~ Spring Break ~
by Lady J
Disclaimers: Well this story is still a product of my fevered brain. These situations and characters are mine all mine. Bwaaahhhhaaahhhaaaa. © March 2008.
Contact: Don't forget to feed the bard at kaysladyj@hotmail.com or ladyjsalsbury@aol.com
SPRING BREAK
By Lady J
Chapter 13
Jessie sat huddled within Skylar's arms as she listened to the rhythmic beat of the horseshoes against the cobblestoned streets. Skylar had surprised Jessie with this romantic horse drawn carriage tour of the city. Jessie, for the first time in her life, was completely swept off her feet by the tall blue eyed Brit. She was content to snuggle into Skylar's chest watching the scenery go by. The young woman was rewarded by feeling the tall woman's arms squeeze her more tightly in her arms.
"This is amazing, Skylar, thank you," Jessie said looking into the deep blue of Skylar's eyes. Skylar leaned down to place a long steamy kiss on Jessie's waiting lips. Jessie's hand snaked around the back of Skylar's neck pressing the dark haired woman even closer.
Their tongues tangled in a passionate dance. A gentle sigh escaped Jessie's lips. Jessie could feel Skylar smile against her lips. Skylar tightened her hold while her tongue penetrated even deeper into Jessie's soft willing mouth producing another long sigh.
So intent were they on devouring each other, that it took a bit of time for the embarrassed carriage driver to get their attention. Clearing his throat was not working so he gently tapped the brunette with the end of the whip handle.
Both Skylar and Jessie looked up at the same time and burst out laughing when they realized that their ride obviously was long over. Jessie placed her beet red face into her hands still giggling with embarrassment.
"Sorry about that, mate. Can we have another go at the tour? I promise we'll pay attention this time." Skylar smiled. She leaned over to remove her wallet from the back pocket of her jeans.
The congenial drive waved her off. "Not to worry, Mademoiselle, I've had my show for the day. Let me entertain you and your lady with the stories of my city."
Everyone laughed as he pulled away from the curb heading to cemeteries and other points of interest.
**
Becca seemed hypnotized by the business card that she held in her hand. She looked up at Madam. "What is Victoria's father doing here?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, mon petite. Maybe he has come to retrieve his daughter?" Madam surmised.
Becca handed the card back to Madam. "No, I don't think so. I know she called him to let him know where we were, and that the plane wasn't damaged. She didn't mention he would be making a visit." Becca paused, "Come to think of it, from what Jess has told me about Vic's relationship with her parents, I don't think she had any idea her Dad would fly down here."
"The relationship with her parents is not a good one?" Madam asked, her features reflecting concern.
"No, I don't think so." Becca's brows furrowed in thought. "According to everything Jess has said, they're more about power, position, and money then they are about Victoria. Jess went to visit them with Victoria during a break from college one year. She said the Dad treated her pretty well, but the Mom really didn't say boo to her the whole time she was there.
Jess said, that Mrs. Sinclair was always on Victoria about this social event or the other. At the same time she was gushing about parties and cotillions they could attend while Vic was home. Another thing she was doing is listing all the eligible rich bachelors that were in town. Her mother just couldn't understand why she isn't engaged to a Vanderbilt or a Kennedy yet.
Apparently, nothing Victoria ever did scholastically was ever good enough for her Dad so Vic didn't win anyway she turned. Actually, it seemed that nothing that Victoria has ever done has been good enough for her parents."
Madam shook her head slowly. "C'est si triste. Pauvre fille."
"The whole situation is so sad, Madam. I mean, Vic gets on my nerves sometimes, but she has so much going for her outside her money. It just kills me that she doesn't see it. She's very smart, and witty in a dry kinda way. She's like a mini Einstein when it comes to science and math. She's savvy when it comes to big business, and dealing with CEO's or presidents of corporations. It's amazing how she can schmooze them, yet when it comes to talking to guys around campus, she's like a fish out of water who doesn't know how to speak English." She giggled before she continued. "You know she's so cute when it comes to the simple things in life. She's totally lost in a kitchen or a laundry room, and god help us if she tries to iron something." Becca smiled broadly. "She's so attractive, almost stun….."
Becca stopped her dialogue when she noticed Madam's change of posture. During the time they had been speaking, Madam had been seated toward the front of her chair very attentively listening to Becca. Now Madam's body language was much more relaxed. She had leaned back in the chair with a twinkle in clear gray eyes. One hand lay open in her lap. The other arm was folded at the elbow, her open palm cradling her chin while her long index finger tapped her temple. Her lips were curved into a strange smile.
"I have noticed that Victoria is a very handsome woman, mon petit. Vous vous inquiétez profondément de elle?" Madam asked her keen eye taking in every nuance of Becca's body language.
"Of course I care for her, she's my friend." Becca began to fidget. Her mouth had been telling tales out of school right in front of her face. Pull yourself together. Internally the young woman gave herself a shake. "To say I deeply care about her, well I'm not sure about that. She's closer to Jessie than she is to me."
"Ah, I see. This why you all take this trip together, true? You take the trip so that little Jessie and Victoria could be friends again?" Madam asked.
"How did you know about that?" Becca asked.
"A little bird told me," Madam answered.
"A big surfer bird I'll bet," Becca growled.
Madam shrugged, and then asked, "Êtes-vous dans l'amour mon petit?"
"In love? Me? No, besides what would being in love have to do with Victor…." Becca let the sentence drop. Her green eyes narrowing in realization of what Madam was implying. Am I in love? Christ, she can't be right can she? Madam, you are a smart cookie, but about this you are dead wrong.
Madam shrugged though the knowing grin never left her face. "I must be mistaken. Back to our unexpected guest, since we do not know why Mr. Sinclair is here, I suppose we should go and ask him, don't you think?" Deep in thought, Madam tapped the business card in the palm of her hand.
"I think I better find Victoria to tell her that her Daddy is here," Becca said, her dark brows creasing over confused green eyes.
"I agree. Rebecca, please send Louis and Lucy to me before you bring Victoria to the lounge. We mustn't leave our guest waiting too long," Madam said.
Becca left the office in search of Louis and Lucy wondering what Madam had up her sleeve.
***
Victoria sat up straighter in the plush antique bed holding a book in front of her that she wasn't reading. She changed position several times then grunted in frustration. Irritated, she flung the book to the side. She couldn't concentrate on the written word, so she let her mind wander where it wanted to go.
Pictures of the beautiful and intelligent Jessie, the object of Victoria's affection filled her mind. A thrill ran through her body at the mere thought of holding the young woman's hand. Victoria knew in her heart of hearts that she should stop her fantasizing about her. That this wasn't a healthy activity for her didn't matter. Victoria dismissed her own inner cautions and continued to walk into this sensual dreamscape with eyes wide open. In her mind's eye she was alone with Jessie. Holding Jessie's hand, Victoria revealed all the feelings she had for her. Jessie responded to her confessions by placing a deep lingering kiss on Victoria's lips. Before she realized what she was doing, Victoria's fingers were teasing her hardened nipples through her thin tee-shirt. As she teased the hardened flesh, electric pulses were caressing her clit. She leaned back into the soft pillows, her hand sliding down her long lean body. She slid an eager hand under the elastic of her shorts to the goal of quivering flesh that waited hungrily for touch.
With practiced dexterity she moved the damp cotton aside, which gave clear access for her fingers to slide through her dampness. Her finger tips teased the soft flesh. An involuntary groan left Victoria's lips. In her mind Jessie was making love to her, kissing her, touching her. As the fantasy enveloped the young woman, and she approached orgasm her breathing came in short rasps. She could feel herself dancing on the edge of release. I love you. Jessie's voice whispering those precious words rang through her mind pushing the dark woman over the edge into a sea of bliss.
She let out another groan before collapsing into the softness of the bedding. A lopsided smile twisted her lips. She basked in the warmth of the after glow afraid to open her eyes and break the spell.
The tall dark woman was so engrossed in her pleasure that she wasn't aware that the door of the bedroom had opened, and then immediately shut. Stunned, Becca stood on the other side of the door. Pressing her forehead against the cool, varnished wood; her hand stroked the smooth surface.
Well that's not something a person sees everyday, Becca thought. She turned so that her back was leaning against the closed door. 'WHOA,' Becca mouthed. She listened intently for any further sounds emanating from the room.
All was quiet on the bedroom front, but not in the young woman's mind. Her emotions and thoughts were swirling round her head so rapidly that Becca felt dizzy.
She lowered herself into a chair that was in close proximity to the bedroom door. Her elbows planted on her thighs, Becca cradled her head in her upturned palms trying desperately to collect herself. She knew she should be embarrassed by what she witnessed. Actually she was embarrassed, in part, but it was the least of her thoughts. Part of her pitied the tall brunette, being that lonely for physical touch. Part of her wanted to burst into that room, and bang her like a snare drum.
WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?! OH MY GOD, I'M INSANE!!!
Becca stood; then shook herself. She drew in a long slow breath. She exhaled equally as slowly. She stood tall, squared her shoulders, took another deep breath, and entered the room.
****
Every dream must come to an end; no one knew this better than Victoria. Sorrow gripped her heart as she slowly opened her dark eyes. She squinted against the glare of light as well as harsh reality. She had waited too long. She blinked back hot tears. Wasn't that the story of her life?
Waiting too long, missing opportunities because of what? Fear, anxiety, apprehension of what? What other people think? Worried about what my parents would think. Why should anything I think or do matter to anyone else? Why should I care what anyone thinks even if it does matter to them? Hell, how pathetic am I here fantasizing about a woman I can never have? Living this way is not living at all. "Geez, I have no life," Victoria growled out loud, "Rebecca was right after all."
"Right about what?" Becca asked as she tentatively entered the room, the memory of Victoria's private moment etched in her mind.
"Don't you know how to knock?" Victoria growled turning her hips away from Becca so she could adjust her clothing.
Becca smirked as she knocked on the inside of the door. "Is that how it's done?" I know its cliché, but she's hot when she's angry. But I would cut out my own tongue before I told her that.
Victoria threw a pillow at the intruder into her self enforced solitude. With an unexpected show of dexterity Becca lobbed the pillow back at Victoria. The pillow hit Victoria at eye level. The tall woman batted the pillow from her face glaring at the curly headed southerner.
Though Victoria tried to look fiercely angry, the attitude came off to Becca as a case of gassy constipation. Becca started with a smirk, that evolved into a giggle, then bloomed into full out laughter. She tried so hard to compose herself, but all she managed to do was stave off her laughter for milliseconds. But for all her desperate efforts to stave off her uncontrolled mirth she exploded in such intense peals of laughter that she doubled over.
Victoria tilted her head to the side, raising an eyebrow, and crossing her arms waiting for Becca to compose herself.
After what seemed an interminable amount of time for Victoria, Becca finally stood tall wiping the tears from her eyes. Victoria was about to speak when Becca held up one index finger as she once again began to giggle uncontrollably. Once again the curly headed woman stood to her full length and inhaled deeply.
"Are you quite done?" Victoria said through clenched teeth.
"I think so," Becca said, once again wiping tears from her face.
Both women quietly looked at each other for long moments. "Well?" Victoria asked. Victoria waited for Becca to say something, but all Becca seemed to be doing was trying to catch her breath. When it was obvious that Becca was just going to continue to breathe Victoria asked, "Rebecca, did you want something in particular?"
"Oh, sorry," Becca began, "I came to tell you that your Daddy is downstairs."
"WHAT?! WHY?!" Victoria cried.
Surprised by Victoria's reaction, Becca backed up slightly. "I don't know??!"
"Shit," she said more to herself than to Becca.
Victoria was very angry. Becca couldn't help but notice the anger was mixed with equal amounts of fear and anguish. Instantly Becca felt her heart bleed for Victoria.
"Vic, what's going on in your head?" Becca asked.
Victoria stood straightening her tee shirt and shorts. She slipped her delicate feet into sandals. "I know my father; he's here for a reason. I'm just trying to figure out what that reason is. I called him to tell him where we were, and that we were all safe, and so was his plane just to avoid this type of thing happening."
Becca shrugged. "Maybe he wanted to be sure you were ok?"
Victoria looked up with sad dark eyes. "Not likely. He came for a specific reason. The big question is 'which' reason brought him here."
Becca's eyebrows furrowed. "Which reason?? What are you talking about?"
Victoria closed the space between herself and Becca with all the excitement of a person shuffling down a long gray hall that led to the gas chamber. "There are so many reasons he could be here which have nothing to do with concern about me."
Becca waited expectantly for Victoria's explanation while she basked in the close proximity of this beautiful woman.
"Well Dad could be here to network, make some new business contacts here in Louisiana, let's face it, Madam does carry a lot of clout."
Becca nodded in agreement.
"Or maybe he wants to see if Madam will partner on a new business venture. That's equally as likely as the networking."
Becca nodded again. It sounded plausible.
"Then we also have the Jean Claude factor," Victoria continued to explain while she ticked off each point on her fingers.
Becca eyes narrowed in confusion. "The Jean Claude factor?" Becca involuntarily shuddered. "He's barely a fact much less a factor."
Victoria nodded. "I agree. But I'm also absolutely positive that my mother found out everything she could about the DuShont the minute she heard I was at BEAUTEE DANGEREUSE. I'm also positive that the fact that Jean Claude was living here and single must've popped out like a pike in the NASDAC."
"You're kidding me right?" Becca asked, shocked with the medievalness of the idea of an arranged marriage in this day and age.
"Nope, not kidding." Victoria smirked.
"Oh darlin', I'm so sorry." Going on instinctual need to comfort a friend, Becca wrapped her arms around Victoria pulling her close. Becca had expected the taller woman's reaction to be stiff and stilted. She was pleasantly surprised to feel Victoria melt in her arms. Becca rested her head on Victoria's broad shoulder. Becca consciously opened up every nerve ending in her body in order to record this moment in her memory so that she would never forget the feeling of Victoria's body pressed against her own.
All too soon Victoria pulled back. "Thanks."
"Anytime," Becca purred.
Victoria took a slight double take before grabbing the knob of the door to open it wide. "Shall we go?" Victoria smiled.
"I promise I won't leave your side if Jean Claude is the factor." Becca smiled in return.
"I would appreciate that, Rebecca," Victoria commented gratefully.
Becca shrugged. "That's what friends are for."
Becca exited the room, followed by the nervous Victoria.
****
Jessie padded her slightly distended stomach trying hard not belch in front of her date.
She leaned back in her chair taking the opportunity to take a long look around the small restaurant. At one time this must have been quite the elegant restaurant; the walls were covered with fine wooden panels now faded by time. These walls were covered with a spattering of old black and white photos framed in eclectic colors and shapes filled with unfamiliar smiling faces. Mood lighting for the café was created with small candles on each table, and single strands of white Christmas lights haphazardly tacked to the paneling. Along the perimeter of the ceiling were very intricate hand carved crown molding. A dented and creased chair rail surrounded the seating area silently attested to the steady stream of loyal customers of Mama Katreen's Cajun Cuisine Cafe.
The place was warm, cozy, and clean with tables covered in brown butcher's paper, which Jessie figured made it easier to clean up after each seating. The sounds of the street bands floated into the small restaurant adding to the festive ambiance.
Skylar's head sat in her hand, her face a mask of wonder. "I'm so glad you enjoyed the food here." Skylar smirked. "It's one of my all time favorite places to eat. I make it a point to get here at least once a week." How could someone so small pack away so much food? Skylar thought. The amazed woman watched the little blond pack away crawfish with dirty rice, etufee, and a big bowl of gumbo. For a grand finale Jessie finished off Skylar's jambalaya.
Jessie colored slightly. "I'm sorry. I've made a perfect pig of myself haven't I?"
"No, not at all." Skylar smirked.
"Yes I did, but everything was so good I just couldn't stop." Jessie hid her face in her napkin.
Skylar laughed pulling the napkin from the abashed girl's hand. "Are you having a good time?"
"Yes."
Skylar sat back smiling more broadly. "That's all that matters. What would you like to do next?" Skylar asked. The taller woman had played her last card when they arrived at Mama's.
Jessie thought for a moment. "I don't know."
After seeing Dr. Vance, Skylar had whisked her away to the city so that they could enjoy the jazz festival. First they had taken a horse drawn carriage tour, and then taken the tour a second time since they missed the first go around by making out almost the entire time. When they paid attention Jessie found the tour fascinating. After leaving the carriage, they headed to the main boulevard. Here they watched several parades of bands walk and dance down the avenues. The streets were filled with musicians and partying patrons of jazz music. Jessie was totally caught up in the music that emanated from every corner of the city. Only her injury kept her from dancing in the streets with the other revelers that shook and gyrated down with the beat of the music. Seeing the longing on Jessie's face, Skylar had Jessie jump on her back. Skylar joined one of the parades with Jessie securely affixed to Skylar's back The two young women followed the musicians for blocks all the while enjoying the cheers from the gathered crowds.
As the day heated up, the couple opted to club hop in order to get out of the heat. The two young women enjoyed exotic drinks and amazing jazz bands while they cooled off. After a few clubs and a more than a few drinks, the two women were famished. This was Skylar queue to bring Jess to Mama Katreen's restaurant for a late lunch where Jessie ate until she literally couldn't put another morsel in her mouth without purging.
"Now dats my girl." Mama Katreen patted Jessie's shoulders. Mama leaned over to pick up a few of the empties that littered the table. "Your young woman likes Mama's food ehh?" Momma looked up, and winked at Skylar.
Skylar nodded the affirmative. "She sure does."
"How is the ankle feelin'?" Mama asked.
"Yes, I feel much better. Thank you so much," Jessie answered the doting woman.
"Mama knows how to take care of peoples ills," Mama commented as she removed the soft herb bag that was resting on Jessie's injured ankle.
After a long day of movement Jessie knew her ankle was not doing as well as she thought it should. So by the time the women had first arrived at Mama's Café, Jessie's ankle was swollen and painful. Mama had immediately seated the girls before several waiting and now disgruntled patrons.
"Can't ya see dis girl's in pain?" Mama spat over her shoulder as she led Skylar and Jessie to their table. After the girls were situated, Mama bustled off to the kitchen. Within seconds Mama reappeared with a cup in one hand and a bowl in the other. She was followed by a thin, willowy, caramel skinned young woman who carried what looked like a rolled up pillow case.
"You drink dis, it will take your pain." Mama offered Jess a mug of a cloudy liquid.
Jessie took the cup. "I've been drinking…"
Mama shook her head waving a dismissive hand. "No worries. Dis will help with the pain, and the swelling."
Jessie looked over at Skylar who said, "Its ok. Mama knows what she's doing."
Jessie drank the lukewarm concoction making a face. "Ugh! What is this?"
Mama snickered. "Oh just a little of dis and little of dat. Drink it all. There, dats a good girl." Jessie finished the liquid and with a frown returned the mug to Mama. Mama handed the mug to the woman who still stood at her elbow. She looked at Jessie's sock clad foot. "Skylar, grab that empty chair so she can put her foot up. Then you be takin' dis sock off so I can put this salve on her ankle."
Without batting an eye, Skylar rose from her chair to obey Mama's direction. It was obvious that no one questioned Mama, they just did what they were told. All this fuss seemed so surreal to Jessie that she didn't object when the tall woman placed her foot on the chair and removed her sock. After Skylar had removed the sock, Mama dipped her long fingers into the bowl, and very gently massaged the mixture of herbs onto Jessie's swollen ankle. When she was finished, she exchanged the bowl for the herb bag that the young waitress had been holding. Jessie couldn't believe how quickly the pain had drained from her leg. The poultice covered with the herb bag soothed her ankle. A cool sensation seeped through her skin into the underlying aggravated muscle.
"That feels so good. Thank you," Jessie said looking up at Mama.
Mama Katreen was a slender woman of color with sharp defined cheekbones, and full lips that covered a mixture of bright white and golden teeth. Her mass of kinky hair was tamed by a colorful doo rag which was tied underneath her black coarse tresses at the back of her neck. Her age was a mystery to Jessie. Her skin was smooth and taught. Her hair had no gray and her energy level was as high as any younger woman. Yet her genial nature, wit, wisdom, and apparent strength were much more reflective of a woman of age and experience. The one thing Jessie knew was that she genuinely liked this woman, this Mama Katreen.
"Everything was wonderful, uh…" Jessie paused unsure how to address this amazing woman.
"You call me Mama." Her white smile glowed brightly from her ebony lips.
"The food was outstanding," Jessie gushed.
"T'ank you. Does Mama proud to know that you be liking her food."
"I love your food, Mama." Jessie blushed slightly. "I'm afraid I've over indulged eating your good food." She looked over at Skylar. "Come to think of it, I've been over indulging myself ever since we got here."
"We?!" Mama placed her hands on her hips as she looked over at Skylar. "And just where are deese other 'we'? Hmmm? Why you don't bring them to see Mama?"
It was Skylar's turn to blush this time. Mama's angst melted into smug realization. "Oh, Mama understands. You be wanting to be havin' alone time with this young woman ehhh?" Mama winked.
"MAMA?!" Skylar colored even more.
"What you be fussin' about child? Relations are perfectly natural." Mama snickered as both women turned identical colors of pink.
Mama carried the few dishes, and the herb bag to the kitchen area. She called to someone behind the door.
"Bridgette, hand me dat bag from my book shelf." Mama waited and then nodded her head. "Yeah, dat be it. Bring it to me." Moma handed the plates back to the invisible Bridgette, and received a dark bag in return. Momma opened the bag pulling out a pack of worn cards. Mama returned to the table where Jessie and Skylar were sitting.
"You don't bring the 'we' here, but I be knowing them with the cards." She gleefully shuffled the worn cards in her nimble hands. The woman pulled an empty chair up to the table and sat with the girls.
Mama placed a hand on Jessie's. "We learn much from the cards. They speak to me as they have to my Mama and her Mama before her. Skylar and I have listened to the cards many times have we not?" Mama smiled at Skylar who smiled in return.
"Yes, we have," Skylar answered.
"Did Skylar tell you we knew you were coming?" Mama's eyes were twinkling with fun.
Jessie was surprised. "No, she didn't tell me."
"Oh no?" Mama looked from one young woman to the other. "Was there no water or sand where you met?"
Grinning Jessie looked over at Skylar. "Yes, there was sand and water."
"But there was no beach?" Mama inquired.
"No, we weren't on a beach. We were in the pool area of BEAUTEE DANGEREUSE." Jessie could not help giggling a little nervously. How could this woman know all this? Jessie thought.
Mama nodded her head smugly. "I be telling you, there is truth here. You want to do the cards with me?"
"Oh yes, what do I need to do?" Jessie asked excitedly. She had never had her cards read before, and felt this was an unexpected opportunity.
"You shuffle the cards, t'ink of your friends, and then give them to me." Mama Katreen said. She turned to call over her shoulder, "Tequisha, come here and take the rest of deese tings away." The young thin waitress cleared the remaining dishes from the table. Mama took the cards from Jessie's hand. Mama closed her eyes pressing the cards in her hands.
Her dark eyes opened slowly. "There are many shadows around you, little one. Much pain. Part is BEAUTEE DANGEREUSE, part you."
Jessie felt her face color change. She looked away from the penetrating dark eyes. Jessie couldn't have felt more exposed if she were sitting there naked.
"Mama?" Skylar was confused by Mama's declarations.
Mama Katreen waved a dismissive hand at the taller woman. "Hush child. I not be tellin' her nothing she don't know."
Mama then turned over the cards one at a time. Each blend had three cards. Five stacks, one in the middle with four stacks to each point of the compass. Her open hand cupped her chin as her dark eye scanned the cards. Mama quietly deciphered the meaning of each run of cards. Mama's face was a blank slate revealing nothing of what she read in these cards.
Without being asked Mama started an explanation. "These cards they be speaking truth to me. Each card has its own truth to speak, and each place the card sit, dat place speaks too." Mama paused while she continued to scan the cards.
Jessie's eyes grew wide with fascinated trepidation
Skylar noticed the exchange. "Mama, you're scaring Jess."
Mama immediately changed her demeanor. Her body relaxed and a genuine smile lit her face. "I'm sorry, child. The cards they speak much to me tonight. I be trying to hear all they say." Mama patted Jessie's hand.
"Mama, what do you see?" Skylar's eyes narrowed.
"Secrets and lies," Mama said matter-of-factly.
"What?" Both women echoed.
"Don't worry, where there are secrets or shadow dat means there is also light and truth in the same place. It just takes some looking to find the truth. Let me be explaining." Mama pointed at the center cards. "This is you." She looked at Jessie. "Chariot shows you strong and determined. You have overcome hardships to be where you are. But there has been pain." Mama points at a card with a man and a woman facing each other. Each figure was holding a chalice or cup in their hand. The card was upside down. Mama looked into Jessie's eyes. "You have lost love, yes? This caused much pain?"
Jessie silently nodded.
Mama patted her hand comfortingly. "It is hard I know, but dis is a good thing for you. Dis woman she had no love in her heart. But you are surrounded by love now, yes?"
Jessie smiled for the first time since the reading had started. She looked over at Skylar.
Mama noticed the look the two women exchanged. "See you know. I can see in the cards, the 'we' are three friends right?"
Jessie's eyes lit up in amazement. "Yes, that's right. How did you know?"
"When I listen to the cards, they speak of your friends. The three are all very different from each other, and very different from you. One, she is happy and has much ability, but does not use it right?" Mama pointed at the card called the Fool.
"Yes, that's Becca all over," Jessie agreed.
Mama perused the cards once again. "Then there is a friend, also strong like you though she has more wisdom and happiness. She is a peacemaker."
"That sounds like Shannon." Jessie smiled.
Mama's eyebrows creased in confusion. "There is so much happening, so much that the cards are saying. The last friend, she is rich?"
"That would be Victoria," Jessie confirmed.
Mama frowned looking up from the cards. "She cares for nothing, but this money?"
"NO! Not at all!" Jessie exclaimed. "She paid for everything for everyone to take this vacation."
Mama pointed at the Devil card. "Dis not your friend then. There is one who is dark, evil. This one cares for nothing, but money. Much lust for sex, money, and power over others." Mama shivered. "There is much anger, because of frustrations from not having all they wants. Dis one is very near the Empress. She be a strong woman, a mother. She has much wealth of wisdom and gold. This is not your other friend?"
"No, but I think we know who it is," Skylar interjected, "He's a scumbag and she's a saint."
"This is part of the shadows and secrets of BEAUTEE DANGEREUSE. But it is good, it is in balance," Mama commented, laying her chin on her hand again.
"How can you say this is good?" Skylar's voice rose noticeably. It was obvious from her tone how much she hated Jean Claude, and how much she loved Madam. Jessie squeezed her thigh under the table. Skylar's body relaxed under Jessie's touch.
"Sky, why you be worryin'?" Those who live by their lusts, die by them. You don't know dis? The tings they crave most will rise up and kill them. The Empress has much wisdom and power. She will always prevail," Mama explained while running her long nail along the top of the cards. "Balance is part of nature; there will always be strong and weak, good and evil."
"Your friend, she is wealthy but not happy," Mama said head in hand. "The riches weigh her down." Mama tapped her nail on the ten of wands card that seemed to represent her long time friend. "But there is a lover no?" Mama tapped the Lovers card which was in close proximity to the ten of wands card.
"No, I'm afraid there isn't." Jessie was confused.
"Mmmmm." Mama continued to tap the Lovers card. "They may be no lover now, but soon."
"Maybe that card is for Jessie," Skylar commented.
Mama looked into the hopeful blue eyes. She sat up cupping Skylar's chin. The woman smiled. "You've had your own Lovers card. You be doubtin' now?" Skylar shook her head no. "Be patient love has its own time." Mama winked returning to the cards.
Jessie was silently in awe of the woman who interpreted the cards. This was a genuine gift that Mama Katreen was sharing with the co-ed, and she was as elated with the unexpected gift as she was frightened.
Mama grinned. "But there is much upheaval. See here are the Lovers on her one side, but there is the Tower on the other side."
"And what would the Tower mean, Mama?" Skylar asked.
"Hmmm," Mama tilted her head, "The Tower is much change. Everything in her life will turn upside down. Everything she has known will be no more."
Jessie shivered in trepidation for her friend. Mama noticed this. "Your rich friend…."
"Victoria?"
"Victoria, she is oppressed? Much weight on her shoulders from her gold? Family?" Mama asked.
"Yes, I'm afraid she's always stressed," Jessie answered. "Her parents are not very loving people."
"Hmmmhmmm. She is property to dem. She is like this table." Momma banged on the table. "She no better than a slave." Mama frowned.
Skylar pointed at the one card Jessie was trying to ignore. The Death card. "What is going on here?"
"This is not death as we think of it. Death tells of change. For the new to come, the old must die." Then Mama tapped on the wheel of fortune card. "She is also change. So much change for everyone. But when the old dies to bring the new, know there is pain. It be a pain like childbirth. But after the child is born, the pain is forgotten."
"Depends on how long the labor is." Jessie smirked nervously.
"For your Victoria the Tower may be good fortune for her. There be pain, but maybe she set herself free and fly like a bird." Mama smiled. She picked up the Tower, the Wheel of Fortune, the Lovers, and the Death cards. "Don't fear dees cards. Dese only bad omens if you let dem have dat power. You remember what Mama say, a new beginning can only start after an ending is done."
*****
Later that evening Mama sat at a table of the closed restaurant counting out her deposit for the days receipts. Tiquisha, who had been wiping the tables in the vicinity of Mama, stopped her activity to sit down at the table with Mama.
"You be finished already child?" Mama asked without looking up.
"Mama, that woman that was with Sky, the one you read the cards for?"
Mama looked over her reading glasses. "The petite?"
"Yeah. You didn't tell her everything did you?" The young woman asked.
Mama took her glasses off. "And what would dis be to you?"
"Mama, you know I don't mean any disrespect. I'm just wondering. You have been kinda quiet since they left," Tequisha said.
Mama pursed her lips, "I know child, you never disrespect anyone. Sometimes it is best not to reveal everything." Mama sighed. "I be worried about all these girls. There is much coming their way. Secrets won't be secret anymore. When all the truths come out, there will be no where to hide. What I see in the cards?"
Tequisha nodded.
"It be like a hurricane. And mon petite and her friends…."
Tequisha nodded again.
"Dees girls be like houses on the beach."
"OK."
"When de hurricane comes, we don't know how many of the houses will be strong enough to stand."
Tequisha shuddered, stood and returned to her unfinished tasks. Mama replaced her glasses and went back to her count.
To Be Continued Part 14