Careful What You Pray For Part I
"Mornin'! Whatcha know good?" Sierra's best friend and neighbor Gale cheerfully asked, as she walked into the kitchen.
Sierra could hardly hold her head up, for she was in a melancholic mood. Sierra was always glad to see Gale, but at the moment she wasn't ready for Gale's abundant energy. Gale immediately noticed Sierra's mood and knowing her best friend's situation, Gale had an extremely good hunch on what was bothering Sierra.
Sierra could hardly hold her head up, for she was in a melancholic mood. Sierra was always glad to see Gale, but at the moment she wasn't ready for Gale's abundant energy. Gale immediately noticed Sierra's mood and knowing her best friend's situation, Gale had an extremely good hunch on what was bothering Sierra.
"Gurl, what's givin' you the blues?" Gale kneeled down in front of Sierra, taking her hands into her own.
"Zeke didn't come home last night, again." Sierra was trying her best to hold back the tears that welled in her eyes. To Sierra's dismay, the dam broke and huge crocodile tears flowed over her high cheekbones.
Gale was right. She knew it was Zeke, cause he was the only thing that ever seem to get Sierra down.
"I just can't understand why he don't wanna come home. I's a gud wife. I keeps a clean house, gud food on the table and I treats him like a king."
"I's been tryin' to tell ya, you should stop. Go out like he do! Stay out all night! See how he likes it!"
"Gale, I ain't cut from that cloth! I was raised to be a gud christian! To honor my mama and daddy! Then once I's got married, I's to honor my husband!"
Sierra prayed every single night that Ezekiel would see the light and start doing all the way right by her. Gale couldn't understand how such a good, strong woman like Sierra let a dog of man break her down to this pathetic shell.
"Gurl! Ain't no sense in honoring a no gud man, that ain't honoring you!" Gale almost felt bad for letting those words slip out of her mouth. Especially since Sierra was already down.
"Zeke got his wrongs. Ain't no denying that, but he's a gud provider. He makes sure there's a roof over our head and food on our table and I loves that man!" Sierra found herself defending the man who was breaking her heart, yet again.
"Gurl, ain't no sense of cooking and cleaning for a dog who rather roam the streets. I know you loves him, but like my granmama told me. Lovin' the wrong man too long can make ya go crazy." Gale was done speaking on the issue. At least at this moment.
"C'mon Sierra. The Lord done gave us a beautiful day. Let's go to the seaside, get some fresh fish. Lord knows I's been wantin' some catfish. 'Side I's sure Cecil would luv to get a peek at cha." Gale giggling like a school girl, teasing Sierra about Cecil the fisherman having a crush on her.
"Naw. I don't wanna go. You gone without me." Sierra being stubborn. However Gale was more tenacious than Sierra's bad mood.
"Oh, you think you gots a choice? Naw! You's goin'! C'mon now git! Lets go!" Gale pulled the chair from under Sierra, forcing her to get up. Sierra couldn't help but to chuckle.
As Sierra and Gale got closer to the seaside, they could smell a variety of scents. Ranging from fruits, vegetables and spices to the smell of the sea from freshly caught seafood. Seems like everyone in town was at the seaside, either selling or buying goods. Sierra was beginning to adopt a better mood, till her eyes laid upon Ellie Mae.
Ellie Mae was as fast as they come and built with a body made for speed. Brazenly dressed for an occasion as mundane as shopping at the seaside. Her dress always appeared as if someone painted on her curvaceous body or simply two sizes too small. Her double D's always pushed up to hover just under her chin. Her waist snatched tight, leading down to her skirts tightly hugging her voluptuous backside and high heels that made her backside more pert than what it already was. On top of having a killer body, Ellie Mae's face was even more appealing. If the devil had a mold for his greatest temptress, Ellie Mae would surely fit the bill.
Sierra felt like everyone could see her insecurity cloaked over her. Sierra felt like she wanted to run, yet her feet was cemented where she stood. Gale just carried on talking, failing to notice that Sierra was no longer beside her.
"And that's when I..." Gale reached out to put a bunch of collards in the basket Sierra was carrying and that's when she noticed Sierra wasn't beside her. Looking around, Gale found Sierra behind her looking like she saw a ghost.
"Sierra. You okay? Is ya takin' ill?" Gale holding Sierra by her shoulders.
"Say something, gurl."
"Ellie Mae."
Although her back was turned, Ellie Mae was close enough to hear Sierra say her name; causing Ellie Mae to turn around.
"Yes. Oh. Hey. Sarah, right?" Ellie Mae smiled slyly.
"It's Sierra! Don't act like ya don't know who she is! Specially when ya keepin' company wit her husband!" Gale immediately interjected herself between the two women.
"Right! And who you be?" Ellie Mae posed the question towards Gale.
"I's her best frie..." Gale started with her chest swelled with pride. That's when Ellie Mae rudely interrupted.
"It don't make me no mind, who you is. You ain't payin' no bills of mine. 'Sides, I don't keep company wit no mens that don't wanna keep company wit me." Ellie Mae stated matter of factly. She continued with her verbal attack.
"If ya fix ya self up real nice, maybe ya husband would wanna carry his self home 'stead of to the juke joint lookin' fa me." Ellie Mae was enjoying throwing her verbal daggers at Sierra. Cutting at Sierra's already delicate self-esteem.
Gale was boiling with anger so hot, you could almost see steam blowing from her ears. Gale couldn't believe how Sierra just stood there, letting this wench speak to her like that.
Gale was about to raise her hand, to slap the taste out of Ellie Mae's disrespectful mouth, but Sierra stopped Gale before she seized the moment.
"C'mon Gale. We best finish shopping." Sierra still holding onto Gale's wrist, pulling her along. Sierra despised drama and that moment was brimming with it.
"Yeah, let's go 'fore I knock that heffa out!" Gale huffed and glared at Ellie Mae while Sierra lead them in the opposite direction.
Gale wasn't finished barking, by a long shot. Only she directed it towards Sierra.
"Gurl! Why ya let that Jezebel talk down on you like that?! Standin' there like ya ain't got a lick a sense God done gave ya! Ya shoulda told her where ta go and how ta get there!"
"And then what, Gale?! Tellin' Ellie off ain't gonna make Zeke come home like he 'posed too! Hell! Maybe she right!"
"Right bout what?! That heffa ain't been right since learnin' two plus two equal fo and dats only cause somebody done gave her da answer!" Gale couldn't help, but to giggle at her insult of Ellie Mae.
"Gurl! You's a gas!" Sierra laughed at Gale's insult of Ellie Mae too.
"I dunno Gale. Maybe I should take Ellie's talking and put it ta good use. Fix ma self up and get Zeke's attention."
"You's really gonna take advice from tha town's belly warmer and not me?! You done lost all the sense God done gave ya!" Gale couldn't believe her ears.
"Well look me up, when ya come to ya right mind." Gale started towards the door to leave and Sierra tried to stop her.
"Gale! C'mon now. I was just thankin' out loud. It don't mean nuthin'." Sierra was trying to smooth things out, for she didn't want Gale leaving upset. Plus Sierra didn't want to give the impression that she was quicker to act on the advice of her husband's side piece over her best friend.
"So whatcha gone do?"
"I dunno, but I's gotta do sumthin'."
"Ya know what'll do ya some good? Ya should get one of them dolls. Stick ya some pins in it. That'll get him to come home. Yup, that shonuff would." Gale was even laughing at her own suggestion. Then she noticed Sierra was quiet and looking like she was considering Gale's off the wall suggestion.
"Gurl, I was just foolin', being silly." Gale was trying to deter Sierra from considering a notion so crazy any further.
"Yeah, you right. It's silly." Sierra managed to display a genuine enough smile to convince Gale she knew it was a joke and not meant to be taken seriously, but the seed was planted in Sierra's mind and started to take root.
The next morning Gale came by, like she always does. Only this time Gale found Sierra wasn't alone. Zeke was sitting at the kitchen table eating the breakfast.
"Oohh looky here! Soo ya do know where ya live!" Gale didn't make any attempts in hiding her disdain of Zeke.
"Hey, Sierra. I sees ya in a better mood. Though I can't wonder why. Ain't like ya gots a man who appreciates ya." Gale continued with her verbal jabs.
Zeke sitting calmly, sipping his coffee and reading the paper ignored Gale initially.
"Strange fa a gal that ain't got no man, tryin' ta tell a gal that gots one what ta do."
"So tell me. Who tryna keep company wit you?" Zeke's retort administered a hurtful blow to Gale's ego.
"I's ratha be by ma'self than have some no gud, low down durty dog, who stay out in tha streets chasin' afta any heffa that toots her ass up ta him. Nah, I'll waits fa a real man who knows his gud lovin' is at home. Not wit them jezabels down at no juke joint." Gale snaking her head with her hands propped on her hips.
"Wit all that attitude, I's 'magine you be waitin' a looonng spell. God, help the man fool 'nuff to be wit cha!" Zeke slapping his knee, laughing like he having a good time.
"Don't chu dare take the Lord's name in vain wit me, if ya know what's gud for ya!" Gale's anger was getting the best of her and Sierra could see it. That's when Sierra interjected herself between the two.
"A'ight you two. That's 'nuff. Gale sit down a spell. Can I get cha some coffee?"
"Yeah, I'll take some. Cream and suga, please."
Zeke folding up his newspaper, chuckled as he approached Sierra to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"Please, don't forget the suga. Cause at this rate, that's bout all the suga she eva gone git."
"Yous gone already?"
"Yeah, baby. I's got a couple jobs to do down over on Sycamore and on Piedmont."
"Will ya be home fa lunch?"
"Nah. I won't have time."
"Will ya be home fa dinner?"
"You know, I plays poker wit Bucky and nem ta night."
"The real question is will he be comin' home at all." Gale couldn't restrain herself any longer.
"Bye, baby. You know I loves only you." Zeke said as he held Sierra in his arms, looking lovingly into her eyes. Zeke gently kissed Sierra's lips, causing her to remember the day he asked for her hand in marriage. Zeke said the same thing and kissed her the same way, three years ago. She believed him then, too.
Gale contorted her face at the display of affection playing out in front of her, as if she was smelling something rancid.
"Words don't mean nuthin'. Brangin' ya'self home, now that would be sumthin'." Gale huffed.
Zeke grabbed his toolbox and as he was walking out the door; Zeke nodded towards Gale, while speaking to Sierra.
"Ya should thank bout gittin' a betta friend."
"Humf! Gittin' a betta man, would be tha right medicine!"
All Sierra could do was let out a long breath and shake her head.
"So whatcha wanna do today, gurl?" Gale asked as if she and Zeke weren't just going at each other like a couple of rabid dogs.
"How bout we go inta town? Do some winda shoppin'."
"Sounds good, just lemme grab ma handbag. Meet cha outside."
Soon Sierra and Gale were strolling down Main St, looking at pretty dresses and fancy shoes. They even went in a few shops to try on a couple pieces.
Suddenly Sierra felt like someone was watching her. Sierra looked around, but didn't notice anyone looking her way. What did catch her eye was an old, white haired lady coming out of the General store. It was Madame Bastille.
Rumor around town was that Madame Bastille doled out unique remedies for various ailments. Sierra's mind immediately went to the suggestion Gale gave jokingly, yesterday. The more Sierra stared at Madame Bastille, the more she thought it was a great idea. Before Sierra realized it, she was following the old lady, like a moth to a flame. Gale looked up and saw Sierra walking slowly up the street. With hurried steps, Gale caught up to Sierra.
"Gurl, where ya runnin' off to?"
Sierra blinked as if she was coming out of a trance.
"Oh... um... nuthin'... I thought I saw somebody."
"You okay? Ya look like ya saw a ghost."
"I's just fine. Just fine, indeed." Sierra made up her mind and knew exactly what she was going to do. Sierra was positive the answer to her prayers lied with Madame Bastille.
"Gale, I ain't cut from that cloth! I was raised to be a gud christian! To honor my mama and daddy! Then once I's got married, I's to honor my husband!"
Sierra prayed every single night that Ezekiel would see the light and start doing all the way right by her. Gale couldn't understand how such a good, strong woman like Sierra let a dog of man break her down to this pathetic shell.
"Gurl! Ain't no sense in honoring a no gud man, that ain't honoring you!" Gale almost felt bad for letting those words slip out of her mouth. Especially since Sierra was already down.
"Zeke got his wrongs. Ain't no denying that, but he's a gud provider. He makes sure there's a roof over our head and food on our table and I loves that man!" Sierra found herself defending the man who was breaking her heart, yet again.
"Gurl, ain't no sense of cooking and cleaning for a dog who rather roam the streets. I know you loves him, but like my granmama told me. Lovin' the wrong man too long can make ya go crazy." Gale was done speaking on the issue. At least at this moment.
"C'mon Sierra. The Lord done gave us a beautiful day. Let's go to the seaside, get some fresh fish. Lord knows I's been wantin' some catfish. 'Side I's sure Cecil would luv to get a peek at cha." Gale giggling like a school girl, teasing Sierra about Cecil the fisherman having a crush on her.
"Naw. I don't wanna go. You gone without me." Sierra being stubborn. However Gale was more tenacious than Sierra's bad mood.
"Oh, you think you gots a choice? Naw! You's goin'! C'mon now git! Lets go!" Gale pulled the chair from under Sierra, forcing her to get up. Sierra couldn't help but to chuckle.
As Sierra and Gale got closer to the seaside, they could smell a variety of scents. Ranging from fruits, vegetables and spices to the smell of the sea from freshly caught seafood. Seems like everyone in town was at the seaside, either selling or buying goods. Sierra was beginning to adopt a better mood, till her eyes laid upon Ellie Mae.
Ellie Mae was as fast as they come and built with a body made for speed. Brazenly dressed for an occasion as mundane as shopping at the seaside. Her dress always appeared as if someone painted on her curvaceous body or simply two sizes too small. Her double D's always pushed up to hover just under her chin. Her waist snatched tight, leading down to her skirts tightly hugging her voluptuous backside and high heels that made her backside more pert than what it already was. On top of having a killer body, Ellie Mae's face was even more appealing. If the devil had a mold for his greatest temptress, Ellie Mae would surely fit the bill.
Sierra felt like everyone could see her insecurity cloaked over her. Sierra felt like she wanted to run, yet her feet was cemented where she stood. Gale just carried on talking, failing to notice that Sierra was no longer beside her.
"And that's when I..." Gale reached out to put a bunch of collards in the basket Sierra was carrying and that's when she noticed Sierra wasn't beside her. Looking around, Gale found Sierra behind her looking like she saw a ghost.
"Sierra. You okay? Is ya takin' ill?" Gale holding Sierra by her shoulders.
"Say something, gurl."
"Ellie Mae."
Although her back was turned, Ellie Mae was close enough to hear Sierra say her name; causing Ellie Mae to turn around.
"Yes. Oh. Hey. Sarah, right?" Ellie Mae smiled slyly.
"It's Sierra! Don't act like ya don't know who she is! Specially when ya keepin' company wit her husband!" Gale immediately interjected herself between the two women.
"Right! And who you be?" Ellie Mae posed the question towards Gale.
"I's her best frie..." Gale started with her chest swelled with pride. That's when Ellie Mae rudely interrupted.
"It don't make me no mind, who you is. You ain't payin' no bills of mine. 'Sides, I don't keep company wit no mens that don't wanna keep company wit me." Ellie Mae stated matter of factly. She continued with her verbal attack.
"If ya fix ya self up real nice, maybe ya husband would wanna carry his self home 'stead of to the juke joint lookin' fa me." Ellie Mae was enjoying throwing her verbal daggers at Sierra. Cutting at Sierra's already delicate self-esteem.
Gale was boiling with anger so hot, you could almost see steam blowing from her ears. Gale couldn't believe how Sierra just stood there, letting this wench speak to her like that.
Gale was about to raise her hand, to slap the taste out of Ellie Mae's disrespectful mouth, but Sierra stopped Gale before she seized the moment.
"C'mon Gale. We best finish shopping." Sierra still holding onto Gale's wrist, pulling her along. Sierra despised drama and that moment was brimming with it.
"Yeah, let's go 'fore I knock that heffa out!" Gale huffed and glared at Ellie Mae while Sierra lead them in the opposite direction.
Gale wasn't finished barking, by a long shot. Only she directed it towards Sierra.
"Gurl! Why ya let that Jezebel talk down on you like that?! Standin' there like ya ain't got a lick a sense God done gave ya! Ya shoulda told her where ta go and how ta get there!"
"And then what, Gale?! Tellin' Ellie off ain't gonna make Zeke come home like he 'posed too! Hell! Maybe she right!"
"Right bout what?! That heffa ain't been right since learnin' two plus two equal fo and dats only cause somebody done gave her da answer!" Gale couldn't help, but to giggle at her insult of Ellie Mae.
"Gurl! You's a gas!" Sierra laughed at Gale's insult of Ellie Mae too.
"I dunno Gale. Maybe I should take Ellie's talking and put it ta good use. Fix ma self up and get Zeke's attention."
"You's really gonna take advice from tha town's belly warmer and not me?! You done lost all the sense God done gave ya!" Gale couldn't believe her ears.
"Well look me up, when ya come to ya right mind." Gale started towards the door to leave and Sierra tried to stop her.
"Gale! C'mon now. I was just thankin' out loud. It don't mean nuthin'." Sierra was trying to smooth things out, for she didn't want Gale leaving upset. Plus Sierra didn't want to give the impression that she was quicker to act on the advice of her husband's side piece over her best friend.
"So whatcha gone do?"
"I dunno, but I's gotta do sumthin'."
"Ya know what'll do ya some good? Ya should get one of them dolls. Stick ya some pins in it. That'll get him to come home. Yup, that shonuff would." Gale was even laughing at her own suggestion. Then she noticed Sierra was quiet and looking like she was considering Gale's off the wall suggestion.
"Gurl, I was just foolin', being silly." Gale was trying to deter Sierra from considering a notion so crazy any further.
"Yeah, you right. It's silly." Sierra managed to display a genuine enough smile to convince Gale she knew it was a joke and not meant to be taken seriously, but the seed was planted in Sierra's mind and started to take root.
The next morning Gale came by, like she always does. Only this time Gale found Sierra wasn't alone. Zeke was sitting at the kitchen table eating the breakfast.
"Oohh looky here! Soo ya do know where ya live!" Gale didn't make any attempts in hiding her disdain of Zeke.
"Hey, Sierra. I sees ya in a better mood. Though I can't wonder why. Ain't like ya gots a man who appreciates ya." Gale continued with her verbal jabs.
Zeke sitting calmly, sipping his coffee and reading the paper ignored Gale initially.
"Strange fa a gal that ain't got no man, tryin' ta tell a gal that gots one what ta do."
"So tell me. Who tryna keep company wit you?" Zeke's retort administered a hurtful blow to Gale's ego.
"I's ratha be by ma'self than have some no gud, low down durty dog, who stay out in tha streets chasin' afta any heffa that toots her ass up ta him. Nah, I'll waits fa a real man who knows his gud lovin' is at home. Not wit them jezabels down at no juke joint." Gale snaking her head with her hands propped on her hips.
"Wit all that attitude, I's 'magine you be waitin' a looonng spell. God, help the man fool 'nuff to be wit cha!" Zeke slapping his knee, laughing like he having a good time.
"Don't chu dare take the Lord's name in vain wit me, if ya know what's gud for ya!" Gale's anger was getting the best of her and Sierra could see it. That's when Sierra interjected herself between the two.
"A'ight you two. That's 'nuff. Gale sit down a spell. Can I get cha some coffee?"
"Yeah, I'll take some. Cream and suga, please."
Zeke folding up his newspaper, chuckled as he approached Sierra to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"Please, don't forget the suga. Cause at this rate, that's bout all the suga she eva gone git."
"Yous gone already?"
"Yeah, baby. I's got a couple jobs to do down over on Sycamore and on Piedmont."
"Will ya be home fa lunch?"
"Nah. I won't have time."
"Will ya be home fa dinner?"
"You know, I plays poker wit Bucky and nem ta night."
"The real question is will he be comin' home at all." Gale couldn't restrain herself any longer.
"Bye, baby. You know I loves only you." Zeke said as he held Sierra in his arms, looking lovingly into her eyes. Zeke gently kissed Sierra's lips, causing her to remember the day he asked for her hand in marriage. Zeke said the same thing and kissed her the same way, three years ago. She believed him then, too.
Gale contorted her face at the display of affection playing out in front of her, as if she was smelling something rancid.
"Words don't mean nuthin'. Brangin' ya'self home, now that would be sumthin'." Gale huffed.
Zeke grabbed his toolbox and as he was walking out the door; Zeke nodded towards Gale, while speaking to Sierra.
"Ya should thank bout gittin' a betta friend."
"Humf! Gittin' a betta man, would be tha right medicine!"
All Sierra could do was let out a long breath and shake her head.
"So whatcha wanna do today, gurl?" Gale asked as if she and Zeke weren't just going at each other like a couple of rabid dogs.
"How bout we go inta town? Do some winda shoppin'."
"Sounds good, just lemme grab ma handbag. Meet cha outside."
Soon Sierra and Gale were strolling down Main St, looking at pretty dresses and fancy shoes. They even went in a few shops to try on a couple pieces.
Suddenly Sierra felt like someone was watching her. Sierra looked around, but didn't notice anyone looking her way. What did catch her eye was an old, white haired lady coming out of the General store. It was Madame Bastille.
Rumor around town was that Madame Bastille doled out unique remedies for various ailments. Sierra's mind immediately went to the suggestion Gale gave jokingly, yesterday. The more Sierra stared at Madame Bastille, the more she thought it was a great idea. Before Sierra realized it, she was following the old lady, like a moth to a flame. Gale looked up and saw Sierra walking slowly up the street. With hurried steps, Gale caught up to Sierra.
"Gurl, where ya runnin' off to?"
Sierra blinked as if she was coming out of a trance.
"Oh... um... nuthin'... I thought I saw somebody."
"You okay? Ya look like ya saw a ghost."
"I's just fine. Just fine, indeed." Sierra made up her mind and knew exactly what she was going to do. Sierra was positive the answer to her prayers lied with Madame Bastille.
To be continued...
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