Troublemaker (26 page)

A
llene sat in her rocking chair enjoying the hot summer night that blanketed Nedine. The stars were sparkling in the sky like Christmas lights, the crickets were chirping like an orchestra playing a tune, and the vibrant flowers in the front yard provided a sweet fragrance akin to perfume. “This is my kinda night,” Allene said as she rocked back and forth, satisfied and happy.

The last of the celebrations had been held this afternoon, and now all of Allene's family who'd traveled to Nedine this weekend were safely back home, resting in their own beds. She smiled as she thought about everything that had happened this weekend and all that she'd witnessed since the sunrise today.

Sunday had always been a holy day of praise, celebration, and fellowship in the Small family. Allene had happy memories of times spent at Rising Star A.M.E. Zion Church, and hearty meals shared with her family after Sunday service. Today, her family's plans were much the same.

Victoria had planned to prepare a big breakfast for everyone, and she'd asked one of the deacons from Rising Star to come over to the house and bless their food before they fellowshipped together, under the roof Isaiah built. Afterwards, they would all travel to Butler's Cemetery and lay flowers on the headstones of their loved ones.

Living two lifetimes had taught Allene that plans can always change, and as soon as Alexandria awoke this morning, that's exactly what happened.

Alexandria had risen early, said her prayers, and then quietly tiptoed down the stairs, making her way to Maxx's room. She didn't knock on his door because it was already open. She walked in slowly, knowing he was expecting her.

“Hey there, Alex,” Maxx said in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

Alexandria walked over to his bed, sat down beside him, and held his hand in a warm embrace.

“You came to be with me before I leave for good.”

“Yes, Uncle Maxx. You came into this world loved, with someone holding on to you, and that's how you're going to leave today.”

Maxx gave her a gentle smile. “I lived a good life.”

She smiled back and nodded. “Yes, you did.”

“You and your mama been good to me, and I love both of you.”

“We love and adore you, Uncle Maxx.”

Maxx paused for a minute, gathering his strength one last time. “I want y'all to go 'head and enjoy that big breakfast your mama said she was gonna cook, and have a few drinks for me. I don't want nobody cryin' and moanin' today. Celebrate my life 'cause I'm happy. I'm at peace. And I'm ready.”

Alexandria gave his hand a soft squeeze. “You go ahead and rest now, Uncle Maxx.”

Maxx smiled, and then let out one last breath before he joined John; Elizabeth; his mother, Grace; his father, Milford; and so many others who'd already taken their journey to the other side.

Alexandria looked out the window near Maxx's bed and smiled as the sun slowly rose, flooding the room with radiant light. She leaned over, kissed Maxx on his forehead, and then walked outside to the front porch where Allene was sitting in her rocking chair.

“It's real fittin' that Maxx left just as the sun was risin',” Allene said. “He was a mornin' person and he loved to see the sunrise.”

“Yes, it is. Isn't that a sign of something?” Alexandria asked with curiosity.

“I've heard tell that when a person passes away at sunrise, it means the angels came for 'em to take them on to heaven.”

“Then that's where Uncle Maxx is headed.”

Allene smiled. “He was a good-natured man, and I'm glad he went peacefully, back here in the town he loved. That's what he wanted, and I'm always happy when people get what they want.”

“I was glad I was with him when he went.”

“Everything happens exactly the way it should. You bein' there with your uncle Maxx represents the cycle of life,” Allene said with a smile.

Alexandria nodded. “Yes, as one life ends, another begins.”

“I'm happy for you and PJ, baby girl.”

Alexandria smiled and ran her hand across her flat stomach, knowing that in nine months she and PJ would be welcoming a baby to give Gary company. Last night at the gala, when she'd felt a sharp sensation in the pit of her stomach, it wasn't just the overwhelming love she'd felt for her family that had caused the intensely surreal feeling; it was the seed that PJ had planted earlier that afternoon that was already growing inside her.

Allene knew that Alexandria had been tempted to look into the future and find out whether she was carrying a girl or a boy, but she'd decided against it. She knew that because of her ability, many things in life wouldn't be a surprise to her, whether she wanted to know or not. But she knew that this baby was a gift, and surprise gifts were the best.

After everyone awoke and gathered in the kitchen, Alexandria delivered the news about Maxx. Victoria's eyes had teared up as Ted rubbed her shoulder.

“He told me that he didn't want any moaning or crying today,” Alexandria told them. “He wants us to celebrate his life and have some drinks in his honor.”

Victoria shook her head and smiled. “That's ol' Uncle Maxx, all right.”

Although they didn't have a big breakfast as planned, the deacon from Rising Star came by and said a prayer for the family before he headed off to morning worship service.

After Maxx's body was taken to the morgue and the Sparrow's Mortuary was called, the family gathered around to toast Maxx's life.

“This is just the way Maxx wanted it,” Allene said to Alexandria, who was sipping sparkling apple cider.

An hour later, Allene watched as the family once again piled into their vehicles. This time they were on their way to Butler's Cemetery to lay flowers on the headstones of their dearly departed loved ones. She was a little saddened by the fact that even in today's modern world, Butler's was still considered the Negro cemetery. The Flower Festival was in its fiftieth year, but the town itself would be celebrating its two hundred and fiftieth anniversary next year. Black folks and white folks ate together, drank together, and even worshipped together, but each time a black resident of Nedine passed away, Butler's was where they were laid to rest. “So much for two hundred and fifty years of progress,” she said to herself.

The walk to the section where the Small family members were buried was situated toward the back side of the expansive land. They all walked slowly, and with purpose. Victoria and Alexandria each carried beautiful flowers in their hands while everyone followed behind them. Finally, they reached their destination.

“Here they are,” Victoria said as she looked at her parents' headstones, which were side by side. A mixture of joy and sadness filled her voice. “I love and miss you, Mom and Daddy, and this morning, Uncle Maxx came to join you. I'll be here with you all, one day . . . one day.”

Allene watched as Victoria placed beautiful flowers on each of her parents' headstones. Ted walked up beside her and held her hand as they stood in silence.

Now it was Alexandria's turn. She took a step over to the left and stood in front of Allene's final resting place on earth.

“Devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her,” Alexandria said as she read part of the inscription on Allene's headstone.

Allene could feel that Alexandria wanted to reach out and take hold of her, but she knew she couldn't. She knelt before Allene's headstone and bowed her head. “I thank God for you. You loved me before I was who I am today, accepting me in every imperfect way. You loved the very idea of me, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. You've guided me, protected me, cared for me, encouraged me, and supported me. You comforted me when I was down and you waited right there by my side until I was able to pick myself up. Whether I stumble to my knees or soar to the clouds, you're always there for me. I love you to life, Grandma Allene. You are my blessing and my greatest gift.”

“And you're my heart,” Allene said as she hugged her own side, wishing she could embrace her great-great-granddaughter.

Alexandria placed her flowers at the foot of the headstone and smiled. Slowly, she brought her fingers to her lips and then gently placed them on the engraved inscription of Allene's name.

Allene gasped with a rush of air when she felt a warm sensation upon her lips. “Could it be?” She smiled as she watched Alexandria nod her head.

Yes, Grandma. That was a kiss from me to you.

Allene was compassionate, loving, and sentimental, but she'd never been one for shedding tears. Growing up a black woman in the segregated, rural South, there had been no room for such emotion. The last time she'd cried she had been ninety years old, on that late long-ago summer night when Susan Jessup had come to visit her for the last time. Now, standing under the bright sun with her family gathered together in love and purpose, Allene cried again.

“These tears you see,” she said through sniffles as she looked at Alexandria. “They're the happiest I ever have shed.”

Everyone standing near could see that something “special” was happening, so they remained silent and let Alexandria have her moment with Allene.

Alexandria rose from her knees as PJ held her hand, helping her stand up. “This is a day of loss but also of celebration and love, and I thank God for all of you.” She looked directly at Christian as she continued. “We're blessed because we're standing on the shoulders of people who made this day possible. No matter what state we were in when we arrived here this weekend, all of us have changed in some way over these last three days. For me, I've embraced every bit of who I am and I'm walking away with a special gift I'll share with you all very soon.” PJ squeezed her hand and smiled as Alexandria continued. “Thank you all for coming, sharing, and loving. Family is the glue that holds us together. It's not determined by blood,” she said, looking at Tyler, Samantha, and Chase. “It's defined by love. And I love you all.”

As Allene continued to rock back and forth in her chair she smiled again when she thought about her family. They'd made her proud and had filled her with joy. As she gazed at the brilliant night sky, she was excited that she had so many things to look forward to. Her great-great-great-grandchild would be born next year, and Victoria and Ted would be moving to Nedine once Ted retired.

Slowly, Allene rose from her chair and headed inside. She smiled again as she thought about the very reason why her family had come to town, which was to find their way. “You can never go wrong doin' right.”

A
lexandria was so excited she could barely contain herself. She'd waited patiently for this day and now it was finally here. Her wedding day.

“Are you ready, sweetheart?” Victoria asked as she fluffed her daughter's tulle veil.

“I was ready last week.” She smiled. “This is without a doubt the happiest day of my life.”

“That's exactly how you're supposed to feel on your wedding day, and it means you've made the right choice.”

“Yes, without a doubt, Mom.” Alexandria smiled and looked at herself in the floor-length mirror.”

“You're not only a beautiful bride,” Victoria said with tears forming in her eyes, “you're a beautiful person. Your father and I are so proud of you. We know that you and PJ are going to enjoy a wonderful life together. The journey won't always be easy, and you'll have a few bumps along the way. But if you keep God first, hold on to each other, and trust in the love you share, you'll be just fine.”

Alexandria nodded. “We intend to do just that.”

Victoria delivered a perfect air-kiss to Alexandria's cheek. “I'm going to walk out to the vestibule now so the ushers can seat me.”

Alexandria looked over to her side and saw Allene smiling.
Thank you, Grandma Allene,
she said in a language that only Allene could understand.
I know this day wouldn't be possible if you hadn't come into my life a year ago, and for that I'm eternally grateful.

It's me who's grateful,
Allene answered back.
Now go out there and marry that handsome man waitin' for you at the altar.

The wedding directress, whom Victoria had hired, straightened out the bottom of Alexandria's silk-and-pearl laced train. “Okay, it's show time,” she said with a smile. “Let's get you married.”

They walked out to the vestibule where Ted was waiting. Alexandria smiled when she saw the pride and joy on her handsome father's face. He wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace. “Other than your mother, you're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen,” Ted told her.

“Thanks, Daddy. I think that's the best compliment anyone has ever given me.”

“It's true. Your mother and I are so proud of you, and we want you to know that if you and PJ ever need anything, our door is always open.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

“Love you, too, princess.”

The wedding directress motioned to Alexandria. “It's time for you to make your grand entrance.”

“All right, let's do this,” Alexandria said as she laced her arm in her father's. They stood in front of the sanctuary door and waited for their cue.

When the sound of Pachelbel's “Canon in D” filled the air and the doors opened, Alexandria was blown away. The fragrant flowers smelled like heaven. Large vases overflowing with roses, lilies, and gerberas were in every corner the eye could see, and looked more beautiful than the displays she'd seen two weeks ago at Nedine's Flower Festival. Candles adorned the window sills giving a warm glow to the ornate space, and the smiling faces that filled each pew made Alexandria feel appreciated and loved.

She walked slowly in her strapless, form-fitting ivory colored gown that had been handmade to highlight her bold curves. She chose to go bare at the neck, allowing the crystal teardrop earrings that dangled at her lobes to accentuate her flawless beauty.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach with each step she took. She was ecstatic to see Tyler, Samantha, and Chase smiling as they sat together, united as a family whose strength was in their love and commitment to be open and honest with each other, no matter the situation.

Alexandria beamed when she saw Christian smile at her and mouth, “You're beautiful, sis,” as she walked by. She could see that the last two weeks spent in rehab had done him a world of good. She knew he still had a long road ahead of him, and was glad that he was going to check himself back into the treatment center after the ceremony ended.

A small tear fell from the corner of her right eye as she looked at her mother, who was bursting with happiness in the front pew to her left, and sitting beside her was Gary, adorable in a black suit and tie that she and PJ had picked out for him last week after he was released from the hospital. She blew a kiss to him as he smiled and giggled with joy. Alexandria's heart felt another boost at the sight of Parker, standing at the front as PJ's best man. She knew the love and pride on his faced matched the joy he felt in his heart.

Now, she was only a few feet away from PJ, and she wanted to run up to him and say their “I do's” right then and there. But she knew she had to be patient for a few more minutes. She smiled wide as she walked slowly toward PJ, who was smiling back at her.

Alexandria could hardly contain her excitement when she looked at her handsome, sexy bridegroom decked out in his custom made tuxedo. Her body trembled with happiness as she approached the altar where PJ was waiting for her.

Alexandria had known that because she was a spoken word artist, she was expected to deliver a rousing and sentimental oration for her wedding vow. But she'd decided against it. The words she wanted to tell PJ would be spoken and enacted later that night as they made love as husband and wife for the first time. So when the part of the ceremony came where they were supposed to recite their vows, she was shocked when PJ announced that he'd written something special for her that he wanted to say.

PJ cleared his throat as Alexandria looked on in disbelief. “Ali, I wrote this for you and I hope you like it.”

Alexandria as well as the church full of wedding guests listened with rapt attention as PJ began. He spoke from the heart without a written script as he looked into Alexandria's eyes and smiled.

“I'll never forget the day we met at a Jack and Jill meeting. Even though I was only five years old, I knew what it meant to feel love and be loved. When I looked at you I felt both. You were my very first friend. My best friend. You were the prettiest little girl I'd ever seen, with long ponytails and a smile that made me smile. I was so happy when I found out you were in my kindergarten class. I credit you for the reason why I loved school and was eager to be there every day. It was because I knew I'd see you. We shared sandwiches, candy, traded snacks, and held hands at recess.”

Alexandria smiled as tears fell from her eyes and from their guests' too.

“A year later I moved away,” PJ continued. “But I never forgot my very first friend because you'd cemented a place in my heart. More than twenty years later God's grace and a meant-to-be love brought us back together. You're still my best friend and the best part of the man I've become.

“Your smile keeps me going when I'm down. Your encouragement and support give me motivation to finish whatever I start. Your understanding nature gives me peace in a world that can be full of challenges. And your love makes me feel like I can conquer the world.

“I'm proud and honored to share this day with you, Ali. I love you. I cherish you, and I can't wait to build a lifetime of memories with you by my side. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for allowing me to love you. And thank you for making me the happiest man alive by becoming my wife and partner for life.”

When PJ finished there wasn't a dry eye in the church. Even Parker, who was usually the epitome of cool, had brought out his handkerchief to wipe away happy tears.

Alexandria was overjoyed and more thankful than she could put into words. Right before PJ had come into her life a year ago she'd been in an unfulfilling relationship, but once her grandma Allene helped her embrace who she was, her whole world changed. Alexandria's gift allowed her to see that life was short but precious, and she was determined not to waste a single moment of it on anything or anyone that didn't fulfill her, teach her, or help her grow. She was happy that PJ did all those things and more. She had a lot of living ahead of her, and she was ready to start doing it with her new husband and the children they were going to raise as they walked through life's journey.