The Devil Made Me Do It (7 page)

Phyllis huffed, “My name is Phyllis Davis. I got a husband, Tamela.”

“You need to be minding him, instead of other folk's bizness,” Tamela flung back.

“What did you say?”

Esther could feel a headache coming on, and the two of them were causing it. As her brow wrinkled, she placed a hand on both women's arm.

“Okay, today is about me. Now, yesterday may have been about you, tomorrow may be about you, and heck, tonight, may even be your night. But today? It's all mine, so cut the chatter and let's just get through it.” Esther's voice was shrill with frustration.

Phyllis and Tamela looked at each other, and both nodded in agreement as they put their arms around Esther.

“You know how we are.... I got you, girl,” they spoke over each other, before they broke out in a laugh.

Tony said, “Can we move away from the drama now? A brother has things to do.”

Roger watched with a face of despair as they organized and packed. His mouth opened in disbelief at the amount of things being brought out of the house: beds, dressers, couches, tables, pots and pans, stereo equipment, televisions, a microwave . . . all bought by Esther. As the day continued, he sat under the tree and watched as the last item was packed onto the truck.

“We're finished.” Esther took her key off her key chain and handed it to him. “You'll hear from my attorney soon.” She climbed into the truck.

Phyllis called out to Esther as she rushed past. “Hold up, sis. I forgot something.”

 

 

She entered the living room and found Roger standing forlorn in the empty house. She hurried, jogging down his hallway. “Sorry, I forgot something.”

Roger rolled his eyes spewing sarcasm. “What could y'all have possibly forgotten?”

He followed Phyllis and watched her go into the bathroom. The room was bare and Roger looked on in astonishment as Phyllis bent down and released the toilet paper from its holder. She stood with a triumphant look on her face as she strutted past him with the toilet paper in her hand. Standing on the porch, Phyllis raised the roll of toilet paper as a trophy of war. Car horns blew, and the small crowd hooted and barked.

Roger's face was thunderous as he nailed Esther with eyes of pure hatred. They transmitted plans for revenge and future suffering . . .

In her sleep, Esther called out in agitation. Sweat stained her nightgown, and her bedcovers twisted around her feet. She flailed her arms at unknown assailants before her body settled into rest.

“
Is she still asleep?” The Leader asked.

 

 

“Yesssss . . . she's remembering her time with the loser. You were so good that night, Leader. You brought chaos so close to the church,” Imp One simpered.

“The parking lot is a first step. I wanted to plunge right into the heart of their service and destroy all I saw. For now, at that church, the parking lot is close enough. Soon, I may get closer,” The Leader said.

“You are brilliant, you are evil personified. That happened to Esther over two years ago, but still her nights are haunted by past pain. You rule, Mighty One, you rule,” Imp One cheered in his best lackey voice.

“I see your point, insignificant toad. I thought enticing Roger to get a serpent's tattoo was a good move. It speaks to him even today. That chapter is not closed.”

“You see, Old Bold One? You are a master strategist. Look at her. She tosses and turns, yet, she professes He who reigns in heaven is her peace. These humans are such pretenders. She is broken, she is broken, she is—”

The Leader's tail curled above their heads. “Shut up, infidel. That constant repeating is making me itch to destroy something. It could easily be you.”

“I am bad, so sorry, Leader. Should I wake her now or send more visions of shame and blame?”

“No, we have played enough for tonight. Let her wake up and believe that all is well in her world. What I have planned for her, she will need her sleep.”

 

 

Esther woke with tears spattered on her pillow. The past needed to stay there. Roger was history. Perspiration beaded her face, and the silk scarf she tied around her head earlier lay haphazardly on her shoulder. She shivered because she had started out dreaming about her past with Roger, but somehow she had ended up dreaming about snakes, and snakes gave her the creeps.

The alarm shrilled Esther awake. Last night had started out early to bed, and now she was facing the early-to-rise part.

After her shower and dressing in a comfortable sweat suit, Esther had her morning tea. She fingered her unruly hair in the mirror and decided against taking the time to curl it; instead, she stuffed it under a fedora. Her time was limited, and she had a lot to do. When she drove off and came to a complete stop at the stop sign, she grinned, remembering Detroit's finest.

She was still smiling when she pulled into the parking lot of Love Zion.

“Hey, Naomi,” Esther addressed the church secretary who sat sentry before Reverend Gregory's office. “Is the reverend in?”

Naomi scrutinized Esther over glasses that slipped down her pinched nose. In a dry monotone, she delivered her canned message, “Reverend is busy. If it's not an emergency, you need to make an appointment.”

“Naomi!” Reverend Gregory stood in his doorway, “That's not what I instructed you to say. I simply asked you to relay the sentiment that my time is short today.”

Naomi smacked her lips and yanked up knee-high stockings that rolled down her chocolate reed-thin legs. “Well, honestly, how do you expect to get anything done with all of these interruptions?”

“Never mind all that, Sister Naomi,” Reverend said kindly. “Come on in, Esther. It's good to see you, daughter; I take it you heard the news?” He ushered her into his office and shut the door.

Esther sat across from him at his desk. “Yes, I did. Love Zion will miss you. I'm keeping your family in my prayers.”

“Well, now, I appreciate that. My little girl needs me. Listen, I'm glad you came by. I wanted to talk to you about helping the interim pastor get acclimated.”

“Sure, what do you need me to do?”

“Well, the deacons will help him with his church duties, but as head of many of our committees and our administrator, I'll need you to help him with church business.”

She nodded her agreement. “Who is the interim pastor?”

“Oh, a good friend's son. I wanted my friend, but he was unable to get away. I've heard his son preach, and he's a good, God-fearing young man. He'll do this church fine.”

“Well, just let me know, and I'll be glad to help. In the meantime, I'll get all the paperwork together for him.” Esther pulled out her tablet and made some notes.

“Good, good, let's make it quick because he's coming in later today.” He stood to escort Esther to the door.

“But, Reverend, I thought you'd be here for the rest of the month.” Esther was on the verge of whining.

Reverend Gregory patted her hand to calm her. “I will, Sister. I want to have a smooth transition, and with that in mind, I requested that the interim pastor come immediately. To meet this deadline, he's coming right away, and he'll send for all the comforts of home later. He'll stay with Mrs. Gregory and I. Tomorrow morning, we meet the deacons, and I'm hoping you're available around noon for a working lunch.”

“Sure, I'll check with—” Esther spun around when the door flew open. Startled, she knocked a folder off the desk at Naomi's loud interruption into the room. “Goodness, Naomi!”

Naomi's glasses danced at the tip of her nose. “Reverend, he's here. Your replacement just came in,” she theatrically fanned herself with her hands.

Esther stooped to gather each scattered page from the fallen folder. Large polished wing-tipped shoes strode into her line of vision. Her eyes drifted up, programming long legs encased in expensive charcoal material that draped in perfect symmetry to the cut of his step. She continued her upward exploration and cataloged the fit of the doubled breasted jacket that clung to an impressive chest. As her examination took in the pure silk tie with pink and purple overtones, she was feeling this man's style. She wanted—no, needed—to see the entire person. Mother Reed's recent reproach for her to live again floated through her mind. Yesterday's police officer, and now this.... Somebody better start praying for her.

She smiled, clutching the now filled folder to her chest as she stood to welcome Love Zion's newest leader. But Reverend Gregory beat her to it; he stood directly in her path, hugging his replacement. Her anticipation to see this man's full image was heightened. How rude would it be to knock Reverend Gregory out of the way?

When Reverend Gregory moved, Esther's mouth fell open. Her eyes narrowed on the cleft in his chin, and her index finger twitched to settle in its place. Standing before her in all his glory was her ex-boyfriend, Briggs, although now, it appeared that he was Pastor Stokes.

“Esther,” Reverend called for what appeared to be the third or fourth time.

Shocked, Esther bumped the bottom of the desktop with her hip. As she grabbed the desk to steady herself, the folder fell again, and she hit a pile of books, knocking them off. She tried to catch them before they fell on her feet, but her fedora was knocked off her head by Briggs's elbow as he attempted to catch them at the same time.

“I see you still know how to get a man's attention,” Briggs said, then laughed.

Esther smoothed her hair back as she put her fedora on once again and glared at both Briggs, who was laughing openly, and Reverend Gregory who was holding his laughter back.

“You always were a handful,” Briggs chuckled.

Reverend Gregory picked up on Briggs's comment. “You two know each other?”

Esther rushed to speak first. “What a surprise. Briggs and I were classmates at the university.” Esther then turned to Briggs and held out her hand. “It's so good to see you again.”

Briggs took Esther's hand in his and smiled. He held her hand in his palm and turned to Reverend Gregory. “Sir, this is the one that got away.” Esther's face turned red, and she tugged her hand away. “Oh, it was nothing so serious, just a college friendship,” she hastened to correct.

Curious, Briggs's eyes widened as a challenging Esther stared back.

Reverend Gregory cleared his throat. “Well, let's keep matters simple and not share that with the rest of the congregation, and, Briggs, maybe you should send home for ‘everything' sooner rather than later.”

Briggs caught the drift of the reverend's remarks. He went over and placed his hand on his shoulder and reassured him. “Everything is fine; I consider Esther an old friend. Everyone should have friends, don't you think?”

“Yes, yes. Well, good,” the reverend replied in relief.

Esther knew Reverend Gregory hated confusion of any kind. And she could tell that Briggs's reassurance allowed him to move forward, confident in his choice.

Esther backed away and gave a polite smile. “Well, Briggs . . . it was good seeing you again.”

“Yes, you said that,” he said with humor, his expression puzzled at her lukewarm reception.

Esther wasn't ready for this meeting. She was off balance and wished in her angst she could get away with a loud ugly curse word, but Reverend Gregory would faint, then rush her to the altar. “Anyway, welcome to Love Zion. I know you'll be happy here. I'll see you both tomorrow,” she said in haste, rushing out.

Esther moved in a slow jog. The swish-swash of her thighs rubbing together echoed, and she prayed that in her rush to leave she didn't start a fire. She grumbled each step of the way. “Catches me on my day off, hair a mess, old sweat suit on, with ten years of excess weight, and here he walks in looking like Mr. GQ.” Esther jerked her keys out of her purse as she kept up her monologue. “Talking about the ‘one who got away.' Oh, he's smooth all right. And what's that crack about I was always a handful? That better not be a reference to my weight. Ooh, Father, help me,” she whimpered.

Esther was so caught up she didn't hear her name being called.

“Esther, Esther!”

She turned and saw Briggs running behind her.

“Hey, hold up a minute. You left your day planner. Girl, you was moving,” he said, catching up with her. “Now, before I give you this planner, can a brother get a proper welcome?” he asked as he opened his arms wide and smiled with the expression on his face she had seen only in the daydreams of her yesteryears.

Esther surrendered and did what she had wanted to do since she first saw him again. She slid into his waiting arms, sighed, and momentarily placed her head on his shoulder.
Perfect fit
, Esther thought as she closed her eyes and remembered that this had been her place once upon a time, this nook between his shoulder and neck.

Briggs broke away first, stepping back and putting space between them. His grin was “little boy getting his first puppy” wide. “Now, that was better,” he said. “I couldn't let you leave without us making a real connection. God is so good. I knew you were from Detroit, but I never imagined running into you. Not in a city this big.”

Esther pulled herself together. “I'm just as surprised to see you. In all of our talks, I don't remember the ministry being one of your dreams.”

“You remember I was all about the money? ‘Brother gotta get paid,'” Briggs folded his arms and cocked his head to the side in hip-hop fashion imitating the old him. He then gave a self-depreciating grin. “Yes, God had a plan even if I didn't know about it. I went through some things, and God showed up and showed me mercy. Being brought up in the Word helped me to return to it for my protection. Now, I'm all about saving souls for Christ. What about you?”

“I know you remember me dropping out of school my junior year. I just couldn't pull it together,” Esther leaned against her car door self-consciously with her arms and legs crossed.

“I remember,” Briggs nodded for her to continue.

“I came home and bummed around for a while. I was so angry with everyone, including God, but especially myself. I was pretty self-serving in those days. It was all about me. What happened with Sheri woke me up.”

“Go on,” he encouraged, his voice soft and sympathetic.

Esther smiled remembering that they always could talk to each other. “I found out I was becoming my own worst enemy, snapping at everyone, feeling miserable and empty. I woke up one day, and I was sick of myself. So, I decided to change. To fix myself . . .”

Briggs burst out laughing. “Yeah, that sounds like you. Ms. Determined. When did you find out you couldn't fix you?”

Esther smirked. “Not right off the bat. I started with the obvious outside things. I went back to school, changed my hair color, fixed up my apartment, and started getting out again. But I was still dissatisfied. At first all my projects kept me busy, but then I was close to graduating and the emptiness started creeping back in. Yes, I was in church, but the church wasn't in me. Finally, I ended up getting married.”

“You're married?” Briggs frowned, then caught himself and straightened his face.

“No, it didn't last. Marriage didn't fix it either. It was an unhappy time in my life. I was so depressed that I sought for answers to my problems in the Bible. Over a period of time, learning the Word changed my thinking, and that changed my life. Things didn't get better overnight, but they did get better,” Esther sighed.

“You do have a testimony, don't you, Esther? I always say few of us come to Him because everything is perfect in our lives. We are troubled, in pain, and then we find out He is the answer.” He paused not wanting to give a mini sermon. “Hey, how's my girl Deborah?”

“I have no idea. When she first left school I didn't even know where she was headed. Later, her mother shared that she had moved to Atlanta. After many attempts on my part to keep in touch, I finally gave up. I sometimes feel like the amputee who lost her limbs.” Esther took her right arm and demonstrated by wrapping it around her body. “First, Sheri; right limb gone.” She then wrapped her other arm around her. “Then Deborah; left limb gone. We were sisters for so long. Who do I reach out to now?” Esther asked, lost in her aged grief.

Speechless, Briggs stepped forward and touched her arm. He empathized with her journey.

Esther felt a tingle and rubbed her arm when Briggs touched her. She stepped back and fumbled with the car door. “I need to go. Reverend Gregory would like us to meet tomorrow. I'll see you then.” Flustered, she slipped on her shades and seat belt.

Esther began backing out when she noticed that Briggs rubbed his chest absently. She fantasized that he felt the tingle too. Her musing caused her to gun the motor and screech out of the lot. She had had too many daydreams lately.

 

 

“Leader, you're so diabolical. I can see where you're going with this,” lisped the imp. “It's so exciting. I forgot the devastation you brought to those three friends. When you separate, you defeat. I know what you'll do next will be da bomb. Boom!”

“Fool, calm down. This is not your party. You don't know a thing. I'm the orchestrator. You just run with what I give you. I am deeper than any ocean, wider than any sea. I am the be all, to end all. I have plans for these two—lovely plans. Plans of evil and not of good,” The Leader boasted as his tail stood up in orgasmic delight.

The imp slinked onto his belly and slithered through the ashes in the blistering heat. He was not wanted; The Leader was content with his party of one.