by Shawn James
“Looking out for the beach house?” Horus says. “Because I’ll gladly do that in exchange for Nubsy here borrowing your car-”
Nice try. But he is not bringing Hathor back here for another weekend getaway. They always leave the house a mess and I have to spend a week cleaning it up. “I’m gonna be spending a lot more time at the beach house Horus.”
“Lost the lease to your apartment?” Horus asks.
“Lost the lease to my life.” I reply. “Andrea Thomas Robinson can’t go on any longer. The Thetas want her to step down as senior Grand Mother.”
I’m met with resigned looks from my brothers. “It was a matter of time Sister.” Anubis says. “She was near the end of her lifetime in this world.”
“Only one problem Nubs.” I reply. “Isis is immortal. And today’s mortals need a body to do an autopsy on Andrea Robinson before they let her be buried.”
Anubis takes a moment to think. “How long do you need to get Andrea’s personal affairs in order?”
“Jack and Millie are working on building Andrea’s fortune into a trust and Edna and Alma are going to announce my retirement to the Thetas in two weeks.”
Anubis smiles at me. “Great. I should have something ready by then.”
Chapter 7
A flash of light envelops Anubis’s body and his purple strapped black kilt and sandals changes into a tailored navy blue pinstripe suit, crisp white shirt, purple tie and polished dress shoes. After he takes a red rose off one of the nearby bushes, he hops behind the seat of my Mustang, sticks the key in the ignition, and turns the engine over. The engine lets out a roar and tires screech as Anubis drops his foot on the gas and drives up the road around the house and disappears into a flash of light. Sharon must be someone special if he’s dressing up in his finest mortal attire.
Horus turns to me with a smile hidden behind a somber look on his face. “So Andrea Robinson is passing.” Horus says.
“Unfortunately.” I sigh.
“I won’t miss her.”
“What? You’re not going to grieve over my secret identity?”
“I’m glad to my sister back.” Horus says.
“I might want to create a new alias. I really need to get back out there-”
“I think you should take a vacation.” Horus continues.
“There’s a lot more work for me to do-”
“Let someone else do the work for a while.” Horus says.
“I don’t think you understand American politics-”
“All work and no play makes you no good to your cause Isis.” Horus continues “Sometimes a break can give you perspective on things. Besides, if I had an island like this all to myself, I’d be laying on this beach getting a tan in places that normally don’t see the sun.”
“This is why I don’t let you look out for the beach house anymore-”
“Husbands and wives are supposed to enjoy themselves-”
“You know, I like to lie on that sand too-”
“It’s been so long since you’ve spent some serious time here I bet you forgot what white sand feels like.”
“The Black community is at a cross roads-”
“Remember what father always says. “The world is as it was yesterday. It will be that way tomorrow and that way today.”
I know what Osiris says. But it’s a really troubling time in the Black community these days. The unity we had is starting to fragment as my brothers and sisters explore other paths. While many are trying to stay on the straight and narrow road with God established by their fathers and grandfathers, some are becoming militant. Others are embracing the free love and hippie culture and pursuing relationships with White people. A few are branching out of Islam and Christianity exploring other faiths like Buddhism and political ideals like communism. And our women are embracing feminism. I’m afraid if my people continue to go off in all these different directions it may take them off course.
“The Black world could change for the worse in the time I take to take a vacation.”
“Don’t you think you’ve done enough social crusading?”
“Horus, we’re in the middle of a radical social upheaval in America. With Dr. King and Malcolm X dead, my people really need a leader to guide them-”
“But does it have to be you?”
“I don’t see anyone else qualified to do the job-”
“I think you’ve made a great difference in one lifetime Isis.” Horus continues. “There’s only so much one person can do.”
“Yes, the onus is on Black people to maintain their progress.” Osiris says as he appears in a flash of light.
Chapter 8
I light up at the sight of my father. The tall bald headed clean shaven caramel colored man dressed in a white linen caftan, gold belt, green robe and sandals smiles proudly at me before giving me a warm hug filled with love.
“How is my baby girl?” He says breaking the embrace.
“Not feeling too great Dad.” I sigh.
“The Thetas are kicking Andrea Robinson out of the sorority Isis established.” Horus says.
“I was asked to retire.” I say through gritted teeth as I swat Horus in the arm. “And I’m realizing that at 98 years old, it’s time for Andrea to take a trip to the afterlife.”
“And you need a body to facilitate Andrea’s demise.” Osiris says.
Among other things. I’ll probably be spending the next couple of weeks getting Andrea’s affairs in order before we have a funeral for my mortal alias. “Anubis is working on that.” I reply. “The only problem is where does that leave me?”
“Planning your vacation.” Osiris says.
“I’d love to, but this is a critical point in the struggle for Black Civil Rights-”
“You’re at a critical point yourself.” Osiris says.
“I’m trying to help my people get ahead-”
“And in helping them get ahead you could wind up being left behind.” Osiris continues. “There’s a fine line between passion and zealotry.”
“I don’t think I’m getting zealous-”
“Just now you sounded just like the feminists you rail against.” Horus says.
“Those nutcases don’t understand that Black women’s issues are completely different than White women’s issues. Gender has nothing to do with racism-”
“Shouldn’t you let them come to that understanding?” Horus says. “Remember, as gods all we can do is advise people.”
“That doesn’t work with them!” I snap. “These women don’t listen to reason-”
Horus grimaces at me. I didn’t mean to lose it like that. I just get so frustrated seeing my people come so far only to set themselves back. I know all we can do is advise people, but these days it’s like they don’t want to listen. Everyone is so busy testing the boundaries of their newfound freedom they’re not looking out for the danger around them.
I give Horus an apologetic look as he shakes his head at me. “Sister, the last time you were like this we were bringing you into the Court of the Elders in chains. I’d hate to see your good intentions put you back on the road to Hell.”
I guess my passion is getting the better of me. I’m getting so wrapped up in my emotions that I’m not focusing on achieving the overall goal of freedom and equality for Black people. “Guess I’m not understanding the subtle politics transpiring around me.”
“You helped Black people achieve their Civil Rights.” Osiris says. “Now they’re free to live the lives they want to live.”
“Even if they make decisions that ruin them.”
“You may not believe Black people are on the right course, but part of a people having freedom is the ability to make their own choices.” Horus says.
“Otherwise they’re just exchanging the White Man’s slavery for your slavery.” Osiris says.
“I guess part of getting freedom is having the right to make mistakes.” I say.
“It’s what the Elders gave you.” Horus says. “And the fact t
hat you’re standing here shows that you learned from your mistakes over a century ago.”
“I guess I wouldn’t be a responsible goddess if I didn’t step aside.” I sigh.
“I know you’re concerned about the direction of Black people in America.” Osiris says. “But as I told you before, there will be others to fight for them and others to teach them the right way.”
“Like my Theta Sisters.” I sigh.
“Your friends love you too much to do wrong by you.” Osiris says.
I guess it is like Jesus says: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The sacrifice I make for them will allow them to go on and build on the foundation I established for them.
“But what am I supposed to do while they’re doing their work?”
“Take a vacation.” Horus says. “You could go on an archeology expedition in Egypt, pretend to find a magic amulet in the desert that gives you super powers and return to America as a science teacher a few years later.”
“Yeah, and I can chant O Mighty Isis to change into my costume.” I snarl swatting Horus on the arm. “I’m not coming back as a super-heroine.”
“Or you could just spend some time on the Island.” Osiris says. “We haven’t seen you much in the last six or seven decades.”
“Hey, I’ve been having too much fun with my friends.”
“I’d love to see you have more time for your family.” Queen Isis says.
Chapter 9
After making herself known, Queen Isis appears in a flash of light. The statuesque voluptuous bronze-skinned woman wearing a white pleated gown, gold tiara, jeweled collar, armlets and bracers smiles as she rushes up to me and gives me a hug. It’s been a long time since most of the family’s been together like this. The last time I had everyone on the Island all at one time was Christmas dinner in 1900 before I left to head back to America on a permanent basis.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.” Queen Isis says breaking the embrace.
“We did have lunch at that Woolworth’s counter last week.”
“It’s not the same as having you home.” Queen Isis continues. “I miss seeing you without all that gray hair and all those wrinkles.”
I kind of miss being me too. It would be nice to be able to have the stamina to walk halfway down a hallway without getting winded or the strength to even open a simple jar of pickles. And I’m really getting tired of these big white granny panties bunching up in places where the sun doesn’t shine.
“It would be kind of nice to try one of those curly afros.” I say.
“I don’t know if that hair is going to go with that outfit.” Horus says. “Perhaps some slacks and a rib-knit turtleneck.” Horus says.
That’s a little casual for my tastes. “This outfit is rather stylish.” I jab.
“For an elderly woman.” Queen Isis says. “Even my mortal attire isn’t so matronly. Knee-hi’s?”
“It’s hard to get the pantyhose down in time when I need to use the bathroom.” I say through gritted teeth.
“I don’t think you’ll have that problem when I lift the magic spell in two weeks.” Queen Isis says.
I give my stepmother a sad look in the hopes she’ll give me five more minutes. “Come on give me to the end of the year. I want to say goodbye to my friends-”
“Andrea Robinson has had enough time in this world.” Queen Isis says. “I want Isis on this Island on Christmas Eve.”
Nothing like a kick in the kilt from family to light a fire under my rear end. “Showing me some tough love there Stepmom?”
Queen Isis smiles back at me. “Sometimes a mother has to put her foot down to get a point across to her children.”
Message received stepmom. “I’ll be here on Christmas Eve”. I sigh.
Chapter 10
I wave goodbye to Queen Isis, Osiris and Horus as three stars shoot into the moonlit sky. It felt great having the family over for dinner this evening. I’d love to do it again in the near future. Maybe we’ll have one of those great five-course Sunday dinners like I used to host at the house before I left to return to America.
I hurry up the path and dart back into the beach house, rush into the living room and grab the phone off the table and punch in Alma’s number. I better let the sisters know After seven rings the phone picks up. “Alma Travis.” She yawns.
“Hey sleepyhead, it’s Isis. Just wanted to let you know I got back home in one piece.”
“From the strong sound of your voice, I take it you’re on the other side of the world.” Alma says. “You do know it’s four in the morning here in New York.”
“Don’t old people start their day about now?”
“You know you’re only supposed to call at this hour when someone is dead.”
“Well, my parents are telling me that the magic spell that ages me naturally is going to end on Christmas Eve.”
“So you don’t have much time to get Andrea’s affairs in order.”
“I’m gonna have to call up the movers, find someone to sublet my apartment-”
“Make sure Jack and Millie set up the trust with your new beneficiary.”
“Is everything with you always about money?”
“If I didn’t think about it, you wouldn’t have any.”
“That’s because you were always a penny pincher.”
“Being cheap is why I’m sleeping on a mattress full of money today. I’ll call everyone up and let them know the schedule is.”
After Alma hangs up, I dial up Horus’ number. Maybe he and Anubis can take some time out of their busy schedules to help me get the apartment packed up next week.
Chapter 11
It’s taken me close to a week to pack up 70 years of Andrea’s life in boxes. Going through all the things my bookcases, in my closets, and under my bed, it’s hard to believe I amassed so much stuff in so little time. It’s a miracle I managed to get all of it in this little one-bedroom apartment on Lenox Avenue.
I’m watching The Young and the Restless while I wrap my plates in newspaper when I hear the buzzing of the intercom. I ease off the sofa and shuffle over to the kitchenette and hit the talk button. “Yes?” I greet.
“Miss Robinson, there’s a Horace Grant and Osiris Jackson here. They say they’re here to help you move?”
“Yes, those are my nephews Johnston. “Send them up.”
I hurry over to the door and unlock it. In a few moments, I hear the elevator sliding open and heavy footsteps stomping down the hall. When I open the door, I’m greeted by Osiris and Horus dressed in T-shirts, jeans, and work boots. I wonder what happened to Anubis.
“Ma’am, do you think it’s safe to leave your door open like this? An old lady like you could easily be pushed in by a mugger-”
“Very funny.” I snarl jabbing Horus in the arm.
“Hey, I’m just looking out for your safety Auntie.” Horus teases.
“I think being a master marital artist I can take care of myself. Where’s Nubsy?”
“He’s working on that body for the autopsy.” Osiris replies.
That’s a good reason for him not being here. “Did you get the Uhaul?”
“It’s parked outside.” Osiris says.
“Great. We should be out of here by the evening if things work out.”
Osiris and Horus survey the numerous boxes stacked around the living room. “So we’re going to be doing all the heavy labors?” Horus asks.
“I’d love to help you young whippersnappers out, but I’m not exactly the woman I used to be.” I tease as I pose in my housecoat and slippers.
“I’m never getting near your beach house ever again.” Horus sighs.
I guess he does deserve some reward for helping me move. “You can have it next weekend. But it better be spotless on Monday morning young whippersnapper.”
Horus’ face lights up. “Hathor and I will clean it from top to bottom.”
“Where do you want us to start?” Osir
is asks.
“You can start with the books.” I say pointing to the stack of boxes behind the sofa.
Horus looks over at the six long boxes stacked three high and his eyes grow wide. “You read all of these?”
“Man, I don’t even think the Library of New Heliopolis has this many books.” Osiris says.
“Well, a college professor amasses quite a library over the course of her forty-year career.” I say.
“How many of these are pulp fiction and romance novels?” Horus asks.
If I answer that question I may not get them to move half the boxes of books out of here. “I’m not gonna answer that question out of the fact that it may incriminate me.” I mutter.
Horus laughs as Osiris finds a wood block on the table and uses it to wedge the door open. While they pick up boxes and putting them on a hand truck the phone rings. “Excuse me for a minute.” I say.
I grab the phone off the end table and cock it to my ear. “Andrea Robinson.” I greet.
“Andrea, this is Millie.” Millicent greets. “Jack had the lawyers work out the details for your trust and he was wondering if you had a minute to stop by and look it over.”
“Sure. Just let me get dressed. I’ll be over there in an hour.”
I hang up the phone and catch my Horus and Osiris’ eyes. “That was Millie. Gotta go look over the trust I’m establishing. Can you guys handle moving my stuff out on your own?”
Horus smiles at me. “Gonna leave us to do the dirty work, eh Sister?”
Not like I can do much in this frail condition except supervise. “I’d like to think I can trust you to move everything out without breaking anything.”
“I’ve led legions of soldiers.” Horus says. “Moving out three rooms of furniture should be easy compared to that.”
“Just remember, you break something, you buy it.”
“We’ll take care of your possessions.” Osiris says. “Come on son.”
I fish the house keys out of the pocket of my housecoat and toss them over to Horus. “Make sure you lock up the apartment when you take stuff downstairs.” I tell Horus as he catches them.
I hurry into the bedroom and peel out of my housecoat, kick off my slippers and quickly get changed into a rose pink tweed suit, white heels, and white church hat with pink flowers on it. Then I sling my white purse over my shoulder and smile at the reflection of myself in the full-length mirror on the back of the bedroom door. Matronly. I make this outfit look better on my 98-year-old body than most of the sixty year olds I see wearing it.
