God Has Spoken (20 page)

Over the next few weeks Dwight made numerous attempts to change Eleanor's mind about contacting Aunt Madge and Dupree, but she refused. In Eleanor's mind she was not only protecting Aunt Madge and Dupree but Dwight, Mama Pearl, and her adoptive brothers. She was convinced that God would work it out for her to see her daughter and aunt when the time was right. Yes, she missed them dearly, but it was a small price to pay for their safety.

In the meantime, Eleanor plunged right ahead into her relationship with Dwight. It was one of the few lights shining through her dimmed world. They were almost inseparable. Rarely a day went by when they did not see each other.

“Looks as if Mama Pearl has other guests for dinner,” Dwight said to Eleanor one Saturday afternoon after parking in front of Mama Pearl's house and saw two cars in the driveway. He had just picked Eleanor up from work and came by to have dinner with her, Mama Pearl and Omar.

“It's Robert and Gerald,” Eleanor replied after hopping out of the car and joining Dwight at the gate. She took Dwight's hand in hers and they walked up to the house.

“Anyone home?” Dwight said in a singsong voice as he and Eleanor entered the living room.

Eleanor giggled.

They both froze when they saw Mama Pearl and her five sons sitting in the living room in a circle with a serious expression on their faces. The smile fell from Dwight's face and Eleanor got nervous, her eyes darting back and forth between Robert, Alwayne, Gerald, Sydney, and Omar.

“What's wrong?” Eleanor asked worriedly. “Is it Mama Pearl?” She hurried over to Mama Pearl, a feeling of despair in her gut.

“I'm all right, baby.” Mama Pearl gave her a grateful smile. “This old bird is doing just fine. Please, you and Dwight have a seat.” She waved her hand toward two empty chairs that were placed side by side in the circle.

Dwight and Eleanor exchanged puzzled looks before they took their respective seats.

“What's going on, guys?” Dwight asked as he perched on the edge of his chair, rubbing his hands together, his eyes bouncing from one face to the next.

“That's what we would like to know,” Sydney said in a solemn voice, resting further back on the couch, his long legs stretched out in front of him. “We would like to know what your intentions are toward Eleanor.”

Eleanor gasped loudly, her eyes as big as saucers. Embarrassed, she covered her face with her hands, shaking her head from side to side. “Oh, dear Lord,” she muttered repeatedly, but everyone ignored her.

“You know you are like a brother to us, Dwight,” Gerald said, his arms crossed. “We all love you. But we also love our little sister that God gave to us a few years ago, and we have her best interest at heart.”

“We have watched your relationship growing over the last few months,” Robert pitched in, “and we are happy for both of you. I personally believe the two of you need each other, but we would like to know where you see things going with Eleanor.”

“Oh, dear Lord,” Eleanor repeated louder this time, her eyes committing the area rug under her feet to memory. Again, everyone ignored her.

“You know you are my boy, ‘D,'” Omar said, his eyes met and held those of Dwight's. “I would hate to have to hurt you, man.”

Dwight laughed out loud but stopped quickly when he realized he was the only one laughing. Six pair of eyes stared at him in silence. The brothers, including his dear friend, Omar, were as serious as a heart attack.

Swallowing hard, Dwight reached over and took one of Eleanor's trembling hands in his own. Eleanor glanced over and gave him an apologetic shrug, but he winked at her, sending butterflies flittering around in her stomach.

“You are all like family to me,” Dwight began in a somber tone, his face now void of any jokes, still clutching Eleanor's hand. “I love all of you and thank God for each of you every day. To be honest, I'm actually very glad that we are having this conversation.”

Eleanor looked at him as if he had lost his mind, while the others stared at him in silence, all ears.

“I was very apprehensive coming back to Jamaica because of my parents, but I just knew I had to. Boy, am I glad I did. I met and fell in love with one of the most amazing women I have ever met.” Dwight felt tears spring to his eyes. He paused and took a deep breath before he continued. “A strong, beautiful, ambitious, and courageous warrior.” He leaned over and kissed Eleanor on the forehead as he squeezed her fingers.

“So to answer the question asked of me, I love Eleanor,” Dwight said with conviction, making eye contact with these men that he loved and respected. “I want a future with her, and I'm trusting God to make that possible for us.”

Tears ran down Eleanor's and Mama Pearl's faces. The guys sniffed their noses, blinking rapidly, twisting and turning in their seats.

“Hmmm . . . That's all we wanted to know,” Alwayne said in a raspy voice. He cleared his throat loudly. “I couldn't ask for a better man for Eleanor.” He got up and walked over to Dwight, hugging him when Dwight stood up.

Soon Dwight and Eleanor were receiving hugs and well wishes from everyone. It took awhile before they all settled down and took their place at the dining table.

Eleanor, who was sitting beside Dwight, turned toward him with a big smile. “You know if you want to break up with me now I'll understand, right?”

This time everyone laughed before digging into Mama Pearl's finger-licking pot roast, celebrating Eleanor and Dwight's love.

 

 

“I have some great news,” Dwight whispered in Eleanor's ear. Her back was resting against his broad chest, their feet tangled up together as they lay cuddling on his couch.

Eleanor shifted position and turned over until they were nose to nose. Her eyes filled with curiosity. She gave him an Eskimo kiss, giggling. “What's the news?”

“I have a friend who is the tax regional director at BDO Jamaica,” Dwight began, gently running his index finger up and down her cheek. “He told me about an assistant human resources manager position that is available there.”

Eleanor's heart started beating faster, but she remained quiet, her eyes fixed on Dwight's handsome face.

“He scheduled an interview for you with the human resources director for next week. Babe, please hear me out.” Dwight put his finger on Eleanor's lips when she opened her mouth to speak. “I hope you don't mind that I went ahead and set this up before saying anything to you. I just wanted to help, okay?”

Eleanor looked at him for a few seconds, trying to wrap her mind around what Dwight had just said. A job interview at one of the biggest accounting companies in Jamaica? He had to be kidding!

“Sweetheart, are you mad?” Dwight asked, misinterpreting her silence.

“No, no, I'm not upset,” Eleanor quickly assured him. “I mean . . . I . . . I have no experience or anything. Why would they even consider me for this position?”

“You have a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management,” Dwight said, looking over her head. “You are smart and a quick learner. You will do great. You—”

“Dwight Humphrey.” Eleanor stared pointedly at him.

“Okay. I told him you are my girlfriend,” Dwight admitted. “But, darling, you are good for this. I meant what I said before. You graduated at the top of your class from UWI. This is just an interview. I only got you through the door, but you are going to have to get this job on your own, and I know you will.”

A smile tugged at Eleanor's mouth. “You think I can do this, huh?” The doubt was quickly being replaced by enthusiasm, thanks to this wonderful man that God had blessed her with. “I have what it takes, right?”

“Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,'” Dwight replied. He leaned over and kissed Eleanor lightly on the lips. “I decree and declare that one day you, Eleanor, will be an executive at BDO Jamaica, helping to run that company. What do you say we claim it in Jesus' name?”

“I claim it!” Eleanor squealed in delight, forcing him back into the couch.

Dwight laughed and kissed her again. The kiss soon deepened as the passion ignited between them. The strong sexual chemistry was something that they fought with as their relationship intensified because Dwight and Eleanor had decided that they would date as Christians.

“You will pull me back when necessary, and I'll do the same,” Dwight had told Eleanor. Easier said than done. They were two hot-blooded, sexual beings who were in love and profoundly attracted to each other.

“Okay. Okay,” Dwight mumbled hoarsely after breaking the kiss, his breathing irregular. He nestled his face in the crook of Eleanor's neck, feeling her carotid pulse palpitating. “You, madam, are surely a temptation.”

“Speaking of the pot calling the kettle black,” Eleanor murmured dreamily.
Dear God, please give us the strength to hang in there.

“Welcome to the BDO family, Eleanor,” said Mr. Wallace, the human resource director, vigorously shaking Eleanor's right hand. He had a lopsided grin on his thick lips as he looked at her over the top of his bifocal eyeglasses that rested on his broad nose. “You are going to be a great asset to this company.”

Eleanor had a “Tom the cat when he thought he caught Jerry” grin on her face. “Thank you for this great opportunity, Mr. Wallace,” she replied humbly, releasing her hold on his hand. “I'm looking forward to working with you and learning from the best.”

Mr. Wallace had the nerve to blush, his light, aged, freckled skin turning red around the face. “It will be a pleasure, Eleanor. So see you bright and early in two weeks?”

“Yes, sir,” Eleanor replied happily. “I'll see you then.”

Mr. Wallace walked over to the closed office door and opened it. “Take care,” he said as Eleanor passed by him, toward the elevators.

Eleanor literally floated down Breechwood Avenue in New Kingston after leaving Mr. Wallace's office. “I just got the human resources assistant job,” she sang softly on her way to the bus stop. “Thank you, Lord. I'm about to get my career off the ground.”

Eleanor paused at a street corner, looking up and down the street, watching for a break in the flow of traffic so she could cross the road. Shortly thereafter she saw her chance and skipped across like a little girl, a gigantic smile on her face. Eleanor felt light-headed and giddy. “It's really happening,” she said with a faraway look on her face as she turned on Dominica Drive. “Aunt Madge, I graduated college and am about to start my dream job.” Suddenly, it was like someone flicked a light switch and the light was gone, plunging her into total darkness. There it was again. That obstinate cloud that was always hanging over her, ready and waiting to cover up every spark of happiness that was rained on her.

Her head now hanging low, Eleanor hastened her steps. She needed Dwight. He would make everything better, at least while she was with him.

“Yo, watch where you going, lady,” a man said after Eleanor walked right into him, too preoccupied to have noticed him standing on the sidewalk.

“I'm sorry,” Eleanor said softly as she looked up at the tall man. Her eyes opened wide when she saw who he was. “You?” Eleanor whispered tautly, glancing around and taking comfort in the fact that it was broad daylight and people and vehicles were going up and down the busy streets. The last time she saw this man he tried to choke her to death. He was an animal.

“Well, well, well, look who it is,” Big Dread said animatedly as if he had just run into a longtime friend. “Little, is that you? Baby, you certainly ain't little no more.” He swiped his long tongue across his chapped lips, his hand grabbing his crotch.

Eleanor took a few steps back, creating ample space between them, rolling her eyes in disgust. She didn't even bother to waste time correcting the idiot about her name. “Where is Dolly?” she asked, glancing at the closed door of the “Champion Girls” club.

“Hopefully dead,” Big Dread said with a smirk on his face. “She would be doing the world a favor.”

Eleanor looked at him in shock. “Did you hurt her?” She had a terrible feeling in her gut. “Did you kill Dolly?” Her eyes pleaded with him to say it wasn't so.

Big Dread threw his head back, his dirty, long, thick dreads fanning out behind him and hooted with laughter.

Eleanor looked around self-consciously as a few passersby stared at them. “Where is Dolly?' she asked again, watching as Big Dread tried to compose himself, wiping his face with a stained, brown-looking face rag that had been white at one time.

“That old jezebel is probably somewhere selling her body so she can get high,” Big Dread said without remorse, his face screwed up like he smelled something bad.

“Wha . . . wha . . . What did you just say?” Eleanor stuttered, tears swimming in her eyes as she listened to Dolly's demise. “Dolly is a prostitute?” She shook her head in denial, glaring at Big Dread. “No way. I bet Dolly left you, and you are just jealous,” she said.

Big Dread chuckled and stared at Eleanor as if she was as stupid as a goose. “Do you
really
think
stripping
was all that Dolly was doing?” He emphasized the word “stripping.” “Baby, Big Dread had to get that money and you better believe that heifer did whatever I told her to.” His lips rolled back, exposing his long, yellow teeth.

“You are evil.” Eleanor felt like she wanted to throw up. “One day you are going to get yours. You mark my words. God is going to deal with you in His own way.”

Big Dread laughed out loud like he was at a comedy show. “Look at you talking about God,” he said to Eleanor. “Big Dread fears no one. No man. No God.”

Eleanor cut her eyes at the fool. It was time to go.

“By the way, now that Dolly was let go, Big Dread is looking for a new queen,” he said, his eyebrows rising and falling as he winked at Eleanor. “You and Big Dread can make it happen, baby.” He struck a pose; legs wide apart, his bulky arms across his broad chest. His head was pushed a little back, his left hand under his chin, a nasty-looking smile plastered on his face. A real candid moment.

Eleanor looked at him in disgust. “Ridiculous,” she said aloud and hurriedly walked away.

“Yo! Little! Where you going?” Big Dread shouted at her back. “Baby, come back here to Big Dread.”

Eleanor walked even faster, her heart aching with the news she received of Dolly. Images of when they were young in Falmouth, drinking rum and smoking marijuana popped up in her thoughts. She saw Dolly as she laughed so carefree, making plans for a fairy-tale life in Kingston, which was never to be.

Yes, in the end, Dolly had turned her back on Eleanor for a man that she now learned was pimping her out, leaving her out on the streets, exposed to all kinds of danger. Eleanor was angry for a long time as she ate scraps of leftovers she snatched from restaurants or found in the garbage. She was furious with Dolly when she slept in the old abandoned car. But look at her now. It was as if Dolly actually did her a favor.

“Merciful God, wherever Dolly is right now, please protect her,” Eleanor prayed under her breath as she sat on the bus heading home. “Please do for her as you are doing for me.” She quickly used her hand to wipe away the tears that sneaked out the side of her eyes. “Please send Dolly a guardian angel to rescue her from the streets as you did for me. She is your daughter. Please don't forsake her, Lord. Please, I am begging you to save Dolly and give her a chance to live a happy and fulfilling life according to your will. Amen.”

Eleanor got off the bus, dragged her feet down the street, then up the driveway and into the house.

“So? Did you get it?” Mama Pearl greeted her in the hallway, a hesitant smile on her face, rubbing her hands together anxiously.

“Yes. I got it,” Eleanor said in a nonchalant voice. “I start in two weeks.”

“That's great,” Mama Pearl said more like a question than a statement, walking closer to Eleanor, looking intently at her face as if she was trying to read her mind. “Why do you look like someone has died instead of celebrating your new job?”

“Oh, Mama Pearl,” Eleanor took a deep, exhausted breath, her shoulders drooped like a withered plant. “I don't know how—”

“How you are going to do the job?” Mama Pearl finished, drawing the wrong conclusion. “That's what you are worried about, isn't it? You are questioning yourself because you have never had a corporate job before. Baby, let me tell you something.” Mama Pearl placed her hand under Eleanor's chin, forcing her head up so she looked her in the eyes. “You were born for this job. You hear me? This is your destiny. God didn't bring you this far to leave you now. In a few years time, you will be a force to reckon with in that company. You are blessed, Eleanor. Don't ever question God's blessings, sweetheart. Just embrace them and give Him all the glory.”

“Thank you, Mama Pearl,” Eleanor whispered, hugging the woman she owed so much. “You always know what to do and say to make me feel better.”

“You are welcome, my dear.” Mama Pearl squeezed Eleanor tight before letting her go. “I also know that there is some other place you need to be and other people to see.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously, a sly grin on her face.

Eleanor blushed. “Yes, I'm going to change and take a cab to see Dwight.”

“Okay, ma'am. Don't let me stop you.” Mama Pearl laughed when Eleanor ran off toward her bedroom. “Congratulations!” she shouted at her back.

“Thank you!” Eleanor yelled before she dashed into the room.

Eleanor left the house moments later and caught a cab on Red Hills Road. It wasn't long before he was pulling up in front of Dwight's house. Eleanor paid the cabdriver and stepped out of the car, closing the door. She noticed a shiny, white BMW parked behind Dwight's car in the driveway. “It seems as if Dwight has company,” Eleanor muttered, feeling a little skeptical about going inside.

Straightening her red strapless dress that flirted above her knees, she flicked her hair before it bounced back into place around her shoulders. Blowing air through her glossed lips, she inhaled and exhaled before she walked up the driveway, passed the cars, up to the front door.

Eleanor was just about to ring the doorbell when she heard loud voices coming from inside. Looking closer at the door, she noticed that it was slightly ajar. Curious, she gently pushed on it and softly crept toward the hullabaloo in the living room.

Careful not to be seen, Eleanor peeked inside the room. A tall, slim, beautiful, light-skinned woman wearing a very short, white, tight-fitting dress was standing inches away from Dwight, waving a glass picture frame with a photograph of Eleanor and Dwight in his face. It was one of Eleanor's favorite photographs of them; they were sitting on the lush, green grass at Hope Gardens, having a picnic on their first real date, sporting gigantic grins.

“So this is the little black gal that you have been wasting your time on,” hissed the woman as she stared at the photo. “That's why you are not interested in Melinda, huh?”

Appalled, Eleanor drew back from the doorway, a hand covering her mouth in dismay.

“Mother, you better watch your mouth,” Dwight said angrily. “Or you will have to leave.”

Outraged, Eve Humphrey spat, “Boy, you are giving up a pedigree for a mongrel?” Her beautiful face was now distorted like a dried prune. “What the heck is the matter with you?”

Eleanor gasped loudly, but no one heard her, too caught up in the argument. She rested her hip against the door for support, a hand still over her mouth to stifle her cry, tears running down her face.

“That's it.” Dwight's face was flushed with fury. “Please leave, Mother. Now.” His voice was firm and decisive.

“You are throwing me out?” Eve Humphrey placed a delicate hand on her chest, her eyes wide in disbelief. “Because of some low-class, underprivileged ghetto rat?” She stepped closer to Dwight. Standing nose to nose, their fuming eyes clashed and held in battle. “I'm your mother,” she hissed, poking him repeatedly in his hard chest with her finger.

“That's why I'm asking you to leave instead of physically throwing you out,” Dwight said in a low, dangerous voice. “Eleanor is a beautiful woman, inside and out, and I love her. If you can't show her some respect, you are not welcome here.”

Eleanor jumped when Eve threw the picture frame against the wall, shattering it to pieces. “That's what I think about your so-called love,” she said to Dwight, her chest rising and falling. “I will never accept the likes of her in my family, and neither will your father.”

Dwight looked at her sadly and shook his head. “It's your loss, Mother.”

Eve glared at him before she stepped over to the couch and snatched up a white, rhinestone clutch purse. Angrily she trotted toward the door on high, stiletto heels.

Eleanor was frozen in place as she came face-to-face with Dwight's mother for the first time. But instead of a smile, she got a frown. Eve Humphrey certainly didn't think it was a pleasure to meet her.

She came and stood in front of a distressed Eleanor, her hazel eyes crossed with outrage, her nose lifted up in the air like a peacock. Looking up and down Eleanor from head to toe, her face was screwed up as if she stepped in human waste. Eve Humphrey rudely sucked her teeth before she stormed off, her long, fragranced hair flying behind her.

The slamming of the door echoed in Eleanor's head. Feeling weak, she staggered back, right into Dwight's arms. “I got you, babe.” Dwight lifted her up in his arms, took her into the living room, and sat on the couch with her on his lap.

Eleanor rested her head on his shoulder, shivering, tears leaking down her face.

“I'm sorry, sweetheart,” Dwight whispered, stroking her hair. “I don't know how much of that you heard, but I see it was enough to really upset you. I'm so sorry for the way my mother treated you.”

Eleanor sniffed her nose, raised up her head, wiping her face with her hand. “Maybe your mother is right,” she hiccupped. Her wet eyes met his sorrowful ones. “I'm nobody. We should just stop fooling ourselves.”

“Sweetheart, don't say that.” Dwight looked at her in surprise. “I love you. We have something special.”

“Your mother—”

“My mother is a bitter woman who doesn't know what it's like to love and to be loved. She thinks she has it all, but yet, she has nothing because she doesn't know the love of the Lord.”

Eleanor looked at him skeptically.