10

Lela pulled her Mazda 6 into the parking lot of Northeast Church of Christ. She and Kenya arrived as the 10 a.m. Worship service began. Kenya planned to be in attendance for Sunday morning Bible study but Lela hit snooze and of course didnt wake Kenya. On top of that Lela didnt have food to make breakfast so she made a stop at McDonalds. Kenya skipped it all together because she didnt want to pack on the unnecessary calories. Lela parked and checked her hair and make-up in her visor mirror. Come on gal! You already made me miss Bible study. Im not trying to be late for Worship, Kenya said. Shut up. Were here on time, Lela said, checking her make-up. Barely. Kenya stepped out of the car and straightened her black sheath dress. She waved to a few of the members entering the worship building. Lela finally got out of her car and followed Kenya to the building. Kenya and her family had been members of Northeast Church of Christ since she was five. It was like a home away from home. It was a mid-size congregation with a sprinkle of members of all ages and had a high percentage of single women, which was the norm in the Black church. If you were a man looking for a spouse, this was the place to be. When Kenya first returned to Houston, she was too afraid to step foot in the building because she hadnt been in fellowship the entire relationship with Josh but Adonis encouraged her to move forward. To her surprise she was welcomed back with opened arms. Kenya was still a work in progress but she was growing in faith each day. God was the first step in healing but Kenya was still trying to find her footing in her life. Do I look okay, Lela asked Kenya as she adjusted her form-fitting black and white pencil skirt. Youre fine. Come on. Lela and Kenya entered the Worship hall and the congregation was already singing Close to Thee. Kenya shot daggers at Lela and she gave her an apologetic smile. She hated walking in late because the older members gave you the why were you late look. Kenya walked into the main hall with Lela behind her and sure enough all eyes on them. The older sisters gave scolding glares and then replaced them with welcoming smiles. Kenya spotted Gayle, Nikki, Ashley and Janelle in their usual pew and sat next to her mother. Gayle waved to Lela and patted her daughters knee. Why were you late? Gayle whispered to Kenya. Lelas alarm is defective. Dont you have one on your cell phone? Yeah but I trusted Lelas, which I wont be doing again. But Im here so its all good.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

Mmm-hmm. Kenya settled in and joined in the congregational singing and relaxed. Sunday mornings were always on her things she loved list. But there was another reason for her good mood. Lawrence visited her dreams last night as her Prince Charming. It was nothing erotic but romantic. Kenya wasnt the romance type so it was a surprise that was in her subconscious. They were on a moonlit beach, draped in white and he held her in his arms. She felt so safe and wanted. He was about to tell her something but the second alarm woke her. God was revealing Corpus Christi was looking to be great idea. After another ten minutes of Adonis leading devotion, a fifty minute sermon on loving thy neighbor, Communion, Offering and announcements, the congregation piled out at the conclusion of service for a moment of fellowship. Kenya used the opportunity to transfer her overnight bag from Lelas car to her Gayles Chrysler Town & Country. She placed the bag in the trunk and she heard a familiar voice sing out her name, an annoying voice: Ishmaels voice. Kenya sighed and slowly turned to him with a fake smile. Sister Kenya, how are you? Ishmael said, reaching for a hug. Kenya reluctantly accepted the hug and swore she felt him touch her behind. Hi Ishmael. I didnt see you in class this morning. I thought you might have been sick or something. No, Im fine. Indeed you areindeed you are. Kenya cringed as Ishmael studied her up and down. She hated being objectified, especially by him. Ishmael Saunders was thirty-nine, an insurance agent, five-nine, light-skinned with a played out S-curl and no real sense of boundaries. Other sisters at the Church fawned over him with the exception of Kenya. Sure she had a weakness for the light-skinned pretty boys but she could do without Ishmael because he was too conceited for her liking. Although she wasnt interested, he was. Kenya appeared on his radar after she got accepted into med school and lost weight. She knew he was more interested in her potential success. Ishmael constantly asked her out and she constantly turned him down. She prayed today would be different. Your mom told me yesterday was your birthday, Ishmael said. Uhyeah it was. How old are you now? Twenty-four, twenty-five. Twenty-seven. Twenty-seven, fine age for marriage, huh. Yeah I guess. I wish I had known because I wouldve loved to take you out, he said and Kenya sighed hopelessly. {Here we go again. Please Lord deliver me from this man!}

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

That wasnt necessary, Kenya said. Thats something I wanted to do for a friend. A friend, I see. You know, that invitation to dinner is still standing Kenya, all you have to do is say yes. Ishmael I dont know about that. Kenya, why not think about it some more? Think about what we could have. A lump formed in her throat and she couldnt decide how to respond to his request. Kenya, girl there you are. I was looking everywhere for you, Adonis said walking over and Kenya smiled gladly at Adonis. She was never so happy to see someone in her entire life. Hey Adonis, Kenya said beaming and ready to escape. Ishmael, whats up bruh? Adonis said. Hey Adonis, Ishmael said curtly. Ishmael and Adonis had been rivals since high school, at least in Ishmaels mind. He always had to one-up him. Adonis could care less but it was reassuring this knock off could never hold a candle to him. Hows the insurance game, Adonis asked. Profitable. How are things with that little business you and Paul got going? Good man, good. I hate to do this but I gotta steal Kenya from you. You heard him, hes gotta steal me away, Kenya said. Uhfine. Ill talk to you later then. Sure whatever. Kenya followed Adonis away from Ishmael and hugged his arm. Oh my god, thank you for rescuing me, Kenya said. Yeah I saw you needed some help. Ishmaels really got it bad for you. Who you telling? Hes been after me for a year and doesnt seem to take no for an answer. Well hes looking to wife you. Yeah Im sure he wants a doctor for a wife, any man would right? Oh, so old Ish is a gold digger. I just think hes looking to be a trophy husband. Are you looking for a trophy husband because I might apply for the job. Donny Im just playing boo. The pair walked over to Paul, Nikki, Lela and Gayle as they were talking. You found her, Paul said. You werent in class this morning. You can thank Lela for that, Kenya answered. Oh hush, it was an accident. Im gonna take off to meet Jonathan for lunch. Okay. Thanks for this weekend, Kenya said hugging Lela. Sure bestie. Ill text you later. Lela said goodbye to everyone else and walked off to her car.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

I was held captive by Ishmaelagain, Kenya informed her family. But Adonis saved me. He really likes you, Nikki said. More like fixated with me. He might not be too bad, Paul said. Eww, no, Kenya protested. Whats wrong with him? Hes a cool guy, right Don? UhI guess but hes too much of a pretty boy. Uhyoure one to talk, said Nikki. Silence Lil Bit. Maybe you should give him a chance, said Gayle. Negative, Kenya responded. Im ready to go. Were leaving, Paul said. Mom did you cook? I made chicken alfredo but if yall want to go out to eat that is fine. No we can go to your house. You know I never turn down your food. Oh we know, Kenya said, poking Pauls slight stomach bulge. Ha ha. Pookie who are you riding with? With Nikki. All right. Well see you at the house. Kenya and Nikki waved goodbye to them and walked to her car. As they approached the Cobalt Ishmael yelled goodbye to Kenya. She groaned and walked faster. Why do you keep avoiding him, Nikki asked. Because Im not interested. Its not all that bad and hes sort of cute. Hes not my type. Not your type? Nikki said unlocking the door and both stepped inside. Nope. Light-skinned and pretty. Thats your type but he is short. It has nothing to do with his looks. Hes cute but I dont trust his intentions. For me its about the personality. Physicality is just a plus. And desperation is so unattractive. It is but I think youre making him seem desperate. Maybe if you agree to one date, hell calm down. Yeah its real smart to tease a hungry dog by letting him sniff the meat. You did it last night. Kenya furrowed her brow as her sister started the ignition. What happened last night? I was watching you with Lawrence. That was some real heavy flirting going on. Kenyas cheeks warmed and played with her nails. Had it been that obvious she was into him?

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

I wasnt really flirting. We were just talking. Sure, Nikki said unwilling to accept the lie. Im serious but he was saying some interesting things. I knew you were gonna fall for it. Im not falling for anything. It was just a conversation nothing more. You arent interested in him? Interested how? Nikki shook her head and pulled out of the parking lot. Just watch yourself with him. Hes fun but he has secrets. What kind of secrets? I dont know and Im not sure if I want to know. After a fulfilling service, it was nice to come home to relax with family for a delicious home cooked lunch and watch a movie. It was the norm at Gayles house before her three kids grew up and their lives became busier. Gayle missed having the house filled with her children and their friends. She knew that would eventually end but what mother was ready for them to leave the nest. Soon they began requesting Sunday lunches at her house and Paul and his friends were frequently making appearances during the week. Gayle usually didnt mind because they found her home as a safe haven from their hectic schedules and before she knew it, the nest was full again. The only request she made of them was to keep her house clean and the refrigerator and pantry filled. Everyone sat in the living room watching Matrix Reloaded after a full lunch: chicken alfredo, spring mix salad, garlic bread, Edwards lemon meringue pie and Gayles infamous limeade. Paul and Adonis were so in love with her limeade, they preferred that to water. Mother Jones, lunch was so delicious, Ashley expressed, stroking Pauls head as he laid it in her lap. Yeah Momma Gayle, it was off the hook, Adonis added. Theres more if you want some, help yourself, said Gayle. Im saving room for later, Adonis said. The itis is setting in. Yeah my Pooh Bear is already going to sleep, Ashley said. Well he had two huge plates, Kenya said. Im a big guy. It takes a lot of fuel for this engine, Paul replied. Just dont let out any exhaust fumes. You are just nasty. Shut up Pooh Bear. Baby, make her stop. Ken, leave my baby alone, Ashley said in his defense. You have to get your woman to fight your battles for you. Youre so lame. If I werent so sleepy, Id come over there And do nothing.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

One of these days Pookieone of these days. Kenya stuck her tongue out at her brother as he shook his fist at her. Yall do this all the time, Adonis said. Its so immature. Shut up pretty boy, Kenya and Paul both said. UhIm telling. Momma Gayle, you see how they treat me. PaulKenyastop, Gayle said in a scolding tone. Paul and Kenya sucked their teeth. That was another norm: Paul and Kenya would fight, Adonis tries to break it up but gets chewed out, he tells Gayle and they get in trouble. After twenty years, things never seemed to change. I was expecting more for lunch? What happened to Janelle, Gayle asked. She had to go back to work, Ashley answered. And where are Shawn and Tyrel? Theyre visiting South Church of Christ, Paul replied. Brother L. T. Washingtons son was preaching this morning and they went to support him. Oh his son is a preacher? I thought he was a lawyer? He has two sons. Lawrence is the lawyer. His younger son Kyle is a CPA and a minister. Oh okay. I dont think I met Kyle just Lawrence. Yeah but Kyle looks just like him. Okay. Kenya, he sounds like potential. Kenya choked on her water and began coughing uncontrollably. She didnt expect her mother to drop the boyfriend bomb on her. Was this to be expected at twenty-seven? Pressure to be married by the entire world? Ma, what the heck, Kenya said clearing her throat. Hes a preacher and a CPA and Im guessing hes good looking like his brother. He sounds like someone you should look into. Hes already married, Paul said. But hes exactly the kind of guy I want for you Pookie. You gotta be kidding me, Kenya said. Since when did you start picking men for me? A man like Kyle is a good pick for you, Paul said. Well I think Lawrence is a nice pick for her too, Ashley said. Nope, not gonna happen, Paul said. Why not? Hes a good guy and I think they would be a good match, Ashley said. Honeycomb, I dont want my boys dating my sisters. Even if Kyle was single I wont let him actually date her. Thats why I said a guy like Kyle. But Pooh Bear I think you can make an exception for Lawrence. He needs a nice girl. It shouldnt be Kenya, Adonis jumped in. How is that fair? Kenya should be able to decide who she wants to date, Ashley said. Its not much of a choice, Adonis said. If someone expresses their objection to two people hooking up, I think its something to consider. If Kenya likes Lawrence I say she should date him.
Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

Kenya didnt want to be the subject of the debate any longer. Instead of responding, she opted to retire to her room and take an Aleve for her impending migraine. Kenya closed the bedroom door and lied down on her bed. Her Sunday just wasnt getting any better, first she missed Bible study, then Ishmael asked her outagain and now her family was playing matchmaker. It was so humiliating to listen to her supposed loved ones talk about her as though she was a hopeless cause. She began to wonder about transferring to an out-of-state program. At least then she wouldnt have to deal with people designing her life for her. There was a knock on the door but she refused to respond. It was probably her mother or Nikki to check on her. But the person on the other side called her Pookie this time. What do you want Paul? Kenya asked, not particularly caring. Can I come in? Why? I just want to talk to you. Whatever. Paul entered the room and closed the door behind him. Kenyas back was facing him and she refused to turn to him. Are you mad? Paul asked. What gave you the impression that Im mad, Kenya said sarcastically. Well Nikki said you were. Are you mad at me? Kenya sighed and sat up. Paul didnt like to upset his sisters and would dote on them until they forgave him but it wasnt about him, not completely. No Im not mad at you, well I am a little. Im just sick of what youre doing. What did I do? Youre not letting me live. Its like I dont even have a say in what I want. I dont know what you mean. Im not stopping you from doing that. Really? So what just happened in the living room? Im not telling you what to do. You just said I couldnt date Lawrence. Oh that. No you cant. You dont want to date him, do you? Im not sure. What do you mean youre not sure, he said, becoming worried. Are you looking to date him? You know how I feel about that. Im not really looking to date anyone right now and that includes Lawrence. But this isnt just about who I can or cant date. Its about you injecting yourself into my life and taking over. Ever since I came back to Houston, I cant make a move without you stepping in and telling me no Pookie, do this not that, you dont like it now but youll thank me later. Im not seven anymore. Im an adult and I want to do things for myself.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

Paul sat on the bed and looked at his kid sister. It was hard to think of her as an adult. She was growing up but he couldnt help but think back to when he let her make her own decision and she ended up getting hurt. He would do anything to protect her from the possibility of ever being hurt by another man but it was hard to loosen the reigns. Pookie I hear you but thats what I do. Im your big brother. I have your best interest at heart. Even if Im unhappy. I dont want you to be unhappy. Well Im not happy right now. You act more like a dad than a brother. I have to be! Who else is gonna protect you? I dont need another father! Hes buried in Trinidad! Just be my brother! Pookie you need to listen to me! And Im not Pookie anymore! My name is Kenya! Paul could see the talk was heading in the wrong direction. He cooled his growing temper to approach her with a gentle touch as Ashley would always tell him. PookieKenya, do you know why I do these things for you and for Nikki? Why? Kenya asked, fuming with angry tears threatening to fall. I do it because I love yall. I dont want you and Nik to struggle or want for anything. Thats what dad wanted and he told me that if he wasnt around, that was my job. I cant drop the ball again. After that mess with Josh, I never forgave myself and I told you that day after we left court it would never happen again and I meant that. Kenya remembered it well. After Josh put her in the hospital, Kenya called the only person she trusted: Adonis. She asked him to promise to not tell Paul but he couldnt let it slide. When Paul found out, he immediately tracked down Josh and promptly beat him into a bloody mess. If it werent for Lawrence pulling some strings with the D.A. Paul would have been serving eighteen months in jail. He only paid a fine and did community service but things forever changed for him. His need to protect Kenya was stronger and any and every man needed his approval. The Divas wanted to know why she hadnt been on a date in three years. It wasnt only because of Josh but shed rather stay single than have to deal with Paul scaring men away. Josh wasnt your fault, Kenya said. I never shouldve let him near you. You couldnt have known. I should have. Something told me not to let you go out with him but you liked him. I allowed it to happen. Pauls shoulders slumped in defeat and rubbed his bald head. Lawrence was right after all about Pauls guilt. It made more sense now why he acted so nuts at times but it still didnt excuse it. Please dont blame yourself. I dont blame you. I never have, understand? Josh had everyone fooled. It was never your fault.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

Yeah, yeah, he muttered. Life happens and you learn from it and do better. What happened to me was years ago and I learned from that experience and Im stronger now because of it. I can take care of myself now and I just need you to let me make my own choices. If I make a mistake, its mine to make. You have to learn to let go. Well Im not ready yet. Paul But I guess I can learn to start letting you make your own choices, as long as that choice isnt Lawrence. Paul What? Lawrence is included, Kenya said and Paul rubbed his head and sighed in pain. Do you really like him? I dont know him well enough to say that I do but Id like to get to know him. And he is so fine, Kenya confessed. Paul groaned. He wasnt ready to hear this. Well he is and I think hes interesting. You think hes interesting, Paul asked. Kenya nodded and smiled to herself as she reflecting on their conversation the night before. And he thinks Im interesting too. He said that? Yes. What were yall talking about last night? You didnt try to read our lips, she teased. Im serious. We didnt really talk about much. He asked how I was and if I were going to Corpus Christi. What did you tell him? I said I was still thinking about it. Still no decision? I decided to go. Oh youre going, Paul beamed. Yeah. I guess it couldnt hurt. I decided not to pass up the chance for a mini vacation. Thats great. And it has nothing to do with him going? He did kinda change my mind. Im sure he did, he grumbled. Oh and I asked Lela and Jonathan to come, it that cool? Yeah its cool. Great.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

Im just glad you finally changed your mind. Thanks to Lawrence. Paul felt an uncomfortable pain in his stomach and it wasnt indigestion. It was growing fear that his sister was falling for the wrong kind of guy. Kenya, Im not trying to be overbearing or tell you what to do but just try not to get too attached to Lawrence. Why? I dont think hes the kind of dude you need to get too close to. Paul, dont start this again. I know you have this hang up now but he cant be that bad. Isnt he your hero? Yeah buthe isnt always what he seems. He has issues he needs to work out and I dont need you mixed up in that. What kind of issues? I dont want to go into it. Just keep your distance. Paul, what happened to letting me make my own decisions? Im being serious about him and his issues. Are they so bad that you want to keep me away from him? Yes, Paul said flatly. Why wont you just tell me what it is? I need you to trust me. And I need you to trust me. I trust you, its him I dont trust. How come Nikki can talk and hang out with him? You dont trip about that. Its different with Nikki. I know he wouldnt go after her. Oh but youre so certain hell go after me? He probably sees me as a little sister too. Im not completely sure about that. Kenya pouted and scooted away from Paul. You really make me sick sometimes. And if you say youre doing whats best for me I will punch you. I am. Look, I dont mind if youre friends with him but nothing more. I should make that decision for myself. Please for now just friends. Kenya rolled her eyes and huffed. Sure whatever. Seriously. I said okay. All right. So are we cool Kenya? Yeah were cool. And you can call me Pookie. Its weird for you to call me Kenya. Good cause I dont like it. Shut up Paul bear.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

Paul smiled and poked her shoulder. She hadnt called him Paul bear since she was eighteen and he missed that. Well Im gonna go take my nap. I love you Pookie, you know that right. I knowI know. Paul left the room and Kenya lied back down and squeezed her Kenya doll. She had her forever. Paul bought the doll for her because of the name and to help her love her dark skin more. When she was with Josh, it became a secret security blanket. Just as the song said making her look pretty, makes me feel pretty too. He made her feel so ugly, she needed the doll to remind her to love herself. It felt good to finally tell her big brother the truth and for him to finally understand she was an adult now. She didnt mind his need to protect her but he was suffocating her. Hopefully things would change for the better. Kenya closed her eyes to sleep but a certain lawyer was on her mind. She felt like venting and he did say she could call anytime she wanted, but would it be too soon after only one night? The cautious and logical Kenya said dont do it but the fun and daring Kenya just couldnt resist. She hopped out of bed and went to her purse to retrieve her cell phone.

I guess I will see you in Corpus Christi. Kenya typed and sent the text to Lawrence.
A text was safe and non-committal. He may not even read it or if he did, he would probably ignore it. The latter would sting but not as much as an unreturned phone call. Paul told her no and it was her chance to finally rebel. It gave her a sense of freedom. She plopped back down on the bed and her phone vibrated. It was a message from Lawrence. She was afraid to open it. What if it was something dismissive? Lawrence wouldnt be that cruel, he seemed too nice for that. It could just be a simple one word response.

Im glad you made a decision :)

Kenya was shaking. He actually responded in a full sentence and with a smiley face on top of that. Would she dare send a second text? Why not?

I had a little persuasion. ;) Persuasion is my craft cutie. How was your morning?
She was grinning like a teen with a crush on the quarterback. He was actually initiating a conversation and called her a cutie.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

It was ok. Went to church and now just chillin at my moms before doing some studying. What about you? Work, work, work and more work :) but thats my usual Sunday. U bringing anybody to Corpus? Nope just me, myself, and I and books. Good me either. Books? I see I have to keep U too busy to even bother with that.
{What does that mean? Is he flirting with me again? Remember what Nikki said.}

Reading is relaxing. U wont need that when U have me. ;)

He was definitely flirting now. So many naughty thoughts ran through her mind but it wouldnt be anything she would act on, at least she knew she shouldnt.

Behave Lawrence. LOL.I never do. I guess Ill have to designate a corner for timeout when you get out of hand. Awwwwhy so mean? Only way for bad boys to learn. Yes baby doll. Im assuming the name is a permanent thing. U dont like it? Ive never been big on terms of endearment or pet names but I kinda like it. :) Then from this day forward, I shall crown thee my baby doll. Youre silly. Ill stop disturbing you. I just wanted to let you know I was going on the trip. U werent disturbing me. Needed a smile today. I thought that was Nikkis job. It can be yours too if U want it. Can never have enough smiles from a cute girl. Such the charmer :P Hate to cut this short but I gotta work call coming in :( Give me a holla later K baby doll.
{Give him a holla later? Does that mean he wants me to call him tonight? Nope. Kenya, you have to draw the line. Later could be the next day. Hes a guy, thats what they do anyway.}

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.

K. Ill talk to you later when I have some free time.

Kenya smiled to herself. That was a safe message.

Ill be waiting.
She stared at the phone like it was about to transform into something else. Was he really going to wait for her to talk to him? She shook her head. It was just more of his charm. No need to trip. If Paul knew what just happened hed have a fit, not that he would ever know. No one was ever going to know, not even Nikki or Lela. It could be the one thing she could have all to herself. Kenya laid down ready to take her nap and dream about Corpus Christi. One thing did bother her though: Lawrence. What did Paul mean when he said Lawrence wasnt always what he seemed? What issues did he have? She didnt pick up on anything when she spoke to him. Perhaps he really was a womanizer or something worse. What could be worse than that? Devil worship? It would make sense why Paul never brought him around. But then again, why did Paul invite him to her birthday party. It had to be more to this mans story and she wanted to know all of it. When Kenyas curiosity was peaked, she needed to satisfy it, whether or not Paul liked it.

Copyright 2012 Jennifer Ekeoba. All rights reserved.