Chapter 10: Making Landfall

 Letha is wearing a black silk nightgown with black slippers. Her hair is in blue rollers and covered by a black bandanna.

"What are you doing here?"

Letha asks annoyedly, gripping the handrail.

 "Kathy called and told me what happened. I asked her if she wanted me to come over and speak with her, Natalee, and you. She said yes so here I am."

 "Well, I don't know why she told you anything. What Natalee did warranted discipline and that's what she received."

Ida shakes her head shamefully.

 "Let me try and make sense of this. Galleria lies to you and you take her word as truth and beat both your daughters? Way to go Letha you've done a really good job at mothering. I saw the scars on Kathy's back and it reduced me to tears. Any way for you to maintain control you will. I'm here to tell you to stop and stop it now. What you're doing isn't disciplinary recourse, it's physical abuse."

 "Look who's making landfall. Is this a tropical depression?"

 "No darling this is Hurricane Ida and she's a category five. All you're receiving right now are gusty winds. It's the storm surge and eye of the storm that is fatal. You, my dear, are in the direct path of the hurricane."

 "Go ahead and destroy me. But remember that I'm not the only party affected. Your grandchildren will also be in the battered house."

Ida sighs.

 "Hurricanes have been known to redirect their rage into another direction entirely. In this situation, you are the only one I will destroy if necessary. Now you have the option to change your ways. But if you refuse then I will deal with you myself."

 "You would kill your own flesh and blood? You truly are a cold-blooded creation manufactured by Lucifer."

 Ida shakes her head.

 "Making inferences was never your strong suit. I didn't say anything about killing you, I said I will deal with you. There are so many connotations connected to that ancient phrase. Now that I've spoken with you, I will go and speak with Natalee."

Ida then walks passed Letha and heads upstairs.

 Letha looks back at her smiling wickedly.

 "Good luck with that. You won't get anywhere with her. That cursed child doesn't speak to anyone!"

 Ida glares down at her.

 "She's my granddaughter and unlike you, I don't destroy hope I help lay the groundwork and rebuild it if deemed necessary. And here's a golden nugget for that diabolical brain of yours. When it comes to your blind spot with Galleria, she will be your Achilles heel." Ida says philosophically before walking upstairs.

 Letha rolls her eyes before going to the kitchen.

Ida goes to Natalee, Bossier, and Lynn's bedroom and knocks softly on the door. The three sisters look at the door to see their grandmother.

 "Hello Grandmother, how are you?" Lynn asks happily.

 "Not good dear. Do you two if I speak with Natalee alone?"

The two girls stand up and leave. Once they're gone Ida shuts the door and walks over to Lynn's bed and sits down. She pats the space next to her. Natalee looks at her in uncertainty but when Ida smiles warmly at her she gets up and walks over to the bed and sits down. She looks down at the floor unsure of what to say.

 "Kathy told me what your mother did to you. She also told me why she did it. I just want to tell you that I don't believe that. You're a very intelligent girl who knows what's appropriate and what's not. It was not Galleria's place to fabricate something so disgusting and unbecoming."

Natalee then looks over at her.

 "You do? All Mother did was rehash what Galleria said and started beating me." Natalee says in a cracked voice as tears escape her eyes.

 Ida embraces her granddaughter. Natalee sniffles while resting her head on Ida's shoulder.

 "Of course, I do. There's no proof that you did it and the school is filled with immaturity. Do you mind if I see your back?"

 Natalee leans over and stands up. She goes to the middle of the room and raises her shirt. Ida sees multiple red scars. Unlike Kathy's scars, Natalee's are deep and almost to the pink meat. Ida's eyes water. Moments later Natalee returns to the bed and sits down.

 "I told this only to Kathy and now I'm going to tell you. I hear these voices in my head and they tell me to do all kinds of evil things. I don't know why I hear them but I don't want to anymore." Natalee says in anguish as her eyes water and her fists clench.

 "I know you don't darling and anyone else who's experiencing this doesn't either. But I do know of a psychiatrist that can assist you with this."

Ida then takes Natalee's hands into hers.

 "Is Mother going to get rid of me?"

 "Absolutely not. I'm going to personally see to it that she doesn't. You have my word." Ida says seriously squeezing her hand.

 "Thank you, Grandma," Natalee says relieved sniffling.

 "It's no problem at all. I will call you next week once I have the appointment finalized."

Ida then stands up with Natalee following suit. Ida brings her in for a hug which Natalee returns. Natalee sobs into Ida's shirt while clutching her blazer. Ida rubs her back soothingly.

 "It's okay sweetheart. Everything will be okay, I promise."

When they separate Ida heads back downstairs where she sees Vernon.

 "What the hell are you doing here?" Vernon asks closing the door.

 "That is none of your concern."

Ida then walks to Kathy's bedroom and knocks on the door.

 "Come in."

Ida goes inside and goes downstairs.

 Kathy is sitting on the couch with her right cheek resting in her right hand.

 "Hey sweetheart, I was just coming to bid you farewell."

 "Okay."

Kathy then hugs her. When they separate Kathy looks into Ida's eyes.

 "I want to show you my new car."

Ida smiles warmly. Kathy grabs her keys off the table and they head upstairs to the foyer. After Ida retrieves her purse, she turns around to see Letha and Galleria. Galleria's arms are crossed and she's enraged.

 "So you were talking behind my back?! Mother told me what you said."

 Ida glances at Letha who's smiling smugly before giving her attention back to Galleria.

 "I've never partook in gossip so I will not start now. You've been around me your entire existence. If I have anything to say to you, I say it directly and clearly to you. I never mince or muddy up words. Your lying to your sister just because you wanted to is absolutely detestable. If you continue down this path it will lead to an early grave." Ida says seriously before looking over at Letha.

 "You're like a cackling hyena. You instigate danger and then you flee. You just can't help but scavenge for scraps from a dramatic incident. You are nothing more than a sixteen-year-old in the body of a sixty-year-old. You were not meant to be a mother. But through it all Galleria here is your proudest creation? Remember that Hurricane Ida will be touching down soon."

She and Kathy then leave.

 Letha chuckles rolling her eyes before she and Vernon head upstairs.

 Kathy leads Ida across the street and Ida stops in awe. She looks at the car as tears begin escaping her eyes. When Kathy sees this she touches her shoulder.

 "Is everything okay Grandmother?"

 "Yes, it's just I bought my best friend this exact same car for her birthday ten years ago. Later that year on Christmas she was killed in a hit-and-run accident." Ida says in a cracked voice.

Kathy takes her hand and squeezes it.

 "I'm so sorry to hear that. Some people I'm starting to learn just completely ignore their conscience. But you don't have to worry about me. I'm a very responsible and considerate driver."

This gets Ida's attention.

 "Thank you and I know you are. It's the other people on the road that I worry about."

Ida looks at Kathy seriously.

 "I know," Kathy says before looking at her car.

 "Never forget that as long as I'm alive you'll always have a place to go and call home," Ida says sweetly with a smile.

 "I won't and thank you for the invitation," Kathy says happily hugging her.

 When they separate Kathy unlocks the driver's door and opens it. Ida gets in and immediately leans back into the seat.

 "Just as heavenly as I remember." Ida laments looking around the cabin.

 A few seconds later Ida gets out of the car and shuts the door. Kathy then walks Ida to her car. Once she's gone Kathy looks at the family home and heavily before heading toward it.

 Vernon comes out of the bathroom wearing a white t-shirt and a pair of white and blue horizontal-striped pajama pants. He goes and sits on the opposite side of the bed.

 "So how was work?" Letha asks placing her hands on his shoulders.

 "Work was work. It won't get interesting until this trial gets underway."

 "I guess if you're not practicing privately, it can be mundane. Well, at least your marriage is passion-filled."

Vernon looks back at her smiling.

 "Yes, it is," Vernon says before kissing her.

 Tiffany is in her bedroom reading a magazine when George knocks on the door.

 "I have to go to the hospital. Your mother has woken up. I want you to come with me."

 Tiffany gets up and they rush out the door.

 It's seven o'clock and Algier and his parents are having dinner. Gardenia had prepared what she said she would. Broderick is sitting at the head of the table. He is wearing black cotton pajamas with black slippers. Gardenia is sitting at the tail. She is wearing a navy blue chiffon nightgown with a matching robe. Algier is sitting on the left side in between them. He is wearing a gray T-shirt and black pajama pants.

 "So Algier I was wondering if you wanted to wear some of my new designs?" Broderick asks looking at him before placing a piece of pork chop in his mouth.

 "No sir. I like the clothes I wear. My last name already makes me feel like I don't belong."

 "It's not your fault that you were born into privilege. Those crumb-eaters will just have to get over it. You are who you are and you shouldn't feel ashamed of it."

Gardenia then glares at him.

 "Broderick," Gardenia whispers.

 "What is it?"

Gardenia nods her head shamefully.

 "You're absolutely right Father. I didn't ask to be born into privilege but people who are from a lower socioeconomic background shouldn't be frowned upon either."

 Algier then stands up grabs his plate and glass and goes into the kitchen. Once he's gone Broderick looks over at Gardenia with suspicion.

 "I wonder if this girlfriend of his has gotten inside his head."

Gardenia just shakes her head.

 George pulls into St. Victoria Hospital's parking lot. He and Tiffany get out of the car and head inside. St. Victoria is a beige ten-story building with tinted windows. They walk into the lobby where they go to reception. The lobby walls are burgundy with black baseboards. Hanging on the walls are pictures of past and present healthcare officials. The reception desk is mahogany with a white leather chair behind it. Sitting in the chair is an African-American male.

 He is in his mid-twenties with brown skin and dark brown eyes. His black hair is styled in a gelled parted pompadour. He is wearing a white business shirt, black slacks, a black tie, and black dress shoes. When he sees George and Tiffany a smile spreads across his lips.

 "Welcome to St. Victoria's Hospital how can I help you?" the receptionist asks formally in a North Carolinian accent looking between them.

 "We're here to see Shirley DuPont. I'm her husband George and this is her daughter Tiffany. Her hospital room is eight hundred. Her patient code is one-five-zero-zero."  

The receptionist looks down at a clipboard and verifies the information.

 "Alright, everything checks out. Just take these elevators on your right to the eighth floor."

The receptionist points in the direction of the elevators.

 "Thank you."

 "You're welcome and I hope your visit goes splendid."

George nods his head before they go to the elevators. After they step on George presses the number eight and the doors close George looks at Tiffany.

 "As nice as that receptionist was, I'm tired of repeating myself every time I come here. We've been coming here for two years. You would think we wouldn't have to do this every single time."

George gripes annoyed.

 "Maybe he's new and just wants to do his job right."

Tiffany slips her hands into her pockets as the elevator continues its ascension.

 "Yeah, you're right. I can't fault him for what he's getting paid to do." George says regretfully when the elevator stops.

 When they step off they head east. The floors are hardwood and the walls are mint green with white baseboards. The handrail is white and vertical. Shirley's room is the last door on the left. Straight ahead is an emergency exit. George knocks on the door.

"Come in," Shirley says in a soft northwest Georgia accent.

George opens the door and they go inside.

 Shirley's hospital room walls are magenta with white baseboards. Straight ahead is a private balcony. To the left is an oak wood wardrobe chest. Hanging above it is a television. right is Shirley's hospital bed. It has a low oak wood headboard and a matching footboard. Shirley has reddish brown skin with dark brown eyes. Her shoulder-length black hair rests seamlessly on her shoulders. She is wearing a white hospital gown with blue flowers on them. When she sees George and Tiffany her eyes light up.

 George goes and sits on her left side while Tiffany goes and stands on her right.

 "I'm so glad to see you guys. I know it's a burden to set aside time to come visit me." Shirley says sadly looking between them.

 "Nonsense. As soon as the doctor called and told me of your condition we came right away." George says sweetly.

He takes hold of her left hand and squeezes it. Shirley looks over at Tiffany and a concerned expression takes hold of her eyes.

 "Tiffany, what's wrong sweetheart?" Shirley asks.

 "It's just you've been hospitalized for two years and all that's happened is your hospital bill has skyrocketed. We just want you to come home once and for all so the increase can stop." Tiffany says looking her mother in her eyes.

Shirley chuckles in response.

 "My working girl. You've always wanted to make sure your father and I never had to work. But what you have to remember is all we need you to do is go to school, get good grades, and be a teenager. Get into reason yet typical trouble, date, and hang out with your friends. I'm telling you this because once you're an adult working is all you will ever do. You will become a slave to what has been manifested as the American dream. Trust and believe me when I say that doesn't exist for us. It only exists for white America. But while you're down here all I ask is that you pursue your dreams and find happiness with whomever it may be."  

Tiffany looks at her deeply.

 "I will Mama."

Tiffany then gets up and places her hand on Shirley's right shoulder.

 "I know you will. So how are things going in school?" Shirley asks enthusiastically.

 "Pretty good. I'm passing all of my classes. I'm going to the homecoming dance on Saturday but only Kathy is. But then again I'm going to feel like a third wheel because she's going with her boyfriend."

 Shirley laughs heartily in response.

 "Why don't you snag yourself a date?"

 "I don't trust boys. They all have one thing on their mind and I'm not doing that. Being single affords me that comfort of not having to deal with someone else's problems and answering to them."

 Shirley looks at George who shrugs his shoulders grinning.

 "She's the first person I've met that has this mindset."

 "Same here and I love her for it," George says affectionately looking over at Tiffany.

 Kathy is in her room when Vernon comes downstairs.

 "What can I do for you, Mr. Vernon?"

 "Why was that thing here?"

 "Our grandmother was here to speak with Natalee, Mother, and myself."

 "What did you all talk about?" Vernon asks folding his arms.

 "About disciplinary actions."

Kathy then stands to her feet and walks over to the refrigerator.

 "Is that all?"

Kathy opens the refrigerator and grabs a glass bottle of cola soda.

 "Yes sir, that is all," Kathy says closing the door and looking back at him.

 "You better not have told her anything that goes on in this house. If you have there will be serious consequences." Vernon warns before leaving.

 Kathy pops the cap on the bottle and sits down on the couch. She crosses her legs and looks over at the staircase.

 'You sick son of a bitch. You just wait until Lynn exposes you for what you did to her. I hope I have a front-row seat.' Kathy thinks sipping her soda.

 Salvatore, Grace, and Dante are all sitting at the dining room table. Salvatore is sitting at the head, Grace at the tail, and Dante on the right side in between them. Salvatore is wearing some pearl white silk pajamas with white slippers. Grace is wearing a rose-red cotton nightgown with her hair in rollers and her hair wrapped in a black bandanna. Dante is wearing a pink silk robe with a white t-shirt, pink silk pajama pants, and white slippers.

 Dante had prepared homemade creamy Broccoli and chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, salad, and French bread. Inside the glass pitcher was sweet lemon iced tea.

 "Wow, son I wasn't expecting you to cook dinner let alone turn out such an exquisite meal," Salvatore says elated before placing some Alfredo in his mouth.

 "I guess after all my years of sitting on the counter and watching Mother cook paid off. I'm glad you two like it. Plus, I needed to do something to take my mind off what happened. It was a great distraction." Dante says looking at his father.

 "I'm so sorry that you had to experience that baby. No one should ever have to endure what you did just to be who you are. I hope those boys receive their proper comeuppance." Grace says before sipping her tea.

 "Don't worry Grace they will," Salvatore reassures glancing at Grace.

 "Are you ready for school tomorrow, Princess?" Salvatore asks.

 "As I'll ever be. I don't plan on hiding behind these mansion walls for the rest of my high school career. I'm going to have to face them at some point."

His parents smile.

 "That's my boy," Salvatore says before biting into his French bread.

 The remainder of dinner is eaten with happy conversation.

 When Ida returns home, she heads upstairs. When she reaches the landing, she faints.