What God Has Joined

22

Prologue

Devann Martin’s spirit was high and lifted up. It was a lovely spring night in Atlanta, Georgia, and he could feel the glory of the Lord upon him as he strolled toward Jelly Beans skating rink during the wee hours of Monday morning. Having recently left the home of April Curtis, whom he’d just given an engagement ring to despite the fact they were only fourteen-years-old, he felt like he was floating on an orbiting meteor. Except his aching feet encased in the black leather brogans worn to complement his black denim outfit were a constant reminder that he was walking instead of riding.

Despite the pain, he felt like dancing and making joyful noises unto the Lord, because it had been a good day. A blessed day. And he was truly thankful.

Absorbed in this state of euphoria, he paid little attention to the vehicle approaching from the opposite end of the narrow residential road. Consequently, when the charcoal gray Audi sedan slowed then abruptly stopped, headlights ghastly illuminating him, Devann found himself staring at Torri Curtis before he could react.

Dang, she is the last person I needed to see! He thought.

Boy, what are you doing walking around by yourself this time of night? She wanted to know as she stuck her gorgeous, chocolate face out of the passenger side window. Framed loosely by long black hair streaked elegantly with a touch of gray, her facial expression was full of concern, reminding him of how much she had always cared for him and supported his relationship with her daughter.

Devann froze. Except for the involuntary fidgeting of his hands.

What could he possibly say to April’s mother?

Tell a lie?

Tell the truth?

No, he couldn’t tell her that he was coming from her house since she disapproved of him visiting April without parental consent – especially this time of night! He knew that was her rule, and she knew he knew it. Thus, there was no excuse for what he’d done.

Under the circumstances, could he expect Torri to believe, to understand, that he had stopped by her house with only the intention of dropping off April’s Valentine Day present before going on to the skating rink? Could he expect Torri to sympathize with his desire to give April the engagement ring tonight instead of waiting until next week, the only chance he’d have to see his sweetheart again? Could he expect Torri to believe, to understand, that he hadn’t expected April to invite him inside the house, and that they’d lost track of the time?

No. Even though it was true – every single bit of it – he seriously doubted Torri would go for it. Straight-up, the truth sounded preposterous. Unbelievable.

Interestingly, as a result of his current predicament, Devann now understood what was written of Rebekah, Issac’s wife. He understood how she must’ve felt when Esau and Jacob struggled together within her womb. For he had two nations warring within him at the moment. One a nation of untruth, while the other was a nation of truth.

Like Esau, the nation of untruth was the firstborn. And like Jacob, the truth was holding the lie by the heel in an effort to reverse the birthright.

Still, the nation of untruth was prevailing since Devann refused to trust in the power of the truth.

I… uhm… just came from my sister’s friend’s house looking for my sister, he finally replied, unable to look into the inquisitive brown eyes studying him. She… uhm… left Jelly Beans with Marvena, and I haven’t seen them since. And you know, I uhm…I was trying to find her because it’s time for us to go home.

Way past time for you to go home, if you ask me. For you, your sister, and Marvena. Is that the same Marvena who lives next door to April’s friend, Sherrie, on Indian Trail?

Yes, ma’am, he replied, swallowing hard as he shoved his tell-it-all hands deep into the front pockets of his jeans.

Silly him, he hadn’t considered that Torri knew both Sherrie and Marvena, but he should have since Torri made it a point to know all of her daughter’s friends and their parents. His lie had seemed like a good one because Marvena did live a few streets over, and they were closer to her house than Torri’s house.

But now, he wondered if the over-looked aspect of his hasty lie would expose him.

Man, he wasn’t used to this lying crap – not only had his momma taught him better, but he also knew what was written of such things in the Holy Bible!

Devann couldn’t see Carl, Torri’s long-term significant other, who also had favor for him, but Devann imagined the distinguished gentleman was shaking his head in disbelief and disgust behind the harsh glare of the headlights. Yes, sadly, Devann could imagine Carl’s handsome bronze face contorted into a frown while dark eyes squinted accusingly.

Did you find her? Torri inquired, disturbing his troubled thoughts.

Find who?

Your sister?

Oh! No, ma’am, I couldn’t find her or Marvena.

Hmmm. Well, it’s getting pretty late, and you don’t need to be out here by yourself – your momma would probably have a fit if she knew! Hop in, and we’ll give you a ride back to the skating rink. Or home. Or wherever you’re supposed to go. You know we don’t mind taking you.

That’s sweet of you, but, no, thank you, he replied even though the temperature was dropping, the breeze starting to chill him to the quick. Plus, his feet were still hurting.

Yes, he could definitely use a ride. However, he couldn’t remain in Torri’s presence much longer without succumbing to the conviction of his spirit, the overwhelming urge to confess everything he’d done wrong tonight. Every lie he’d told to her.

Nor could he risk any questions from Carl, who, in his wise ways, would surely recognize game when he heard it.

Well, okay, she relented. If you’re sure, goodnight.

Goodnight. I’ll see ya’ll next week.

Sighing with relief, he watched the car until the rear lights faded into the darkness, realizing he’d escaped a close one with Torri.

Unfortunately, however, he had not escaped God, for the Most High saw all and knew all. And it saddened him to realize that the glory of the Lord was no longer with him – he had sinned, and his spirit assured him the King of kings wanted no part in that. No part with sin. Confirmation would come for him in an unexpected way.

The skating rink was closed by the time he finally arrived minutes later. All the lights were off, and there wasn’t a vehicle left in the huge parking lot – nothing but shadows and oil stains remaining.

This doesn’t look too good, he thought. Not good at all.

He was stranded, as the crew he usually hooked up with every Sunday night had clearly gone home without him. While he could expect such a thing from the others, he couldn’t believe his own brother had left him behind!

What was he supposed to do now? What more could possibly go wrong tonight? He wondered as his spirit urged him to cry out to heaven. To God.

Instead of lifting up his voice, however, he simply stared at the sky as if silently asking the Father of heaven to help His lonely, abandoned son. It was an unspoken prayer, and there was no spoken response.

Thinking hard, Devann reviewed his options: one, he could walk home, but this wasn’t a realistic option since he lived way across town; two, he could catch the MARTA bus to the train station, except for the fact that the buses and trains had probably already stopped running for the night; and three, he could call his momma and beg her to come get him – she would be highly upset, but she’d get over it.

So, the third and only option it would be.

Already thinking of the smooth lines he’d lay on his momma, he paid little attention to the car he heard approaching from behind him. However, when the engine’s whine grew higher and louder, a cold chill tickled his spine. A warning.

Instinctively, he whipped his head around, glancing over his left shoulder, and was alarmed by what he saw.

The car, bright lights blinding him, was bearing down on him, like a bald eagle diving for a rabbit. Worse, the car was awfully close, the driver no doubt intending to run him over. Vehicular Homicide.

Acting on reflex, almost too late, Devann dove into the wild grass beside the road, rolled, and came up on one knee, ready to run for his life.

After narrowly missing him, the car was thrown into a dangerous skid that brought it to a swift halt. With the tires squealing and belching up smoke.

Illuminated by the headlights, Devann should’ve ran and never looked back, but he was frozen with fear for the second time that night by the sudden appearance of the Audi.

The driver’s side door opened and Torri blew out of the car like an angry breeze.

"You lying li’l devil! She screamed at him. You bastard! How could you betray my trust? How could you betray me? After I treated you like my own son, how could you go over to my house when you knew I wasn’t home, and when you knew I wouldn’t have approved? How could you, Devann, of all people?"

There was nothing he could say. Too guilty to face Torri, Devann dropped his head in shame. A sad, sad shame.

Look at me, boy!

Forcing his heavy head up, he locked eyes with her as she stood in front of the Audi, a few feet before him.

Did you sleep with April?

No, ma’am.

"Did you sleep with my daughter? Boy, don’t you lie to me!"

No, ma’am, he replied without blinking or turning away. As God is my witness, I did not sleep with her.

But Lords knows I came awfully close, he thought, remembering the last wonderful hours he’d spent with April. He remembered kissing her, the way she tasted. He remembered touching her, the silky feel of her chocolate skin. He remembered -

I would like to believe you, Devann, Torri interrupted his thoughts, but I don’t. You lied to me once without hesitation tonight, and I don’t doubt you’d do it again.

I am not lying to you this time, though, he urged from his knees. Please believe me. April and I didn’t sleep together.

"Then why did you disrespect me by sneaking into my house, boy?"

He explained the situation with the Valentine’s Day present. In conclusion, he said, I was so excited I just didn’t want to wait until next weekend to give her the ring.

Well, that would’ve been your best bet, because, as it now stands, I do not believe you. For all I know, you and April could’ve planned this whole affair. That’s damn sho’ what it looks like to me.

We didn’t.

It doesn’t matter. The result is still the same. I no longer trust you nor April. And I have never felt this way about my daughter before. Not only have you destroyed my friendship with you, but you’ve also destroyed my relationship with my daughter, the bond we’ve worked so hard to build. My God, Devann, what do you have to say for all the damage you’ve caused?

Devann didn’t have a suitable response.

A simple apology wouldn’t get it, and he knew it. Worse, he knew she knew he knew it.

Better yet, what do you think I should do with you?

Devann still didn’t know what to say.

For betraying my trust, she announced too calmly, you will never see April again. Do not call my house. And do not think about coming over because you are no longer welcome in my home. You are no longer welcome in my daughter’s life! Do you understand me? That is your well-deserved punishment. Live with it, and consider yourself lucky I ain’t gonna whup your behind like I’m gonna do April’s.

Devann jumped to his feet, dizzy, sick to his stomach. Please don’t hurt April, he pleaded, because none of this is her fault. I assure you we didn’t do anything, because I have too much respect for her. But, if anyone is to blame for anything, it’s me. I accept full responsibility.

For a long moment she stared at him, as the anger and resentment seemed to slowly evaporate from her facial expression, replaced by something resembling regret and sadness.

"You stay away from my daughter," she finally said, her voice cracking.

In that moment Devann realized exactly how much he’d hurt her. He also understood that an implied pact had been made: as long as he stayed away from April, Torri would not punish his sweetheart. No one would be physically hurt. A huge sacrifice on his part, for April, the girl he loved so much he’d planned to make her his wife. The girl he could never, ever see again because of his stupidity.

Yes, ma’am, he spoke softly, trying not to choke on his words. I understand.

As Torri drove off in the Audi, leaving Devann alone in the dark once again, he recalled what else was written of Esau and Jacob. And it occurred to him that where Esau had sold his birthright to Jacob for a morsel of bread and some stew, Devann had likewise forfeited his divine right to marry April for a moment of pleasure.

In addition, Devann’s current situation gave new meaning to what was written of King Saul when the prophet Samuel proclaimed unto him: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. Like when King Saul had disobeyed the commands of God in order to present what he thought was an acceptable sacrifice unto the Most High God, Devann now understood that if he’d been obedient to the commands of Torri, he wouldn’t be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice: His beautiful relationship with April.

Deep in his heart Devann’s spirit urged him to repent and pray. So, that’s exactly what he did.

He slumped to his knees and cried out, "My God! My God, what have I done?"

Chapter One

I look like a hoochie mama, April complained as she studied herself in the rectangular mirror hanging outside the closet door of the bedroom she had been sleeping in for twenty-six years now.

She was wearing red leather pumps with a red, tight-fitting, She-Devil costume. A costume complete with a short tail that protruded just above her butt and a red leather mask that covered the top two-thirds of her chocolate face. Her long black hair was pulled to the back in one fat braid snaking beyond her shoulders, and her lips were painted a sexy candy-apple red.

Serve me right for leaving it up to Carmen to get the costumes, she thought. Lord knows I should’ve known better.

If you were still a teenager, Carmen corrected from behind April, you’d look like a hoochie mama. But, since you’re old, you look more like a dominatrix, or whatever you call it. Speaking of which, you wanna borrow my whip? Oh, I forgot! You already got that spear fork thing in the living room.

Girl, you know I ain’t taking that thang anywhere with me! It’s bad enough I have to wear this get-up as it is. And for your information, I am not old!

"Then stop acting like it. And start acting like the twenty-six-year-old seductress you are. I mean, girl, you ought to be glad God blessed you with a body to wear a suit like that well. And you know what I say: if you got it, flaunt it."

Yeah, you would say something like that, but we ain’t going to this party to seduce anyone, April reminded as she turned to face her cousin. This is a business function, remember? Some very important people, the most influential African-Americans in Atlanta as a matter of fact, will be at this Halloween party. Furthermore, I am not a seductress! I am a woman of God!

And? Carmen inquired with one upraised eyebrow. Her mother, Rachel, had appropriately named her since Carmen had a flawless caramel complexion complemented by short and wavy boy-cut hair.

Reclining on the full size bed Carmen and April had shared many fun-filled nights while growing up, Carmen wore a classic black and white French maid uniform. With a skirt too short for any woman of virtue and integrity to be caught wearing in public. Dead or alive.

And I’m not sure these costumes are appropriate. I’m not sure they send the right message.

What message?

In Matthew five-sixteen, Jesus says, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ He didn’t say anything about letting your butt stick out so that people may see how the Lord has blessed thee. Which is why, cuz, I’m telling you my spirit is really grieving here.

That’s only because you and your spirit don’t know any better.

How do you figure?

To you, it’s just a business function.

To you, it’s just another party, right?

No, April, it’s an opportunity.

An opportunity for what?

Net-working-it.

Oh, networking. I know that, silly. And –

No, apparently, you still don’t get it, Carmen interrupted as she stood up. Not networking. She snapped a finger and sashayed across the room. "Net-working-it! Cuz, I’m gonna meet me some of those important, eligible black men tonight. And I’m gonna get my party on like never before! Are you with me?"

Carmen-the-party-animal! April thought, not at all surprised by her cousin’s attitude.

Every since Carmen had come to live with Torri and April after her mother, Rachel, Torri’s younger sister, had died in a car accident nearly twenty years ago, the girls had always been involved in one controversy or another concerning their attitudes and perspectives. April tended to be more conservative while Carmen opted for buck wild – the only way to accurately describe Carmen.

Remembering very little about her Aunt Rachel and even less about Carmen’s father, who had died in the first Gulf War, April often wondered where the wild streak in her cousin came from.

More precisely, she wondered how first cousins who had experienced the same social interactions, raised in the same social environment, the same church, could wind up so different. Especially since April and Carmen were different in too many ways to count. Opposite in almost every way imaginable.

In fact, they rarely agreed on anything, and they never liked the same guy or kind of guy. With the exception of Devann, of-course, whom Carmen had once had a minor crush on despite the fact he was April’s boyfriend at the time.

Could the fact that Carmen was a year younger than April serve as the determinate factor? April wondered. Was the difference a result of a genetic trait Carmen had received from her father? Or, had losing both of her parents at a young age psychologically affected Carmen more than April could ever comprehend?

April didn’t pretend to know, or even halfway understand why they were so different. What she did know, however, was that it really didn’t matter. For despite their differences she loved her cousin unconditionally, having learned long ago to respect and embrace their diversity.

More accurately, what both April and Carmen had learned as a result of living together like sisters over the years was how analyzing and discussing their different perspectives often led to refreshing insight.

The type of insight that made them successful business partners today.

Teamwork.

April prayed such teamwork would work well for them tonight. As always, she’d take the more conservative approach and leave the more aggressive approach to Carmen. Under different circumstances, April wouldn’t have doubted their usual but unspoken tactics. However, she wasn’t as confident tonight because she couldn’t figure out how to be conservative while dressed as She-Devil!

Carmen, I really am not sure I have the nerve to walk into the Hilton dressed like this, April confessed.

Would you rather be the French maid?

Since both women were about the same size, with Carmen standing only an inch shorter at 5’ 9" and weighing a mere five pounds more, exchanging outfits was conceivable. Except the one Carmen wore was worse than hers, in April’s opinion.

"Girl, I wouldn’t be caught