(June 1967)

  The heat is on for Angelcrest, South Carolina. The tall pine trees are swaying beautifully with the breeze. In this intermediately poputed city lives in the Lexington family. They reside in the upper-css neighborhood of Wes Barlow. Along the pathway to their home is an alley of southern magnolia trees covered in Spanish moss. In front of the mansion stands a rge granite fountain. Inside it is a horse and a military colonel.

  The horse is standing on its hind legs with the colonel pointing onward. The mansion is a two-story Greek Revival home with four Corinthian columns. On both wings of the porch are two rge windows and four rocking chairs. The front door is white with a dark gold doorknob. Upon entering the luxurious estate are two spiral staircases. To the left is the living room and to the right are the music room and guest wing. There are four rooms in the guest wing.

  Straight ahead is a hallway leading to the dining room and kitchen. The living room is furnished with antebellum furniture. There is an ice-white firepce with small pques adorning it. Hanging above is an oil portrait. The portrait depicts a fair-skinned man with bck hair and cold blue eyes. He is in his te thirties. His bck eyebrows are furrowed in frustration.

  He is wearing a bck suit and a bow tie. Across the hall in the parlor room rests a grand piano and a harp. The parlor is furnished with a chaise lounge, a couch, and several sitting chairs. Upstairs are six bedrooms. The first door to the right is a bathroom. It has a white bathtub with gss knobs. Hovering above is a showerhead.

  Next to the bathtub is a medium-sized window. There is a sink resting in the center of the counter. Above the sink is a rge mirror. Hanging above the mirror are round light bulbs. There is a towel rack on the right wall. Covering the rack is a bck body towel and a gray face washcloth.

  The first bedroom belongs to the eldest Lexington child Bobby. His room is painted dark blue with white baseboards. Adorning his walls are convertibles and female movie stars. In the center of his room is a king-size bed. It is decorated with a grey comforter and white pillows. In the right corner of his room is a dark gray body mirror. Not too far from it is a matching gray dresser.

  On the left side are the bathroom and spacious walk-in closet. Bobby is sound asleep in his bed. Next to Bobby's bedroom is the second eldest child and oldest daughter Emma. Emma's bedroom is painted pink with white baseboards. Hanging on her walls are pictures of flowers and pictures of herself. In the left corner stands a pink body mirror with a tiara on top. Standing a few inches away is a white dresser with pink sunflower knobs.

  Her dresser mirror is shaped in the form of a pear. In the center of the bedroom is a canopy queen-sized bed. Her bed is veiled by pink canopy drapes. Both sides of her bed are shielded by matching white nightstands. Next to Emma's bedroom is the youngest Lexington son Johnny. Johnny's bedroom is painted purple with white baseboards. On his walls hang posters of male and female movie stars. In the center of his room is a Cherry wood queen-sized sleigh bed.

  It is covered by an ice-white comforter and vanil pillows. On both sides of his bed are matching nightstands. On his right nightstand are pictures of his mother and elder sister Ivy. Near his bedroom door is a matching dresser. Setting atop the dresser are cologne and perfume bottles. To the right is the bathroom and to the left is a walk-in closet. Johnny is in bed sound asleep smiling. He is wearing blood-red silk pajamas.

  Lastly is the middle child and daughter Ivy's room. Her bedroom walls are painted beige with white baseboards. Her bck dresser is near her walk-in closet to the left. On top of the dresser is a tall vertical mirror. Not far from the dresser is a matching body mirror standing in the corner. On the back wall is a queen-size cast-iron panel bed.

  Her headboard and footboard are pear-shaped. Her bed is decorated with a tiger print comforter, an orange fitted sheet, a bck ft sheet several solid bck and orange pillows. She is wearing a dark gray nightgown and a bck bonnet. She is awoken by voices. She pushes her comforter off and puts on her fur slippers. She walks over to her balcony and opens the doors. Her warm sea-green eyes become temporarily blinded by the morning sun. When her vision returns, she looks to her left where she sees a moving truck and four men hauling boxes.

  "Colored people moving into this neighborhood? This is definitely going to cause an uproar with Colonel." Ivy says groggily in a southern South Carolinian drawl.

  After a few moments, Ivy retreats to her bedroom. She makes her bed and goes into her sprawling walk-in closet. She pulls an outfit off the rack. It is a bronze mid-sleeve shirt. Sewn into the bronze top is a bck blouse. The pants are also bronze. She grabs a pair of ft bck shoes and exits the closet.

  She ys her outfit on her bed and sets her shoes on the floor.

  She heads into her bathroom and takes a moment to look at her reflection. She has green eyes that sparkle like Florida's Emerald Coast and heart-shaped lips. She proceeds to wash her face and brush her teeth. The bathroom has beige walls and white baseboards. The sink countertop is white granite. In the center of the counter is a round sink with a small chrome gooseneck sink with round knobs.

  A few feet away is a Jacuzzi and a shower head. Upon finishing Ivy removes her bonnet revealing wavy red hair that cascades down her back. After showering she gets dressed and goes downstairs to the dining room.

  It is complete with two diamond chandeliers, and an oak wood dining room set. On the floor is a sapphire blue and beige rug. Ivy sees breakfast has been made and goes to the kitchen to wash her hands. When she returns, she takes a seat on the east wing of the table. After blessing her food, she awaits the rest of her family. Soon Bobby enters the dining room. He has cold bck hair that's styled in a parted comb-over.

  His blue eyes dazzle like the Atntic Ocean that borders them to the east. His fair complexion is so smooth it would make any girl who grazes it orgasm. He's wearing a white button-down shirt, ironed bck scks, and bck dress shoes. He sits down across from Ivy and begins filling his pte.

  "Good morning Bobby." Ivy greets courteously.

  "What do you want?" Bobby asks rudely in a masculine yet smooth South Carolina accent.

  "It's appropriate to make your presence known when you enter a room. Rudeness is unbecoming of a gentleman."

  Bobby scoffs unfazed.

  "Something smells,"

  Ivy looks at him confused.

  "What do you mean?"

  "Some good-for-nothing niggers are moving in next door," Bobby says before pcing bacon in his mouth.

  "Come on Bobby you can't pass judgment on people you know nothing about," Ivy says calmly sipping her orange juice.

  "I know that they don't belong here. They need to return to the pntation where they rightfully and deservedly belong." Bobby says in a prejudiced manner.

  Soon their parents Titus and Magnolia Lexington enter the dining room.

  Titus stands at a towering six feet and three inches. His bck hair is styled in a gelled comb over and he has piercing blue eyes. He looks almost identical to Bobby. The only difference is Titus has freckles. He's wearing a gray suit, a white button-down shirt, a bck tie, and bck dress shoes.

  Magnolia is five feet seven inches. Her red hair is pulled back into a rge bun with a swept bang on her forehead. Her green eyes are shining radiantly under the shining armors of bck eyeshadow and eyeliner. Covering her lips is red lipstick. She's wearing a white pantsuit with bck pels, adorning her ears are diamond studs, and a neckce holding a rge diamond. Her appearance is conservative to the naked eye.

  "Good morning my dears," Magnolia says in a booming southwest Arkansas accent.

  "Good morning Mother." Ivy and Bobby say in unison.

  "Good morning Bobby." Titus in a baritone voice.

  "How did you sleep?" Titus asks as he and Magnolia take their seats.

  "I slept pretty well,"

  "That's wonderful son, where are your siblings?" Titus asks pcing his napkin in his p.

  "Titus, you didn't acknowledge Ivy." Magnolia scolds.

  Titus sighs and looks at Ivy who's staring at him.

  "Good morning girl,"

  Ivy chuckles shaking her head before resuming to eat.

  "Ivy darling, are you going to speak to your father?" Magnolia asks.

  "With all due respect Mother when you enter a room, you're supposed to make yourself known and he didn't do that."

  "You're right sweetheart,"

  "Bobby, what's keeping your sister Emma?"

  "She's probably getting dressed. She'll be down soon,"

  Ivy looks at him in disbelief.

  "Johnny is probably still asleep," Ivy says getting Bobby's attention.

  "He knows we have family breakfast every morning at this time. Should I go check on him?"

  "Why should you? He's a teenage male who knows what his parents expect of him. Leave him be." Titus says sharply.

  "I hope Scarlett is doing okay." Magnolia ments.

  Titus looks at her softly.

  "Don't worry sweetheart Scarlett is just fine," Titus says reassuringly squeezing her hand.

  Magnolia musters a smile before filling her pte.

  "So, Bobby do you have any college pns next August?" Titus asks enthusiastically.

  "Yes sir, I'm torn between Angelcrest University and Grey Forest University in California,"

  "What about you girl? Do you even intend on attending college?" Titus asks boringly.

  "Good morning to you too Colonel and yes I do. I'm thinking of attending Angelcrest University and majoring in criminal justice."

  The room falls silent. Ivy looks between her brother and parents confused.

  "Did I say something wrong or unbecoming?" Ivy asks.

  "Law isn't for women. You're wealthy so you don't have to worry about being mistreated. But more importantly, your white and the justice system was made to protect you." Bobby says proudly sipping his apple juice.

  "Bobby is right. With that said, did any of you hear that ruckus earlier this morning?"

  Ivy looks at him calmly.

  "I did. Some colored people were moving in next door." Ivy says sopping her biscuit in syrup.

  Titus sms his fists on the table.

  "They're heathen, to be frank. They don't have an identity except what our ancestors named them during svery. You don't have to make them feel any higher by calling them colored. They are monkeys and that's all they will ever be." Titus boasts.

  Bobby smiles admirably at his father.

  Soon Emma and Johnny enter the dining room.

  Emma has shoulder-length bck hair that is styled in rge curls with a white flower sitting on the right side of her head. Her ocean-blue eyes are clouded in pride. She has on a white sleeveless poet blouse, a bck skirt, and white slingback heels. Johnny has red hair that he wears in a gelled parted comb over with a swoop. His eyes are sea green like his mother and sister. His lips are bow-tie-shaped. He is wearing a purple polo shirt, bck scks jeans, and bck loafers.

  "Good morning everyone," Johnny says in a chipper tenor voice as he sits beside Ivy.

  "Good morning Emma how are you?"

  "I'm doing fine Daddy how are you?" Emma asks elegantly taking her pce adjacently of her father.

  "I'm doing fine thank you for asking Princess,"

  "Titus your son spoke to you, acknowledge him." Magnolia scolds.

  "Wow, Titus you really are a pecker wood," Magnolia says disgustedly before giving her attention to Johnny.

  "Good morning sweetheart, I hope you slept well."

  "I did Mother thank you," Johnny says sadly.

  Titus gnces at Johnny before pstering a fake grin on his face. Johnny meanwhile looks at his pte in dejection. Ivy rubs his shoulder comfortingly.

  "I want to take a trip to El Mona, Marynd," Titus says exciting some of the family.

  "Are you sure? What about the hospital?" Magnolia asks worriedly.

  "The hospital will be fine. We have people who are more than capable of operating it."

  "You're right. I shouldn't worry so much."

  "We'll go first thing tomorrow morning,"

  Everyone shakes their head in agreement.

  After an hour everyone finishes breakfast and clears the table.

  The house next door is a two-story sand-brown brick Italianate mansion.

  There is a white six-panel door with a golden handle and lever. Upon entering the house there's a white staircase along the wall with a wood grain handrail. The flooring is hardwood. To the right is the living and to the left is the parlor room. Parallel to the staircase is a hallway leading to the guest wing, dining room, and kitchen. The dining room has a Maplewood dining room set. The chairs have bear fur in their center.

  Four diamond chandeliers are hanging above. The kitchen has modern appliances with granite countertops. The cabinets are white with gss windows. In the center of the kitchen is a rge isnd counter with four drawers and two rge cabinets. There is also a skylight which illuminates the kitchen. Upstairs are four bedrooms including the master. The Cohens and the movers have finished setting up the furniture in the living room and the bedrooms.

  The patriarch Billy Cohen is standing on the porch wiping sweat from his forehead. He has dark chocote brown skin. His brown eyes made for unbreakable integrity and confidence during emotional strife. His thick bck hair is gelled down like a swing music vocalist. He is wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.

  "Thanks for the help guys, we really appreciate it," Billy says gratefully in a north Georgia accent watching the men go into the moving truck.

  "No problem Billy." the man says happily smiling.

  Soon the engine starts and the truck drives down to the gate. Billy heads inside to find his wife Bnche. She is standing in the living room drinking everything in. Bnche has shoulder-length bck hair that she wears in a fiercely kept bouffant. Her complexion is the shade of beach sand. Her gray eyes are striking, alluring, and unusual. She turns around and smiles at her husband.

  "This is a really beautiful home. Can you believe it took us three days? I'm very proud." Bnche says happily in a northern Georgia accent.

  "Yes, I can and I'm proud too."

  Billy walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  Soon a sixteen-year-old male enters the living room. He has brown eyes like his father and a sand brown complexion like his mother. He's wearing a neutral expression making the room temperature drop. He's wearing a bck T-shirt, blue jean shorts and bck tennis shoes. His hair is styled in finger waves.

  "Huey, how do you like our new home?" Bnche asks as they separate.

  "No, I don't," Huey says monotonously in a Tennessee accent looking between them.

  "You'll grow to like it," Billy says dismissively.

  "This pce looks expensive. Are you sure you can afford it?" Huey asks looking around the room.

  "Your father's businesses are flourishing back in Vosk, Tennessee. That's one of the reasons we moved here. Plus, he paid for the house in cash." Bnche says reassuringly.

  "There's something about this pce that doesn't sit well with me," Huey says folding his arms.

  "Like what?" Billy asks looking at his son.

  "For starters, we're in Low Country South Carolina. This is where most sves were kept from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries. Is this where you want to live? A pce where our ancestors were subject to inhumane treatment and oppression?!"

  "When you start making your own money you can decide where you live. Until then you will live where I see fit" Billy says domineeringly.

  Huey stares at him before gncing at his mother and walking away. Bnche looks at Billy with sternness.

  "Billy that was harsh. Don't you think you need to be more understanding towards your son?" Bnche asks coolly crossing her arms.

  "Of course not. He's basing my choices on something that occurred over eighty years ago. This is a new day and age. It's time for him to start living in it" Billy says looking out the window.

  "Things haven't changed all that much. It's a blessing that we're able to live here in this affluent neighborhood."

  Bnche kisses him teary-eyed and walks away.

  Three days ter the Lexington's are in El Mona, Marynd. They are staying in their two-story summer home. It is a two-story Colonial-style mansion with a rge pool. The main house is decorated with antebellum furniture. The bedrooms all have the same bedding and wall paint. Each family member is left to their own devices. Titus is out hunting with Bobby, Magnolia is in her bedroom writing in her diary, Emma is on the beach tanning, Ivy is in the den listening to jazz records and Johnny is upstairs in his bedroom staring at movie posters of male movie stars.

  With every word that comes to mind a tear streams down Magnolia's face like a horse racing at the Kentucky Derby.

  'Dear Diary,

  'Titus and I seem to have drifted apart in our marriage. He doesn't see me the same way he used to. It's become so distant between us that I'm scared to look him in the face. It's as if I'm looking at a shell of the man he used to be. As for our children, he's practically divided them according to his own favor. He sees Bobby as the perfect son for his views and Emma for her obedience and sharp tongue. As for Ivy and Johnny, it's almost a non-existent retionship. He acts like he doesn't know what or how to feel about them. But that's not the only problem I'm having with him. I don't know how much more of this marriage I can endure. I loved him with all of my heart and soul in the beginning. As time progressed and our children came into the picture he stopped romancing me, disregarding my existence if you will. I hope there's not another woman because my fragile heart won't be able to survive that bitter-tasting betrayal. We've been faithful to each other for the past nineteen years. Reflecting on it now he was in the military for six years. Who's to say he didn't meet someone there and ignited a retionship. I know I sound like a jealous lunatic but I should be since I'm the one he promised to only have eyes for. Only time will tell. Good day diary and thanks for listening.' Magnolia thinks while closing her diary and putting it on her nightstand.

  That night everyone returns to the estate except for Titus.

  "Have either of you seen your father?" Magnolia asks looking at her eldest children.

  "After we finished hunting Father said he was going to go see an old friend in town. He said he would be back ter tonight." Bobby says before kissing his mother on her cheek and going upstairs.

  Magnolia looks at a picture of Titus in the foyer before smiling tearfully at it.

  "I sure hope that's the case," Magnolia says before going to the kitchen.

  She makes herself a bowl of soup with some saltine crackers. She goes to the dining room and sits down at the table. She feels hopelessness wash over her trampled heart.

  "Am I that unappealing to you Titus?" Magnolia questions as she eats her soup.

  Thirty minutes ter Magnolia finishes her soup and crackers and goes to wash her dishes. Upon finishing she makes her way to the den where Ivy is listening to her jazz records.

  "Hey Ivy, how are you?" Magnolia asks sitting down next to her daughter.

  "I'm doing fine how about you?"

  "I'm doing fabulous."

  "Do you like your jazz records?" Magnolia asks happily looking at the record pyer.

  "I love them! I had no idea that colored people were so influential in American music." Ivy says appreciatively making Magnolia smile.

  "Yes, they are and they continue to make indelible marks on music. They've also contributed other things in this credit-stealing country,"

  "You don't sound proud to be an American,"

  "I'm not. This country and our ancestors have done horrible things to other races especially colored people that I absolutely detest." Magnolia says softly looking off into the distance with tearful eyes.

  "If you don't mind me asking, what were our grandfather and grandmother like?"

  Magnolia looks at her surprised.

  "Your grandfather was an iron fist and a bigot. He always pushed for things that could reverse everything colored people overcame socially and politically. Your grandmother was the exact opposite. Despite being an heiress, she was never arrogant or snobbish. She always taught acceptance and css. Since I was an only child, I had many restrictions. Your grandfather beat me for being nice to our maid and making her job easier. Despite our sometimes votile retionship, he was sweet at his core. Before he died, he asked for me. He also wanted to reconcile. He apologized for being physically and emotionally abusive. I had apologized for being rebellious and difficult. It was such a beautiful visit. I miss them both very much." Magnolia sobs.

  "Well, you're never alone because they're in your heart and you have us,"

  "You're right and I am eternally grateful," Magnolia says before kissing Ivy's forehead.

  "So are Johnny and I, well I'm going to retire for the evening. Are you going to wait up for Colonel?" Ivy asks standing up.

  "Yes, I am," Magnolia says folding her arms and crossing her legs.

  "Okay, good night. I love you." Ivy says affectionately.

  "Goodnight sweetheart and I love you too."

  Ivy leaves the living room and goes upstairs.

  'I'm worried about mother. Something's wrong.' Ivy thinks worriedly looking back at the living room.

  Bobby is in his room throwing darts at a poster of a bck male.

  "Gotdamn niggers make me sick. God should have never made them to exist. They do nothing but make the world a bad pce to live in! Those niggers next door needs to be castrated. Father and I will see to it." Bobby barks throwing another dart at the poster.

  "What in hell is happening to the world? When freedom was granted to the mongrels did they honestly think they would be our equal? Did they truly believe everything would be peaceful and harmonious between us? Well, they can keep on dreaming because there's love there's always hatred." Bobby says sharply before lying down in his bed.

  "Degenerate bastards," Bobby says disgustedly.

  Johnny is in his room gncing up at the ceiling.

  "I don't feel I should apologize. I am who I am but the family I was born into may not understand that" Johnny says looking at a picture of one of his favorite actors semi-naked.

  'Daddy will kill me if he discovers I'm a homosexual. I know this to be

  true. But would he kill me if he knew it meant taking away my happiness?'

  Johnny thinks as he goes into the bathroom.

  Emma's in her bedroom looking at her reflection.

  "Girls everywhere are envious of what you have. The perfect body and to top it off I have the most infectious personality." Emma boasts while running her hands over her body.

  Emma heads to the closet and pulls out a pink cloth nightgown. She then goes into the bathroom and showers. An hour ter she comes out dressed in her nightgown. She climbs into bed and pulls her comforter over her.

  "I hope Daddy is okay," Emma says closing her eyes and waiting for slumber to come whisk her away.

  In West El Mona Titus is standing in the bedroom of a two-story Federal/Greek style mansion. He's looking basking in the nude woman before him. She has caramel skin and brown eyes. Her thick curly bck hair falls down her back like water rushing down a river. Her slender frame is veiled by a bck silk robe. Underneath the robe is ce-style lingerie. She looks at Titus with yearning and an incurable impatience.

  "It's been a long time Francine Moon," Titus says seductively licking his lips.

  "Please call me Mistress Fatality, Big Sarge," Francine says huskily eyeing Titus hungrily.

  "Alright Mistress Fatality are you ready for the cannon shooter?"

  "Aren't I always? Get over here and show me who's in control."

  Titus walks over to the bed pushes her onto the mattress and begins ravishing her neck like a dog in heat. Francine cws at his back while spreading her legs granting him more access. Titus puts on a condom aligns himself with her waiting womanhood and then inserts himself.

  "Move Big Sarge."

  Titus starts increasing his speed. Soon his thrusts become rhythmic.

  Francine moans in etion while Titus grunts in gratification. Thirty minutes ter Titus finds his release and removes himself from her. After regaining his breath he looks over at Francine smiling. He then gets up grabs his clothes and goes into the bathroom. An hour ter he comes out dressed.

  "So, are you going to leave some cash on my dresser?" Francine asks getting out of bed and slipping into her robe.

  "Of course, not you're special to me," Titus says winking at her.

  "I know I am. Well, I won't keep you. Get back to that bitch. I'm sure the lonely hag is pying cards while pining for you"

  Titus walks over to the bed and kisses her passionately. Once he's gone Francine lies back down on the bed in ecstasy.

  "Ooh, Titus that was blissful." Francine pants before going into the bathroom.

  When Titus arrives at the summer home he goes upstairs to the bedroom where Magnolia is sound asleep. He sees her diary on the nightstand and starts reading it.

  The following morning at the dining room table tension is thick with perfume. Titus stares at Magnolia while Magnolia is looking down at her pte. Their children look between them worriedly.

  "Is there something you want to say, Magnolia?" Titus asks harshly cutting into his sausage.

  "No sweetheart I don't."

  "Isn't this food just delicious," Emma says warmly.

  No one speaks and Johnny gets up and Titus darts his eyes in his direction.

  "Sit down boy no one dismissed you!"

  Johnny sits down quickly looking Titus in his eyes.

  "Daddy, what's going on?" Emma asks.

  Titus looks at his daughter and smiles.

  "Nothing sweetheart everything is fine."

  "Okay, well I'm going down to the beauty parlor," Emma says before covering her pte and leaving.

  "So, she can leave but Johnny can't? What is that, Titus?!" Magnolia asks offended.

  "You want to know why?"

  "Yes, I would."

  "She's my favorite child alongside Bobby."

  Heartbroken Johnny quickly exits the dining room.

  "No one said you can leave!" Titus shouts before pursuing him.

  Ivy watches closely but doesn't move. Magnolia looks back at them but decides to give them privacy.

  Once they are out of view Titus paces back and forth while a teary-eyed Johnny watches him fearfully.

  "I don't know who you think you've become but excusing yourself is unacceptable! Expin yourself!" Titus hisses.

  "I was having an emotional moment," Johnny says lowly avoiding his father's gaze.

  "You're a child what could you possibly be going through?! You have no responsibilities but to go to school. You better get your act together and you better do it now." Titus says icily before leaving.

  He then stops mid-step and gnces back at him.

  "You disgust me to the greatest extent," Titus says before going into the dining room.

  Johnny runs out the front door. Upon sitting down at the table Magnolia stares Titus down sharply.

  "What did you say to Johnny?" Magnolia asked worriedly when she heard the door sm.

  "I told him to toughen up."

  "Go to the living room Ivy," Titus says pointing at her.

  Ivy gets up and shamelessly walks into the hallway. Once they are out of earshot Titus looks at his daughter fuming.

  "Is there something I did?"

  "Yes, there is. I heard the devil's music when I came in st night. I better not hear it again"

  "I'm sorry but I can't do that. Mother bought me those records and I'm going to continue listening to them."

  Titus' gre hardens and he exhales heavily and walks closer to her. He then raises his hand and punches her in her face. Ivy stumbles onto a table making a mp fall.

  "Don't you ever say that to me again," Titus says offended.

  Ivy stares daggers into him while rising to her feet. She dusts herself off and goes back into the dining room.

  As soon as Magnolia sees Ivy's face she rushes to the hallway.

  "What the hell is wrong with you Titus? Why would hit your daughter?" Magnolia asks furiously resting her hands on her hips.

  "You know Magnolia I-"

  "Answer my damn question!"

  "This is between my daughter and so stay out of it."

  "That's not answering my question,"

  "She was pying the devil's music when I came in st night and I didn't appreciate it,"

  Magnolia's stare becomes ice-cold.

  "You son of a bitch how dare you!"

  "Now I'm a son of a bitch?"

  "We both your mother was born with it in her genes and it passed down to you. But more importantly, because Ivy likes jazz music it's an issue?"

  "Yes."

  Magnolia then enters his personal space.

  "So help me Titus if you y a hand on her again or any of our children, the w will be the least of your worries," Magnolia says before walking off.

  She then stops and looks back grimacing.

  "And I mean it," Magnolia says fiercely before returning to the dining room.

  Titus looks at her angrily before going outside and smming the door.

  When Magnolia returns, she looks at Ivy concerned.

  "Darling, are you okay?" Magnolia asks walking over to Ivy.

  She observes her face. She sees the bruise on her face. Instantly tears fill her eyes as memories fill her eyes.

  "I'm fine,"

  "Are you sure?"

  "I'm positive," Ivy says reassuringly smiling at her.

  "Okay," Magnolia says before kissing her forehead and leaving.

  "It isn't like you didn't deserve what you got," Emma says smugly.

  "Excuse me?!"

  "You heard me. You know Daddy doesn't allow us to listen to jungle music, what is wrong with you?"

  "It's called jazz and it's what I like and I'm not apologizing for it," Ivy says defiantly.

  Emma looks at her venomously.

  "This is our father's rule, and I will not allow you to disregard it," Emma said defensively looking at her sister.

  "You can't just turn your back on our teachings because you have a thing for nigger spirituals," Bobby says.

  Ivy looks at him disgusted.

  "You two are pathetic," Ivy says standing to her feet.

  "What did you say?" Emma asks angrily.

  "I'm not repeating myself. Bobby, you're knocking at adulthood's door. You both should have developed your own moral codes by now. You have a lot of maturing to do." Ivy says philosophically before taking her pte to the kitchen.

  After washing her dishes Ivy steps out on the porch where she sees Titus smoking a cigarette. He stares at her bitterly before blowing smoke in her face. Ivy gres at him before walking downstairs.

  "Where the hell are you going?"

  Ivy looks back at him sharply.

  "To search for my baby brother," Ivy says neutrally before walking down the sidewalk.

  Titus chuckles before taking another puff.

  "Good riddance to both of ya," Titus says before putting out his cigarette.

  Ivy finds Johnny sitting on the beach crying. His legs are pressed against his chest and his head is resting on top of his knees. Ivy goes and sits down beside him.

  "Colonel is such a prick," Ivy says softly pcing her right hand on his shoulder.

  "He meant what he said. Bobby and Emma are his favorites. Maybe I'm the mistake, child." Johnny sobs looking down at the sand.

  "That's not true and don't you trick yourself into believing it. You are a blessing and Mother, and I are grateful for you. Please come back to the summer house. Mother is worried about you."

  Johnny sniffles and the two head back.

  Three weeks pass by and Titus and Magnolia still aren't speaking. Friday night Magnolia is out on the nai when Bobby comes out.

  "Mother, someone is here to see you," Bobby says respectfully with ced disgust.

  "Thank you, sweetheart, I'll be there momentarily,"

  Bobby goes back inside.

  Magnolia gathers herself before going back inside. When she reaches the living room, she sees a woman standing in front of the firepce. Her bronze complexion illuminates brightly against the roaring fire. Her bck hair is styled in a fred flip. Her golden-brown eyes shine radiantly with happiness.

  Her eyelids are covered in bck eyeshadow and eyeliner. Her lips are masked in a nude lipstick. She's wearing a sleeveless beige dress. It flows to her knees accentuating her slender physique. On her feet is a pair of bck pointed-toe high heels. Around her neck is a bck moon neckce. She's sporting matching moon earrings and a bck bracelet on her left wrist. She's clutching a bck strapless leather purse with chrome trim.

  "Adeide Silverston how are you darling?" Magnolia asks excitedly hugging her.

  "I'm just marvelous, how are you, my dear?" Adeide asks etedly as they kiss each other's cheeks.

  "Not good," Magnolia says sadly looking away and folding her arms.

  "What's going on?" Adeide asks concerned as Magnolia leads her to the couch.

  "Titus and I have been arguing tely. It's gotten so distant between us that we haven't slept in the same bed for three weeks." Magnolia says shocking Adeide.

  "I thought you two were enjoying a blissful marriage,"

  "As you already know Titus was a colonel in the military. I know he met someone there because we haven't had sex in four years"

  "Four years Maggie? You can't have gumbo without the roux seasoning."

  This makes Magnolia ugh.

  "I'm starting to think he fell out of love. While we were vacationing in Marynd, he was visiting an old friend. That old friend very well could have been his mistress. I waited up for him but ended up falling asleep but that's not all. He punched Ivy for listening to jazz music and he made it known that Bobby and Emma were his favorites. Poor Johnny ran off. Thankfully Ivy brought him back. I did interrogate him for hitting Ivy. But since then, I've maintained my distance. I'm so afraid I'm going to do something I'll regret" Magnolia says angrily clenching her fists.

  Adeide remains speechless while fury cooks in her heart and soul.

  "I'm so sorry Maggie. I had no idea Titus was that type of man." Adeide says appalled.

  Unbeknownst to them Titus is standing in the living room entryway listening. He is wearing silk blue pajamas and bck slippers with his arms folded. His face dispys a look of fury when he sees Adeide.

  "What the hell are you doing in my house nigger?!" Titus asks harshly getting their attention.

  "I'm here visiting my best friend, that's what the hell this woman is doing in your house. We were discussing you and your despicable behavior." Adeide says boldly standing to her feet.

  "What are you thinking telling this bitch our problems? What goes on in our marriage stays in our marriage!" Titus says walking into the living room.

  Adeide gets up and walks over toward him with anger in her eyes. She grips her purse in her right hand and pces her free hand on her left hip.

  "Let me make myself very clear. I may not have been cut from the same color cloth as you, but I am no less a person because of it. I deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Before I leave, I want you to remember this like you would your social security number. If you disrespect me again, I will show you the wolf behind the smile. As for Magnolia, she was just informing me of what was going on. Apparently, she can't confide in you so she told me. As for you abusing your daughter because she likes jazz is petty. She's your daughter. Allow her to be who she is without apology. Also hurting Johnny emotionally is unpardonable. You are a sorry excuse for a human being and Magnolia deserves better, way better." Adeide says sharply going to stand next to Magnolia.

  Titus looks at Magnolia offended by her silence.

  "Get the hell out of my house, now!" Titus says pointing at the front door.

  Adeide smiles coolly at him.

  "Gdly, Maggie I'll be seeing you," Adeide says keeping her eyes on Titus.

  "See you ter Adeide. Thank you for stopping by" Magnolia says affectionately before Adeide leaves.

  When the front door closes Titus looks at Magnolia wrathfully.

  "What the hell is wrong with you!? Inviting her here, into my house!" Titus yells with his hands firmly on his hips.

  "She's my best friend and you're right this is your house. Enjoy it to the fullest." Magnolia says before going to the guest wing.

  Inside the guest room is a mahogany queen-size four post bed. On top of it is a red comforter with bck flowers on it and bck pillows. To the right is a matching mahogany dresser and body mirror. To the left is the bathroom and the closet. Magnolia climbs into bed and gets under the c