Chapter Three
Before long, Mariah excitedly instructed Raquel to make a left turn onto Hohman Avenue. Raquel made two more right turns, and per Mariah's direction, pulled into the driveway of the house. Slamming sounds could be heard as the women closed the car doors.
“Oh, my God,” Sonni squealed as her eyes roamed the property. “This place is huge. We could all move into here.”
Rocki shaded her eyes from the sun. “It is. You didn't tell us it was this big. It looks like a mansion.”
“I'll show you the backyard first and then we can go inside,” Mariah stated.
They walked to the rear of the house. Rosemary admired the flowers and the vegetable garden. “I bet you girls wouldn't know what to do with this.”
“You're right,” Mariah conceded, holding up her hands. “I definitely don't have a green thumb.”
They returned to the front of the house. Mariah took her keys out of her purse.
“The area looks good,” Rosemary observed as she looked up and down the street at the spacious, multicolored brick-and-frame homes. Huge trees lined the street along with privacy fences.
“Do you think you'll move here?” Sonyell asked Mariah.
“I haven't decided yet. My father has more properties. I haven't had a chance to look at them all yet. You know I'd like to move Granny out of the Garden.” She glanced quickly at her grandmother. Rosemary studied the house.
Mariah opened the door and the women walked inside and stopped inside the foyer.
“Wow,” Rocki exclaimed as her eyes roamed the area. “This place looks like something from the old days. Look at that woodwork. They don't make houses like this anymore. My great-grandmother had a house like this on the west side.”
“I thought the same thing, it's an old-style house,” Mariah admitted as they walked to the living room. All eyes were on Rosemary as she walked to the fireplace and stood in front of the painting. Her face paled.
Mariah didn't miss her grandmother's reaction. “What's wrong, Granny? Do you know them?”
“I just felt a little dizzy for a minute,” Rosemary answered, wiping her moist forehead.
Mariah rushed to Rosemary's side and took her arm. “Well, sit down then. Are you all right?”
Rosemary sat on the sofa. “I'm fine. I just need to catch my breath for a minute,” she replied shakily.
“Did you take your medicine this morning?” Mariah asked her grandmother solicitously. Her voice vibrated with concern as she bent over Rosemary.
“Of course I did,” Rosemary shot back defensively. “You girls go on and look at this house. I'm going to sit for a few minutes.” Rosemary took a tissue out of her purse and mopped her forehead. “I'm all right. Go ahead and look around. I'll join you after I catch my breath.”
Mariah took a step away from Rosemary hesitatingly. “Okay. Call me if you need anything.”
“Mariah, I'm not a child,” Rosemary chided her granddaughter. She made a shooing motion with her hand. “Now, go.”
The three women went upstairs, while Rosemary sat on the sofa. Her chest was heaving as she stared at the picture over the mantle. She thought that Mariah was the spitting image of her father. After her breathing settled, Rosemary stood and walked around the living room. Her eyes gobbled up the pictures of Mariah's father and his wife. She wandered into the kitchen.
Meanwhile upstairs, Mariah, Raquel, and Sonyell had just left the master bedroom.
“Not only did you get a house, it's furnished, too. It doesn't get any better than this,” Sonyell commented.
“You ain't never lied,” Raquel chimed in wonderingly. Her arm swept the room. “Girl, what are you going to do with all this room? It's not like you're married or have children.”
“You're right, this is too much house for me alone, but it might be the ideal spot for a transition home for mothers leaving the prison system, and their children. What do you think?” She looked at Sonyell then at Raquel.
“Well, it's big enough that's for sure.” Raquel nodded her head in agreement.
“If you turned the house into a transition home, would you have to live here?” Sonni turned to Mariah. Her mind processed information like a computer as she considered what Mariah possibly planned to do.
“I don't think it would be mandatory, but that is something I'd have to look into,” Mariah answered as she bit her lip.
“Let's look around some more,” Rocki said, heading for the bedroom door. “I am excited. There are so many things you could do with this place.”
The friends walked downstairs. Rosemary joined them as they toured the rest of the house.
Within forty-five minutes, all four women had visited every nook and cranny in the house from top to bottom. They were seated at the dining room table discussing what Mariah's next move should be.
“You know, this is the house my father lived in. As I mentioned he owned other rental properties. The lawyer gave me the list of the houses, and I plan to go look at each of them. I want to meet his tenants and see when the rental agreements end. If I see something I like, maybe I'll end up moving to another property. The more I think about it, this is too much house for one person.”
“That sounds like a good idea. Now, if you need some help managing your properties, keep in mind I'm available,” Sonyell volunteered. “Don't forget that I majored in business administration in college. And, I have aâ”
Mariah nodded her head and finished Sonyell's sentence. “An MBA. Like you would ever let us forget.” She shook her head from side to side. “I may just take you up on that,” Mariah added. “Outside of the rental properties that Harold Ellison owned, his other business holdings include commercial property. He owned a laundromat, two drycleaners, a beauty and barber shop, and a nice building that houses a doctor's office. So his holdings were varied.”
“Mari, are you a millionaire?” Raquel gasped. Her mouth dropped open.
“Something like that,” Mariah replied modestly. Her eyes dropped to the table. “This whole process with the will and all seems like a dream. I keep pinching myself to make sure what's happening is real.”
“Can I touch you?” Sonyell reached out and touched Mariah's hand. “I've never known a millionaire and now my best friend is one.”
“Wow, this is simply unbelievable.” Raquel remarked as her eyes wandered around the room. “Who would have thought?”
“Since we're all here, I have a few bequeathals of my own to make.” Mariah's eyes shone. “If you guys are open to the suggestion, I thought it might be nice if we all moved to Hammond. I just need to check on the status of the houses and see what's available. I'd like to gift a house to each of you, and pay for Sasha's college education.”
“Oh, my God.” Sonyell's hands flew to her face as tears trickled from her eyes. “Are you serious? I can't believe it. Mari, thank you so much.” She jumped from her chair, flew around the table, and hugged Mariah.
Raquel swallowed hard; her eyes were shining brightly. “Wow, I'm speechless and you know I always have a comeback. I've never received anything so generous in my life. Thank you, sis. I don't have any ties to Chicago per se. My family can come visit me here. I would love to move to Hammond. If I can help in any of your business ventures let me know.”
Rosemary moistened her lips. “I'm like the girls: I don't know what to say. I am content with my life. I can certainly stay in the Garden. I don't know that I want to uproot myself from the only home I've known.”
“Oh, no, you're not, Granny.” Mariah shook her head and peered at her grandmother. “You're the closest thing to a mother to me. Sonni and Rocki are my sisters by another mother. Granny, I want you to stay with me. I'm almost one hundred percent sure that I will convert this house to a transition home, or group home for teenage girls. If you feel like you still want to work, Granny, then you can cook. Personally, I'd like you to just sit back and enjoy the rest of your life.”
Rosemary looked down, then up at Mariah. She smiled from ear to ear. “That sounds like a plan. Count me in. But why a transition home, Mariah?”
“I guess because I've always had a strained relationship with Cassie. And I'd like to help other young girls in similar circumstances. Daughters struggling with the negative choices their mothers have made.”
“The Lord will surely bless you, darling,” Rosemary said. “Maybe you could use some of the money and send Cassie to rehab?” she asked her granddaughter. Her eyes shone hopefully.
Mariah exhaled loudly. “If only it were that easy. Cassie has to want to change to stop taking drugs, and from what I've seen, she isn't quite ready.”
“Maybe she needs help making that decision, and you're in a position to help her. Maybe we could talk to her, and see what she thinks.” Rosemary looked at her granddaughter pleadingly.
Mariah shook her head. Her lips tightened. “Humph. She was just hitting us up for money last night. If she catches wind that I've got money and a lot of it, what do you think would happen then? She's going to wonder where we got the money from and then she's going to want her share. We all know she would use it to score more drugs.”
“But, she's never been to a real good place for rehab, just a few state-run outpatient programs. Maybe a private program would make a difference. Please think about it, Mariah. It wouldn't be fair for you to help everyone else and not your own momma.” Rosemary pleaded her case earnestly.
“Granny, Cassie has never been a mother to me. She's been more of an irritant, and embarrassment. You've been a mother to me,” Mariah retorted.
“But, I'm not your mother,” Rosemary said softly. “Cassie can't help herself. After her daddy died, she changed. Then she fell in with the wrong crowd and became wild. I don't think she ever really got over his death. She's sick, baby, and she needs help.”
Raquel and Sonyell nodded their agreement thoughtfully.
“I'll think about it,” Mariah said weakly. “Why don't we go look at more of the properties and then we can head back to Chicago. Oh, before you ask, Granny, I do plan on making a hefty donation to the church.”
Good,” Rosemary said approvingly. “Now, you got me excited. I'm ready to go.”
The women gathered their belongings and headed to the car. Mariah was bursting with pride. Happy that God had given her the means to help her beloved grandmother as well as her friends. She looked forward to seeing the rental and commercial properties. She programmed the first address in the car's GPS unit.
Several hours later, the women had stopped by most of Mariah's properties. They were thrilled for their friend. Sonyell and Raquel felt blessed that Mariah planned to include them in her future plans. Raquel had her eye on one of the smaller houses, while Sonyell envisioned raising Sasha in a three-bedroom, gray painted frame house not far from the house Raquel planned to occupy. The two friends also saw other properties they liked. Mariah promised to look at the lease agreements ASAP.
Conversation among the friends on the drive back to Chicago was gay. There was a constant chatter from everyone except Rosemary. Due to the excitement of the day, none of the women noticed that Rosemary wasn't participating in the conversation. She wore a troubled expression on her face as she stared out of the car window.
Chapter Four
A week later Mariah made an appointment with Rosalind, Reverend Dudley's secretary. Rosalind promptly penciled in Mariah for two o'clock on Thursday afternoon. Mariah drove to the Christian Friendship Church, and stepped out of her car amid a gray sky and drizzly rain. Mariah put up her umbrella and rushed into the church.
After Mariah removed her coat and sat on the sofa across from Rosalind's desk, the two women exchanged pleasantries. Within fifteen minutes, after an intercom call from Reverend Dudley, Rosalind escorted Mariah to the minister's office.
“Hello,” Reverend Dudley said as he stood to greet Mariah with a smile. “How have you and Rosemary being doing?”
“We've both been doing fine,” Mariah replied as she crossed her right leg over her left knee. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
“No problem,” Reverend Dudley replied. “I had a cancellation this afternoon, so the timing was great. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I recently came into a large inheritance and I wanted to donate a portion to the church. I wanted to talk with you to see how the money could best be used,” Mariah explained earnestly.
“Praise the Lord,” Reverend Dudley exclaimed with a twinkle in his eyes. “What brought about this turn of events?”
He listened intently and nodded at the appropriate places while Mariah explained about the legacy from her father.
“That is an intriguing tale. I am happy for you, Mariah. I know life hasn't always been easy for you and Rosemary. We never know where our blessings may come from.” Reverend Dudley leaned back against the back of his burgundy leather chair.
“I agree, but still something doesn't seem quite right to me,” Mariah confessed as she leaned forward in her chair.
“What do you mean by that?” the minister asked her with a puzzled look on his face.
“The whole situation seems surreal to me. A man who I've never knownâjust learned his name not quite six months ago from an attorneyâhas left me his entire fortune. If it wasn't for Attorney Cook's call, I don't think I would have ever known his name. I'm still trying to process all the information,” Mariah confessed unhappily.
“You know, we don't always understand why things in life happen the way they do, but know that whatever happens is part of God's plan. It wasn't meant for you to know your father in this lifetime. He obviously knew of you and maybe the gift or legacy he left you is his way of atoning for not being a part of your life.”
Mariah looked downward, then back up at Reverend Dudley. “I guess you're right,” she said doubtfully. “I mean, I saw a picture of him and his wife at his house, and I can't figure out what my mother could have seen in him to have a child with him. He's old enough to be my grandfather,” Mariah sputtered.
Reverend Dudley nodded his head gravely. “I see. Have you tried talking to your mother or Rosemary about him?”
“I have with CassieâI mean, my motherâonce, and hit a brick wall. My mother is a difficult person. We rarely have conversations unless she's hitting me up for money. She spoke so cryptically of the matter of my father that I never dared ask her again. I've asked my granny many times about him over the years, but she claimed that she didn't know who my father was.” Mariah stared out the window behind Reverend Dudley. “The whole situation seems strange.” She shrugged her shoulders.
“If it is meant for you to know about your parentage, God will answer all your questions. The truth will be revealed in time,” Reverend Dudley advised her. He spoke earnestly with a caring expression on his face.
“Reverend Dudley, I have a question for you. I'm almost embarrassed to ask you, but how does one love a parent who doesn't seem to love or care about you? As the years have gone by, I realize on some level that I detest my mother because of the lack of attention she has paid to me. I know on another level that she doesn't love me. When I was smaller, Granny would tell me to read Ephesians 6:2. I know it by heart.”
She closed her eyes, moistened her lips, and recited, “âHonor thy mother and father which is the first commandment with promise.' When I think of my mother, verse four comes to mind, and I would substitute father with mother: “âAnd ye, fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.'” A tear slipped from her eye.
“I'm sorry you feel that way,” Reverend Dudley consoled Mariah. “I have talked to Rosemary over the years regarding Cassie and I truly think that whatever is going on is something within Cassie that she has not come to terms with. Rosemary has told me how Cassie's personality changed after her father passed. People rebound from tragedy differently, while others never recover for various reasons. I would advise you to stay prayerful. I am certain all that you need to know will be revealed in time. Don't give up on your mother; she may not know it but there will come a time when she needs you. Just believe God is our Savior, and our Redeemer, and that He can fix all things.”
Mariah brushed away the tear from her eye. “I guess so,” she replied dolefully. She put a smile on her face. “Anyway, on a more pleasant note, I plan to make a donation to the church in the amount of half a million dollars. I would like to donate two lump sum payments, one this year and the other one next year.”
Reverend Dudley was stunned silent for a minute. “I didn't expect such a generous gift, Mariah. I think I can speak on behalf of the church when I say thank you. Bless you.”
“It is my pleasure, Reverend Dudley. I guess as a child I would play the âwhat if' game. For instance, if I had a million dollars, what I would do with it. I never imagined that I would actually be in a position to do that in real life.” Mariah beamed.
“Do you have any suggestions as to how the money should be spent? Do you have any specific ministries in mind? Or would you like to leave it to the discretion of the official board?”
“I know I'd like to do something for the Sunday School ministry. Perhaps buy new Bibles and new teaching materials. I think the rest could be used at the discretion of the board.”
“Would you like to participate in the disbursement of the funds?”
Mariah nodded. “I hadn't thought about it, but, yes, I think I would.”
“Great. I'll have Rosalind set up another meeting and see if we can come to a meeting of the minds. If you're donating that much to the church, then your father must have left you a hefty inheritance?” Reverend Dudley probed gently.
“He did. Not only did he leave me money, but residential and commercial properties, too. I plan to share the proceeds with my friends and of course Granny. I'm almost one hundred percent sure that I will move to Hammond, Indiana. That's where my father lived.”
“I hope you continue to attend our church,” Reverend Dudley remarked.
“For sure. Although I've wondered if God has a plan for me in Hammond.”
“I understand, take your time and heed God's voice.” Reverend Dudley nodded. “Now, what about your mother? What do you plan to do for her?”
“Because my mother has been such a thorn in my side all of my life, I haven't really considered doing anything for her. Granny thinks I should consider using part of the money for therapy for my mother. I told her I would think about it.”
“With money comes great responsibility. You must use it wisely and knowing you as I do, there is no doubt in my mind that you will. I agree with Rosemary, you should try to help your mother.”
A grimace crossed Mariah's face. “I can't promise that I will but I will certainly give it consideration.”
“You know what the Lord said about forgiveness don't you?”
“I sure do. Matthew 18:22 says, âJesus saith until him. I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.' Truthfully I think my mother had exceeded those times. ” Mariah tittered nervously.
“That can be said of a lot of people whom we are close to.” Reverend Dudley laughed. “But on a more serious note, maybe helping her will effect a change. Sometimes we have to be the bigger person and reach out to those in need. Drug addicts definitely fall under the category of those in need. I will tell you as I've told others that an addiction is an illness, so try to be patient with her.”
“You're right and I know that but because we don't have a relationship, it's hard for me to be forgiving with her.”
“Be that as it may, God still provided for your needs through Rosemary. You were brought up in a Christian home. And, most of all you've accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Now, it's time for you to put into practice all that you've been taught. You know what, Mariah? I know that you are up to the task.”
“You have more faith in me than I have in myself,” Mariah said. She swallowed. “Maybe it's time for me to grow up and try to make amends with my mother again.”
“Meditate on it. I'm sure God will steer you in the right path.” Reverend Dudley glanced at his watch. “I don't mean to rush you, but I do have another appointment. Think about what we've talked about. I have a meeting scheduled with the board on Friday and will talk it over with them. Keep God's teaching in your heart and share your blessings, in turn you become a blessings for another person in need.”
Mariah stood up and thrust her hand out to the minister. “Thank you, Reverend Dudley, for seeing me and the advice. I will certainly give serious thought to what you've said.”
Reverend Dudley rose from his seat and shook Mariah's hand warmly. “If you need someone to talk to, you know that I'm here for you.”
“Again thanks,” Mariah replied.
Reverend Dudley walked her to the door. “Don't forget to set up another appointment with Rosalind for next week.”
“I will. Have a blessed day, Reverend Dudley.” Mariah smiled.
“It has already been.” The minister smiled. He greeted his next appointment and they disappeared into his office.
Mariah made an appointment with Rosalind. Soon she was back in her car and driving home. After she parked her car in the residential parking lot, Mariah sat inside. Her thoughts were centered on her conversation with Reverend Dudley.
A teeny part of her wanted to try to forge a relationship with Cassandra. After all, Cassandra had given birth to her, as Granny so often reminded Mariah.
The other part of Mariah, the one that had been burnt too many times, was averse to subject herself to further rejection.
She bowed her head and scrunched her eyes together tightly. “Lord, show me the way,” she whispered. “Help me to do the right thing by Granny and Cassie. I know you can make a way out of no way, and with me and Cassie there is nothing, no feelings, no relationship, we are a big fat zero, nothing. Guide me, Jesus, help me find the way. You have given me such blessings and sometime I don't know if I am worthy.
“I don't know so many things. Why my father didn't come around and why he left me so much money. I feel like I'm about to embark on a journey and I know you will be there to catch me if I fall. Lord, I am excited about the wonderful things I can do in your name, I just ask that you guide and keep me on the right path. Amen.”
Mariah opened her eyes, grabbed her purse, and exited her car. She rushed into the house she shared with Rosemary, exhilarated about the positive changes that lay ahead in her life.