34. Talitha #3
When we planned her funeral, Gema was adamant about the things she wanted. Her casket was pearl white with gold accents. She wanted to be buried in a white two-piece suit.
My girl said to make sure whoever was in charge of her makeup ain’t make her look like a clown, said she wanted a nice natural beat and a nude lip. I had to make sure her hair was curled tight just like she wanted.
She wanted all of her chirren to wear nothing but black.
She wanted to be the only angel in the room.
Her words, not mine. And I made sure they followed every single rule.
She told me to put me, Betty Jo, and Meat on the first row and to sit the rest of ‘em behind us cause she ain’t wanna have to lay there listening to my mama and Willearl cut a fool.
Gema said all that was gon’ do was piss her off and have her getting out the casket to whoop some ass.
My mama was pissed when she found out Law and Mrs. Jessie was sitting on the first row with me, and she was on the second. I didn’t give not one fuck and begged her to show her ass. I was gon’ put her in the casket with Gema. Gon’ bury her ass right along with her mama.
The funeral was nice. Everything was done just the way she wanted. When it was time to say my goodbyes, I put the gold beaded bracelet she had given me on my twenty-first birthday on her wrist. I also made sure they buried her with my favorite blanket that I had given her.
Just like Gema predicted, my mama and Willearl cut up the entire wedding. My mama was crying so hard at one point, Joe Lee got up and escorted her out. The burial is what took the damn cake.
When they started lowering Gema into the ground, she jumped up out of her seat and begged them to take her.
I was used to her and her shit so when she started that, I simply got up, dropped my rose on top of Gema’s casket, and walked away.
Whatever happened after that, I didn’t know and ain’t care to hear about.
Instead of having the repass at the church, we decided to do it at Betty Jo house. She had that big back deck and since the repass was reserved for just the family, it was enough space for all of us.
“Bonnie look good in that dress.”
“I know. I told her and Willearl they bet not show up today looking country. I picked out both of their outfits and had Bonnie go down to Mrs. Cat’s shop to get that mess on her head tamed.”
“I’m surprised Willearl wasn’t drunk.”
“I threatened to have his ass removed if he was. I still think he took a sip of something the way he cut up back there.” I laughed.
“You know he prolly did. Thank you for allowing Louise to sit up front. That guilt been eating her alive.”
“I’on know what for. She ain’t cause it.”
“I know. But she feeling like had she left Mama up there, it wouldn’t have happened. She was trying to prove to you that she can see ‘bout mama without Litha.”
“I promise, I’m not mad at her. It could’ve happened while she was in my care. It really was a freak accident and unfortunately it cost us our matriarch.”
“Yeah it did. I’mma miss her.”
Grabbing her hand, I gave it a light squeeze. “Me too. So much.”
“You done had enough to eat?” Betty Jo looked down at my plate and asked.
“Ummhmm. I’mma go get some more in a lil’ bit.”
“I’ll be over there if you need me.”
“You’re playing nice,” Law whispered into my ear.
“I’ve got nothing else left, Harvey. Can’t even be angry… I’m just numb.”
“I got some good news earlier. Wanna hear it?”
“What kind of good news?” I asked and rolled my eyes up to meet his.
“Our application was approved. William sent me an email.”
“Are you serious?”
“Very, Love.” He pecked my lips. “You did it.”
“We did it,” I clarified.
“Nawl.” Law shook his head. “This was all you baby. From start to finish.”
“That makes me extremely happy.”
“I figured it would.” He chuckled. “I’ve gotta shoot back to the city tonight. He wants to come by the school and check it out before bringing the rest of the board. Will you be okay until I get back?”
“Yeah. I’ve gotta get this business and shit squared away then I’ll be ready to head back myself.”
“Are you sure? You can stay as long you need. I’ll come back and stay with you. You don’t have to be in a rush to leave.”
“It’s suffocating being here. I don’t want to stay longer than I have too.”
“Okay. Well, as soon as we finish here, I’ll have Baker drop you back to the hotel and leave. As soon as I’m done with William, I’ll be on my way back.”
Grabbing him by the chin, I brought his face down to mine. “Thank you for being here, Harvey. It means the world to me.”
“There’s no other place I’d rather be love.”
The longer we sat out there on the patio, the more the vibe went from sad to joyous. My family could turn any situation into a party. Betty Jo eventually came out of the house with various bottles of liquor.
When she turned the radio on, everybody started to really party. It was the little times like this that I was going to miss, ya’ know. The rare occasions where for once everybody got along. Only thing missing was my dear Bertha Mae.