Ex-Terminator Life After Marriage (27 page)

S
ylvia woke to the sound of running water. Three days had passed with no sign that Ashley would be leaving any time soon. Sylvia looked at the clock on the nightstand. If she intended to get to work on time, she needed to hustle her behind out of bed.

Before her feet touched the floor, there was a faint knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Ashley appeared at the door, her wet hair glued to her head.

“Sit down,” Sylvia said, patting the side of her bed. “What’s up?”

“I don’t think I’m going to work today. I’m just not feeling up to it.”

“You did the right thing, Ash. You made a brave decision and you should not feel bad about it. Now things can go back to normal. Do you want me to go to the house with you?”

“No, no, that’s all right.”

“What is it, Ashley? You’re acting weird and jumpy.”

“Nothing. I mean, William might still be at the house. I left everything, and I’m not comfortable going back yet.”

Sylvia patted Ashley’s shoulder. “I’m going to get up and get ready for work. Take all the time you think you need to get yourself together. I’m going to turn on the television. You don’t have to move.”

Ashley sat back on the bed as if she was in her own house and in her own room. Sylvia picked up the remote from the nightstand and turned the television on.

“Hundreds are missing in the worst storm to ever hit New Orleans. At dawn this morning, Hurricane Katrina ripped through the city of New Orleans, breaking levees that separated the Gulf from lower portions of New Orleans. Lake Pontchartrain spilled its bowels into the city, devouring whole neighborhoods and leaving many stranded on rooftops. The City of New Orleans sits like a punch bowl—its elevation many feet below sea level.”

“My God!” Sylvia cried out. “I wonder if Mona and Michael were caught in the storm?” She held her face with her hands not believing the images that flashed on the television screen. “I’ll call Rachel to see if she’s heard from them.”

“And she called
me
a dumb blonde,” Ashley said.

Sylvia jerked her head in Ashley’s direction.

“What was that for?”

“Everybody told Mona that hurricane was coming, but she went anyway.”

Sylvia said nothing. If she had, she might have slapped the taste out of Ashley’s mouth. It was definitely time for Ashley to pick up the pieces of her jacked-up life and go home. She dialed Rachel’s number.

“Sylvia, what is it?” Rachel asked. “I’m running late again. Can I call you when I get to my car?”

“Don’t hang up. Did you see the news this morning? Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The levees broke and the city is under water. People were on rooftops trying to get help—that’s how high the water is.”

“Jesus!” shouted Rachel.

“Katrina flooded houses,” Sylvia said.

“Oh, my God. Mona and Michael are out there somewhere in that mess. Have you heard from them?”

“I called you to see if you heard anything. They said the power is down.”

“I’ll get back with you, Sylvia. I’ve got to find out.”

Rachel dialed and redialed. No answer. It was not like Mona to not pick up on a call. Rachel hit the steering wheel with her fist. Although she and Mona had their differences, Mona was a dear friend. There was no way Rachel would entertain the thought that something terrible had happened to her.

Just as Rachel began to dial again, a call beeped in. Claudette’s frantic voice was at the end of the line.

“Girl, did you hear about Hurricane Katrina? I’ve been calling Mona all morning but haven’t been able to get an answer. I’m afraid, Rachel.”

“Don’t think the worst, Claudette. Our Mona is a survivor. She’s probably feeding catfish and crab cakes to the hungry.”

“That would be a relief if I didn’t know better. It’s so sad. Those poor people stranded on their rooftops pleading for someone to come and save them. Do you truly believe Mona and Michael are all right?”

“My heart wants me to believe they are fine, but my gut says something different. I do know one thing: We’ve got to be strong for them and believe that they will be okay.”

“Let me know if you hear anything.”

“Likewise.”

Rachel closed the cell phone and drove blindly through the streets. She couldn’t go to work. She wouldn’t be able to concentrate until she heard from Mona. Rachel picked up the phone again and called Marvin.

M
arvin sat in his underwear, contemplating whether to go into the office or work at home. He had a major presentation to give to a potential customer on Thursday, and working from home might allow him to get more done with minimal interruptions.

His mind wandered to Denise. Friday was D-day, and Denise was getting anxious as the day approached. She called every hour wanting to talk about her treatment and how she wished that she and Marvin were still together. Marvin looked at the clock and made the decision to stay home.

Marvin called his assistant and prepared to turn off his cell phone. Just before he hung up, Marvin heard the beep—an incoming call—and opened the line before he thought about what he had just done. To his surprise, Rachel was on the other line.

“Rachel, sweetheart, what a pleasant surprise so early in the morning.”

“There are many more surprises where that came from.”

“Well, keep them coming. Are you at work?”

“No, but I’m supposed to be. Have you seen the news this morning?”

“No, why?”

“Hurricane Katrina blew New Orleans away. Marvin, it’s so devastating. Whole neighborhoods are underwater.”

“What?”

“Yes, you heard me. Bodies floating, people wading through water trying to get to safety.”

“Hold on a moment. I’m turning the TV on.”

“Marvin, remember Mona and Michael flew to New Orleans on Friday.”

“You’re right. Has anyone heard from them?”

“No one. I’ve been frantically dialing Mona’s number, but no answer.”

“Hold on, sweetie, the broadcaster is saying something.”

Rachel held on, driving aimlessly through downtown Atlanta.

“No power at all in the city,” Marvin said, his eyes still glued to the TV. “People are making their way to the Superdome for shelter.”

“I have a bad feeling about Mona. I can’t shake it.”

“Rachel, we’ve got to remain positive. Mona is somewhere trying to figure out which outfit she’s going to wear to the Superdome.”

“Marvin, you are crazy as a bedbug, but your thought is probably not far from the truth. I can see Mona now, strutting her dreads in some cutesy style tied with a scarf that matches her outfit. I want to believe that so bad. If she would just call us!”

“I’m sure she is looking after her family. She’ll contact us after she’s taken care of business.”

“So what time are you going to work, Mr. Thomas?”

“I’ve decided to work from home today.”

“Would you like a little company? I don’t think I can concentrate on work today.”

“You would be a distraction but a nice distraction. Come on, girl, and keep me company.”

“Marvin, you know we have not…”

“We have not what, Rachel?”

“You’re going to make me say it?”

“I guess so since I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.”

“You are a big liar. I’m sure you have often wondered what it would be like to make love to me.”

“Oh, so you’ve been in the brother’s head and knows what he’s thinking. To be honest, I think about it daily—what you feel like, taste like…”

“Hold it until I get there. Don’t say another word. I feel a hurricane coming on.”

“There’s something you should know.”

Rachel’s mood changed. Every time Marvin started talking in that way somehow Denise was involved. “What is it?”

“Ohh, we’ve got a little attitude.”

“Umm,” Rachel muttered.

“All I was going to say was that I’m sitting in my bed with nothing on but my briefs. In fact, I’m flexing my six-pack. Firming them up so your mouth will hit the floor when you take this all in.”

Rachel dropped her cell phone. She laughed and laughed. She had to pull over to the curb to pick it up. When she put it back to her ear, all she heard was “Rachel, you all right…Rachel, you all right…Rachel, Rachel.” Rachel patted her chest to keep from laughing again.

“Baby, I’ll be right over. Don’t move. I’m coming.”

“You will be,” Marvin said as he hung up the phone.

Michael jumped into the water. He only had a few precious seconds to try and save Mona. She couldn’t swim.

Michael pulled himself down the stairs by holding onto the banister. The constant movement of the water made it difficult to move, but Michael was counting on finding Mona on a step fighting her way to the top. Then he was at the bottom—no Mona—and he had to come up for air.

Portraits of Mona’s family floated around him, paying tribute to the life and times of those who once lived there. Treading water, Michael screamed out Mona’s name.

Tears formed in his eyes. He didn’t want to believe that he had come all the way to New Orleans to lose the woman he loved—a woman who also was carrying his baby.

Suddenly, he heard a faint noise from somewhere close. Michael lifted his head and strained to hear above the screams of the storm. There! He thought he heard his name. Michael swam toward the sound, toward what he thought was the front door. Finally, in the gloom, he saw Mona, clinging to a ten-foot curio cabinet, afraid to move.

The cabinet was anchored to the wall. Mona held on tight, not releasing her grip even upon seeing Michael. Michael swam to her and tried to get her to put her arms around his waist, but Mona stayed fastened to the cabinet and didn’t utter another word. Michael was full of relief but knew he had to somehow get the both of them out of the house before it was too late.

R
achel tried calling Mona several more times and gave up. Mona would call soon; she was sure of it. Rachel threw Hurricane Katrina temporarily to the back of her mind and focused on the man she would find waiting for her. She raced through the streets not wanting to waste any more valuable time.

They had known each other for almost four months. For the first time in her life, Rachel was going to get it right. Yes, her relationship with Marvin had started out a little rocky and all of the kinks had not been ironed out, but her heart told her Marvin Thomas was hers for keeps. And if that meant seeing Denise through her illness, Rachel would be right there.

Marvin was the perfect gentleman. He treated her like a lady with class and style, was attentive to her needs and always doing thoughtful things. However, the one thing Rachel wanted eluded her. She should have been happy because it proved that she could love someone without the sex. But Rachel had fantasized about making love to Marvin every night of her waking day and how he would act when she threw it on him.

Rachel was a freak, but she was an educated, employed and intelligent freak. Behind closed doors, Rachel liked to satisfy and be satisfied. The sky was the limit. This was probably Rachel’s toughest assignment, but Mr. Marvin Thomas would have the experience of a lifetime when she was through.

Rachel rang the doorbell, and the door flew open.

“Whoa,” Rachel said after adjusting her eyes.

Marvin’s body was polished. He looked like a WWF wrestler with that fabulous body.

“Are you going to come in?” Marvin asked.

“Uhh, uhh, yes,” Rachel finally said, not taking her eyes away from Marvin but managing to give him her coat and purse. She straightened the thin belt that circled her crème crepe de chine shirtdress. “I feel overdressed.”

“You won’t for long. I promise you,” he said, closing the door.

Rachel fell into Marvin’s arms and found his lips. They kissed passionately where they stood oblivious of all else around them as if the mood would suddenly evaporate if they ceased. Five, ten minutes passed and they were still discovering each other with their lips, pausing for only seconds at a time to look into each other’s face and enjoy the taste of each other’s lips again.

Heat seared through their bodies. Rachel was pleased at the way Marvin touched her, felt her although not a stitch of clothing had left her body. She pawed his chest and drew lines across it in quadrants like she was sectioning off a side of beef—separating the tenderloin from the ribs in anticipation of the final meal.

Without fanfare, Marvin lifted Rachel from the floor—to her delight—and carried her up the stairs to his bedroom. He kissed and gently laid her across the bed, her dress falling and draping her like a fan.

Marvin lay next to Rachel, pressing his body close to hers. He squeezed her shoulders and pressed his lips against hers once more. Rachel wrapped her arms around Marvin’s neck and held on for dear life. She felt every groove, nook and cranny, pushing her body further into his. It felt wonderful just to lie with this man, exploring the possibilities of further exploration.

The sun peeked through the blinds, shedding light on the morning interlude. Marvin brushed Rachel’s hair with his hand, pulling it back to get a better look at her. Then he unbuckled the belt that circled her waist and unbuttoned the buttons on her dress.

Rachel lay back as Marvin kissed her neck down to the top of her breasts. He took his time and savored every moment, watching Rachel respond to his touch. Rachel squeezed the comforter with her fingers and let her head roll slowly from side to side. She was in the moment, and it wouldn’t be much longer before she unleashed her pent-up passion.

Brrng, brrng, brrng, brrng.

“Let it ring,” Marvin said between his teeth, teasing Rachel with his kisses.

Brrng, brrng, brrng, brrng. Brrng, brrng, brrng, brrng.

“Damn,” Marvin said, moving away from Rachel to retrieve his cell from the nightstand. He glanced at the number. “It’s Denise. She calls like this several times a day to talk about her illness. They must have told her I didn’t come in today.”

“She still loves you.”

“Rachel, please don’t start. Denise does not love me. I’ll agree that she does not want to see us together, but it isn’t about love. I don’t think she’s even been to see her daughter.

“Denise is feeling alone, needy—it’s her own fault. I tried to be the best husband I could be, but it wasn’t enough for her. Rachel, I wanted my marriage to work, but in a strange way, I believe God gave me an out when I wasn’t looking because he knew I deserved better. And then I found you. And I don’t want all this talk about Denise to ruin our future, because it looks pretty bright to me.”

“Marvin Thomas, I love you. God gave me a second chance, maybe a third, but I don’t want to blow it. I had already made up my mind that I would be by your side where it concerns Denise. She deserves the love the members of this group give one another. Now about my man, I’ll have to fight her on that one.”

Brrng, brrng, brrng, brrng. Brrng, brrng, brrng, brrng.

“Let me get this. I promise you a day you won’t forget. It won’t be about the sex because I will make pure love to you, Rachel.”

Rachel threw Marvin a kiss, pressing her fingers to her lips and flinging them his way. She watched as Marvin took the phone call and finally the smile evaporating from his face. He looked up, then away and ended the phone call. “Denise is on her way over.”

Rachel sighed.

“Denise is at the door. I’m going to have to be firm with her. She can’t just show up here anytime she gets ready.”

Rachel remained silent.

“Sweetheart, hand me that shirt on the chair next to you. I’m trying to be patient and do right by her, but I’ve just about had it. She is not going to dictate my life.”

“Calm down, sweetie. You’ll get through this. I’ll hang out here until she’s gone.”

“No, you’re going downstairs with me. We have nothing to hide. I’m in charge here.”

“That’s my baby. Got any aspirin? I’m getting one of my headaches.”

“We’ve got to see someone who can help you.”

“Taking charge of my life? I ain’t mad. In fact, I kinda like it, boo.”

“I kinda like it, too. Now let’s go downstairs before Denise rings the doorbell again. How about a little kiss to get me through this moment?”

“There will be a whole lot of those kisses. But here’s to the moment.”

They pecked and went downstairs.

“What took you so long?” Denise shouted when Marvin answered the door. “I’ve been standing out here waiting for almost twenty minutes.” She pushed her way in, then froze when she saw Rachel.

“Hi, Denise,” Rachel said.

“So this is what this is about. A booty call, Marvin?”

“Denise, you came to my house. What goes on here is my business.”

“I stopped by to tell Marvin that we have not heard from Mona or Michael,” Rachel explained.

“What about Mona?”

“She’s in New Orleans, and if you’ve listened to the news you know that—”

“Hurricane Katrina. Oh, my God.”

“Has Sylvia heard anything?” Marvin asked.

“No, and everyone is worried. We don’t have her parents’ number so we can’t call them, either.”

“Remember, the power is down and I believe one of the newscasters said something about no phone service, either.”

Denise sat down. “I don’t believe this.”

“Neither do we,” Rachel said. “I wish there was something I could do. I feel so helpless.”

“Why don’t you call Sylvia again?” Marvin said. “Maybe she’s heard something.”

“I’m sure she would have called with the news, but I’ll call her anyway.”

Rachel dialed Sylvia’s number while Denise and Marvin looked on. For the first time, Rachel saw compassion written in Denise’s face.
So she is capable of caring
.

“Sylvia, this is Rachel. Any word?”

“No, girl. I’m a nervous wreck. I ended up not going to work.”

“You and me both. I drove around downtown for God knows how long this morning. Then I finally called Marvin to see if he had heard anything. I knew I was grasping for straws, but I had hoped someone had heard from her.”

“Look, why don’t you and Marvin come on over? We can continue this vigil together.”

“Come over to your house? Well, Denise is here at Marvin’s and she may not feel like coming to your house.”

“I’m part of the group. I’m in,” Denise said, then began saying a prayer for Mona.

“It looks like we’ll be over. We’ll see you in a few. Don’t forget to call Claudette and Tyrone. Do you want us to bring anything?”

“Just your faith. I’ll order pizza.”

Rachel ended her call. She had faith, but it seemed as if Denise had more faith than she did. Denise was pouring her heart out to God, and all Rachel could do was listen. Rachel stood behind Denise and placed her hand on her shoulder. Marvin followed suit.

“Lord, please protect Mona and everyone else who’s been affected by Katrina,” Denise prayed. “Keep her safe from hurt, harm and danger, we pray. Amen.”

Rachel began to weep.