RACHAEL

As I watched Quincy playing in the backyard, my cell phone rang. My eyes lit up when I saw my cousin’s phone number on the display.

“Girl! Long time no hear from! What’s good witcha?” I asked as I lay back on my plush chaise lounge, tucked in the corner of our deck.

Laughing on the other end, my cousin JaShel replied, “Sleep deprivation and baby weight. Well, that’s not GOOD but… Yeah, that’s not all that I’m dealing with.”

Sitting up fully, I said, “Damn girl! What do you expect after having your fifth baby! When was the last time I talked to you?!”

“Right after the ‘incident’,” JaShel answered before we both grew silent. Late one night almost a year ago, JaShel called me crying, telling me that Antonio had become violent. She promised me that he never put his hands on their daughter. It still didn’t sit too well with me that he’d chosen to turn his anger toward HER instead! “I’ve been so busy with Antonio and the kids that I haven’t had a chance to keep in touch with anyone. How are you, Alonzo and Quincy doing?”

“We’re doing great. Your little cousin is growing like a weed! We need to come down and see you guys since it’ll be easier than you loading up your little army just to come up here,” I giggled referring to my cousin’s penchant for having babies. Between two husbands, JaShel had given birth to five children. “You said that wasn’t all you were dealing with. Were you hinting at something?”

“I want a divorce,” she said somberly.

Sighing in disappointment for my cousin’s sadness, I replied, “I’m sorry, Shel. Have you discussed this with Antonio?”

“Not yet…” JaShel suddenly grew quiet. “I don’t think these babies are going to save this marriage.”

“Is that why you got pregnant? He thinks you’ll stay if you have his kids?” I asked, fearful that my cousin was being trapped into a marriage she no longer wanted.

“I’m still leaving him, Rach. This was just an unexpected hiccup. You know I love my children and will do anything to protect them so I’ve still got to go. I’ll just have to find a three-bedroom Princess Pad,” JaShel chuckled lightly.

“Are you coming back to St. Louis?’ I asked, perking up at the idea of my favorite cousin coming home.

“I doubt it. I’m almost sure Jayson would follow me again, which I DON’T want! And I can’t leave Raina, Michael and Jayson Eric behind. They probably would come with me too but it would be hard enough with Antonia and Janelle,” Rachael explained.

“Well, you know we’re here for you if you get a divorce,” I added as Alonzo stepped out onto the backyard deck. His eyes opened wide when I said “divorce”. “Your cousin just stepped outside. Wanna tell him your news?”

“Sure!” JaShel laughed. “Lemme talk to my cousin-brother-in-law!”

Handing the phone to my husband with a kiss, I said, “It’s JaShel.”

“Oh! That’s what’s up!” Alonzo said as he took the phone from my hand. “Cuzzo! What’s good?! … What?! Divorce?! Damn Cousin!! Well, you know we got you for whatever you need. Don’t be a stranger! Here’s Rachael. … Love you too Cousin.” Alonzo handed the phone to me with a grimace. He whispered, “He’s still…?”

Shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head, I indicated that I wasn’t fully aware of the state of JaShel’s marriage. Alonzo was there when JaShel called me after the physically abusive incident with her second husband Antonio. As much as I prayed that they could work out their differences, I prayed harder for my cousin’s safety and well being.

“I’m back,” I said into the phone.

“So catch me up! What’s up with Meeka and Layla?” JaShel asked excitedly.

“Oh Girl! Where do I begin?!’ I laughed as I began to catch my cousin up on the lives of our friends.