Chapter 14: This Fierce Woman

"Yes, this fierce woman who will have you by your testicles in court." Ida says coldly walking to the middle of his office.

 "What the hell are you doing here? You shouldn't have made it past the lobby." Vernon says arrogantly looking at her.

 "Well the receptionist is gone and you have to go through the lobby to the parking lot. But that isn't the reason I'm here." Ida says angrily.

 "Then why the hell are you here?" Vernon asks angrily raising voice.

 "Come from behind your desk so we can talk." Ida says sharply and Vernon comes from around his desk.

 "What?" Vernon asks annoyed.

 "You like sexually assaulting adolescent females who trust you with their lives?! How about I physically assault you." Ida says angrily raising her fists and punching him in his face and stomach.

 Vernon stumbles back holding the left side of his face looking at her.

 "Have you lost your mind?!" Vernon asks furiously.

 "I can smell the bitch on your breath. Now come and fight a female who will give you one back!" Ida says fiercely. Vernon then charges towards her.

 Once on the floor Vernon pins Ida's hands above her head.

 "If you think coming here will somehow stop Lynn's suffering you're sadly mistaken. All you've done is intensify it ten fold." Vernon hisses inches away from her face.

 Ida then knees Vernon in his testicles before shoving him off and getting to her feet. She then grabs Vernon by his lapels and stands him up and punches him in his face three times before punching him into the wall. As he slides down the wall he's holding his scrotum. Ida then starts kicking him in his stomach. Hearing his agonizing screams causes her to stop. She then looks down at him in disgust.

 "As far physical punishment is concerned, I'm done. But legally after I'm done with you your rectum will be destroyed and your ego will be nonexistent." Ida says icily before leaving.

 Vernon remains on the floor groaning in pain.

 It is fifteen minutes to seven and Letha is in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of brown liquor in a small glass. She is wearing a white nightgown with light blue slippers. Vernon wobbles into the kitchen and Letha rushes to his side.

 "What happened baby?" Letha asks worriedly while helping him to the dining room table.

 "Your mother happened. She came to my office and accused me of raping Lynn and then assaulted me." Vernon explains leaning back into the chair.

 "That woman is evil and should be institutionalized. I'll go and draw you a bath and call my mother. Come on, let's get you upstairs." Letha says before helping Vernon to his feet.

 Dante is in his bedroom working on his English homework when a knock comes on his door. He is wearing white silk pajamas with red thorn roses on them. He is on his stomach with his legs crossed.

 "Come in." Dante says not taking his eyes off of his work.

 The door opens and his mother comes in. She is wearing a black silk nightgown with a gold dragon on it and gold slippers. Over her nightgown is a black silk robe. Her hair is cascading down her shoulders.

 "Hey sweetheart I just wanted to check in on you." Grace says sweetly coming in and closing the door.

 "Hey Mom, how are you?" Dante asks sweetly acknowledging her.

 "I'm doing fine and yourself?" Dante asks curiously.

 "I'm doing just wonderful." Grace says sweetly going to sit at the foot of his bed.

 "Fabulous." Dante says looking up at her.

  "I want to know how things are going in school." Grace says and Dante's smile dissolves.

 "Challenging but being me will always be a struggle. However, that doesn't mean I don't have the fists to fight back." Dante says softly with seriousness in his tone making Grace rub his hair.

 "Of your father's four sons you're the most like him. You have his strength and resilience. With those traits you can overcome anything. But don't forget that you have me too. As long as God has breath in my body I will always protect you. I love you Dante." Grace says affectionately leaning down and kissing his left temple.

 "I love you too Mom and I appreciate everything that you do for me." Dante says affectionately, returning the sentiment.

 "Well I'm going to let you get back to work." Grace says before getting up and leaving.

 Once she leaves Dante resumes his homework.

 Ida returns home and heads to the kitchen. She makes herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She then grabs a bag of potato chips and a can of diet cola soda. When she finishes she heads upstairs to her bedroom. She goes to the lounging area and sets the saucer on the table. She then sets the chips and soda down. Before she sits down the telephone rings. Ida goes over to the nightstand and answers it.

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

 "You went to my husband's job and assaulted him?!" Letha asks offended.

 "Yes I did and I'll be over there Saturday to speak with you. Good day Letha." Ida says before hanging up.

 She then returns back over to the couch and eats her sandwich.

 At seven o'clock Laurent arrives at Ida's house. He is wearing a dark green long sleeve shirt, black slacks and black dress shoes. He walks up onto the porch and knocks on the door.

 Moments later the door opens and Ida is standing there. She is wearing a black and white symmetrical dress with black pointed toe stilettos. Her face is made up with powder, black eyeshadow, black eyeliner and red lipstick. In her ears are diamond studs. Around her neck is a diamond necklace.

 "Good evening Laurent. You look dapper." Ida beams warmly stepping aside.

 "That food smells heavenly." Laurent says sniffing the air.

 "I made your favorites. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, collard greens and sweet cornbread." Ida says as they walk to the dining room.

 When they get there Laurent sees two plates. One at the head and the other at the tail. Also on the table are a pan of chocolate brownies and a glass pitcher filled with iced lemon tea. Laurent goes to the head of the table and pulls out Ida's chair.

 "Thank you." Ida says as she takes her seat.

 "You're welcome." Laurent says sweetly before going to take his seat.

 "So how was your day?" Laurent asks enthusiastically, placing his napkin in his lap.

 "It was good up until two forty-five. Your youngest sibling called with some very disturbing news and I had to go and speak with your mother's husband. Needless to say he will be crucified without chance of resurrection." Ida says when the telephone rings.

 "I'll be right back." Ida says before excusing herself.

 When she gets to the parlor room, she picks up the telephone.

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

 "Hello Grandmother it's Kathy." Kathy says coolly and Ida smiles happily.

 "Hello Kathy. How are you?" Ida asks relieved.

 "I'm doing okay. I spoke with my English teacher and he knows a lawyer that can help us. They'll meet us this Saturday morning at ten at Lilly's Cafe. It would mean a lot if you came." Kathy says hopefully.

 "Of course I will. We can finally have this monster put away permanently. I hate to cut our conversation short dear but I have a guest who I'm hosting. I'll see you and your sisters on Saturday. I love you." Ida says sweetly.

 "Alright. I'll see you Saturday. I love you too." Kathy says affectionately before hanging up.

 After hanging up Ida returns to the dining room.

 "Is everything okay?" Laurent asks curiously.

 "Absolutely." Ida says smoothly placing her napkin in her lap.

 "You spend way too much time dealing with Letha's children." Laurent comments and Ida's smile disappears instantly.

 "You're not my only grandchild Laurent. I have six other lives to protect. Your mother isn't parent material whatsoever so I have to care for them. Now this jealousy that you're feeling needs to dissipate. I don't love you any more or less. They're dealing with things that they absolutely shouldn't have to. Now can we please get back to this lovely dinner?" Ida asks and Laurent nods his head looking down at his plate.

 It's seven ten o'clock Friday morning and Broderick is at Indigo Fashion Atlantic regional headquarters. The black building is twenty stories high. The windows are tinted. Broderick's office is on the twentieth floor. His walls are charcoal gray with white baseboards. In the middle of his office is his desk. There are two wide oak wood legs supporting a glass desktop surface. On the desk is a black desk lamp, a family portrait, a utensil cup and a silver nameplate.

 On both walls are portraits of different females modeling Broderick's different designs. One on the left in the middle is a horizontal portrait of Gardenia. It depicts her wearing an off the shoulder fur dress. Around her waist is a shiny black leather belt. On her feet is a pair of black four inch shiny black leather pointed toe stilettos. Her face is made up with powder, black eyeshadow, black eyeliner and black lipstick. Her arms and legs are covered in bronzer. Her hair is styled in a bouffant with a swoop.

 On both of her wrists are black bangles.

 Broderick is sitting at his desk finishing the touches to one of his concept creations. He is wearing a beige sweater, black slacks, a black leather jacket and beige dress shoes.

As he straightens out his sketch paper a knock comes on his door.

 "Come in." Broderick says smoothly and the door opens revealing Patricia Limestone, his secretary.

 Patricia has fair skin with green eyes with shoulder length brown hair. Her hair is styled in a symmetrical bob cut with a fringe. She is wearing a long sleeve mint green dress with a pair of white slingback stilettos. Her face is made up with light powder, beige eyeshadow and nude lipstick. In her ears are diamond studs. Her neck is bare of jewelry. Her nails are coffin shaped and are painted white.

"Good morning Patricia." Broderick says formally smiling at her.

 "This is unexpected. You never come to the office unless it's absolutely necessary." Patricia says surprised, walking to his desk.

 "Well I have some new designs I'm bringing to fruition soon." Broderick says beams while waving her to come behind his desk.

 Patricia looks over the sketches and covers her mouth in amazement.

 "Wow sir, those are absolutely beautiful. I'm sure the models are going to love them." Patricia says excitedly looking over at him.

 "I'm sure they will but this company was created to cater only to the upper class. If any of the middle, working or lower classes bought them it would no longer be unique. The wealthy have always been excluded when it comes to fashion. I think it's plausible and fair that I make something solely for us." Broderick explains looking at his sketches.

 "You're right about that sir. Well I have some documents for you to sign." Patricia says placing a manila folder on his desk.

 "What are they for?" Broderick asks curiously, sliding his sketches aside.

 "State inspection." Patricia says and Broderick reads each document over. When he finishes he signs them.

 "I'll be glad when this is over. We've never failed one but it's still nerve racking." Broderick sighs annoyed handing it back to her.

 "Thank you for your signatures sir and everything will be fine." Patricia says optimistically before leaving.

 Broderick places his sketches inside his lower left drawer and leaves his office.

 Over at Wolf Colony High School Kathy, Tiffany and Algier are sitting at the back of the cafeteria. Kathy is wearing a navy blue long sleeve shirt, black leather pants and a pair of suede navy blue go-go boots. Her face is decorated in blue eyeshadow, black eyeliner and lip gloss. Her hair is styled in a mod flip with a swoop covering her left eye. Around her neck is a black moon necklace. Tiffany is sitting on Kathy's right. She is wearing a red t-shirt, a blue jean jacket, blue jeans and red tennis shoes.

 Her face is void of makeup. Her hair is pulled back into a low ponytail. In her ears are square red mod earrings. Algier is wearing a gray sweater, black slacks and gray dress shoes.

 "So are you excited about homecoming Sunflower?" Algier asks excitedly looking at Kathy.

 "Yes I am actually. It'll be a nice distraction from home." Kathy says coolly looking at him smiling.

"That's good and I'm glad I'll be there to make you happy." Algier says relieved.

 "You always make me happy baby." Kathy says affectionately before cupping his face and kissing him.

 "Ahh sucky sucky now." Tiffany teases getting their attention.

 "So Tiffany has a date for homecoming." Kathy says and Algier looks at her surprised.

 "Who are you going with Tiffany?" Algier asks curiously.

 "Delorian Porter." Tiffany says smoothly looking him in his eyes.

 "Of all the seniors at this school you want to go with that jerk?" Algier asks confused.

 "He asked me out. The only reason I said yes was because it would be good for me to re-acclimated to boys." Tiffany explains.

 "Well if it were me I would have declined his offer. He's nothing but an asshole looking to boost his reputation." Algier says annoyed.

 "He already has that. I don't know why he asked me but I guess I'll find out tomorrow night." Tiffany says anxiously looking down at the table.

 Dante walks through the school doors. He is wearing a pink leather jacket, a white t-shirt with a pink heart in the center, pink leather pants and white leather high heel go-go boots. His hair is styled in a bouffant with a side part and a swoop going down the right side of his face. He is donning pink eyeshadow, white eyeliner and lip gloss. His fingernails are painted champagne gold.

 As he walks down the hallway Delorian and Yorkshire come into view. Delorian is wearing his letterman jacket, black t-shirt, blue jeans and a pair of black tennis shoes. Yorkshire is wearing his letterman jacket, a white football jersey, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. When they see Dante they walk up to him smirking.

 "Didn't you get suspended once for triggering us and wearing this fag shit?" Yorkshire taunts getting Dante's attention.

 "You were bothered, not me. Besides, I'm not wearing anything against the dress code. None of my skin is showing so please just leave me alone." Dante sighs annoyed making, Delorian and Yorkshire look at each other feigning shock.

 "Is that a tone I hear in your voice McFaggot. You had better remember whose school this is. It's mine and you are nothing more than a miniscule part of it. Even after I'm gone my name will still send shivers down the underclassmen's spines." Delorian beams arrogantly inches away from Dante's face.

 "Get out of my face Delorian." Dante says sharply staring him down.

 "What are you going to do if I don't?" Delorian asks defiantly.

 "If you thought what I did before was the pinnacle of my strength you are severely mistaken." Dante says icily when Yorkshire steps forward and Dante looks over at him.

 "Don't step into this if you don't want me stepping outside of myself." Dante threatens.

 "That little bathroom scuffle is nothing compared to what we have planned for you boy. Just you wait." Yorkshire says before walking off with Delorian.

 Dante exhales, closing his eyes and heads to the cafeteria patio.

 At seven fifteen the bell rings and students flood out in the hallway. Natalee is walking down the hallway clutching her backpack straps. She is wearing a chocolate brown long sleeve turtleneck, blue jeans and a pair of brown leather boots. Her hair is straightened and styled in a center part. The only makeup accessory she's wearing is black eyeliner and red lipstick. During her trek she bumps into Galleria and Linda.

 Galleria is wearing a black long sleeve dress with white trim and a pair of flat white shoes. Her hair is styled in thick waterfall waves in a peek-a-boo fashion. Her face is made up with light powder, black eyeshadow, black eyeliner and burgundy lipstick. Linda is wearing an olive green jumpsuit with gold buttons. On her feet are a pair of champagne gold stilettos. Her hair is straightened with a side part. Her face is made with light powder, gold eyeshadow, brown eyeliner and bronze lipstick.

 "Didn't you get enough punishment at home? Watch where you're going bitch!" Galleria berates while shoving Natalee.

 Natalee looks at her eldest sister intensely before moving on. Galleria smiles smugly while crossing her arms.

 "Galleria I know you're still reeling from Delorian's rejection but taking it out on Natalee is not right. You need to channel your rage in a healthier way." Linda scolds before they move on.

 Vernon is in his office when a knock comes on his door. Vernon is wearing a navy blue suit, a white business shirt, a black tie and black dress shoes. The door opens revealing Jared. He is wearing a beige suit with a black business shirt, beige tie and black dress shoes.

 "Good morning sir, what can I do for you?" Vernon asks formally.

 "I just received word that the family's court date has been moved forward to December 19th which is a Thursday. The family will be here December 2nd to discuss the case with you. I hope you bring everything you have to this case." Jared says seriously with his hands in his pockets.

 "I intend to sir, don't worry." Vernon says reassuringly and Jared nods his head before leaving his office and closing the door.

 Letha is in her office signing a document. She is wearing a red China dress with black dragons on them. Her hair is styled in victory rolls with two clear red plastic chopsticks in her hair. Her face is made up with powder, red eyeshadow, black eyeliner and red lipstick. Her eyebrows are sharply arched. On her left wrist is a red watch and on her right is a bangle.

 As she finishes dating the document a knock comes on her door.

 "Come in." Letha says coolly looking at the door.

 The door opens and Fletcher walks in. He is wearing a black suit with a white business shirt, a black tie and black dress shoes.

 "So our newest musician will be in the studio this afternoon and I want you there." Fletcher says surprising Letha.

 "I'm not musically inclined sir." Letha says meekly looking down at her desk.

 "But you do have a gift for seeing potential in others. Why do you think Walter Records is at the height it is? It's all because of you and I want you in the studio. Instead of you being an executive secretary you can be a talent scout. You'll keep your salary and you'll work five days a week." Fletcher says smoothly putting his hands in his pockets.

 "Talent scout sounds like field slavery. I have to go out and search for promising talent. I'd rather keep my current position and my new salary." Letha says seriously looking Fletcher in his eyes.

 "Okay. I won't push it." Fletcher says before walking out.

 Letha then resumes her work.

 Dante is in Calculus working on his warm up sponge when the door opens. In walks a teen male. He has beige skin with sea green eyes. His neck length hair is styled in a side parted wavy mop cut. On both cheeks are freckles. He is wearing a faded black jean jacket, a white business shirt, faded black jeans and a black and white tennis shoes. Inside his belt loop is a black leather belt.

 He stands at five feet nine inches. His brawny lean build is almost exposed due to his jacket. Mr. Loughton walks to the front of the classroom. Mr. Loughton is wearing a forest green business shirt, beige khaki pants and black dress shoes.

 "Everyone, may I have your attention please?" Mr. Loughton says getting the students undivided attention.

 "Starting today we have a new student joining our class. Go ahead and introduce yourself, son." Mr. Loughton says kindly looking over at him.

 "Good morning, my name is Declan Sableworth. It's nice to meet all of you. I hope we have a fun and productive school year." Declan says in a deep southern Mississippi accent.

 Dante looks at him in astonishment and disbelief.