Chapter Nine
Saturday morning the doorbell rang insistently.
Charlie grumbled with irritation. She had really been looking forward to sleeping in. Her daughter shared her loved for sleeping in as well, so Charlie was a little peeved that she had to get up so early. Glancing at her nightstand, she noticed it was only seven thirty in the morning. She grumbled all the way down the hallway.
Standing at the door were her parents.
“Mom! Dad! What are you doing here?” Charlie asked wiping the sleep from her eyes.
“We came to visit. Are you going to let us in or what?” Delores placed her hands on her hips.
Charlie stepped aside to let them in. Her father engulfed her in a bear hug. “What are you still doing in bed so late in the morning?”
“Dad, it’s not even eight o’clock yet. Not many people are up this early on a Saturday morning.” She exchanged hugs with her mother next.
“Where’s my grandbaby?” Keith looked around as if expecting to see his granddaughter right away. He had a teddy bear in his hand. Charlie groaned. Whenever her parents were around, they spoiled Kristy like crazy.
“She’s sleeping,” Charlie said in a whisper so they would get the hint.
“Well, go wake her up. We can’t wait to see her,” her mother insisted. Charlie sighed. This was going to be a long weekend. She almost wished she hadn’t answered the door.
“Let me get you guys some coffee. Kristy should be up in another hour or so.” They both looked a little disappointed, but didn’t argue. She should have known they’d do as they pleased anyway, because when Charlie came back from the kitchen with coffee in hand, Kristy was in the living room swinging around her new toy.
“Mom, Dad, why did you wake her?” Charlie asked irritably.
“Stop fussing, girl. We don’t get to see our grandchild that often,” her father chided gently, looking proudly at Kristy.
He had a point. Charlie knew she was being grouchy because she had been woken up early. Her parents adored Kristy and she couldn’t begrudge them that. Kristy enjoyed the attention that her grandparents lavished on her.
“Look, Mommy. Look at Teddy.” Kristy ran to her mother in order to show off her new toy.
Charlie inspected the big fuzzy brown bear. “Wow, he’s something else. What are you going to call him?”
“Teddy. I already said that,” She explained to her mom as if she were the adult and Charlie, the toddler. Kristy took her bear back and ran back to her grandparents. The kid was way ahead of her time.
“So how long are you guys staying?” Charlie asked.
“Well, we were hoping to stay for a few days and then we’re heading to Williamsburg. It’s so nice there around this time of year,” Delores said, tickling her giggling granddaughter.
“Oh. How long is a few days?” Charlie persisted. She loved her parents but she dreaded the lectures she was in store for this weekend.
Lecture number one came later that afternoon while Kristy was napping. Charlie and her parents were sitting in the backyard enjoying a glass of ice tea after an exhausting day in the park. Running after a two-year-old was exhausting for Charlie, so she could only imagine how her parents were feeling.
“Charlie girl,” her father began, affection evident in his voice. “I think you’re doing a fine job with Kristy.” Keith wiped the sweat from his dark forehead before taking another sip of his tea.
Charlie could almost sense what was coming. She folded her hands in her lap, waiting in tense anticipation for what he’d say next. “But?”
“But your mother and I have been thinking. A child needs a father and you don’t seem to be making much of an effort to provide Kristy with one. Aren’t you seeing anyone yet? I mean, you’re a beautiful young lady, and you’re young. I see no reason why you shouldn’t remarry, and maybe give Kristy a little brother or sister. Your mother’s and my one regret was that we could only have one child. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have any more. You’re only thirty-three.”
Charlie sighed heavily. Being from the old school, her parents never really approved of her bringing up a child on her own, especially since she refused to disclose the name of Kristy’s father. She knew they loved Kristy as much as any grandparent could, which is why they felt justified in thinking Charlie should do right by her daughter. Doing right by Kristy meant marrying again to provide her with a father.
“Dad, we’ve been through this before. I’ve been married before and I don’t feel I should have to get married again because I have a child.”
“Charlie, you’re being selfish. You don’t have just yourself to think about anymore. When I see you struggling on your own needlessly, it breaks my heart,” Delores piped in.
“Mom—”
“Don’t you ‘mom’ me. You have an adorable little girl who deserves a daddy. Since you won’t tell us who the father is, the least you can do is settle down and get married.”
“Don’t you think I’m doing a good enough job with her? Yes, there are things I’d like to give her that I’m financially unable to, but we do okay. If anything, I think I’m doing better than average. I own my own home, have a car, a good job and Kristy wants for nothing. Sometimes I have to make some sacrifices for her, but she’s worth it. This is the twenty-first century. Believe me, Mom and Dad, there are lots of single women raising children on their own and doing a great job of it.”
“And that is exactly what’s wrong with the world today. I’ve never been able to figure out what kind of man can impregnate a woman and not take responsibility for his child and the kind of woman who—” Her father broke off.
“What were you about to say, Dad?” Charlie challenged. “Were you going to say, what kind of woman would get herself in that kind of trouble? Were you implying I’m a loose woman?”
Keith looked away, his lips pinched together mutinously. “Now don’t t-take that tone of voice with me, young lady,” he stammered.
Charlie wiped away a stray tear. Sometimes dealing with her parents was emotionally exhausting. “I’m sorry, Daddy, but it really hurts when the two of you are constantly throwing Kristy’s illegitimacy in my face. I refuse to call her a mistake, because she isn’t.”
“No one said that,” her mother protested.
“You didn’t have to,” Charlie countered She sighed not wanting this argument to further escalate. “I know you two mean well, but I’m doing the best I can for my daughter.”
“No one is faulting how you raise Kristy. Anyone can tell that you’re doing an amazing job.” Delores patted Charlie on the hand. “And we don’t mean to make you feel bad. We just care about you, baby.
“Then why can’t the job I’m doing with her be enough? Look, I know you guys mean well, but Kristy is fine. She’s probably one of the most well-adjusted kids you’re likely to meet,” Charlie reasoned.
“We know she’s a good kid, but you deserve some help. Tangible things aside, you can give her a mother’s love, but just because she’s a girl, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t need a strong male figure in her life.” Delores pointed out.
“She has Daddy.”
Her father shook his head. “And how often do we come around?”
Charlie stood, knowing this conversation would go for another hour if she didn’t end it now. “I’m going to go check on Kristy. I hope we can drop this subject when I get back.”
No more was said about it for the rest of the afternoon, but Charlie knew that the subject was not closed.
Lecture number two came later that night after dinner. They had all gone out for seafood at a restaurant on the Wharf in D.C. After going out for ice cream, the four of them went back to Charlie’s house.
They were sitting around the living room chatting easily and watching television. Kristy was curled up fast asleep in her grandpa’s lap and Keith was snoring soundly. It didn’t escape her notice how Kristy seemed to favor her grandfather’s attention when he was around. Could what her parents said have some validity? Was it possible, Kristy already realized she didn’t have a father and wanted male attention. She was a bright child, and it certainly gave Charlie something to think about.
Charlie was happy to get through dinner without her parents once mentioning men, but she should have known her peace wouldn’t last.
“Honey, did you notice that fine-looking young man staring at you during dinner. He looked like your type.” Her mother sighed, a dreamy expression on her face.
“No, Mom. I guess I wasn’t paying attention. I was too busy chasing my child around the table.” Charlie sensed impending doom.
“How could you have missed him, dear, all the young ladies were looking his way.”
“I was enjoying your company too much to pay attention,” Charlie answered with barely contained temper.
“You’re a very attractive woman, baby, any man would be happy to take you, even if you do have a child,” her mother pressed on.
“Mom, we’ve been through this already so there’s no point in going over it again. I don’t want a man, so please stop pointing out every single guy you see.” Charlie wanted to throw something, but this was her mother.
“That’s not true. Why do you always exaggerate? I don’t do that.” Delores rolled her eyes.
“Yes you do.” Charlie argued. “And it didn’t help that you mentioned that I was guy behind the ice cream counter.”
“So? He seemed like a nice enough man. I didn’t realize you were so picky.” Her mother shrugged.
“I’m not, but that kid looked like he was still in high school. Even if I did settle down, the man doesn’t have to be drop dead gorgeous or handsome, who’s actually old enough to purchase his own alcohol. He still had braces for goodness sake,” Charlie said, on the verge of screaming.
“Fine. How about that nice boy playing the piano.”
Charlie had no clue who her mother referred to, but bit out, “Not my type.”
“Then what is your type? Are you into white men now?” Delores probed.
Charlie froze. “Why do you ask that?”
“Well, it’s obvious to us Kristy isn’t completely black. I don’t know many blue-eyed black people with her texture hair. I know our people come in all different shades from milky white to onyx, but I’m not stupid.” Surprisingly, neither one of her parents had brought up Kristy’s race before and Charlie had never volunteered the information.
“Why have you never said anything about it before?”
“Because she’s our grandbaby, and we love her no matter what.”
“If it didn’t matter before, what difference does it make now? Kristy is my daughter whether the person who fathered her is white, Chinese or Puerto Rican,” Charlie defended.
“It doesn’t make any difference at all. You know your father and I didn’t raise you to discriminate. I was just making an observation. Charlie, why won’t you tell us who Kristy’s father is? It’s just not right that you should be raising her on your own while he gets off scot-free.”
“It’s the way I want it, Mom. I’m sorry it hurts you guys, but I just can’t talk about it.”
“We only want you to be happy.”
“I know but please accept that this is the way things are going to be.”
By Monday Charlie was ready to commit murder. She was at her boiling point. Far from letting the subject of her single status drop, Charlie’s parents brought it up at every single lull in conversation.
Her parents dropped her off that morning in her car, deciding to stay a little longer and do some sightseeing around the city. Charlie loaned them her sedan since it was more convenient to navigate the city in her smaller vehicle than their cumbersome RV.
Charlie let Kristy stay with her grandparents for the day, knowing her daughter would enjoy spending time with her grandma and grandpa. She kissed them all and waved goodbye, feeling as if a weight had been momentarily lifted off her shoulders. At least at work she would have a temporary reprieve from her parents. She was glad to see the back of them when they drove off with the promise of picking her up at five sharp.
When she made it to her desk, she gasped. A huge bouquet of roses and calla lilies sat on display. Who would send her such an ostentatious arrangement? Charlie heart clenched as possibilities ran through her mind. Her suspicions were confirmed when she read the card.
Thinking of you and hoping you’ll change your mind and give a desperate guy a chance. Jake.
Charlie’s first reaction was wonder. Why would Jake send her flowers as if he were courting her, especially when she had already made it clear she wasn’t interested? Her next reaction was anger. How could he? How dare he presume she’d appreciate his offering?
Charlie had a notion to throw the flowers in the trash can and she probably would have if a coworker had not chosen that precise moment to appear. Oh Lord, here comes Sandy the Mouth.
Sandy was justifiably called “The Mouth” around the office because gossip spread like a forest fire whenever she was around. If you told Sandy a secret, it wouldn’t be one for long.
“Hi, Charlie. That’s a nice arrangement you have there. Who sent it to you?” Sandy asked without preamble, batting her eyelashes innocently.
“No one special,” Charlie answered nonchalantly. Of all the people who saw this arrangement, why did it have to be this nosey heffa?
“Hmm, seems like a pretty expensive arrangement for it to just be from no one special,” Sandy pressed, casually bending over to take a whiff of the floral scent.
“What can I say?” Charlie shrugged, wishing the bothersome woman would go away or jump off a cliff. At the moment, Charlie preferred the cliff. Sandy reached over to pick up the card but Charlie beat her to it, snatching it up before the busybody could get a peek. “That’s private, if you don’t mind.” Charlie smiled insincerely. This woman had balls the size of grapefruits.
Sandy pursed her lips, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What’s the big secret? I mean, if it’s from a friend like you say it is, I’d show it off to everyone in the office. If I got an arrangement like this I would tell the world.”
“I’m sure you would,” Charlie said, not bothering to hide the sarcasm dripping from her voice.
Sandy seemed oblivious to the dig. Charlie wouldn’t get rid of her that easy. “You’re hiding something. Are they from Steve?”
“What? Why would you think that?” If Sandy didn’t leave within the next minute Charlie was going to lose her temper.
“Well, everyone knows how he’s been asking you out.”
Charlie used the same technique she used with Kristy and silently counted to ten. Why didn’t this blasted woman just go away? “Sandy, I don’t know why you have such an insatiable need to gossip but it’s not cool. If you can’t take a hint, I’ll have to be blunt. This is none of your business. If I didn’t answer the question the first time you asked, what makes you think I would answer it the second or third time?”
Sandy recoiled as if she’d been slapped. “Well, you don’t have to get so nasty about it. I was only trying to be friendly.” Sandy sniffed, sounding offended.
Charlie wasn’t fooled for one second. Sandy could probably make a career as an actress if she set her mind to it. Realizing she’d have to make something up to get the pest off her back, Charlie said the first thing that popped into her mind. “It’s a secret admirer, Sandy. Let’s leave it at that, shall we? As a matter of fact, since you’re so interested in these flowers take them.” Charlie picked up the bouquet and stuffed them in Sandy’s hands.
“You’re giving these away? You’re crazy.” For once Sandy seemed to be at a loss for words.
“Maybe so, but if you don’t mind, I have a lot of work to do. Take them and enjoy.” Charlie handed them over with her blessing.
Sandy walked away with the flowers, a confused look on her face.
Charlie sat down at her desk hoping she wasn’t in for any more surprises today.
Jake decided to throw in the towel for the day around five. He normally didn’t leave so early, but he wanted to catch his nephew’s little league game. Jennifer was packing up as well as he stepped out of his office. “Let’s walk down together.” He waited for her at the door.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving this early with the rest of us worker bees, Jake,” Jennifer teased.
“Yeah, I guess I am. Helen has been on me about attending more of my nephews’ events, so I’m going to a little league game tonight.”
“That sounds like fun.”
They chatted easily as they took the elevator downstairs. When they made it to the lobby, Jake saw an older black man sitting on one of the couches with a little girl on his lap.
“Isn’t she the most darling little thing?” Jennifer observed.
“Mommy!” The little girl shrieked with delight, wiggling out of the man’s lap. Jake watched the child run across the lobby to the woman she called mommy. When Jake saw who she belonged to his heart sunk to his feet.
Frozen to the spot, Jake watched as Charlie scooped up her daughter and gave her a big hug and a kiss. The little girl hugged Charlie back as if she didn’t want to let go.
“Dad, I thought you guys were going to wait outside for me.” Charlie approached the man who stood up from the couch.
Jennifer looked at her boss with concern. “Jake, what’s the matter? You’ve gone as white as a sheet.” She tugged at his arm, but he couldn’t stop staring at the scene in front of him.
Charlie was holding her daughter. She must have sensed his intense stare because she turned toward him, noticing him standing there for the first time. She nearly dropped the toddler. Their eyes locked. Blood pounded in his ears as his anger slowly began to rise. The girl in Charlie’s arms didn’t look four, and she had his eyes!