Chapter 13: This Old Broad

 Mr. Lancaster looks at her in disbelief as tears blur his vision.

 Mr. Lancaster looks at her with tears in his eyes. "I'm so sorry that your sister is enduring that hardship. As for an attorney I know of a stellar one that will do it Pro Bono." Mr. Lancaster reassures making Kathy smile tearfully and hug him which he returns.

 "You're welcome. Any time one of my students is in trouble and I can help, know that I always will." Mr. Lancaster says seriously before they separate.

 "Do you know how soon we'll be able to meet them?" Kathy asks curiously wiping her eyes. says seriously before they separate.

 Kathy goes and takes her seat as the other students begin filling the classroom.

 At two fifteen Lady Alpha dismisses and all of the students walk out the entry doors. Lynn is walking next to Bossier. She has her right arm linked to Bossier's left. Tron is on Bossier's right holding his backpack straps.

 "Well tomorrow is casting day. I'm sure you and I will nab the lead roles." Tron says confidently pumping his fists in the air.

 Bossier smiles weakly at him before giving her attention back to her front view. When they make it to Tron's street Tron hugs Bossier which she returns.

 "I'll see you tomorrow Bos." Tron says before separating.

 As he crosses the street he looks back at her waving. Bossier waves back and the two resume their walk. When they reach their street they don't see Kathy and Tiffany and start walking home. When they arrive they head upstairs to their bedroom where Natalee is sitting on Lynn's bed.

 She is wearing a sleeveless red top, blue jeans and red leather go-go boots. Her hair is combed back and the rest sprouts into an Afro. Her fingernails are painted gray. They look at Bossier's bed and see the black box. They turn their attention to the pictures above Lynn's bed. They then look at each other concerned and then at Natalee.

 "Nat what did you do today?" Bossier asks worriedly as she and Lynn slowly enter the bedroom.

 "I just found some photographs of that weasel Galleria and that evil bitch mother of ours and had some fun." Natalee says in a low maniacal tone looking at Bossier.

 "Prized pictures. Mother is going to kill you. You should put them back right now!" Lynn warns.

 "Why should I? Galleria lied on me and didn't have any proof and Mother… the deep dried out bloody bruises on my back keep reminding me not to give a damn. Mother brought me into this world and to top it off I…" Natalee stops herself and leaves the bedroom.

 Bossier and Lynn look at each other before going to take down the pictures and remove the darts.

 Kathy and Tiffany are standing on the sidewalk with Algier.

 "It's only two more days until the big night. I can't wait for us to spend some real quality time together." Algier says cupping Kathy's face.

 "Neither can I. I hope your parents approve of me." Kathy says nervously looking away from him.

 Algier places his right index finger under her chin and turns it back towards him smiling.

 "They will. I promise. I'll see you tomorrow Sunflower." Algier says before kissing her chastely which she returns.

 When they separate they gaze into each other's about to lean in once again when Tiffany clears her throat getting their attention.

 "I'd like to go home before I'm sixty-six!" Tiffany half jokes making them laugh.

 "Before you go let me show you my car." Kathy says and takes Algier by the hand they walk across the parking lot with Tiffany in tow.

 When they get there Algier is speeches. He looks between Kathy and the car unsure of what to say.

 "Do you like it?" Kathy asks curiously breaking the silence.

 "I love it! This is a car that only the wealthy can afford. You really are determined and charismatic. I'm so proud of you." Algier says before hugging her.

 When they separate Algier walks to his car and gets in. After he's gone Delorian approaches them.

 "Hey Delorian what can we do for you?" Kathy asks cautiously.

 "Tiffany, will you go to homecoming with me?" Delorian asks shocking both females.

 "I mean I didn't plan on going with anyone but what the hell. Yeah I'll go with you." Tiffany says coolly folding her arms.

 "Groovy. I'll pick you up at seven forty-five on Saturday." Delorian says excitedly before walking away.

 "That was unexpected. I thought he would be going with Galleria. Hmm I guess there's a first time for everything." Kathy comments looking in Delorian's direction.

 Tiffany meanwhile is watching Delorian curiously as he gets into his car.

 "Come on Tiff let's get on home. I'm sure your father and my sister are worried sick about us." Kathy says and they get into her car.

 Laurent is at work in his office. His office is on the second floor. It consists of six rectangular windows that overlook the car lot. His desk is in the middle. It has four black metal legs with a thick gray marble countertop. His executive chair is black leather with leather armrests. On his desk is a gold nameplate with his title and name, a black desk lamp, a black telephone and a picture of him and Ida.

 Behind him on the wall hang certificates, passed state inspections and his college degree. Laurent is behind his desk working on a document when his telephone rings. After the second ring Laurent answers.

 "Thank you for calling Black Lynx, this is CEO Laurent Jensen speaking." Laurent says formally looking through the window.

 "Good afternoon Laurent it's your grandmother. I was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner this evening." Ida says and Laurent leans back in his chair playfully scratching his chin.

"Oh come on Laurent. It's been a while since we spent some quality time together. I'll cook all of your favorites." Ida says making Laurent smile happily.

 "You know I'm never too busy for you or your cooking. When I get off work I'll go home and get changed and come over." Laurent says sweetly.

 "Alright I'll see you tonight at seven." Ida says finalizing things.

 "Okay I'll see you then. I love you." Laurent says affectionately.

 "I'll see you then and I love you too." Ida says before hanging up.

 Laurent then resumes working on the document.

 Kathy is driving down the street and stops at the stop sign.

 "So how are you feeling about going to homecoming with Delorian Porter?" Kathy asks before taking off again.

 "Confused. I mean I don't think I'm the ugliest girl at school but Galleria is more of his type." Tiffany says seriously looking out the window with her arms crossed.

 "Delorian looks like the type of guy that will sleep with anything with a hole that can urinate." Kathy comments making Tiffany snort.

 A few minutes later Kathy pulls into Tiffany's driveway and puts it in park. She then looks over at Tiffany smiling.

 "Now we both have dates for homecoming. Hopefully Delorian doesn't screw it up." Kathy sighs.

 "He's a jock. I'm just waiting for another girl to be waiting for him at homecoming with open legs." Tiffany says unfazed looking over at Kathy.

 "Are you sure you want to go with him?" Kathy asks curiously.

 "I wanted to give myself a chance and open up to new possibilities. Something tells me I'm going to get bit in my ass. If it happens I won't be surprised. Delorian is all about reputation as is Galleria. They should have gone together. Anyway I can't wait for you to see my dress. I'll see you tomorrow." Tiffany says before getting out of the car and closing the door.

 Once she's inside Kathy backs out of the driveway and heads down the street.

 Mr. Lancaster drives up a pathway leading to a two story gray and white brick Greek Revival mansion. The driveway is horseshoe style with a statue of a woman wearing a toga and holding an infant in the center. There is water spouting towards the statue. The mansion's front is complete with six Corinthian columns, a five bay facade and pedimented entablature. The four windows each have black casing. Also on the porch are two white benches with gray cushioning. The front door has six panels and a dark gold doorknob.

 Mr. Lancaster pulls in front of the mansion and turns off the engine. He removes his key and exits the car. He walks around and looks at the mansion smiling happy and relieved before heading onto the porch. He unlocks the door and heads inside. The foyer has two cherry wood benches on both sides with burgundy cushioning. Hanging above is a large diamond chandelier. The flooring is marble with a gloss finish.

 Hanging on the walls are oil paintings of male and female African-American and European law officials of the nineteenth century United States.

Going right will lead to the dining room and kitchen. The dining room is replete with a mahogany dining room table with cabriole legs. The eight chairs also have cabriole legs. On the table are swamp green placemats, silverware and empty wine glasses. The silverware is wrapped inside a thick white napkin.

 The kitchen is u shaped with granite countertops. The cabinets are white with diamond oval knobs. The appliances are all black with chrome knobs and handles. In the middle of the kitchen is an island counter.

 Leaving west out of the kitchen leads to a hallway. Down this hallway is the study. Walking to the end of the hallway leads back to the foyer. The cherry wood grand staircase starts off against the wall and starts swinging halfway. Turning left leads to the living room. The living room is furnished with antebellum furniture.

 The couch and loveseat are cream with cherry wood trim. They are sitting on the hardwood floor facing each other. On the outside are two chairs that are cream with cherry wood trim. In the middle of the furniture stands an oval shaped cherry wood coffee table. Hanging on the walls are oil paintings of baby angels playing harps and gardens. Hanging above the white fireplace is a gold framed oil painting of Mr. Lancaster and his wife Savannah. It depicts Mr. Lancaster in a black tuxedo. Savannah has fair skin with shoulder length ginger hair and blue eyes.

 She is wearing a beige fitted gown with rhinestones adorning the breast area. Her hair is styled in a beehive with a swoop. Her face is made up with powder, dark brown eyeshadow and bronze lipstick. Mr. Lancaster is standing behind her with his hands in hers smiling lovingly.

 The two windows are decorated in vanilla colored drapes and are separated by gold hooks. Mr. Lancaster is standing in the foyer looking around like it's his first time.

 "Good evening Todd." Savannah says in a southwestern Alabama accent getting Todd's attention.

 Todd looks to the staircase to see Savannah descending it elegantly while holding the handrail. She is wearing a sleeveless floral print dress with white stilettos. Her hair is styled in a bouffant with a swoop. Around her neck is a pearl necklace. Her face is made up with powder, teal eyeshadow and lip gloss. Her ears are void of earrings.

 When she gets in his vicinity she hugs him which he happily returns. After kissing chastely they separate.

 "Savannah I need your help. One of my students is having a serious family issue that requires legal counsel." Todd says seriously and Savannah's smile dissolves instantly.

 "Not a problem. We can meet at Lilly's Coffee Cafe Saturday morning at ten. I'll do it Pro Bono." Savannah says sweetly finalizing things.

 "Thank you so much Sav. I'm going to head upstairs and get changed." Todd says before kissing her and going upstairs.

 Savannah looks around the foyer before walking into the dining room.

 Kathy is in the kitchen placing cinnamon rolls in the oven Bossier enters.

 "I was wondering when you would come home." Bossier says getting Kathy's attention.

 "Hey Bo and yeah I almost didn't." Kathy half jokes going to wash her hands.

 When she finishes she walks over to Bossier and they head outside to the porch. They sit down on the left side.

 "So what's going on?" Kathy asks curiously clasping her hands together.

 "It's Natalee. When Lynn and I came home we saw her dressed up a little bit. She was wearing lipstick and nail polish. To make things even weirder there were darts in Galleria and Mother's favorite pictures. Kat, I'm worried about her." Bossier says worriedly surprising Kathy.

 "Since when did you become the worrywart?" Kathy asks jokingly.

 "Kathy I'm serious. Natalee had a strange look in her eyes. I've never seen it before." Bossier says seriously.

 "I know I was just trying to lighten the mood. Not to worry Grandmother will take care of her. She has far more reach to get Natalee the help she needs. Right now we have to make sure Lynn is okay." Kathy says coolly taking Bossier's hand into hers and squeezes it.

 Moments later they head back inside. Lynn meanwhile is in Kathy's bedroom with the telephone on her ear. After two rings the line picks up.

 "This is Ida Jensen speaking." Ida says formally.

 "Hey Grandma it's Lynn. I need to tell you something." Lynn sobs clutching the telephone.

 "What is it dear?" Ida asks concerned.

 "D-Daddy Vernon has been touching me for a long time and this morning he forced himself inside of me." Lynn reveals and the line goes silent momentarily.

 "He did what?! How long has this been transpiring?" Ida asks enraged.

 "For the past six years. I haven't said anything until now because he threatened to kill me." Lynn says terrified looking down at the floor trembling.

 "I'm sincerely sorry sweetheart. Grandmother is going to take care of this once and for all. Where is he right now?" Ida asks fuming.

 "He's at work. He gets off at five o'clock." Lynn says sniffling.

 "Okay. Don't cry anymore baby. That man is nothing to cry over, trust me. All I ask is that you stay close to Kathy and Bossier. I will see you Saturday afternoon at one. I love you." Ida says affectionately in a cracking voice.

 "I love you too. See you Saturday." Lynn says before hanging up.

When they enter Kathy's bedroom they see Lynn sitting at the table. They walk over to her and stand on both sides of her..

 "I just got off the phone with Grandma. I told her about what Daddy Vernon has been doing to me. She told me she would handle it and to stay close to you Kathy." Lynn says looking over at Kathy.

 "Good. I spoke to my English and mathematics teacher Mr. Lancaster. He told me he knows of a lawyer who will help us Pro Bono." Kathy says and Lynn's eyes light up.

 "That's wonderful! Hopefully this nightmare will be over soon." Lynn sighs relieved.

 Bossier and Kathy hug her and tears escape Lynn's eyes.

 At five o'clock Ida pulls into the parking lot of Gauger and Brody. Ida gets out of her car and shuts the door. She is wearing a gray sweat suit and a pair of white tennis shoes. Her face is void of makeup. Her face is scrunched in fury. She goes inside to the reception desk and sees it's vacant. She goes to the elevator and heads up to the tenth floor. When she gets there she goes to Vernon's office.

 Vernon is standing behind his desk snapping his briefcase when the door opens. When he sees Ida he sighs annoyed. Ida looks at him icily with her fists clenched.

 "This old broad." Vernon whispers looking down at the floor.