Page 33 of A Taste of Grace

Lovely Day

Mother’s Day morning was beautiful in every way as the girls and Caleb gave me flowers and cards during breakfast. On our way to church, we sang and shared how grateful we were to spend our first Mother’s Day together.

When his piercing eyes rested on me, I was reminded of how intense he was when he touched and licked me. He followed my movements behind the lenses of his small, rimmed glasses and tilted his head down to examine my frame from the top of my head to my heeled feet before giving me a faint smile.

At the close of the service, Caleb gestured toward Taylor, the young woman who read the church announcements. Before she could stand, a voice from the back of the church shouted out.

“I have something to say.”

A hush fell over the congregation. I turned to see who dared to disrupt our church flow. A vision of elegance in a powder blue pantsuit stood and slowly sashayed up the aisle toward the front of the church.

“Who is that?” I turned to Ms. Denise, confused by the unexpected commotion.

She tapped my arm and held it tight as everyone watched the woman’s smooth motion.

“The devil.”

“Say what?”

Ms. Denise rose and pulled me up by my arm. We watched the woman as she approached our row with a mean mug on her face. I turned back to my mother-in-law for answers since none of the ushers did anything to stop her.

“Should we do something?” I jerked my head back and forth, searching for security.

Although the woman was out of order, she didn’t move as if she were demented or unhinged. In fact, she appeared poised as if it was natural for her to move freely among the congregation.

“That’s Madeline’s evil ass.” Ms. Denise didn’t bat an eye, cursing in church like she said praise Jesus.

Bile entered my throat as I took in Madeline’s exquisite body.

She was slim and stunning in a form-fitting designer suit.

Her ombre blonde and dark brown weave hung low as her nude stilettos elevated the daintiest of feet.

I saw firsthand where Hannah got her delicate features.

She may have been a crackhead years ago, but she didn’t look like one now.

She ascended the steps to the stage with the grace of a model and stood by Caleb…

much like I did when we announced our engagement.

She picked up the microphone from the lectern and skimmed the audience.

Half of the congregation stood perplexed and silent like me.

When she had everyone’s full attention, she spoke directly into the microphone.

“Good morning, saints.”

At least half the congregation said good morning back.

“My name is Madeline Stallings…the former Mrs. Caleb Stallings for those of you who are new here.”

That heifer looked directly at me. I folded my arms in disbelief.

She paused again as a murmur filled the room. When it died down, she continued speaking with her head held high.

“God is faithful. Amen?”

“Amen.” Fewer people responded this time.

“Anybody ever gone through hard times?” she asked.

“Yep!” several people shouted.

I was ready to throw my shoes at those traitors. Why were they encouraging her? And why was Caleb standing up there like a bump on a log?

Madeline paused and looked up to the heavens, wiping what I thought were fake tears from her eyes.

“Take your time!” A female voice shouted encouragement.

“I went through hard times and left the city to get myself together. There’s no better day to seek forgiveness than right now.” Madeline clapped with the mic in her hand, eating up the attention from those who gave it to her.

“Happy Mother’s Day, everyone.” She lifted the mic as if it were a trophy then placed it back in its cradle.

Madeline ended her little performance by leaning toward a stunned Caleb and hugging him tightly as a smattering of people applauded.

I wanted to run to the platform and snatch her hair off her head. Instead, I folded my arms over my chest and waited for Caleb to set her straight. He swayed from side to side with a wild-eyed look on his face. I tried to catch his attention, but he looked like a deer caught in headlights.

“Why is he just standing there?” I spoke directly to my mother-in-law, whose mouth hung open. “Should I go to him?”

“Child, he’s in shock. And we’re live streaming, so he probably doesn’t want to go viral for cussing her out. Let him be the shepherd and do what he should. This is his demon to conquer.” Ms. Denise held my arm.

Madeline released Caleb and smiled at everyone as if she deserved a pat on the back. She exited the platform and walked back down the aisle to her seat.

Caleb finally moved and motioned to the people around him.

“Praise God for redemption. Sister Taylor, please come with our church announcements.” Caleb dragged his words and then moved to the back of the stage.

He stood in the darkness as the light shone on Taylor. His eyes were shut. He held his wrists with his hand. At the end of the service, he offered a generic benediction and then slowly moved off the stage toward his office.

“Go, Grace. I’ll get the girls.” Ms. Denise pushed me as Nita nodded and wrung her hands.

I picked up my belongings and hurried toward Caleb’s office. I tapped on his closed door with my knuckles.

“It’s me,” I spoke through the door.

He cracked the door and peered out. I tried to push the door open with my hands, but Caleb didn’t budge. His eyes were red. I’d never seen Caleb in tears.

“Let me in.”

“I need a minute.”

“I’m here for you.”

“Give me time, Grace.” He closed the door in my face.

I stumbled back into the hall, my breathing shallow. I wanted to knock the door down but didn’t want to force myself on Caleb after he pushed me away. I rushed toward the annex where Hannah and Esther were. When I reached them, the lead teacher gave me a huge smile.

“The girls were so excited today. Your mother-in-law picked them up, and their mother greeted them.”

My heart sank.

“Where’d they go?”

“Mother Stallings took them to Pastor C’s office.”

I stepped back as my mind raced. I didn’t pass them on the way, so they must have gone out of the building and around the church. I power walked back to Caleb’s office in time to see his door cracked. This time, I barged in.

Madeline beamed at her girls, who had a confused look on their faces. Ms. Denise frowned with her arms folded, and Caleb stood as stiff as a board.

“Hey…” I waved at everyone but kept my eyes on Caleb.

“Hello.” Madeline’s chipper voice cut through the air as the girls rushed to me and looked between Caleb and me.

“Mommy Grace, this lady said she’s our real mommy. Tell her to stop lying.” Hannah pointed at Madeline and spoke with uncharacteristic boldness.

Her chest rose and dropped as if she’d been running. She and Esther held hands so hard their knuckles were white. My little girls were confused and frightened. I ignored everyone else and squatted, holding their waists in each of my hands.

“I’m taking you home.”

Caleb cleared his throat, forcing me to look into his eyes.

“That won’t be necessary, Grace. Madeline and I will tell the girls what’s going on. Mama can take you home. We’ll see you later.”

My mouth dropped. I knew this sanctimonious bastard wasn’t dismissing me. I wanted to scream at him for excluding me, but I didn’t want to scare the girls.

Madeline’s smug smile pissed me off all over again.

“No worries. I’ll take a rideshare and see y’all at home.” I gave the girls a final hug and walked out of Caleb’s office, slamming the door behind me.

I moved to the lobby of the sanctuary and stood out of sight of the remaining parishioners. I pulled out my phone to call a ride as hot tears of embarrassment burned my eyes.

I would spend the night at my house before leaving for my DC trip in the morning. When I returned, I would recenter myself and my mental health.

The day Mama died, I vowed that no one would treat me like trash again. Caleb was no exception to that rule. I refused to relapse because of my husband and his raggedy ass judgment.