Jessica's Family Affair

http://www.mojocastle.com/

Acknowledgments

Finally, I have completed my long anticipated second novel. I want to thank my family, readers and fellow writers who have encourage me to continue my journey.

I want to give a special thanks to my parents, Frances and Johnny, my sisters, Tammy, Tiffany, Reesie and Laurice, my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends (which are too many to name).

Thank you walking this journey with me, and now it’s on to the next phase.

Dedication:

To Wayne,

Thanks for being my shield.

Saturday

Through With Love

Darla Maxwell

Hello?

Good morning, Mom. Were you sleeping?

No. What’s up?

I was just calling to see how you were doing?

I’m okay.

That’s good.

What do you want?

Why do I have to want to something? Can’t I just call and see how my mother is doing?

A mother knows her child, Marla. So out with it.

I was just checking on you.

Am I supposed to be sick or something?

With everything that’s going on with Daddy and Jess, I was just concerned about you. Me and Marlan are coming by to take you to lunch.

It’s ‘Marlan and I’ are coming by to take you to lunch, not ‘me and Marlan.’

Marlan and I are coming by to take you to lunch.

How sweet of you two, but I’m going to have to take a rain check. I talked with Jess last night, and she didn’t sound too well. So I had decided to spend the day with her, since Kirkland is at your Aunt Georgia’s.

What do you two have plan for the day?

We probably do a little shopping. Maybe rent a couple of movies.

How is Jess doing?

Truthfully, she's not good. Ever since the doctor told her a couple of weeks ago that the cancer has spread to other parts of her body, and she doesn’t have much time to live. She has basically given up. I got an idea; you should come and spend the day with us.

What about Marlan? He had his heart set on spending the afternoon with you.

I'm sure he’ll understand.

Well, let me call him and I’ll be over shortly.

Okay, baby, I said.

She abruptly hung up the phone. Marla was so much like her dad. Being so concerned about how others felt.

I needed to get up and start my day. I called Jess to let her know what time I would be over. The phone rang five times before it went to voicemail.

Hey, Jess, it’s me, Darla. Marla and I are coming to pick you up and take you out to lunch. I’m about to get in the shower, so I’ll call you when we are on our way. Love you. I hung up the phone and stretched my arms. It was time to get up and get to moving. I need to pay the morning water bill. I got out of bed and walked into the bathroom.

Sitting on the toilet, my mind wandered back to Jess. What she was doing that she couldn’t answer the phone? Something was not right. It was unlike her to not answer the phone, especially since Kirkland was over at Aunt Georgia’s. When I stood up to flush the toilet, I instantly felt lightheaded.

I turned on the shower and took off my nightgown. As I stepped into the shower, I heard the phone ring. I immediately jumped out and ran into the bedroom to answer it. The name, Jessica Anderson, appeared on the caller ID box. I pushed the speakerphone button on the phone.

Hey, Jess. How are you this morning?

I’m okay, Darla. How are you?

I’m okay. I was beginning to worry when you didn’t answer the phone.

I was in the bathroom, she said, sounding nostalgic.

You get my message?

Yeah, what time are you two coming?

About an hour or so.

Okay.

Are you sure you’re okay? You don’t sound like it.

I’m okay. I just got out of bed. It’s been a long time since I've been able to just sleep in without having to get up and worry about Kirkland.

I hear you. I remember those days and I had twins. I laughed lightly, still unconvinced.

Well, let me get to moving. I’ll see you when you get here. You still got your key, don’t you?

Yeah, why?

Just let yourself in, you know it takes me longer these days to get dressed. So, I’ll see you when you get here. We hung up the phone. I knew I needed to get over there as I quickly as possible. I ran back into the bathroom and jumped into the shower. My mind returned to a couple weeks ago when I had spent Friday night with Jess and Kirkland.

* * * * * *

Jessica just found out the cancer had spread throughout her body the day before. I woke up early Saturday morning; since I knew Fletcher would be gone on a business trip, I decided to spend the entire weekend with Jessica and Kirkland. As a loving and supportive cousin, I wanted to be there for her. So after I got dressed, I went home to pick up a few things. Before I left my house, I called Jessica to see if she needed me to pick up anything.

My phone beeped. I clicked over to answer the other line.

Hello. My name is Carrie from Mika Travel. I’m looking for Mr. Fletcher Maxwell.

He’s not in. May I take a message?

I wanted to inform him his flight to Puerto Vallarta is delayed for an hour. The new scheduled departure time is two o’clock.

To where?

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Okay. I’ll let him know. Without saying goodbye, I clicked back over to Jess. Hello?

I’m here.

That was Fletcher’s travel agent. His flight to Puerto Vallarta is delayed.

To where?

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He told me he was going to Phoenix on business.

Oh, god, Jessica said in a distant voice.

What? I asked, not sure how to take her comment.

Did I tell you where Grant was going on vacation? she asked.

Yeah, Puerto Vallarta. So what does that mean?

Remember I told you it was a gay vacation?

I found myself thinking aloud into the phone. My husband is gay. I don’t believe it. My husband is gay. The sound of the doorbell startled me. Hold on, Jess. Somebody’s at the door.

Okay, she said.

I laid the phone on the bed.

I couldn’t believe my husband was going on a gay vacation. It must have been a coincidence. I know he had to be getting some from somewhere, especially since he had not touched me for what seems like an eternity. But I never thought it would be with a man. I brushed those thoughts out of my mind and answered the door. Without asking who was at the door or looking through the window, I opened it. There stood a short white man. Yes, may I help you?

I’m looking for Darla Maxwell, he said, looking down at the envelope in his hand.

What can I do for you?

Are you Darla Maxwell?

Yes, I am.

He handed me the envelope. Consider yourself served. He turned around and walked away.

What did he mean? I opened the envelope and unfolded the papers as I closed the door and walked back into my bedroom. It was a summons and complaint for divorce. Fletcher had filed for divorce. What the hell is going on? Why is he doing this? I thought about what Jess had said about Grant being in Puerto Vallarta on a gay vacation. This wasn't even making any sense. I looked down at the phone on the bed. I forgot Jess was holding on the phone. I quickly picked it up.

I’m sorry, Jess. I was just served with divorce papers, I said with disbelief.

Divorce papers?

I don’t understand what in the hell is going on. Divorce papers, gay vacation trips, I don’t get it. Fletcher is leaving me for a man.

Don’t go anywhere. Kirkland and I are on our way over. Just stay calm.

Calm? I shouted into the phone. How can I be calm? My husband is a fag and he’s divorcing me for a man! How in the hell am I supposed to stay calm?

I’ll be there shortly. She hung up.

I couldn’t believe what was going on. My husband was leaving me for a man, not another woman, a man. It took the sound of the phone buzzing in my ear to snap me back into reality.

After Jess arrived, we settled Kirkland down for a nap and ventured into our Saturday chore of playing detective. I called the travel agent and found out which hotel Fletcher was staying at. It was the same hotel as Grant’s.

The next morning I called the hotel, and a man answered the phone. I found out what I didn’t want to believe was true. My husband was gay and left me for another man. I bet it was Gregory. I should have known it was him. From the first time I met him, I knew it was something about him that didn’t sit right with me. He was after my husband all this time. Well, he finally got him, and he could keep him.

* * * * * *

As I was finishing putting on my clothes, I heard Marla coming through the front door.

Mom, I’m here, she screamed as she entered the foyer.

I’m upstairs. I’ll be down in a second. I shouted back.

Okay, she said, elevating her voice. I heard her walk into the kitchen talking on her cell phone.

God, I hope everything is okay with Jess, I uttered to my reflection in the mirror, putting the final touches on my makeup. I walked back into the bedroom, grabbed my purse off the bed, and headed downstairs.

Look at you, Marla said, standing at the door waiting on me.

What?

Who are you trying to catch?

What are you talking about? You want to drive? I reached in my purse, retrieving my keys.

You’re letting me drive. Are you feeling okay? Marla reached over and press the back of her hand against my head, turning the knob on the door with her other hand. Marla’s driving scared me.

What are you doing? I asked, pushing her hand away.

I’m wanted to make sure you don’t have a fever. Marla walked out the door and headed toward her car.

I ignored her comment. I gave myself one final look in the full-length mirror at the door. She was right, I was looking good today. I walked out the door, locked it, and headed to Marla’s car. I got in the car and put my seatbelt on before I closed the door.

We arrived at Jessica's, and I entered the house. I called out her name. No answer. I walked into the bedroom, she wasn’t there. I walked into the bathroom and there she was, lying on the floor. My heart instantly stopped. My worst fear came true. I dropped my purse on the floor by the door, rushed to her side and found an empty pill bottle on the floor next to her hand.

Jess, can you hear me? Wake up! Jess, wake up! Can you hear me? I tried to shake her into consciousness. Marla came running into the bathroom. Marla, call 911! I shout to her and turned my attention back to Jess. Wake up! Come on, wake up! I continuously shouted to Jess, slapping her face and shaking her body.

They’re in here, Marla said, directing the paramedics into the bathroom. I stood up to get out of their way. I walked to the bathroom door, picked up the cordless phone, and dialed Aunt Georgia.

She answered the phone on the second ring. Hey, baby.

Aunt Georgia, this is Darla. I was trying to remain calm.

I thought you were Jess. How you doing, baby? she asked in a cheerful voice.

Aunt Georgia, Jess overdosed on pills. I found her unconscious. The paramedics are here, and we’re about to go to the hospital, I blurted into the phone.

There was a brief silence. Dear God, I need to find someone to watch Kirkland, she said. From her voice, I could tell panic was beginning to set in.

Marla is right here. Let me ask her. I walked down the hall to Jess’ bedroom, where I found Marla frantically throwing clothe into a bag. Marla, your Aunt Georgia needs someone to watch Kirkland. Do you mine?

You know how I am about babysitting, Mom, she said as she grabbed underwear from Jess’s drawer and threw them into the bag.

Please, Marla, I said, sounding desperate.

She stopped packing the bag and stared at me. Okay, I’ll watch him. Tears formed in her eyes.

Thank you, baby. I love you.

She handed me the packed bag. I love you too, Mom. Tell her I’m on my way. Marla kissed me on my cheek and walked out of the bedroom.

Aunt Georgia, Marla will watch Kirkland. I’ll ride to the hospital with Jess. Marla is on her way to pick him up.

Thank you, Darla. Which hospital are you going to?

Let me ask the paramedics. I walked back to the bathroom. They were fastening Jess to the gurney. Excuse me, which hospital are you taking her to?

Take me to Beaumont, Jess said. We looked at each other, then at Jess. I know you are supposed to take me to the closest hospital. Take me to Beaumont. My doctor is on staff there.

Are you all right? I asked, pushing her hair out of her face.

Make sure they take me to Beaumont, Jess whispered.

I have to radio dispatch, the paramedic said as he walked out of the room.

I know this not the time to be thinking about a man, but damn, he was fine. He had to be in his late forties, early fifties. He had a perfectly shaved bald head. He had big, pretty eyes with the curliest eyelashes. He had that middle-age spread going on, but looked like he kept himself in good shape. I wondered how big his dick was. I couldn't remember when the last was that I got some dick.

Marla putting her hand on my shoulder startled me back to reality. Mom, I’m leaving. Which hospital are you going to? Is Aunt Georgia still on the phone?

Hello. Aunt Georgia, are you still there? I completely forgot she was on hold.

I’m still here. Which hospital are you going to?

Beaumont in Royal Oak, the paramedic interjected, walking back into the bathroom.

They are taking her to Beaumont in Royal Oak.

Okay. I’ll call your mother, have her bring me down.

I’ll see you at the hospital.

Bye, baby, she said and hung up the phone.

I’m leaving, Mom, Marla said.

I turned off the phone and placed it on the bathroom counter. I kissed her on the cheek. Drive carefully, baby. Thank you for watching Kirkland. I love you.

I love you, too. She kissed me on the cheek, and walked out of the house.

Are you riding with her to the hospital? The paramedic asked as they moved Jess out of bathroom.

Yes, I am, I said, turning off the lights. I grabbed my purse and the overnight bag from the floor and followed them out of the front door.

The paramedic rode in the back with Jess and I. As my cousin lay at death’s door, the only thing on my mind fucking this man.

How is she doing?

She’s stable. Is she your sister? He wrote on what I assumed was her chart attached to a clipboard.

"No, she’s my cousin. She