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  He turned the doorknob and walked in. The sight of Melissa curled into a ball on the bed was more than he could bear. His eyes filled with tears as he walked to the side of the bed and sat beside her. “Babe, I am so sorry,” he murmured, touching her hair.

  “Not as sorry as I feel right now,” she said, looking up at him sorrowfully. “I think I could bear it if the woman in your bed had been anyone but Moniqa.”

  “You know I thought she was you,” Jeremiah said, his voice choked up. “She even had your clothes on. It never occurred to me that she could be so deceitful. I’ve been thinking about this all night. I swear, Mel, I haven’t gotten any sleep. I’ll have it annulled. Our marriage license was made issued to you and me. If she signed your name then the marriage is a fraud. I will get rid of Moniqa. No matter what it takes.”

  Melissa shook her head and laid her middle finger against Jeremiah’s lips. “You don’t know Moniqa like I do. There is not doubt in my mind that she’ll never let you go. I know she tricked you but Moniqa will have covered all her bases.”

  Jeremiah could tell from the stony expression on Melissa’s face, she considered their relationship over. Her sister had won. “Mel, you can’t give up all we have just like that. I’ll do what I can. Still, it would help knowing you had faith in me to correct this wrong. My God, don’t you want to marry me?” He stood up abruptly and paced the room.

  Melissa stared at him solemnly. “J, I love you more than life itself.” She sighed. “You mean everything in the world to me. But I’ve learned that whatever Mommy or Moniqa want has a way of materializing. They don’t care about anybody’s feelings including mine. Mommy dislikes me and Moniqa is indifferent toward me. It’s been that way since I was a child.” She sat up and watched Jeremiah walk back and forth.

  “Then that’s all the more reason for us to fight this thing,” Jeremiah raged passionately as he stopped in his tracks. He returned to the bed and sat down.

  Melissa fought to compose herself. She said, “You know what J, I just don’t know if I have it in me to fight Moniqa. I am so tired. My entire life has been a battle.”

  Jeremiah opened his mouth to protest.

  Melissa shook her head from side to side. “No, let me finish. Mommy and Moniqa have gone out of their way to make my life unbearable since Daddy passed. It wasn’t really great before that but when Daddy was alive he ran interference for me. After he died it was almost as if I didn’t exist. Mommy is into making a good impression and keeping appearances.”

  Jeremiah interjected. “I know and I don’t understand why myself. But that’s all the more reason why you can’t let them win. Not this time.”

  Melissa tried to sit up but her body was weak. “I wish I could be as optimistic as you but I know them too well. Whatever Moniqa did, and I have no doubt it was with Mommy’s blessing, there won’t be any way out.” Melissa broke into tears. Jeremiah held her in his arms tenderly and shed tears with her.

  “Mommy hates me,” she said hoarsely. “I never had the nerve to ask Daddy or Nana why but I always knew something wasn’t right. Whatever I had, Moniqa wanted for herself and would throw tantrums until Mommy let her have her way. I don’t think Mommy has ever said she loved me my entire life.”

  “I know it’s been rough, Mel,” Jeremiah said, stroking her hair. “I wish I knew why your life was like that but I still say we can’t let them win. We have to do whatever we can and believe me I will find a way.” He groaned. “I guess I should go back to my place and see what it is Moniqa hopes to accomplish. Will you promise to stay with Connie and wait for me to come back after I talk to Moniqa?”

  She nodded her head. He pulled her into his arms and clutched her to him as if she were a life raft and he a drowning man in the midst of the sea. Tears flowed from both their eyes.

  Jeremiah and Melissa talked more as he encouraged her to be strong. He lay in the bed with her until she fell asleep. Jeremiah covered her body with the sheet. He bent down and kissed her forehead. Jeremiah watched the rise and fall of her chest, and a premonition blossomed in his heart, it was truly over between him and Melissa. Jeremiah walked out of the room and closed the door softly behind him.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Moniqa sat luxuriating in the bathtub at Jeremiah’s apartment. If her hunch was correct, her husband and Melissa were probably talking now. He should be back at the apartment shortly.

  She ran the wet towel lightly over her burgeoning breasts. Lifted one leg, then the other. As Jackie Gleason said, how sweet it is, she thought, smiling. Moniqa heard the front door open and shut. It’s show time. She got out of the water, toweled herself dry, pulled Melissa’s pink velour robe around her body and tied the sash. She walked into the living room and Jeremiah appeared to be looking for something. Moniqa walked into the bedroom and returned with the marriage license. “Are you looking for this?”

  “Yes,” Jeremiah answered, snatching it from her hand. He scanned the document quickly as his hands shook slightly. When he read the bride’s name, his stomach dropped to his feet. Jeremiah realized he was in trouble. Though the signature was nearly undecipherable, the name printed in the box read, Moniqa Ann Adams. Damn. Jeremiah’s lips tightened. He glared at Moniqa with tightly compressed lips. “What possessed you to do something like this?”

  She walked toward him with her arms outstretched. “I love you, what other reason could I have?”

  Jeremiah stepped away from her. He dropped the marriage license on the table and stood with his arms folded. “How did you do this? Get another marriage license?”

  “Let’s just say I was lucky Melissa left her copy carelessly in her dresser drawer. I simply called the county clerk, and informed them that my name was spelled incorrect. I flew down and picked up the corrected version. Nothing to it.” Moniqa smiled smugly. She sat on the sofa, crossed her legs, and looked at Jeremiah, amused.

  “You’re sick,” he said, holding his hands up. “There’s no other excuse for your behavior.” He took a step backward not being able to stand being in the same room with her. A look of anathema traversed his face.

  “Call it what you want,” Melissa said cavalierly as she shrugged her shoulders. “I know what I want and heaven help anyone who tries to get in my way.”

  “What will it take for you to undo the havoc you’ve wreaked on me and Melissa?” Jeremiah asked, although the rumbling in the pit of his stomach and the smug smile on Moniqa’s face told him the answer.

  “Why, whatever do you mean?” she asked playfully. “I know you’re not asking for a divorce or anything like that.” Her expression hardened as she pointed at Jeremiah. “There will be no divorce. I certainly don’t want one. I want you, and guess what, I’m Mrs. Jeremiah Jeffries.” She threw back her head and laughed.

  Standing up, she said, “I guess I’ll get dressed, I have things to do. Calls to make… We’ll certainly have to look for a larger place.” She turned toward him. “Just so we understand each other, Jeremiah, there will be no divorce. Why, who knows. We made love last night, I could be pregnant at this very moment.” She rubbed her stomach. “I’ll make you the best wife. You’ll see.”

  Moniqa walked into the bedroom and Jeremiah tore out the front door. He got into his car. The tires squealed as he burned rubber heading to his parents house. He’d never felt more alone in his life and he needed comforting from the people who knew him best. He drove by Connie’s apartment and stared hungrily at the window. He knew he wouldn’t ever see Melissa again.

  Moniqa looked out the bedroom window when she heard Jeremiah drive off. She laughed aloud and nodded her head. I’ll give him time. He’ll come around.

  * * *

  Melissa lay in the bed quietly, waiting for Bobo and Connie to fall asleep. She wrote a note informing them that she was returning to Chicago.

  At last, snores sounded from across the hall. Melissa left Jeremiah a note asking him not to get in touch with her. She declared her love for him, but felt it would be best if they didn’t sh
are any contact under the circumstances. She slid her feet into her damp sneakers and quietly as possible, left the apartment

  Two hours later she was airborne, on her way to Chicago. She could barely move her body, when the taxi driver pulled in front of Nancy’s building. She collapsed into her grandmother’s arms when Nancy opened the door.

  The two sat rocking on the sofa as Grandmother held Melissa in her arms. Tears spewed from Melissa’s eyes like Niagara Falls, crying aloud until her eye ducts dried up.

  “I’m so sorry, dear,” Nancy murmured against Melissa’s ear. “I wish to God, you had been spared all this heartache.” She took Melissa’s hand and led her to the bathroom to wipe her face.

  When they entered the room, Melissa flipped the top of the toilet up and vomited. She put the top down and sat, exhausted. Nancy wiped Melissa’s face and led her into her bedroom. She was almost asleep as her head hit the pillows.

  Nancy went into her study and sat at her desk. She reached down into the bottom drawer and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey and a shot glass. She poured the amber liquid into the glass and drank it in one gulp. Color dotted her pale cheeks. She poured another shot with trembling hands, drank it, and then dropped her head on her folded arms, and said softly, “Nate what have you done?”

  Nancy, against her better judgment, called Vanessa. The call was routed to voice mail. “Vanessa this is Nancy. Call me as soon as you get a chance. We need to talk.” Then Nancy slammed the telephone into its cradle with all her might. She dropped her head into her arms and cried for all that was lost.

  * * *

  Hours elapsed and Jeremiah hadn’t returned home. The new Mrs. Jeffries bathed and donned a navy and white sundress and white sandals. She called a local restaurant and ordered dinner for two. Garlic chicken pasta along with salads and rolls. While Moniqa waited for the food to be delivered, she opened drawers, snooping around the apartment. She found a set of candlesticks in a closet and set them on the kitchen table.

  Later, Moniqa went into the bedroom and turned the television on to HBO. Soon she became bored, waiting for her husband to come home. She fixed a plate of the ordered food and chowed down. After her culinary feast, she licked her fingers, laid her plate on the nightstand, took off her sandals, curled into a ball and fell asleep.

  * * *

  Jeremiah pulled off the exit ramp, and headed to his parent’s house.

  Connie awakened during the night and discovered Melissa had taken flight. Bobo called Nancy, she assured them Melissa had made it home safely. They promised to talk later that day.

  Vanessa called Moniqa to tell her about her encounter with Bobo. They crowed like old women, boasting over the coup of the century.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The next afternoon, Melissa opened one eye then the other. A bolt of agony shot through her body as yesterday’s events flooded her mind. God, it’s true, Jeremiah is married to Moniqa. She doubled over clutching her stomach, tears filled her eyes and she wailed uncontrollably.

  Nancy had fallen asleep on the couch in her study. She sat up when she heard Melissa’s cries, rubbed her head and thought, I’m too old to for this. I’ve got to find a better way to drown my sorrows. When she lifted her head, the movement felt like a construction crew was drilling inside. She walked slowly into the bedroom.

  Her heart plunged when she found Melissa crying. Nancy winced as pain shot through her head as she walked to the bed. She sat on the edge and stroked Melissa’s arm helplessly.

  “Nana,” Melissa gulped between sobs. Her hair hung limply about her head, her face a study in despair. A big chunk of Melissa’s heart had been removed and by her own twin sister no less. She looked at Nancy and uttered, “I’m pregnant.”

  Nancy slumped over then regained her composure. She pulled Melissa into her arms. “Oh, baby, I am so sorry these things have happened to you. I could just kill Moniqa with my own bare hands.”

  “Mommy and Moniqa have wrecked my life. Nana, why?” Melissa said in a singsong voice. Her hands shook slightly. “I never did anything to hurt them.” She swallowed hard. “I knew I was pregnant and planned on telling Jeremiah this weekend…” Her voice trailed off. She listlessly pulled at a corner of the comforter.

  Nancy sat in stunned silence. She knew Melissa would not have an abortion. She wasn’t the type to kill another human being. And she loved Jeremiah too much to destroy the only part of him she may ever have. “What do you want to do?”

  “These past few days have been like one endless bad dream. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and everything will be like it used to. I realize now it’s not going to. During my plane ride here, I gave some thought to the future. I think it’s best I move to California and have the baby there. We have relatives there. Maybe I can make arrangements for one of them to keep the child.”

  My first great grandchild, and Vanessa has managed to deprive me of that joy. Nancy felt as though her heart was shattered into a million pieces. “Why don’t you stay here in Chicago? We can raise the baby together. I’ll help you,” Nancy implored her granddaughter. She knew even as she spoke that Melissa wasn’t going to change her mind.

  “Oh, Nana,” Melissa answered wearily, pushing her hair off her face. “You know I can’t stay in Chicago as long as Mommy and Moniqa are here. They’re crazy and there’s no telling what they might try to do to my child or me.”

  Nancy shook her head in disagreement. But in her heart she knew her argument was a losing battle. “What else can I do for you?”

  “I’d like to keep my pregnancy a secret. That’s why I think it would be best if I go west. Mommy and Moniqa will think I’ve gone because of the marriage.” Her voice stumbled on the word “marriage” and her eyes became luminous with tears. “As long as they continue to think that way, I’ll be fine. I can’t deal with a child now or in the future. A baby would be too much of a reminder of what I lost with Jeremiah…”

  “I understand,” Nancy murmured, wiping tears from her eyes. “Maybe you should give more thought to giving away the baby. This is an emotional time for you and your hormones are racing a mile a minute. What if you change your mind, and decide you want to keep the baby? I feel this isn’t the best moment to make a life-altering decision.”

  “I hear you.” Melissa waved her hand limply. “But I don’t think I’ll change my mind. In fact, I’d like to go to California by the middle of the week, Wednesday.”

  Nancy smiled weakly though her heart felt swollen with sorrow. “I’ll call my cousin Brenda in Los Angeles this afternoon. I’m sure she’ll help.”

  “I’m tired. I think I’ll go to sleep. We’ll talk when I get up.”

  * * *

  Bobo and Connie arrived in Chicago, the following day. He was pleased to see his cousin looked a little better. Melissa shared the news of her upcoming arrival with Bobo and Connie. Bobo tried to talk Melissa out of moving and giving away the child. Eventually, like Nancy, he realized it was a lost cause. Melissa may come off as being passive and quiet but when she made up her mind about something she became stubborn as a mule.

  Nancy telephoned Brenda who agreed to Melissa staying with her until she could find a place of her own. Brenda mentioned that her daughter was having a problem conceiving and maybe they might be perfect candidates to raise Melissa’s child. They’d all sit down together to iron out the details.

  Melissa and Nancy planned to leave for California, Thursday morning. Bobo wanted to travel with them, but had interviews scheduled the following week for his graphic design firm.

  Connie planned to fly to Los Angeles Saturday.

  Wednesday evening, Nancy, Melissa, Bobo, and Connie dined at Nancy’s apartment. Nancy prepared angel hair pasta with a marinara sauce, grilled salmon steaks and a tossed green salad. Cheesecake chilled in the refrigerator for dessert.

  Melissa shook her head and put her hand over the opening of her glass as Bobo tilted the pitcher of ice tea at her. She asked warily, “Have you heard from Jer
emiah?”

  “Yes, I have. He wants to call you but respects your wishes,” Bobo said in a peeved tone as he re-filled Connie’s and his glasses with iced tea.

  “I know everyone has been kind of walking on eggshells around me. Still, it’s okay to talk about Jeremiah. He’s been a big part of my life for so long,” Melissa commented as she cut her salmon steak into tiny pieces.

  Connie put a spoonful of salad into her mouth. As she chewed, she waved her fork in the air. “I don’t have anything to say to Jeremiah now or in the future. As far as I am concerned, he fu… I mean… messed up big time.”

  “He’s still your friend and needs your support at a time like this.” Melissa glanced at her cousin then down at her plate. “I take it the marriage is legal and binding?”

  Bobo looked at her pityingly. “Yes, Moniqa dotted her I’s and crossed the T’s. J says you had the marriage license with you in Chicago and Moniqa called the city clerk in Nashville and told them her name was incorrect on the license. Then she had the audacity to go pick up the revised copy.” He shook his head from side to side in disbelief.

  Connie grumbled and dropped her fork into her plate. “That was on Jeremiah. He should have at least looked at what he was signing.”

  “You really can’t fault the brother,” Bobo declared in Jeremiah’s defense, pointing his fork at Connie. “Who in their right mind would have suspected Moniqa would pull a stunt like that?”

  Nancy listened to the conversation intently. She alone, of all the people sitting around the table, was aware of the lengths Vanessa would go to achieve her goals. Moniqa had obviously inherited that trait from her mother. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Nancy rose and went into the kitchen, then returned with the pie and plates.

  * * *

  The following afternoon, Nancy, Melissa and Bobo sat in the passenger area waiting for the plane to board. Bobo’s mind dwelt heavily on Connie. He planned to talk to her after they returned from California. Life was too short. Look what happened to the happiest couple he knew. It was time to solidify their future or at least talk about where the relationship was headed.