and walked toward the door. “Is that how you feel? You will only marry Matthew?”

  “That’s the way it has to be. I have to be obedient to God. I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you for being honest with me.” He opened the door and walked out of the apartment.

  Misha started crying. “God, this is too much for me. I’m about to give birth and one of my closet friends just walked out on me. Are you sure my husband’s name is Matthew? I liked Bernard. No. I love Bernard. Can you change your mind about this one, God? Look how he has helped me. Look how you used him to bless me. I still want to be his friend. Now, I don’t think I will ever hear from him again.” She wept bitterly.