Chapter Five
On the second Sunday in September, Mariah squirted a few drops of perfume over her body. She pulled a lock of hair across her forehead and smiled in satisfaction at her image in the mirror. Mariah nodded approvingly at her appearance. She had on a black suit, along with a lemon-colored blouse, and stylish patent leather pumps on her feet. She grabbed her Bible and purse and hurried downstairs, where Rosemary waited for her. They left to attend the morning church service.
After Sunday School ended, the women slid into their usual seats in the middle section of the sanctuary. Mariah looked around the sanctuary until she caught sight of Sonyell, Sasha, and Raquel. Mariah flashed a smile at her friends.
As the service progressed, the church members sang the second verse of the congregational hymn, “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” Hands were raised in the air, and choruses of “amen” rented the air at the conclusion of the song.
The microphone cracked briefly before Reverend Calvin Nixon adjusted it, and prayed. Later the choir director rose and stood in front of the adult choir. He lifted his arms to signal the choir to rise. Nichole Singleton moved the congregation to tears when she sang the A selection, “Long As I Got King Jesus.” At the end of the song, her voice caressed the words, “I don't need nobody else.” Quite a few members stood, clapped their hands, and sang along with the choir during the stirring rendition of the B selection, “Victory Shall Be Mine.”
After the choir finished singing the offering was collected. Reverend Dudley rose from his chair and walked to the pulpit. He adjusted the microphone and said, “Good morning, church. Let us rejoice in being able to praise God another Sunday morning.”
The membership responded with “hallelujah's” and “amen.”
Reverend Dudley bowed his head. “Gracious Father, thank you for waking us up this morning and allowing us to see another day. Bless everyone assembled in your house this morning. Bless the sick and shut in. As Sister Singleton sang, long as I got King Jesus, I don't need nobody else. Truer words were never spoken. These blessings I ask in the Father's name. Amen.” He sipped from a glass of water.
“The Lord placed it upon my heart to speak of two matters today: selflessness and charity today. The two often go hand in hand. The dictionary defines selflessness as being concerned with the needs of others instead of one's own. Charity is defined as benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity, along with generosity and helpfulness, especially toward the needy or suffering. The greatest example of selflessness for Christians is God sending His only Son here on earth to die for our sins. That single act alone is the greatest sacrifice ever made. It is a blueprint of how we should lead our own lives; incorporating selflessness, sacrifice, and charity as part of our regular routine or daily lives.”
Reverend Dudley's eyes roamed the sanctuary. “I charge each of you practice this edict, which I call SSC: selflessness, sacrifice, and charity. Make a concerted effort to put your fellow man first. By that, I mean help your sister and brother when you can. Assistance doesn't always come in the form of finances, but instead it can be accomplished with use of our time.
“How many of you have relatives in a nursing home?”
Quite a few hands were raised.
“Then stop by and visit them. Visit the elderly person next door or two doors down from your relatives. You will be surprised at how much joy you will bring that person in addition to satisfaction to yourself. Call, text, or e-mail your niece or nephew; find out what's going on in their lives. Visit your local Boys & Girls Club; volunteer at your child's school, a hospital, or library. I'm not asking you to make it a full-time job, maybe an hour or two a month. Let's do what we can to be more charitable and incorporate the selflessness trait. Those SSCs are pleasing in God's sight. And at the end of the day our goal is to attain entrance into heaven. So let us do humanitarian acts while we're on this earth. Doing so will help us reach our ultimate goal, heaven. Can I get an amen?”
The organist played a riff to emphasize Reverend Dudley's request. Church members waved their church programs in the air.
“I ask that you open your Bibles and read along with me the first scripture taken from the Book of Luke, 6:38.” Reverend Dudley and the church members read together, “âGive and it shall be given to unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together and running over, shall men give unto your boson. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.'”
“Now, I ask that you turn to I Timothy, 6:17-19. âCharge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.'”
Rosemary's heart swelled with pride because she knew that Mariah would do all those things Reverend Dudley described in the scriptures and more. She waved her hand and shouted, “Amen!”
Mariah bowed her head, closed her eyes, and prayed briefly.
Lord, help me to do those things and more. Guide me, Father. These blessings I ask in Jesus' name.
She returned her undivided attention to her minister.
Reverend Dudley continued his sermon, firmly emphasizing examples of selflessness and charitable acts. Ninety minutes later the sermon was concluded. The doors of the church were opened. Reverend Dudley invited those without a church home to join Christian Friendship Church.
After Rosalind led the new members to her office, Revered Dudley returned to the pulpit. “I have a special announcement to make. One of our members, who wishes to remain anonymous, made a hefty donation to our church. We are not going to divulge the member's name, but abide by their wish. The member knows who he or she is. I just want to say thank you from your Christian Friendship Family.”
The membership clapped loudly along shouting heartfelt hallelujahs. Mariah fought mightily to keep a grin off her face, as she clapped along with her church family.
Reverend Dudley continued, “Because of this generous bequeathal we will be able to keep several of our ministries funded. Every ministry will receive a stipend. In this uncertain financial time, God is still in the blessing business. And one thing I know about God, He always steps in right on time.” Reverend Dudley paused to let his message sink in. “So to our donor, I say God Bless and continue your wonderful works. Know that that your gift is appreciated and the work you do is pleasing in God's sight. So please join me as I give a round of applause for our generous donor.”
The members rose from the pews, they smiled at Reverend Dudley, and clapped along with him for a long while. The service wound down and at the conclusion of the benediction, there was a buzz in the air as members tried to figure out who the donor was.
Rosemary turned and winked at Mariah. The women removed their coats from the back of the pew and made their way toward Sonyell and Raquel.
“Well, well,” Mariah drawled when she saw Raquel. “Look who the Lord sent to His house today.” She hugged Raquel. “I am so happy you came to church today.”
Raquel was dressed conservatively in a navy blue suit with a cream-colored blouse. “You know me.” Raquel shrugged. “I'm a CE churchgoer. I come to church on Christmas and Easter. I have to say, I enjoyed the service. Your minister is a good speaker. I'm glad I came.”
“Praise God,” Sonyell said dramatically. “Miracles do happen. You know, I was shocked when Rocki called me this morning and asked me to pick her up for church.”
Raquel's voice dropped. “Well, I had to support a sister, even an anonymous one.”
The friends and Rosemary shared a hearty laugh.
“Let's find Sasha and get out of here,” Mariah told her friends, “I guess I'll treat everyone to lunch.”
After chatting with church members for twenty minutes, the group departed and did just that.
The following week, Mariah decided to definitely use her father's residence as a transition home for mothers leaving prison with daughters. With the help of Attorney Cook, she began step one of the process. Mariah hoped within a year to see the fruits of her labor mature. Mariah was floating on cloud nine; life was progressing greatly. She had found her purpose in life.
Chapter Six
By the end of September, Mariah's plans were becoming finalized. She decided to move into a slightly smaller, yet sizeable house next door to her father's residence. Doing so would allow her to have easy access to the transitional home, and oversee the renovations. The owner had passed away recently and Mariah put a bid on the property and won the bid. Like her father's house, the neighboring house had a coach house for Rosemary. Mariah planned to reside in her father's house until she could close on the new house. The owner's will was in the process of being probated. So Mariah would reside in the “big house” as Sonyell and Raquel called Mariah's father's house for a short time.
Mariah kept the center operational in Altgeld Garden. She promoted her second-in-command, Ciara Davidson, to managing director. Ciara would oversee the day-to-day activities. Mariah planned to put in an appearance at the facility once or twice a week.
Since Sonyell had majored in business management in college and minored in accounting, Mariah hired her as her business manager. Sonyell's primary function would be to learn the inner workings of the businesses. She would with present management to ensure the businesses continued to turn a profit. Raquel, a hairdresser by trade, would manage the beauty and barber shops. The girls were ecstatic about their new duties and felt like they had won the lottery.
Mariah and her friends planned to move into their new homes within two weeks. Mariah would move into her home first, with the friends moving the following weekend. That way they could help each other. Mariah had stopped at a U-Haul storage facility on the way home from the center, and picked up packing boxes. She planned to keep some of the furniture from her father's house but was anxious to imprint her own brand upon it. The Salvation Army in Hammond was scheduled to pick up donations during the week.
“Granny,” Mariah yelled as she set the boxes on the floor, “are you home? I picked up more boxes so we could finish packing. Moving day is right around the corner.”
Rosemary didn't reply. Mariah glanced at her watch and noted her grandmother should be home any minute. She picked up a couple of boxes and walked upstairs to her bedroom. Mariah had just taped several boxes shut when she heard the front door open and close. She could hear Rosemary walking up the stairs. Mariah looked up as Rosemary entered her bedroom and smiled.
“How was your day, Granny?” she asked as she put a stack of books into one of the boxes.
“Not bad. How was yours?” Rosemary replied. She pulled her jacket off and fanned herself with one hand. “Today was such a nice day. I just hope we have a few more like this before the hawk hits Chicago.”
“I'm sure we will,” Mariah agreed. “I brought more boxes.” She waved her hand at the stack and then turned her attention back to her grandmother. “I noticed you haven't done any packing. Why not?”
“Mari,” Rosemary began hesitantly, “I need to talk to you about the move.” She sighed heavily. “I don't think I'm going to come with you.”
“What do you mean?” Mariah's eyebrows rose questioningly. “Of course, you're coming with me, Granny.” She dropped the box on the floor.
“My place is here in the Garden. I don't know any other life, I'm older. The changes you want to make are better for younger people, like you, Sonni, and Rocki.” Rosemary's eyes dropped to the floor.
“Granny, I don't believe you.” Mariah's voice rose hysterically. “Of course, you're coming with me. I can't do anything without you being there.” She flung her hand. “You've been with me my entire life. It's time for you to take it easy and enjoy life.”
Rosemary shook her head sadly. “Those are your plans not mine. I've prayed and given thought to moving with you to Hammond. But, my place is here in Chicago. I've lived here since I moved from Florida and it's home. And someone has to be here for Cassie.”
Mariah opened her mouth then closed it. She said, “I already thought about Cassie. I plan to look into some rehabilitation centers for her. Like you said, maybe she can go to a really good one that will help her straighten out her life. You can't put your life on hold for Cassie.”
“Cassie is my child as much as you are,” Rosemary reminded her granddaughter. “I can't leave Cassie.” Rosemary's voice was strong and brooked no argument.
Mariah felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She stared at Rosemary with disbelief flashing in her eyes. “Granny.” Her hand fluttered to her throat. “I just assumed you were coming with me. You never said you weren't.” Mariah's voice trailed off. She sat down on her bed and dropped her face into her hands.
Rosemary walked to the bed and sat down next to her granddaughter. She put her arm around Mariah's shoulders. “I should have said something to you earlier. Like I said, I thought long and hard about coming with you. But I can't leave my child without one of us being here if she needs us.”
Mariah thought how Cassie always seemed to disrupt her life. She was at a point in her life when she could make life easier for her beloved Granny and once again Cassie was coming between them. A teardrop slipped between her fingers.
“Now, Mari, don't be like that, baby. I have my life to live just like you have yours. Why you're right up the expressway; I promise to come spend some weekends with you. I know this will be a change for you. But, you need a chance to live your life; meet a nice young man and give me some great grandchildren. I'm not getting any younger you know.” Rosemary tried to lighten the mood, but Mariah wasn't having it.
Mariah stood up. She said with a voice that resonated with resignation, “If that's how you feel, then I have no choice but to go along with your wishes. I am disappointed though. It seems I can never be happy and as always it's Cassie's fault.”
Rosemary grabbed Mariah's hands and forced her to sit back down. She turned Mariah's face toward her. “I don't want you to feel like that. Your mother has issues. I've always told you that. She has demons that she just can't overcome. Despite everything she has doneâstolen from us, lied, and God knows what elseâshe is still my child, my only child. As Jesus preached, I will love her unconditionally. It would be good if you could do the same.”
“I try to, but it's hard. I still remember the taunts I received from kids in school, teasing me about how my mother is a crackhead. It was hard for me. As I imagine it has been for you. But that doesn't mean you have to put your life on hold, either,” Mariah said petulantly.
“What makes you think I'm putting my life on hold? I have a job that, I might add, I enjoy, and my friends live here.” Rosemary gestured toward the window. “I wanted a better life for you, more than what I had. And thanks to your father, you will have better and you will go out and make your mark on the world, just the way I knew you would.”
“How can I do all those things without you?” Mariah whispered. She looked at Rosemary with tear-stained eyes.
“The same way you always have,” Rosemary said gently. “I can do all things through Him. And you will, Mari, I promise you will. I'm sorry you had to endure hardships as a child because of the things you mother did. But, you know the saying, that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I know you were never sympathetic to Cassie as a child. Some children reject their drug-addicted parents, or are protective of them and love them to death. All I ever wanted you to do was accept Cassie for who she is and try to help her. Pray as I do every night that she will turn her life around.”
“That's where we differ. I accept Cassie for what she is: a crackhead. In my own way I have feelings for her. I understand without her I wouldn't be alive, but she's never done anything for me, nothing.”
“How could she? She's never been in a position where she could.”
“Why not? Why wasn't I ever more important to her than drugs? Why weren't you?” Mariah retorted. Her voice rose.
“I don't know. . . .” Rosemary shook her head helplessly. “I just know things went bad for her, and Cassie was never the same. In her own way she loves you. I know that, but she just can't express it.” Rosemary tried hard to justify her daughter's actions.
“It doesn't matter at this point.” Mariah stood up. “I'm going out for a bit. I need some air.” She looked sadly at Rosemary, picked up her cell phone from her nightstand, grabbed her purse, and departed from the room.
Rosemary trailed behind her. “I'm sorry. . . .”
Mariah rushed downstairs. She stomped out the door, locked it, and walked rapidly to her car. Her emotions boiled with rage when she thought of Cassandra. Mariah put the car in drive and sped from the parking lot. The car tires squealed and burned rubber as she exited the parking lot.
Fifteen minutes later, she pressed Sonyell's doorbell.
Sasha peered through the peephole, then opened the door. She enveloped Mariah in a bear hug. “Hi, Auntie Mari, come on in.” She gestured inside the house. “Mommy didn't tell me you were coming over.” Sasha took Mariah by the hand and led her into the apartment. They walked to the living room after Sasha locked the door.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” Mariah informed the young girl after they sat together on the sofa. Mariah turned to Sasha and asked, “How are you doing, and how is school?”
Sasha seemed to look older and taller each time Mariah saw her. Whereas Sonyell was short, Sasha was tall like her father. Her complexion was a medium brown. She had heavily lidded eyes. She wore braces and bemoaned how she was too fat. She wore her shoulder-length dark hair in an elaborate cornrow style that Raquel had concocted.
“School is great. I like my teacher and I'm thinking about going out for the cheerleading or pep squad.” Sasha replied.
Sonyell walked into the room carrying a dish towel in her hand. “I thought I heard your voice. How are you, Mari?”
“I'm okay,” Mariah replied tersely.
“I just finished making dinner, would you like to join us?” Sonyell couldn't help but notice the painful look on her friend's face, though Mariah was trying to mask it for Sasha.
“I'm not really hungry. I wanted to talk to you, if you have a few minutes to spare.” Mariah glanced over at Sasha and back to Sonyell. “Is this a good time?”
“Sasha, I know you have some spelling words to study. Don't you have a test tomorrow?” Sonyell turned and asked her daughter.
Sasha dipped her head up and down.
“Why don't you go over the list while I talk to Auntie Mari.” Sonyell sat in the chair across from the sofa.
“Okay,” the girl replied as she stood up and walked toward her bedroom. She turned and asked her mother, “Can I have a snack?”
“No, we'll be eating dinner soon,” Sonyell replied definitely. “I need to talk to Mari for a little while.”
Sasha crinkled her nose. “Okay, talk to you later, Aunt Mari.”
“I'll come see you before I leave.” Mariah watched the young girl as she exited the room. “She is getting so big. She looks just like her daddy.”
“That she does, and yes, she is getting big. It seems like just yesterday, I came from the hospital, and didn't have a clue as to how to raise a child. Now enough about me. What's happening with you?”
Mariah pushed a strand of hair off her face and sighed heavily. “I don't know where to begin. It seems like some parts of my life are falling apart.”
“What do you mean?” Sonyell asked. She stared at Mariah quizzically, giving her friend her undivided attention.
“It's Granny, she doesn't want to move to Hammond with me. She says it's because of Cassie. And that really bothers me. Also, I feel like she's keeping something from me.”
“Something like what?” Sonyell's left eyebrow arched upward.
“I don't know. . . .” Mariah said with frustration in her voice. “I just know something isn't right. You were there when she said she would move to Hammond with us. Then today, just up out of the blue, she tells me that she isn't going.”
“Did she say why?” Sonyell asked sympathetically.
Mariah leaned forward in her seat and explained Rosemary's reasons for not moving and how they related to Cassie.
Sonyell listened attentively. When her friend finished speaking, she bit her lower lip, and said carefully, “Maybe, Granny is being honest. Cassie does come by to see you two occasionally, not often. Maybe, she would sink even further in her drug usage if she thought your grandmother abandoned her.”
“I really feel like Cassie has always messed up things for me, one way or another. Granny not moving with me is another example of Cassie messing up things for me.” Mariah's voice cracked. “Cassie never liked me, even as a child. Maybe she's jealous of my and Granny's relationship. I don't know.”
“Whatever your grandmother's motives, you've got to accept them. She has lived in the Garden her entire life. You know how some older people are; they don't like change.”