Chapter 12: Whiskey

 Kathy and her sisters return home where Lynn goes inside and gets dressed. Kathy and Bossier remain in the car.

 "Do you have a plan on what you want to do about Vernon?" Bossier asks and Kathy looks over at her crossing her arms.

 "Personally I want him prosecuted but this is Lynn's call." Kathy says irritably looking through the windshield.

 Lynn goes upstairs to her bedroom where Natalee is sitting on her bed.

 "I thought you were at school already." Natalee says surprised.

 "I had to handle some business. I came back to shower and change." Lynn says coolly going to the closet.

 She then grabs an outfit and heads to the bathroom. Natalee meanwhile leaves and goes downstairs to the kitchen.

 Thirty minutes later Lynn comes out of the bathroom. She's wearing a gray long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. Her hair is styled in low curly pigtails with a bang. She goes back to her bedroom and grabs her and Bossier's backpacks and heads out the door.

 When she returns to Kathy's car she gets in on the rear left passenger side. Kathy starts the engine and Lynn buckles up.

 "Are you ready to face today?" Kathy asks worried looking in the rearview mirror.

 "Yes." Lynn says boldly meeting Kathy's eyes before the car starts moving.

 Dante is standing outside looking up at the sky. He's wearing a white jean jacket, a pink turtleneck, white jeans and a pair of pink alligator skin cowboy boots. Inside his belt loops is a pink belt with a longhorn buckle. His hair is styled in its usual bouffant. His lower eyelids are covered in black eyeliner and his upper ones are decorated in pink eye shadow.

 While gazing Delorian and Yorkshire approach him from behind.

 Delorian is wearing his football jersey with a pair of blue jeans,  his letterman jacket and white tennis shoes. Yorkshire is wearing his jersey and letterman jacket and a pair of gray jeans and black tennis shoes. Yorkshire and Delorian look at each other grinning before looking at Dante.

 "You aren't supposed to come back until tomorrow. You need to leave my school and do it now." Delorian says smugly making Dante turn around and stare into his eyes.

 "I'm not going anywhere. If anyone should be leaving it's the two of you. I'm not your regular homosexual. Of course you saw how I handled you without dirtying my nail polish. Now if you'd like to keep whatever social respect you guys have left I suggest you leave." Dante says calmly looking between them with his hands resting on his hips.

 Delorian laughs at him and Yorkshire follows suit.

 "You have a lot of balls talking to Delorian like that. If you knew who you were talking to you'd run off and find some children to recruit to your perverse sex cult." Yorkshire says admonishingly getting Dante's attention.

 "You know it's always the ones you least expect. You know onr of my favorite alcoholic beverages is whiskey. Of course I don't drink it. However I there are two things I love about it. One is the look. It's brown and it looks fabulously expensive and rightfully so. The second thing I love about it is it's smell. When it hits the shot glass not everyone in the room can handle it. I said all that to say I have a bottle of whiskey and if you're not careful it will be spilled. Now if you two neanderthals will excuse me school will be starting soon and I don't want to be late." Dante says smoothly before walking between them.

 They look back in his direction speechless and curious.

 "What do you think he meant by that?" Yorkshire asks confused.

 "I have no idea nor does it matter. What I have in store for him he won't be able to hold a candle to." Delorian says unfazed before they head back inside.

 Kathy is sitting with Tiffany and Algier at a table near the window. Tiffany is wearing a short-sleeve peach shirt, a white leather coat, white leather pants and a pair of peach tennis shoes. Her hair is pulled back into a low ponytail. In her ears are white mod style earrings. Her face is void of makeup.

 Algier is wearing a olive green sweater vest, a white long sleeve business shirt, a beige bow tie, beige khaki pants and olive green dress shoes with beige trim. Algier takes Kathy's hands into his.

 "Sunflower is everything okay? You've been quiet ever since we got here." Algier says observantly with worry.

 "It's just things are happening at home. It's nothing I can't handle." Kathy says confidently flashing a grin at him.

 "Is it that damn Galleria? Because of it is I'll gladly put a groove in her motherfucking face." Tiffany says protectively looking Kathy in her eyes.

 "It is her but I can handle her I promise." Kathy says with her confidence still intact.

 Algier and Tiffany decide against prying further.

 "I went to see Mama last night." Tiffany says getting Kathy's attention whose eyes light up.

 "How is she doing?" Kathy asks enthusiastically.

 "She's awake and cognitive so that's progress. Hopefully she comes home soon so we can start paying this damn medical bill. We all know St. Victoria doesn't want help us Negroes get better and be successful." Tiffany says annoyed looking off into the distance.

 "It's a hospital. They can't refuse service to anyone no matter their skin color." Algier says naively making Tiffany chuckle.

 "Let me tell you something Algier. Your parents are wealthy so they can afford to go to any hospital they want. They have a smidge of respect for them because of their social standing. If anything they see you as nothing more than someone who was smart enough to rub two nickels together and make a fortune. Other than that you're still a colored Negro in their eyes. Sorry to snap your potato chip but these are poor peoples problems. You will never understand financial strife or hardship." Tiffany says looking Algier in his gray orbs.

 Before Algier can respond the bell rings and the students pour into the hallway. As Dante is walking down the hallway Principal Sumpter approaches him. He is wearing a gray suit, a white business shirt, a black tie and black dress shoes.

 "Dante, I thought I made it perfectly clear that you were suspended until Friday." Principal Sumpter says authoritatively with his hands in his pockets.

 "You did but my father told me to return to school. Anything he says when it comes to my education is law. You'll have to take it up with him." Dante says coolly holding his backpack straps.

 "You need to go home. Your suspension isn't over until Friday." Principal Sumpter says coolly and Dante nods his head.

 "Those jerks are still here and that's not the worst part. You are our guardian while we're here and yet you allowed one of your students to be harassed and did absolutely nothing. You don't deserve your salary, pension or your position. Even more you don't deserve to be employed in the education sector. All you care about is yourself and what others think of you. You enjoy the rest of your day Principal Sumpter." Dante says with sass before walking passed him.

 Principal Sumpter looks back in Dante's direction and huffs walking off.

 Elizabeth and Laurent return to Duchess Cane Hospital and head inside. While on the elevator Laurent looks down at Elizabeth's right hand. In it is a brown leather duffle bag with peach Japanese writing. On top are two peach straps. In her left hand is a white clothes bag. On her index and middle fingers is a metal hanger.

 "I see you grabbed her favorite duffle bag." Laurent comments observantly getting Elizabeth's attention.

 "Oh yes. I remember like it was yesterday. It was ten years ago and it was her forty-seventh birthday party. I worked my regular shift and afterwards I went to my car and got three large wrapped gifts. When I gave it to her she couldn't believe it. She hugged me and cried. She thanked me and gave me my six month salary increase. It was a good thing my bills and college tuition had been paid because the luggage set cost me my monthly income. But even still I never regretted buying any of it. Ms. Jensen is such a sweet woman who deserves the world. Especially after everything she went through raising her children." Elizabeth says sadly looking down at the floor.

 When they get to Ida's floor they go down to her room. Laurent knocks on the door.

 "Come in." Ida says and he opens the door and they head inside.

 When Ida sees them, a relieved smile appears on her face.

 "I see you brought my favorite duffle bag." Ida says laments looking down at the bag.

 "Yes ma'am I did. I also brought you a pants suit like you requested." Elizabeth says with pride going to set the items on the bed.

 "Thank you so much Elizabeth. You can have the rest of the day off. The house won't become that dusty just because of one missed day of dusting." Ida says as Laurent goes and sets her keys on the nightstand.

 "Well I'm going to go and shower. I will be out in an hour." Ida says getting out of bed and grabbing the duffle bag and pants suit.

 Once she's in the bathroom Laurent and Elizabeth look at each other.

 "I have to be at work at nine. Can you please give me a ride back to Grandma's house so I can have my car?" Laurent asks and Elizabeth smiles.

 "Sure." Elizabeth says sweetly and Laurent goes to the bathroom door and knocks.

 "Hey Grandma Elizabeth is going to give me a ride home to your house to pick up my car. I'll see you this weekend. I love you." Laurent says affectionately.

 "Okay I'll see you Saturday. I love you too darling." Ida says with equal affection before the shower starts.

 Laurent looks back at Elizabeth smiling before they leave.

 Over at Lady Alpha Middle School Bossier and Tron are in class listening to a lecture.

 "Hey Bos are we still on for Saturday night?" Tron whispers leaning over.

 Bossier is deep in thought about Lynn. Her arms are resting on her desk.

 "Hey Bossier are you okay? Bossier?" Tron whispers tearing her away from her thoughts.

 "Huh?" Bossier whispers looking over at him.

 "You like you're worried about something." Tron says concerned.

 "Oh, I'm fine and yes we're still on for Saturday. I need an outing after how this week is turning out." Bossier sighs.

 "I completely understand." Tron whispers back.

 The remainder of class is silent between them.

 Lynn is sitting in class with a smile on her face.

 'I'm so grateful that Bossier heard my cry for help. I'm also relieved Dr. Lewis didn't find any semen inside of me. Having a child right now is a death wish.' Lynn thinks, shaking her head before looking up at the chalkboard.

 Vernon is in his office reading over his newly attained case. But his focus is elsewhere.

 "I have to do something about those damn pests. Bossier is very problematic, Lynn will talk and Kathy's anger is unmatched when pushed. But if this goes to trial I'll be able to represent myself and get off." Vernon says looking out the window.

 Ida comes out of the bathroom. She is wearing a burgundy pants suit. The sleeves have slits that begin at the shoulder and extend all the way down. Underneath the blazer is a black silk blouse. On her feet is a pair of black suede pointed toe stilettos. Her hair is styled in layered flips. Her face is made up with soft powder, black eye shadow, black eyeliner and burgundy lipstick.

 In her ears are rhombus style ruby earrings. Around her neck is a ruby necklace. The pants are loose fitting. Ida goes and sits down on her bed and grabs her keys and puts them in her right pocket.

 Moments later a knock comes on the door and it opens. In walks a nurse with a wheelchair. The nurse has fair skin with short dark brown hair. Her eyes are light brown. She's wearing a white short sleeve dress, white stockings and a pair of white tennis shoes. On her head is a white hat with a red cross. The wheelchair has a  black leather backrest with a matching cushion. She pushes the wheelchair over to Ida smiling warmly.

 "Good morning Ms. Jensen I'm here to escort you downstairs to the pick-up area." the nurse says stopping in front of her and locking the wheels.

 "Alright. Let's get going then." Ida beams and gets into the wheelchair.

 When they get on the elevator a comfortable silence falls on the elevator car.

 "I heard about all of your philanthropy in Florida as well as here. I have to say I have nothing but admiration and respect for you. It must be really hard being of mixed race trying to maintain respect." the nurse says coolly looking at the elevator doors.

 "Why thank you and it is true. Being mixed race trying to maintain respect is extremely difficult. I honestly believe that's one battle I'm not sure I'll live to see to the end. But I eternally appreciate your admiration and respect." Ida says happily as the elevator dings and stops.

 When the doors open the nurse wheels Ida out to the parking lot.

 "There's my car right over there." Ida says pointing in its direction.

 After being wheeled to her car Ida gets out of her wheelchair and gets her keys. She unlocks the driver door and opens it. She looks over at the nurse in seriousness.

 "You look very young dear. You're young enough to not be set in what you're doing. Always remember that life is full of opportunities. But with opportunities come attempted derailments and naysayers. Do your best to overcome both and continue pursuing your dream. Thank you for your public service. Even if you never hear this again I want you to know that I appreciate you. You enjoy the rest of your day." Ida says kindly before getting in her car.

 The nurse has tears in her eyes as she backs away. Once Ida's gone the nurse returns to the hospital.

 Galleria is in English class sitting across from Linda. Galleria is wearing a long sleeve gray sweater dress with black flat leather boots. On her head is a black beret. Her hair is straightened. She is wearing light powder, gray eyeshadow, black eyeliner and lip gloss. In her ears are diamond studs.

 Linda is wearing a nude long sleeve top, white jeans and flat peach shoes. Her hair is styled in a large flip with a white headband. Her only makeup accessories are black eyeliner and lip gloss. On her left wrist is a gold watch.

 "So how much trouble did Natalee get in?" Linda inquires looking over at Galleria.

 "My mother beat her ass so good. It'll teach her to never disrespect me again." Galleria says arrogantly pushing some hair behind her right shoulder.

 "She didn't deserve that. You weren't even sure she did it. You need to apologize to her." Linda says seriously making Galleria snap her head in Linda's direction.

 "Whose side are you on, hers or mine?!" Galleria asks furiously.

 "You know you're my best friend but I'm not going to stand by you when you're wrong." Linda retorts looking Galleria in her eyes.

 "Well regardless I'm standing by what I said. Natalee is guilty." Galleria says unapologetically before giving her attention back to her textbook.

 Linda shakes her head shamefully before looking back down at her textbook.

 The morning passes like a mist and it's lunchtime. All of the students are in the cafeteria. Kathy is sitting with Algier and Tiffany outside. On her tray is a fish sandwich, French fries, mixed fruit cocktail and a can of lemon lime soda. Algier has a chicken salad and diet cola. Tiffany has chicken strips, shoestring French fries and pineapple soda.

 "Guys I'll be right back I need to speak with Mr. Lancaster." Kathy says softly looking between Algier and Tiffany and leaving.

 "I'm worried about her." Algier says concerned looking in Kathy's direction.

 "Kathy's a strong girl. When she's ready she'll open up. All she needs from you right now is to trust her." Tiffany says in a supportive tone before biting into one of her chicken strips.

 Algier glances at Tiffany before looking down at his salad.

 Dante is in the administration office. He is standing at the reception desk. The receptionist is wearing a light green business shirt, black slacks and black dress shoes.

 "Can I help you Mr. McFarlin?" the receptionist asks curiously.

 "I need to call my father. May I use your phone please?" Dante asks politely.

 "Most certainly." the receptionist says placing the telephone on the countertop.

 Dante picks up the telephone and dials his father's landline. After two rings the line picks up.

 "This is the McFarlin residence, Grace speaking." Grace says formally.

 "Good afternoon Mother it's Dante. Is Daddy at home with you right now?" Dante asks looking down at the countertop.

 "Yes he is. Is everything okay there?" Grace asks concerned.

 "Yes ma'am. It's about Principal Sumpter." Dante says simply.

 "Okay sweetheart, hold for one moment." Grace says before placing the telephone down.

 When it's picked up breathing is heard on the other end.

 "Dante? Is everything okay?" Salvatore asks curiously.

 "It's Principal Sumpter. This morning he told me to go home but I resumed school and waited for lunch to call you." Dante explains.

 "What do you want to do?" Salvatore asks.

 "I mean I have my assignments at home. It's not like I'll be missing anything if I'm absent." Dante says looking up at the ceiling.

 "Okay. Well you come on home. I'll speak with Principal Sumpter." Salvatore says reassuringly making Dante smile.

 "Alright. I'll see you soon. Goodbye" Salvatore says before hanging up.

 Dante hangs up the telephone.

 "Thank you for letting me use the telephone. You enjoy the remainder of your day." Dante says before walking out.

 Natalee is finishing posting a picture above Lynn's bed. There are two pictures. On the right is Galleria and on the right is Letha. The picture depicts Galleria standing on a stage in front of red curtains. Her hair is coiffed in a bouffant. She is sporting powder, blue eyeshadow and lip gloss. She is wearing a light blue evening gown with white elbow length gloves.

 Resting on her right shoulder is a white sash that says Miss Wolf Colony in blue cursive. On her head is a silver brown with a garnet in the center. She is holding a small silver royal rod with a garnet in the center. She is smiling arrogantly with her white teeth on display.

 Letha's picture shows her wearing a one sleeve black dress with black and clear high heels in the late forties. Her hands are resting on her hips and she's wearing a smoldering expression. Her hair is styled in victory rolls with a bang. Her left foot is crossing her right.

 Natalee looks disgustedly between the pictures before going to the closet. When she returns she has a rectangular black box in her hand. She sets it on the lower bunk and unlocks it. Inside it are red darts. Natalee grabs four. She turns around and looks at the picture of Galleria. Instantly the recent incident from school replays in her mind. Natalee's nostrils begin flaring as a maniacal smile spreads across her lips.

 "You mean, narcissistic bitch!" Natalee screams while sobbing while throwing two darts at Galleria's picture.

 She then grabs two more darts and looks at Letha's picture.

 "And you. You gave birth to me and you don't care about me. You let that vacuum hose mistreat me and lie on me. Then you don't even ask me what happened. You just proceeded to beat me. Well bitch you're going to meet Regina very soon.  Both of you will." Natalee growls before throwing the darts at Letha's picture.

 Afterwards Natalee goes downstairs to the kitchen. She grabs a knife and returns to her bedroom.

Kathy enters the girl’s restroom and goes to the last stall. It is also the largest. All of the stall doors are purple with silver metal handles and locks. Kathy begins crying. She screams while punching the wooden stall wall. Shen then leans against the opposite wall and slides down hugging herself.

 "I'm so sorry Natalee and Lynn. I wish I had known sooner what was going on. If I did then none of this would be happening. Please forgive me." Kathy sobs looking up at the ceiling.

 Dante is driving down the street in silence. He is thinking about Delorian and Yorkshire. He then replays the bathroom incident in his head making him chuckle.

 "They weren't triggered, they're uncomfortable. They have something going on within themselves and they tried to make me their target. No matter the reason they shouldn't have attacked me." Dante says coming to a stop.

 Ida is in the parlor room working on a crossword puzzle. She then sets it in her lap and picks up the telephone. She dials a number and places the receiver to her ear. After two rings the line picks up.

 "Good afternoon Dr. Jensen this is Ida Jensen." Ida says formally making the person on the opposite end laugh wholeheartedly.

 "Mother you don't have to be so formal with me. I'm still your son Salem." Salem says happily in a strong Kentucky accent.

 "True but you still have an office to run. I don't expect to be treated any differently because of our relationship." Ida says smoothly leaning back into her chair and crossing her left leg.

 "You're right and you've been that way since I began my private practice. So, what can I do for you?" Salem asks curiously.

 "One of my granddaughters is acting out of sorts. She told me that she hears voices. She has agreed to meet with you." Ida explains and the line falls silent.

 "Are her parents aware of this?" Salem inquires.

 "You know Letha is all about reputation and climbing the socioeconomic ladder. If she learned any of her children were mentally deficient, she'd institutionalize and disown them." Ida says disgusted and annoyed.

 "Those poor children. Well, I won't be able to see her until mid-December. If someone cancels, I will call you and give her their appointment. How does that sound?" Salem asks happily.

 "Splendid. We'll be seeing you next month. I'm so proud of you son. I love you." Ida says affectionately.

 "Thank you Mother and I love you too. I'll see you in December. Goodbye." Salem beams before the line hangs up.

 Ida hangs up her telephone and resumes working on her crossword puzzle.

 Kathy gets up off the floor and leaves the stall. She walks to the last sink and washes her hands. When she finishes she cleans her face. She sniffles one final time before mustering a smile and leaving the restroom. When she returns to the table Algier and Tiffany look at her concerned.

 "Are you alright Sunflower?" Algier asks softly.

 "I will be." Kathy says coolly smiling at him before pecking him.

 Tiffany looks over at Kathy in silent concern. The trio then resumes eating their lunch.

 Galleria approaches Delorian, Yorkshire and some other football players.

 "Hey Delorian the homecoming dance is Saturday and I wanted to know if you'd go with me?" Galleria asks confidently, silencing the other athletes.

 "I'm sorry Galleria but I'm going with someone else." Delorian says smugly.

"If you don't mind me asking, who are you going with?" Galleria inquires shocked  with jealousy on the forefront of her tone.

 "Someone no one would expect. Honestly I'm glad that person isn't you.." Delorian says harshly before turning around.

 Galleria stands there shocked before turning around and storming off.

When Galleria returns to her table Linda looks at her concerned. Linda is wearing a dark green long sleeve silk blouse, a white pencil skirt and flat white shoes. Her hair is styled in a low curly ponytail that's sitting on her left shoulder. She has a swoop covering the left side of her forehead. Her face is made up with dark green eyeshadow and lip gloss.

 "What happened?" Linda asks curiously as Galleria sits down next to her.

 "I asked Delorian out to homecoming and he told me that he's taking someone else. He then added salt to the wound by saying that someone wasn't me." Galleria explains bitterly.

 "What a jerk. Well you don't need him to have a good time. We can go together." Linda suggests and Galleria looks at her in disbelief.

 "Lin no offense but this homecoming. This is the second most important social event of the school year after prom. Pictures will be taken, memories will be made and gossip will be spread. I know people dislike me for my beauty and honesty. I want good gossip especially about this event." Galleria says seriously clenching her fists.

 Linda places her right hand on Galleria's left shoulder comfortingly.

 "Everything is going to be okay Gal." Linda says in a supportive tone squeezing Galleria's shoulder.

 Letha goes to Fletcher's office and knocks on the door.

 "Come in." Fletcher says and Letha walks in and closes the door.

 "Hey Letha what can I do for you?" Fletcher asks happily from his chair.

 "I know I said I would take the position but are you sure I'm right for it?" Letha asks with uncertainty.

 "Absolutely. You've been here for eight years. You work the closest to me besides my former Vice CEO. Also, I think it's time for a woman to be in a position of power." Fletcher explains seriously.

 "And you're positive this has nothing to do with my skin color?" Letha asks coolly and Fletcher gets up and walks to the front of his desk. He leans against it and folds his arms smiling.

 "That's just a groovy plus." Fletcher beams smoothly before walking over to her and cupping her face.

 "What are you doing sir?" Letha asks startled.

 "I've wanted you since January of 1964 and all of my flirtations were thwarted." Fletcher says dejectedly.

 "That's because I'm married.' Letha says proudly looking him in his eyes and Fletcher removes his hands and backs away.

 "Well I'm going to have to rescind my offer." Fletcher says coolly going back to his chair and sitting down.

 "Why? Is it because I'm married?" Letha asks confused while crossing her arms.

 "No. It's because of my feelings for you. If there's distance between us then I can emotionally move on. But what I will do is increase your annual salary of seventy-five thousand dollars by twenty thousand. At least you can be even more comfortable than you already are." Fletcher says and Letha looks at him in disbelief.

 "Thank you so much Mr. Whitestone. I really appreciate it." Letha says and Fletcher nods his head.

 "You deserve it. Are there any other questions I can answer for you?" Fletcher asks moving towards his desk.

 "No sir that's all. Thank you. I'll head back to my office now." Letha says happily before leaving.

 Fletcher turns around and looks out at the cityscape smiling weakly.

 Kathy arrives at Mr. Lancaster's classroom five minutes early. Mr. Lancaster is standing at the window with his hands in his pockets. Kathy exhales heavily before walking over.

 "Hey Mr. Lancaster may speak with you privately?" Kathy asks softly clutching her backpack straps.

 "Absolutely. What's going on?" Mr. Lancaster asks concerned.

 "My youngest sister is being sexually assaulted by my mother's husband. I was wondering if you knew of an attorney that could help." Kathy says as tears escape her eyes.