Page 17 of Beyond the Cage

Five hours a week, I visit with the elderly here at Little Sisters. All I have to do is hang out with them, which I love doing. I’ve learned a lot from each and every one. Plus, I’ve heard quite a few interesting stories.

Cameron sighs and follows me inside, hanging back while I talk to a staff member.

“Hey, Sadie.”

“Hey, Jazzie,” she greets me with a bright smile. “How’s school, baby girl?”

“Good. I brought some backup today. Hope you don’t mind.”

She peers up at Cameron, then her eyes slide down his body in appreciation.

“Child, not when your backup looks like that. Lawd Jesus.”

I let out a giggle. Sadie is more than twice my age, but she’s sweet…and apparently frisky.

“You’d probably need a hip replacement after that one,” I tell her.

“It would be worth it!”

“Tell you what…I’ll hand him over to you when I’m done with him.”

“The Lord will surely bless you, sweetheart.”

We both laugh and I glance over at him. I know he heard every word, but he doesn’t seem bothered at all. Then again, he must be used to women throwing themselves at him. I motion to him to follow me. Today is games day, so everyone will be in the common room. I stand in the doorway observing the scene before I place my hands on my hips.

“So, y’all were just gonna keep the Scrabble all to yourselves, huh?”

I’m greeted with a chorus of “Jazzie!” and smiles on every face.

“Everyone, this is Cameron. Cameron, this is everyone,” I throw out the general introduction.

That gets me some knowing looks from the women.

“Well, I’ll be damned!” Bernie exclaims.

I turn to him curiously as he slams his palm on the table.

“What’s wrong, Bernie?” I ask.

“That’s K.O. Jackson!”

He leaves the cards table and makes his way over to us, extending his hand with a big grin on his face.

“Bernie Shaw. It’s an honor to meet you, son.”

Cameron takes his hand and smiles.

“Your fight with Tiger Thompson…that knockout was a thing of beauty! You, son, truly have a gift.”

“Bernie –”

“It’s okay,” Bernie assures me. “I know all about the talking thing. Come on, we need a fourth at the cards table. I can’t wait to tell everyone I played cards with K.O. Jackson!”

I smile as I watch them walk off. I never would have guessed anyone here would know him. Bernie is talking his ear off and he doesn’t seem to mind that either. He’s actually smiling, interacting with them in his own way. I wondered before how he functioned in society, but it seems he’s managing pretty well. I move over to where the Scrabble board is set up and pull up a chair.

“Who’s winning?” I ask.

Stella throws me a mischievous grin. “Seems like you are, my dear. Who’s the handsome fella?”