Chapter 15: Like A Hunter

 Declan walks over to the middle row and finds an empty desk on Dante’s left. He opens his gray backpack and takes out a green notebook and a yellow pencil from the front pocket. He sets the backpack to the left of his feet.

 "Welcome to Wolf Colony High School. I'm Dante McFarlin. It's a pleasure to meet to meet you Mr. Tidewater." Dante beams extending his hand which Declan shakes.

 "It's nice to meet your acquaintance, Dante." Declan says kindly firmly shaking his hand.

 "So what's it like here?" Declan asks curiously glancing up at the chalkboard.

 "Honestly even if you mind your manners people will still find a reason to mess with you. But hopefully that doesn't become your experience." Dante says looking up at the chalkboard.

 "Alright I think I've given enough time to work on your warm up." Mr. Loughton says happily clasping his hands together glancing around the classroom.

 "Ah, Declan. Why don't you come on up and show me how to execute this equation." Mr. Loughton says and Declan tenses up.

 "I-I'm not good with math sir." Declan stutters and Dante places his left hand on his right shoulder.

 "Everything is going to be okay. I'll walk you through every step. Come on." Dante says encouragingly and the duo gets up and walks to the front of the classroom.

 Yorkshire meanwhile looks on with an unreadable expression. When they get there Dante walks Declan through each step of the problem. Mr. Loughton smiles tearfully when they finish.

 "That's correct Dante. Thank you for helping out your fellow classmate. It's not every day that happens." Mr. Loughton says proudly and Dante smiles at him.

 "It's my pleasure." Dante says as they return to their desks.

 Lunchtime rolls around and Dante and Declan are outside on the patio. Dante has a chicken sandwich on a sesame seed bun with shoestring French fries. Declan has a crouton salad with a bowl of sliced peaches.

 "So just in case you weren't aware our homecoming dance is this upcoming Saturday at seven o'clock. It's the second most important social event of the season following the promenade. If you don't have any plans, you're welcome to come. If you do, make sure you come dressed to the nines." Dante says excitedly before biting into his sandwich.

 "School dances aren't my thing. But I do appreciate you telling me about it." Declan says sweetly before placing some salad in his mouth.

 "You're welcome." Dante says before placing a French fry in his mouth.

 Kathy, Tiffany and Algier are on the opposite side of the patio.

 Kathy has a slice of pepperoni pizza, a bowl of mixed fruit cocktail and a can of diet cola. Tiffany has a plate filled with beef meat nachos covered in quesadilla cheese and a can of lemon lime soda. Algier has a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, French bread and a can of strawberry soda.

 "The homecoming dance is tomorrow night. Ooh I can't wait to put on my dress." Kathy says excitedly pressing her hands together.

 "I can't wait either. I wonder what kind of music will be played." Algier wonders.

 "Knowing the administration, it'll probably something only these white palm trees will know." Tiffany comments getting their attention.

 "I really think our school is diverse." Algier says making Kathy and Tiffany chuckle.

 "What's so funny?" Algier asks confused.

 "Your parents should have put you in private school. This is a public school. They're already pissed that we're integrated. To the segregation alive they'll play white people music and disregard the musicality and vocal advancement of our people. You have a lot to learn Al." Tiffany says and Algier looks over at Kathy and pouts crossing his arms.

 Kathy leans over and kisses his nose.

 "Oh, baby we don't mean any harm it's just the truth. They don't want to see us come up or be at peace with anything. It's disgusting if you ask me. Hell I personally think the president of this prejudice ridden country should be a woman. It always takes a woman to clean up a man's mess. We're always keeping everything behind the scenes together. Some women who don't know any better think a man should lead. If a man shows without question that he can lead then a woman will submit and follow." Kathy says seriously.

 "I agree." Tiffany says before drinking her soda.

 The remainder of lunch is filled with fun conversation.

 That afternoon Wolf Colony High School dismisses and the student body walks through the exit. Declan walks with Dante to his car. When he sees his car he freezes mid-step.

 "This is your car?!" Declan asks, flabbergasted.

 "Yes, it is. Is it not what you were expecting?" Dante asks opening the driver's door.

 "No, it wasn't. It's a really beautiful car." Declan says as Dante gets in his car.

 "I'm sure your parents' house and cars are just as nice." Dante comments sweetly.

 "Actually, it's nowhere near this magnitude. I'm sure this car costs more than what my father makes in a year." Declan says still in awe taking in the vehicle before him.

 "Well, my daddy bought it for me. He likes for me to be independent. I really love and appreciate him for having that mindset." Dante says appreciatively before closing the door and starting the engine.

 He then manually rolls down the driver's window.

 "Would you like a ride home?" Dante asks curiously with a smile.

 "No thank you. Besides a car like that in my neighborhood you'll get carjacked for sure." Declan half jokes making Dante laugh.

 "Okay I guess I'll see you on Monday." Dante says hopefully and Declan smiles at him.

 "Yes you will." Declan says and Dante nods back before backing away.

 Once he's gone Declan starts heading west down the sidewalk.

 Meanwhile Tiffany and Natalee are standing off to the side while Kathy and Algier are standing in front of Algier's car hugging.

 "So, I'll see you tomorrow?" Algier asks feigning sadness making playfully Kathy scoff.

 "Of course, you will silly. I just hope your parents like me." Kathy says nervously and Algier cups her face.

 "They will. I promise." Algier says seriously before kissing her chastely which she returns.

 When they separate Algier gets in his car and it leaves the parking lot. Kathy sighs happily before going to join Tiffany and Natalee.

 "Hey Natalee, how was your day today?" Kathy asks sweetly looking at her.

 "It was good. I'm starting to like science more and more." Natalee comments happily making Kathy smile.

 "That's good. It's always good to find a school subject you like." Kathy says encouragingly wrapping an arm around her neck.

 Natalee allows a small smile to spread across her lips.

 Ida is sitting at her dining room table having a bowl of broccoli and carrot soup. She is wearing a gray long sleeve dress with leather going down both sides. Her hair is styled in a right-side parted beehive with a swoop covering her right eye. Her face is made up with light powder, black eyeshadow, black eyeliner and gray lipstick. In her ears are black sun studs. Around her neck is a black sun necklace. On her feet is a pair of black stilettos. As she indulges herself her telephone rings. She cleans her mouth and goes to the parlor room. After the second ring she answers.

 “This is the Jensen residence, Ida speaking.” Ida says formally looking up at the portrait of her late father.

 “This is Secretary Ross calling from the mayor’s office, how are you?” Secretary Ross asks warmly.

 “I’m doing fine and yourself?” Ida says sweetly.

 “I’m doing swell thank you for asking.” Secretary Ross says perkily.

 “What can I do for you Secretary Ross?” Ida asks now becoming serious.

 “The mayor would like to speak with you in person next month on the nineteenth.” Secretary Ross says smoothly.

 “Did he explain he warrants my presence?” Ida asks curiously.

 “No ma’am he did not. However, he did say it was urgent. The only vacancy he has is December 19^th.” Secretary Ross explains.

 “Alright let him know that I will be there.” Ida says with finality.

 “I sure will. Thank you for your confirmation.” Secretary Ross says appreciatively.

 “You’re welcome, you enjoy the rest of your day.” Ida says kindly.

 “Thank you, you as well.” Ross says before the line hangs up.

 Ida hangs up the telephone and returns to the dining room.

 “Why the hell does he want to meet with me?” Ida asks suspiciously before placing some more soup in her mouth while looking straight ahead.

 Bossier and Tron are standing outside the auditorium looking at the bulletin board. Tron is wearing a blue tie-dye shirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. Bossier doesn't see her name on the cast list. Under Meadow's name is Valley Lutang. Tron turns to Bossier and hugs her sadly.

 "I'm so sorry Bossier. You did phenomenally during the audition process." Tron says encouragingly placing his hand right on her left shoulder.

 "Thank you, Tron, but I saw this coming." Bossier says knowingly plastering a smile on her face.

 Moments later Valley Lutang approaches them. Valley is fourteen years old. She has shoulder length blonde hair that's combed back and secured by a brown leather headband. She has blue eyes. She is wearing a white long sleeve sweater dress with a brown leather waist belt. On her feet are a pair of brown leather knee length boots. Her face is made up with powder, brown eyeshadow, black eyeliner and pink lipstick. Her fingernails are stiletto shaped and painted pink.

 "It looks like you and I will be working closely together, Tron." Valley says happily with a smidge of smugness.

 "You don't have to rub it in Valley." Tron sighs annoyed.

 "Well, I mean Meadow is Caucasian. There's no way our school would allow a nigger to play a beautiful Caucasian American girl." Valley says arrogantly placing her hands on her hips.

 Bossier cuts her eyes at her.

 "Don't think I won't lay you out in a casket!" Bossier bites back.

 "We're in North Carolina. My word against yours will always prevail. Then if you assault me you will be murdered." Valley says harshly.

 "Valley why don't you go on about your way." Tron says stepping in between them.

 "I'll see you at rehearsal." Valley says flirtatiously before walking off.

 Bossier exhales heavily and walks off with Tron in tow.

 "Are you okay?" Tron asks concerned.

 "I will be. If she thinks she can freely disrespect me without repercussions I will show her otherwise." Bossier says coolly as Lynn runs up to catch up with them.

 "Hey guys." Lynn says smoothly getting their attention.

 "Hey Lynn." Tron says warmly waving at her.

 "Hey Lynn how are you?" Bossier asks smoothly looking over at her younger sister.

 "I'm doing good. I had a productive day." Lynn says clutching her backpack straps.

 Soon they come to Tron's street. He turns and hugs Bossier who returns it.

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

 Once he crosses the street Bossier and Lynn cross the street.

 "So how was your day Bossier?" Lynn asks curiously as they walk across the crosswalk.

 "It was good up until the end. I didn't get the female lead in the play. Instead, it went to Valley Lutang." Bossier says annoyed.

 "You were born to play Meadow. That's absurd that Valley booked the role. If you ask me, it's racially charged. We can definitely go to the school administration and fight it." Lynn says seriously pumping her fists in the air.

 "It's not worth it. It just wasn't meant for me." Bossier says simply.

 When they get to their street, they see Kathy, Tiffany and Natalee. Bossier and Lynn wave and the trio waves back. Once inside they head to their bedrooms.

 Kathy and Tiffany meanwhile stand on the porch.

 "So, tell me Tiff are you sure you want to go to homecoming with Delorian?" Kathy asks concerned crossing her arms.

 "I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm doing this for my social health not for his satisfaction or ego." Tiffany says seriously making Kathy smile.

 "How's your mom doing?" Kathy asks enthusiastically.

 "She's doing fine. I'm going to see her tomorrow morning. I'm sure she'll be relieved to see me." Tiffany says looking off into the distance.

 "I'm sure she will." Kathy says before going to hug her.

 "You kkow how I feel about physical affection." Tiffany gripes hugging her back.

 "I know and you know I love giving them out." Kathy rebuts happily as they separate.

 "Will you be okay?" Tiffany asks worriedly.

 "You know me. As long as I have two fists and a voice I will be just fine." Kathy says optimistically with confidence.

 "Alright then I'll see you tomorrow night at homecoming." Tiffany says before walking downstairs.

 Kathy smiles before going inside to her bedroom. Once she gets there she puts her backpack up against the wall and removes her jacket. She hangs it on the back of the tail chair and heads upstairs to the kitchen. She grabs a tall glass from the cabinet and goes to the freezer. She grabs a white ice tray and takes out six cubes. She refills the tray and places it back in the freezer. She then pours herself a glass of water. As she does Letha enters the kitchen entryway. Kathy puts the pitcher back in the refrigerator and closes it.

 "So, your grandmother called me and said that she will be coming to speak with me on tomorrow. You rat tailed little bitch. What did you say to her?" Letha asks enraged with flaring nostrils and clenched fists.

 "I didn't say anything." Kathy says honestly before drinking her water.

 "Your grandmother is like a hunter. She doesn't shoot unless she's spooked or sees an opportunity." Letha explains coldly looking at her.

 “Well, I didn’t say anything and I’m sticking to that.” Kathy says respectfully.

 “I pray to God that it’s you. You are the bane of my existence, my greatest mistake. I’ve been waiting for any reason to eradicate be it trivial or otherwise. I’ll find out soon enough.” Letha says harshly before leaving Kathy with tears escaping her blue-gray orbs.

 Vernon gets home at fifteen minutes to six. Upon entering the foyer Letha hugs him and kisses him.

 "How was work today?" Letha asks curiously taking his briefcase.

 "Same old thing different day. Except those bruises your mother inflicted upon that made it eventful." Vernon says as Letha walks him upstairs.

 When they get to their bedroom Vernon sits down on the bed and Letha sets his briefcase inside the closet. When she returns she removes his shoes.

 "We need to talk." Letha says seriously looking up at him.

 "What is it?" Vernon asks concerned.

 "One of these devils spoke to my mother about some heinous accusations made against you. I have every reason to believe it was Kathy. She doesn't like me at all nor does she want to see me happy." Letha says seriously taking his shoes and putting them in the closet.

 When she returns she sits down beside him.

 "Don't worry about your mother. I'm going to personally prosecute her for assault and defamation." Vernon says seriously making Letha smile relieved.

 "Finally, that old evil bitch can die in a prison cell alone and decrepit." Letha sighs looking up at the ceiling.

 "But before that happens, we need to find out who spoke to her." Vernon says seriously looking over at her.

 "And we will." Letha says confidently before getting up and going into the bathroom.

 Vernon then goes into the closet and undresses.

 Declan resides in a two-bedroom two-bathroom, two story town-home. The neighborhood Kerrin Slum is located in southwest Wolf Colony. Upon entering there's the living room to the left. It is furnished in modern furniture of the era. The four-piece living room set consists of a white camel back couch, love seat and chair with oak wood legs. In between the couch and love seat is a rectangular coffee table. On it are disheveled magazines and an ashtray filled with cigarette ash. The large window behind the couch is decorated in beige curtains. Going through the archway leads to the dining room.

 It is furnished with a classic oak wood table with four picnic style chairs. Hanging above is a white ceiling fan. To the right of the dining room is the kitchen. It is shotgun style with white appliances with wooden handles. The faucet head is long and has two clear knobs.

 Going upstairs there's Declan's bathroom. The countertop is brown with a white round sink and a small chrome faucet with two clear knobs. There's a linen closet at the end of the bathroom. Next to the sink counter is the commode. A few feet from the commode is the bathtub. It is white with a forest green shower mat. Sprouting out the wall is a chrome shower head.

Several feet below are three chrome knobs.

 The lining curtain is white while the shower curtain is black with gold lightning bolts.

 Declan's bedroom is at the end of the hallway. His walls are painted beige with white baseboards. Resting up against the back wall is a full-size bed. It is decorated in a blue comforter, a white mattress sheet and gray bed skirt. The pillows are solid white, blue and gray. In the northeast corner of the room is a mahogany desk with a wood desk chair. On the desk is a black goose neck desk lamp.

 On the opposite side is an oak wood dresser. Standing in the corner nearby is a rusted body mirror. On the right side of Declan's bed is a a white nightstand. On it is a analog clock and a vinyl record player. Declan is laying in bed listening to a female blues record. His hands are resting behind his head. He is still in his school clothes. He is looking up at the ceiling in thought.

 'Dante seemed really nice. But one thing is for certain, we're from two different worlds. He will never see where I live. He'd probably think I'm beneath him. Maybe if I cut it off now I won't be disappointed. Yeah that's what I'll do.' Declan thinks before getting out of bed and going downstairs to the kitchen.

 At seven o'clock Letha, Vernon and the St. James children are at the dining room table. Kathy prepared collard greens mixed with black eyed peas, chopped bacon bits, sweet cornbread and a pitcher filled with lemon iced tea.

 "Galleria you are exempt from this conversation and the follow up question. It was brought to my attention that some asinine accusations were brought against your father. Which one of you dirt eating heathens spoke to your grandmother?!" Letha asks, outraged looking around the table.

 "No one said anything to me about speaking to Grandmother." Yorkshire responds surprised.

Letha then looks between Kathy, Natalee, Bossier and Lynn.

"Which one of you spoke to her?" Letha asks coldly.

 "I spoke to her earlier this week but it wasn't about Daddy Vernon." Natalee says honestly.

 "What did you talk to her about?" Letha pries leaning forward.

 Bossier looks over at her mother harshly.

 "No disrespect Mother but our conversation stays between us." Natalee says fearfully, avoiding Letha's fiery gaze.

 Letha smiles at Natalee's current state with grandeur before slamming her fists down on the table.

 "I am your mother and as such you are to tell me everything!" Letha shouts, staring at Natalee.

 "She doesn't have to tell you everything. She's allowed to keep things to herself. We all are entitled to that for that matter. So just lay off." Bossier says defensively.

 "Look who's ovulating. Don't think I'm unaware of you fighting Vernon. You will be punished severely for your boldness." Letha says and Bossier chuckles unfazed.

 "This will be the last time I ask." Letha says frustrated looking at her four daughters.

 "Okay you four go upstairs and strip down to your undergarments." Letha orders.

 Kathy and Bossier remain seated while Natalee and Lynn stand up.

 "No stay right where you are." Bossier says sternly looking between them.

 "Don't you dare try and turn my children against me demon." Letha hisses looking at Bossier.

 "It takes one to know one. Perhaps Daddy Vernon should tell you why I attacked him. It wasn't provoked." Bossier says coolly looking Vernon in his eyes.

 "You better mind your head missy." Vernon warns sharply looking at Bossier.

 "Why did she attack you dear?" Letha asks curiously.

 "She feels like she's becoming an adult so I had to put her in her place like one." Vernon fibs and Letha looks at Bossier smiling smugly.

 "I guess him beating you is punishment enough and a reminder of who's in charge. Now as for you two go upstairs and get ready for your beating." Letha reiterates and Natalee looks between Bossier and Letha with uncertainty.

 "Neither of them did anything wrong therefore no disciplinary action will be taken. You can have a seat Nat and Ly." Bossier says and Natalee and Lynn sit back down.

 "Okay. Don't let this bitch lead you off a cliff to your deaths." Letha warns looking between them.

 "I promise you if I find any bruises on them I will make sure you never see daylight again." Bossier warns making everyone look at her shocked and speechless.

 "You are way out of your jurisdiction gal and that's okay. I will show you just how outclassed you really are." Letha says and Bossier looks at her unafraid.

 Following dinner Kathy clears the table and is in the kitchen with Bossier washing dishes.

 "I wish I had your strength." Kathy says scrubbing a plate with dish detergent.\

 "Oh, believe me you do. You can physically defend yourself.  None of us can beat you in a fight one on one. But besides that you have this maternal instinct that keeps us in line when Mother and Daddy Vernon are at work. Galleria and Yorkshire won't admit it but you raised them. But outside influence has made them who they are today. Ultimately, it's up to them to change themselves. Don't ever question your strength because you have it. It just has to manifest itself. And when that day comes, I hope I'm a witness." Bossier says excitedly as Kathy hands her the soapy plate.

 It's one in the morning and everyone is sound asleep. Letha gets up and goes downstairs to the kitchen. She is wearing a sky-blue silk nightgown with a white bandanna and white slippers. She opens the sink cabinet and grabs a silver bucket. She turns on the hot water and lets it warm up. When she feels the water is hot enough she fills the bucket. When she finishes she turns off the faucet and heads upstairs to Natalee, Lynn and Bossier's bedroom.

 When she gets there, she flips the switch and the light comes on. She goes to the dresser and pulls out a black beaded belt. She then goes to Lynn's bed and pulls back her comforter. She then pours some of the scalding hot water on her. Lynn wakes up screaming before Letha starts whipping her.