Chapter 17: Hurricane Ida

"Galleria, Kathy, Bossier, Lynn can you leave us please? I need to speak with your mother and her husband alone." Ida says seriously not taking her eyes off Letha.

 Once they're gone Ida enters the dining room. She goes and stands diagonally of Letha.

 "You have some nerve showing up here after what you did to my Vernon." Letha scolds making Ida chuckle.

 "I have some nerve? No that would be that vile despicable pile of trash sitting across from you." Ida berates looking over at Vernon.

 "Excuse me?!" Vernon asks offended standing to his feet.

 "Sit down son. One round should have been enough for you." Ida says nonchalantly before glaring back at Letha.

 "You let this sick bastard sexually assault your daughter?! His job is to love, protect and provide and his children. Instead, he's destroying one of them in the most horrid ways imaginable. You should have paid closer attention to Lynn. I'm sure she sent you indicators that he made her uncomfortable. But instead of heeding her pleas you ignored her because of his sex organ. I'm sure it's not that grand but you're so desperate for attention you'd do anything to keep it. Vernon you will be seeing my lawyer and a judge soon." Ida says icily and Letha stands up and enters Ida's personal space.

 "And so will you. You will be prosecuted for assault and defamation." Letha says seriously making Ida laugh.

 "Darling I did what any concerned grandparent would have done. So good luck with trying to charge me." Ida says before going to the kitchen where Kathy, Bossier and Lynn are.

 "After Christmas break if you want to come and live with me the offer is open." Ida says seriously looking between them.

 "I'm going to see Dr. Lewis before sunset." Ida says before leaving the kitchen.

 When she returns to the dining room she looks at Letha.

 "Hurricane Ida is at category five now and she’ll be touching down soon." Ida says icily before leaving.

Letha looks in her direction unfazed before sitting back down at the table.

 "We need to move expeditiously if we want her to disappear." Vernon warns clenching his fists.

 "Don't worry." Letha says before sipping some orange juice.

 At five o'clock Salvatore knocks on Dante's bedroom door.

 "Come in." Dante says and Salvatore enters.

 Salvatore is wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans. He closes the door. He sees Dante sitting at the foot of his bed with his hands in his lap. He goes and sits down next to him.

 "Hey Princess, I just came to check on you." Salvatore says coolly looking at him smiling.

 "Thanks Daddy." Dante says meekly looking over at him.

 "You're welcome. So are you attending the homecoming dance?" Salvatore asks curiously getting Dante's attention.

 "How do you know about it?" Dante asks surprised.

 "I saw it plastered on the bulletin board next to the administration office." Salvatore explains and Dante nods his head.

 "I had planned on going but then after what I experienced I decided not to go. But then I met a new classmate yesterday and he made me want to go again." Dante says now with excitement.

 "That's wonderful son but remember that you're going to have a good time not just because of someone." Salvatore says smoothly.

"I know and I understand what you're saying. But at the same time, I think I finally met an acquaintance who understands me." Dante says shocking Salvatore.

 "Acquaintance is the correct term. You've never allowed anyone to get close yet you're so outgoing and personable." Salvatore says observantly as Dante stands up.

 "Yeah, and I think it's good to be extroverted and introverted. It teaches you how to treat people." Dante says looking down at his father.

I know what that look means. I'll leave you to get ready." Salvatore says standing to his feet.

 "I'll see you at six forty-five." Dante says as Salvatore walks to the door.

As Salvatore grabs the doorknob he looks back at Dante.

 "I love you Princess." Salvatore says affectionately.

 "I love you too Daddy." Dante says returning the sentiment.

 Once Salvatore is gone Dante heads to his closet.

 Declan is looking at his closet rack. He has four suits to choose from. He sighs heavily when his mother Tawny enters his room. Tawny is thirty-nine years old with fair skin and neck length brown hair. Her hair is combed back showing off her face. She is wearing a sky blue t-shirt and a white skirt. She goes and sits down on his bed.

 "So do you have any plans tonight?" Tawny asks curiously in a southern Mississippi accent.

 "I'm going to the homecoming dance." Declan says happily.

 "I wish your father was here to see you off." Tawny says sadly getting Declan to close the closet door and looks at her.

 "He doesn't give a damn about us. As soon as I came into the picture he dropped out of the frame. We've been making just fine without him!" Declan says frustrated before leaving with Tawny in tow.

 "He's not the man you think he is." Tawny says as Declan descends the staircase.

 "Yeah, I'm so sure that's true." Declan retorts sarcastically as he enters into the dining room.

 "He's a man of great ambition." Tawny says as Declan opens the refrigerator and grabs a jar of mayonnaise, some cheese and ham.

 "With all of that ambition you'd think he would forget about his wife and son." Declan says closing the refrigerator and placing the items on the counter.

 "You're a child so you don't understand." Tawny says becoming irritated.

 "That's true but I'm old enough to know a bullshitter when I see one." Declan snaps back earning him a slap from Tawny.

 "That's your father and the love of my life. I will not allow you to disrespect him!' Tawny barks defensively.

 Declan looks at her as tears fill his eyes. He then goes and grabs the wooden bread box from atop the refrigerator. Tawny then huffs before storming off. Declan then grabs a saucer from the cabinet and makes his sandwiches.

 At five o clock Ida enters the St. Victoria Hospital emergency room. She sees reception is vacant and goes to take seat in the waiting area. Moments later Dr. Lewis comes out into the lobby. She is wearing light blue scrubs, a white coat and white tennis shoes. Around her neck is a black stethoscope. She goes to the vending machine. Ida gets up and approaches her.

 "Good evening Dr. Lewis I'm Ida Jensen, Lynn St. James's grandmother. I was curious if you still have the results from her recent visit." Ida says formally.

 "Yes ma'am I do. If you don't mind my asking, why do you need it?" Dr. Lewis asks curiously.

 "Lynn has decided to pursue legal action." Ida says and Dr. Lewis nods her head understandingly.

 After buying a bag of potato chips they head to her office. Dr. Lewis hands her a manila folder. As the folder enters Ida's hands Dr. Lewis grips the file.

 "Nail that son of a bitch!" Dr. Lewis says seriously.

 "We intend to." Ida responds before Dr. Lewis releases the file.

 It's six o'clock and Tiffany is standing in front of her dresser. She is wearing her purple dress

Her face is decorated in powder, light gray eyeshadow and red lipstick. Her hair is styled in side parted fingers waves with a peek-a-boo style bang.

 She leaves her bedroom and heads to the living room where George is sitting on the couch.

 "Pop what do you think?" Tiffany asks curiously getting George's attention.

 He instantly smiles while standing up.

 "You look devastatingly beautiful. You've definitely brought the roaring twenties into swinging sixties." George says proudly.

 "Thank you. I'd like to think I chose a nice dress for such a social event." Tiffany says placing her hands on her hips when a knock comes on the door.

 George walks to the front door.

 "Who is it?" George asks curiously.

 "Delorian Porter." Delorian says nervously and George opens the door.

 Delorian is wearing a black suit, a white button shirt, a black tie and black dress shoes. George looks him over before stepping aside.

 "Come on in." George says coolly and Delorian walks inside and they head to the living room.

 He goes and stands next to Tiffany.

 "You look beautiful, Tiffany." Delorian says sweetly looking Tiffany's dress over.

 "Thank you." Tiffany says looking Delorian in his eyes.

 "Before you guys leave, I have a few questions for you Delorian." George says seriously crossing his arms getting the teens attention.

 "Yes sir? What would you like to know?" Delorian asks nervously clasping his hands together.

 "Why did you ask my daughter to homecoming?" George asks suspiciously.

 "Well, you see sir I've always liked cheerleaders and I wanted to go for someone different. Your daughter isn't like anyone I've seen before. I have nothing but the best of intentions for Tiffany sir." Delorian explains eloquently and George looks him over unconvinced.

 "Do you intend on sacking my little girl?" George asks and Tiffany closes her eyes.

 "Pop." Tiffany groans embarrassed.

 "It's a fair and logical question." George says defending himself.

 "No sir I don't. I want to get to know your daughter. Sexual relations is the last thing on my mind." Delorian says shocked raising his hands and George walks over to him.

"Yeah well, if my daughter comes back home sad or angry you will have to answer to me." George warns inches away from his face.

 "Y-Yes sir I understand. I'll have her home by ten and not a minute later." Delorian says seriously linking his arm with Tiffany.

 "Let me go and get my camera." George says before walking off.

 When he returns he has a silver camera in hand.

 "Let's go onto the porch." George says and they walk outside onto the porch.

 Delorian and Tiffany stand on the porch with their arms still linked. George stands on the second step and holds the camera to his face and snaps the picture. Once he finishes he steps aside and they walk downstairs.

 "Y'all have a good time." George says as they approach Delorian's car.

 Delorian has a blue convertible with chrome trim and a white top. Delorian opens the passenger door.

 "Thank you." Tiffany says sweetly as she gets in.

 "You're welcome." Delorian says before closing the door and getting in the driver's seat.

 Soon the engine starts and his car pulls away from the curb. George then heads back inside.

 A knock comes on the St. James front door. Bossier gets up and walks to the foyer. She is wearing a gray turtleneck, white jeans and black leather knee length boots. When she opens the door Algier is standing there. He is wearing a black military jacket with gold epaulettes, black suit pants and black dress shoes. On his hands are gold wrist gloves. Bossier smiles warmly.

 "I'm Bossier Kathy's younger sister. Please come in." Bossier says in a friendly tone stepping aside.

 Bossier then brings him to the center of the foyer.

 "Kathy Algier is here!" Bossier yells and seconds later Kathy appears at the top of the staircase.

 She is wearing a fitted white off the shoulder fishtail dress. On her dress are brown tree roots ascending to the breast area. On her feet is a pair of brown three-inch pointed toe stilettos. Her face is made up with light powder, brown eyeshadow, brown eyeliner and caramel nude lipstick. Her eyebrows are definitively arched. They start out thin but thicken at the end. In her ears are diamond studs and around her neck is a medium size diamond. Her hair is styled in parted layered feathers.

 In her left hand is a white strapless clutch. As she descends the staircase Algier looks at her speechless and deeply in love. When she reaches him he hugs her and kisses her chastely.

 "Save that for the dance." Bossier half jokes getting their attention.

 "Before you guys go I want a picture." Bossier says before going to the living room.

 When she returns she has a black camera in hand. Algier positions himself behind her and wraps his arm around Kathy's waist. Kathy places her hands on top of his

Instantly smiles make their way across the duo's lips.

 "Say cheese!" Bossier says excitedly.

 "Cheese!" Kathy and Algier says happily and Bossier snaps the picture.

 "I want to take one more." Kathy says shocking them.

 "Okay." Bossier says lowering her camera.

  Kathy and Algier face each other and hug and look at the camera.

 "Say homecoming!" Bossier says placing the camera to her face.

 "Homecoming!" Kathy and Algier says and Bossier snaps the picture.

 "Thank you Bossier." Kathy beams appreciatively.

 "You're welcome. Those are going to be nice once they're made." Bossier says as Galleria descends the staircase.

 She is wearing a pink spaghetti strap dress with white slingback heels. Her face is made up with light powder, beige eyeshadow, black eyeliner and red lipstick. Her hair is styled in a voluminous beehive with a swoop.

 When she sees Kathy disgust makes itself rightfully at home on her face.

 "So this was the best you could do? Oh mulatto I'm going to be the envy of every girl tonight. So you might as well go back downstairs to your dungeon and leave this to a professional." Galleria says harshly with arrogance on the forefront.

 "The way I'm feeling right now Galleria you don't want to mess with me." Kathy advises getting everyone's attention.

 "I'm sure you told Grandmother all about how you feel and what's been going on in Mother's home." Galleria barks back before giving Algier her full attention.

 "Who is this?'" Galleria asks enthusiastically looking Algier up and down placing her left hand on her hip.

 "I'm Algier and I'm Kathy's boyfriend." Algier says firmly with pride looking at her.

 "When you're ready to get with a real woman come and pay me a visit." Galleria says coquettishly before glancing at a cool yet incensed Kathy.

 "Come on Kathy, let's get going, my parents are waiting. It was lovely to meet you Bossier and thank you for the pictures." Algier says sweetly going to open the door for Kathy.

 Once they're gone Bossier looks over at Galleria shamefully.

 "You really have no limits or respect." Bossier says disgusted before walking back to the living room.

 Galleria rolls her eyes and looks back at the staircase and sees Yorkshire come downstairs. He is wearing a white suit with black lapels, a white button shirt, a black tie, black pants and black and white dress shoes.

 "You really pulled out all the stops for tonight." Galleria says observantly.

 "Well I am the star quarterback after all. I have to look the part." Yorkshire says as he makes it to the foyer.

 Soon Letha comes over the banister. She is wearing a lime green nightgown and white slippers.

 "Look at my star child about to have the night of her life! I have to remember this!" Letha says proudly looking at Galleria who spins around and places her hands on her hips before striking a pose.

 Yorkshire looks heartbroken before going outside onto the porch. Moments later Letha comes downstairs with a white and gray camera.

 "Sweetheart, would you mind standing in the middle of the foyer?" Letha asks warmly and Galleria goes and stands in the center.

 She places her hands back on her hips and strikes the same pose.

 "Say I'm beautiful." Letha says holding the camera to her face.

 "I'm beautiful." Galleria says before Letha snaps the picture.

 Letha then removes the camera.

 "You are going to be the envy of all the girls tonight, including that half-breed." Letha says and Galleria smiles smugly.

 "I know she will. But the sad part is I don't even have to try." Galleria jokes and they laugh.

 Outside Algier's chauffeur has the rear right passenger door open.

 "Before we go, I want to give you something." Algier says going and grabbing a white zipped clothes cover.

 He unzips it and takes it off the hanger. He places a blonde mink shawl around Kathy's shoulders.

 "Oh my goodness Algier it's absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much." Kathy says happily before leaning down and kissing him.

 "You're welcome." Algier says before helping her into the car.

 "Go on and have a good time." Letha says before returning upstairs.

 Galleria then goes out the door and locks it.

 "Let's go Yorkie." Galleria says going downstairs.

 Yorkshire's teeth are gritted as he heads downstairs.