"What the hell are you two doing here?"

  "Mr. Cohen is applying to be a student here,"

  "Over my dead body."

  "My son has every right to attend this school."

  "No, he doesn't,"

  "Says who?"

  "Says me. In case you aren't aware I am the founder and superintendent." Titus says proudly giving his attention back to Bnche.

  "Regardless, that still doesn't constitute your prejudice against my son."

  "Your offspring needs to attend a dipidated public school like you did. This school was created primarily for the South Carolina Caucasian elite meaning old money. Your family has no pedigree which is what this institution prides itself on. Now get the hell out of my school before I remove you myself."

  Bnche stands up and walks over to Titus. Huey quickly stands up and watches them closely.

  "My son will attend this school even if I have to take this to the Board of Education,"

  "I hold all the power in this state. No one here will side with the likes of you."

  Bnche looks back at Charlotte smiling softly.

  "I'll have Huey's application completed and returned tomorrow morning."

  Charlotte nods her head.

  "You need to see a psychiatrist," Bnche says removing the application from the clipboard.

  She hands the clipboard and pen back to Charlotte. Bnche grabs her purse and stares at Titus sighing.

  "My son will attend this school."

  "Come back with that application tomorrow morning and see what happens."

  Bnche and Huey leave Charlotte's office shutting the door.

  Titus looks back at Charlotte furiously.

  "He cannot attend this school Charlotte. This school was created for the South Carolina Caucasian elite. I am not about to turn my greatest masterpiece into an inclusive utopia. I'll be here tomorrow when she returns. I'm going to do a walkthrough." Titus says coldly before leaving smming the door.

  Charlotte exhales heavily pcing her hands on both of her temples.

  "What a nasty mess this is going to be."

  Titus walks into the cafeteria. The tables have titanium surfaces with metal trim. The stools have a round gray leather cushion. To the left are the sad bar, grill, snack bar, condiment table, and tray area. To the right are the pizzeria and soda fountain. In the center of the cafeteria hangs a rger fg of the school mascot. Titus walks back to the front of the cafeteria.

  He smiles at it with his hands in his pockets.

  "Titus you've outdone yourself," Titus says before leaving.

  When he enters his office Titus exhales relieved. He takes a moment and looks around his office. In the center is a rge oak wood desk with a cherry wood leather chair behind it. On top of the desk are pictures of Bobby, Emma, and Francine. On the walls are certificates and pictures of the school's football, basketball, and baseball teams. He walks to his desk and sits down. He picks up the frames of Bobby and Emma.

  "I want you two to go out into the world and do incomparable things. Unlike those two mistakes, you two are destined for greatness. I'm sure it'll happen long after I'm gone. Please don't disappoint me." Titus says pcing the frames back on the desk.

  He sets his elbows on the desk with his chin rightfully on top of his hands.

  "Bring it on bitch, bring it on."

  Magnolia is in the living room setting up her vinyl pyer. When she finishes she grabs a big swing record and puts it on. Magnolia is wearing a royal blue and white short-sleeve symmetrical dress with white three-inch heels. Around her neck is a royal blue diamond raindrop neckce with sapphire studs. On her left wrist is a royal blue cast iron-style bracelet. Her hair is in a high bun with a slight swoop. She goes and sits down on the chaise lounge. As she listens to her record she opens a dramatic book and begins reading it. As she indulges herself she hears footsteps.

  Moments ter two men are standing in the living room shocked.

  One man is wearing a navy blue suit with a white colr shirt and a bck tie. His shoes are shiny and bck. His eyes are dark gray with grayish-bck hair. The other man is wearing a chocote brown suit with bck shoes a bck colr shirt and a chocote brown tie. His eyes are blue and his hair is gelled back. The older man clears his throat startling Magnolia.

  "Good morning, how can I help you, gentlemen?" Magnolia asks sweetly standing to her feet.

  "Who are you and what are you doing in here?" the older man asks suspiciously.

  "I'm sorry for startling you. I'm Magnolia Lexington and I am the owner of this mansion."

  "I'm Lowry Garson and I am the owner of Hexel Real Property."

  the older man says extending his hand.

  The heiress then shakes his hand.

  "I'm Carlton Paige a Realtor for Hexel Real Property." the young man says extending his hand.

  Like Lowry Magnolia shakes Carlton's hand.

  "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Magnolia says looking in between them.

  "This property is in the process of being purchased," Lowry says.

  Magnolia's smile instantly dissolves.

  "I'm afraid that's impossible. The purchasing phase will not commence."

  "It has which invalidates your presence," Carlton says seriously.

  "I have proof solidifying my ownership. Would you mind waiting here for a moment?"

  "Yes ma'am," Lowry says confidently.

  Magnolia and leaves the living room.

  Lowry and Carlton look at each other suspiciously.

  "The buyer is not going to like this," Carlton says.

  Lowry exhales nervously.

  Magnolia goes to her bedroom and pulls out her father's second will from her suitcase. She goes downstairs to the living room and hands it to Lowry.

  "This may be valid but this was found after the purchase making it void," Lowry says looking up at Magnolia.

  "This property is not for sale," Magnolia says as Lowry hands her the document.

  "It is and you need to vacate immediately," Lowry says irritably.

  "I will not and neither you can't remove me!"

  "We can't but HDPD can," Carlton says sternly.

  "Do whatever you deem is necessary."

  "The buyer is not going to be happy to hear this," Carlton says nervously.

  "You mean Titus Lexington won't be happy to hear this."

  "How do you know Titus Lexington?" Lowry asks curiously.

  "He's my husband," Magnolia says pcing her hand on her hips.

  "Well then you know how serious this is," Lowry says icily.

  "I'll vacate when the court makes it clear that this property is mine,"

  "We'll be back with HDPD." Lowry rebuts.

  Magnolia shrugs her shoulders.

  "I'll see you out the front door," Magnolia says walking them out the front door.

  Once they're gone Magnolia chuckles and heads upstairs.

  That evening at four-thirty the doorbell rings throughout the Lexington's first floor. Emma heads downstairs to the foyer. She's wearing a watermelon green top a cotton candy pink skirt and green open-toe pumps. Her fingernails and toenails are painted red. Her hair is styled in a low curly ponytail. Her face is lightly made up with red lipstick and reddish-pink eye shadow. When she gets to the front door she gathers her composure.

  Upon opening the door a boy around seventeen years old is standing there. He is wearing a beige and bck striped polo shirt, bck scks, and beige shoes. His brown hair is slightly bumped. His eyes are of a blue hue with a hint of green.

  "Hampton baby how are you?" Emma asks happily hugging him.

  "I'm doing fine," Hampton says in a North Carolinian accent before kissing Emma.

  She takes his hand and brings him inside. After getting comfortable in the living room Titus comes in. He's wearing a gray T-shirt and bck jeans.

  "Hello Mr. Lexington, how are you?" Hampton asks formally standing to his feet and walking over to Titus.

  He extends his hand for a shake which Titus returns.

  "Hi Ham are you treating my little girl well?" Titus asks protectively tightening his grip.

  "Yes sir," Hampton says fearfully.

  Titus then leans down next to the teen's left ear.

  "Good, because if not you will see everything from a different angle," Titus whispers in his ear.

  When the patriarch's eyes meet Hampton's he ughs. Hampton swallows a lump in his throat.

  "I understand," Titus says spping his shoulder and walking away.

  "Don't you just love my Daddy?" Emma jokes as Hampton sits down next to her.

  "Oh yeah, he makes me feel safe." Hampton retorts making Emma ugh.

  "Are you ready to go?"

  "Yes."

  They leave and head out to Hampton's car. Hampton's car is a dark blue 1957 Tailfin coupe with a white leather top.

  "I love your car, Ham."

  "You sound like you love it more than I do." Hampton pouts opening the passenger door.

  "I could never love anything more than you," Emma says reassuringly kissing him and getting in the car.

  Hampton shuts the door and goes and gets in the driver's seat. After buckling up Hampton starts the car and drives down to the entry gate.

  Magnolia drives down to the telephone retailer. When she walks into the building she heads to the front desk.

  "Good evening and welcome to Pinewood Telecommunications."

  "Good evening and thank you," Magnolia says gripping her white alligator skin purse.

  "How can I help you?"

  "I'm Magnolia Lexington and I'm here to activate telephone service for 10505 Hickory Avenue," Magnolia says pcing her purse on the counter.

  "Alright. There's going to be a ten-dolr connection fee. Later on this evening, a representative will be out to connect your phone service"

  "I can pay it right now,"

  "Marvelous."

  Magnolia opens her purse and pulls out a matching wallet.

  She tenders a ten-dolr bill. The receptionist takes it and tenders her a receipt. Magnolia pces it in her wallet and closes her purse.

  "Thank you so much."

  "You're welcome and thank you for choosing Pinewood Telecommunications."

  Magnolia smiles and leaves the facility.

  Billy is in his bathroom brushing his teeth. He is wearing a white t-shirt and pid pajama bottoms. When he hears the door open he gnces into the bedroom. He rinses his mouth and puts his toothbrush inside a small blue cup.

  "Hey sweetheart how did things go today?" Billy asks entering the bedroom.

  "It was terrible. The registrar wasn't keen on Huey at all. To make matters worse Titus Lexington doesn't want Huey attending the institute." Bnche says angrily sitting on the bed.

  Billy walks over to the bed and sits down. He removes her shoes and lifts her left foot onto his p. He then starts massaging it earning a relieved sigh from Bnche.

  "Baby I hate to say I told you but this was inevitable."

  "Billy he disrespected Huey and I. I was very calm but a little fire started to surface. He has one more time to disrespect us."

  "Bnche I don't like Caucasians either but I also don't want any problems."

  "I should have put him in his pce but I let him make it. He thinks because he's the founder and superintendent he can disrespect me. This will be his only free card." Bnche says as her eyes water.

  "We aren't in college anymore. You have a son to think about."

  Bnche closes her eyes exhaling heavily. When she opens them she looks at her husband.

  "I know and I don't want him to see the other side of me,"

  "Neither do I. What are you doing tomorrow?"

  "I'm going to turn in Huey's application," Bnche says making Billy smile.

  He finishes rubbing her feet and gets up. He goes into the bathroom with Bnche in tow. Billy turns on the faucet and rinses his hands. He grabs the bar of soap on the ledge. Bnche wraps her arms around him. After drying his hands he pces his hands on Bnche's. He turns around and cups her face before crashing his lips into hers.

  Bnche moans into the kiss before Billy picks her up and carries her back into the bedroom. He pces her softly on the bed and gets in between her legs.

  "I've wanted this ever since we left Vosk." Bnche expresses huskily pulling Billy down and kissing him.

  Bnche wraps her legs around his waist while helping him remove his shirt. She pces her hands on his back and begins roaming its expanse. Billy pces his lips on the left region of her neck. Bnche elicits a moan making Billy chuckle. He pces his pink muscle on her neck. He leaves wet kisses and travels over to her right side. Bnche's hands leave his back and they go for his pajama pants and underwear.

  He returns the favor and is soon in between her legs. He reaches over into the nightstand drawer and pulls out a golden package. After putting it on Billy aligns himself at her awaiting womanhood. He slowly inserts himself inside her. Bnche pulls him down and Billy is in at the hilt.

  "Billy I want you to own this. Never allow me to forget that this belongs to you" Bnche whispers in Billy's left ear before licking it.

  This drives Billy to increase his thrusts.

  "I will padlock this and keep the key," Billy says pressing Bnche against the headboard.

  Soon Billy's thrusts become harsher and rhythmic. Bnche digs her nails into his back drawing blood. Billy brings Bnche back onto the mattress and releases her. He removes himself and lies down beside her.

  "That was wonderful baby," Billy pants exhirated with his hands behind his head.

  Bnche turns on her left side and pces her face in her left hand giggling.

  "It reminded me of when we conceived Huey. It was just as mind-blowing."

  "Oh, that certainly was a magical time," Billy says leaning over and caressing her cheek.

  "I couldn't agree more," Bnche says leaning over and kissing Billy.

  She then gets up and goes into the bathroom. Billy gets out of bed and grabs his pajamas and underwear. He checks to see if the coast is clear and heads to one of the hallway bathrooms.

  Down in Harmonica Dock Magnolia is in her bedroom reading a book. Feeling parched she goes to the kitchen for a gss of water. After finishing she washes her gss and goes to her bedroom. She walks to the nightstand and pulls out both wills. After closing it she hears the doorbell. She goes to the front door. She takes a moment to gather herself.

  When she opens the door she sees Lowry, Carlton, and two police officers. The police officers are wearing a burgundy short-sleeve shirt with bck pants and boots. On the front of their shirts are their police badges as well as name badges. On their hips are a nightstick, handcuffs, and a gun. The first officer is in his mid-thirties with bck hair and grey eyes. The other officer is in his early mid-twenties with brown hair and green eyes.

  "Good evening gentlemen."

  "Good evening ma'am. We received word that you are trespassing on this property." the older officer says in a smooth Arkansas accent.

  "That is false, I possess documentation proving my ownership. Would you like to come inside and view it?" Magnolia asks confidently.

  "Yes ma'am." the older officer says and Magnolia steps aside and lets them in. She leads them to the living room.

  "Would any of you like anything to drink?" Magnolia asks sweetly looking in between them.

  "No thank you." the older officer says politely.

  "No thank you." the younger officer says.

  Magnolia looks over at Lowry and Carlton who remain silent.

  "So there are two wills. The first one is the original which entails my father's wishes for his estate and funeral. The second will bequeathed this mansion and all its effects to me." Magnolia says handing them to the officers.

  After reading them they give them back to the heiress.

  "These wills are valid but since a purchase is pending they are void." the older officer says.

  "So now that you've heard it from w enforcement you need to leave," Lowry says rudely.

  Magnolia gnces over at him.

  "I will leave first thing in the morning."

  "Thank you ma'am for your cooperation." the younger officer says getting Magnolia's attention.

  "That's always the best route to take."

  "We always win," Lowry says, and Magnolia smirks.

  "I'll show you gentlemen the front door," Magnolia says leaving the living room.

  Lowry grits his teeth and follows the officers to the foyer.

  "Thank you so much for stopping by," Magnolia says sweetly as the men step onto the porch.

  "I know you don't pn on leaving. This is going to get really ugly for you." Lowry warns.

  "I'm not worried,"

  "We'll see you if have that same resolve soon," Lowry says arrogantly.

  The men walk downstairs as another walks up onto the porch.

  He's wearing a blue button-down shirt, blue jeans, brown work boots, and a blue hat. He's in his early forties with shades gray on the tips of his hairline.

  "Good evening ma'am I'm Jared Parsley, I'm a technician from Pinewood Telecommunications. I'm here to instate your phone service." Jared says tipping his hat at Magnolia.

  "Thank you so much, sir."

  He heads downstairs to the telephone pole. Magnolia shuts the door and heads upstairs to her bedroom. After putting the wills in the drawer she grabs her book and heads to the living room. Fifteen minutes ter the doorbell rings again. Magnolia goes to the front door and when she opens it Jared is standing there.

  "Everything should be working. I'll just need to run a test" Jared

  Magnolia steps aside. He goes to the living room picks up the telephone and dials the office. He then hangs up the telephone smiling.

  "Your phones are working ma'am," Jared says pcing his hands on his hips.

  "Thank you so much. Would you like anything to drink before you leave?" Magnolia asks curiously.

  "No, thank you I have some water in my car."

  Magnolia nods her head.

  "I'll walk you out," Magnolia says leading Jared to the front door.

  "Thank you so much you have a good night," Jared says stepping onto the porch.

  "You too and thank you again," Magnolia says before shutting the door.

  Magnolia goes to the living room and calls Adeide. After two rings Adeide answers.

  "This is Adeide Silverston Attorney at Law."

  "Hey Adeide it's Magnolia, how are you?"

  "Hey Maggie I'm doing fine and yourself?"

  "Not good,"

  "What's wrong?"

  "I'm in Harmonica Dock, Arkansas at my father's mansion."

  A momentary silence then follows.

  "I didn't think you'd return after that heated argument you two had."

  "I know but I think I was meant to. Avery Wells came to see me and he informed me of what was transpiring."

  "What's going on?"

  "I learned two very important things. One my father willed his home to me and two Titus pns on buying it and converting it into an execution house." Magnolia expins looking at her father's portrait smiling.

  "That son of a bitch never learns. In any case, your father was a smart man. He kept his money and possessions separate. It all would have disappeared had it all been in one will."

  Magnolia nods her head.

  "Yes he was and I'm gd he didn't write it the normal way."

  "So how bad have things gotten?"

  "These two men from Hexel Real Property visited me. They told me I was trespassing and that I needed to leave. When I refused they returned a little while ago with w enforcement. I told them I would leave first thing tomorrow morning. However, if this case gets ugly I was hoping you would represent me."

  "You know I will and I will do it pro bono."

  "Thank you so much, Adeide,"

  "You're welcome."

  "Alright, I'll see you upon my return to Angelcrest,"

  "I can't wait to see you and sip some tea, goodbye," Adeide says and the line goes dead.

  Magnolia hangs up the phone and looks around the living room.

  "I'll leave for now but I will be back," Magnolia says standing up and going to her bedroom.

  Back in Angelcrest Emma and Hampton are at Rita's Drive-In Theater. They are looking at a romantic drama.

  "I'm so gd you brought me here," Emma says gncing at Hampton.

  "You're my dy, I'd do anything for you," Hampton whispers leaning in and kissing Emma.

  The movie ends and Emma's shirt is hanging off her shoulder. Hampton kisses her neck leaving bite marks in his wake. Hampton's hand then slips under her skirt where it makes contact with her womanhood.

  "Stop it."

  Hampton attempts to finger her.

  Emma punches him in his face Hampton hits his head on the window.

  "I'm sorry Emma."

  "Take me home."

  Hampton starts his car and backs out of the theater.

  When Hampton pulls in front of Lexington Mansion he notices that Emma exits his car on her own.

  "I'll walk you to the front door,"

  "There's no need!"

  Hampton walks her upstairs anyway. When they get there Emma unlocks and opens the door. She walks in and gres back at Hampton.

  "I love you butterfly and again I am sorry."

  Emma sms the door.

  Hampton stands there momentarily before going downstairs to his car. He cranks his car and speeds off.

  It is fifteen minutes after eight and Bnche is downstairs in the dining room filling out Huey's application. She is wearing a light blue nightgown with rollers in her hair. Her hair is veiled by a bck bandanna. She is startled by footsteps. She looks up to see Huey standing at the entrance. He is wearing bck, gray, and white pid pajamas.

  "Hey mother how are you?" Huey asks entering the kitchen.

  "I'm doing good and yourself?"

  "That's good and I'm good," Huey says going to sit across from her.

  "So how's the application coming along?"

  "Just fine. I'm going to show Titus Lexington that a colored child can excel in an all-white school."

  "You're really serious about this aren't you?"

  "Yes. You deserve the best education avaible son. Your father and I were blessed to finish high school and college. Nowadays it seems like society wants to make it even harder for us. Well fortunately we're in a financial position to give you nothing short of the best." Bnche says proudly as she finishes the application.

  She turns back to the front page and looks at her son sadly.

  "What's the matter?" Huey asks worried.

  "I'm sorry that we dragged you out here," Bnche says regretfully as tears stream down her face.

  Huey gets up and walks to his mother and embraces her.

  "You didn't drag me out here Father did and I have to deal with it. I may not like it but I have to make do. So tomorrow I'll try my best." Huey says before separating from Bnche.

  Bnche looks at him relieved and hugs him once more.

  "Thank you so much, sweetheart," Bnche says happily before separating.

  She gets up and pushes her chair in.

  "You're welcome. I love you." Huey says affectionately.

  "I love you too son, goodnight," Bnche says before kissing Huey's forehead and leaving.

  Huey goes and pours a gss of apple juice.

  Titus is in his study going over some paperwork from Lexington Psychiatric Hospital when the phone rings. After the second ring, Titus picks up.

  "This is the Lexington residence, Titus speaking," Titus says formally as his eyes drift to the door.

  "Hey Titus it's Lowry Garson from Hexel Real Property," Lowry says making Titus smirk.

  "What's going on Lowry?" Titus asks in a straightforward tone.

  "It's your wife,"

  A cold expression forms on Titus' face.

  "What about that bitch?"

  "She's here in Harmonica Dock at Graves Manor. We went to the house twice. The first time my colleague and I saw her here. We told her to leave and she wouldn't. Then the second time we had w enforcement with us. She said she would leave peacefully"

  "Subpoena her,"

  "But she's already told us that she will be leaving in the morning."

  "I don't give a damn if she leaves in a week I want her subpoenaed!"

  "Yes sir,"

  Titus hangs up the phone.

  "Alright Magnolia. I'm going to show you who sits in the power chair." Titus says leaning back smirking.