Vindictive Souls

By Kenneth J. Kendrick

Joyce Steplight sat on her bed feeling scared and confused. Here she was, only 13 years old, and she couldn’t understand why her stomach was growing big like it was. Maybe it had something to do with Reverend Carl Jenkins putting his thing between his legs inside of her not too long ago.
Back in May, Joyce was helping the preacher and his 14-year-old daughter, Tammy, in the church. Reverend Carl asked Joyce could she please come to his office and she did. When she was in his office he closed the door and gave her a little money then told her how pretty she was. Reverend Carl opened the door and let her go home.
Three days later, while Joyce was helping Reverend Carl, with his wife and three daughters already out of town, he began feeling on her and telling Joyce how pretty she was. Reverend Carl took her down to the nice thick carpet floor where he began slowly kissing her and telling her how he wanted to turn Joyce into a special woman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365088346

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Vindictive Souls

Vindictive Souls

By: Kenneth J. Kendrick

Copyright © 2014 By Kenneth J. Kendrick               ISBN: 978-1-365-08834-6

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal. First Printing: 2016

D E D I C A T I O N

Special dedication goes out to my mother, Ms. Nettie Kendrick, who is a very strong, smart woman beyond words.  It is because of her I am the strong, smart man I am today.

Albany, Georgia                       September 2, 1960

Joyce Steplight sat on her bed feeling scared and confused.  Here she was, only 13 years old, and she couldn’t understand why her stomach was growing big like it was.  Maybe it had something to do with Reverend Carl Jenkins putting his thing between his legs inside of her not too long ago.

Back in May, Joyce was helping the preacher and his 14-year-old daughter, Tammy, in the church.  Reverend Carl asked Joyce could she please come to his office and she did.  When she was in his office he closed the door and gave her a little money then told her how pretty she was.  Reverend Carl opened the door and let her go home.

Three days later, while Joyce was helping Reverend Carl, with his wife and three daughters already out of town, he began feeling on her and telling Joyce how pretty she was.  Reverend Carl took her down to the nice thick carpet floor where he began slowly kissing her and telling her how he wanted to turn Joyce into a special woman.

Always in the past when Joyce use to sit in the pew of the church with her two big brothers, watching the Reverend Carl preach, she thought how handsome Reverend Carl was.  But now, on the floor in his office, with him removing her clothes, she felt a little scared but tried not to show it.

It hurt really bad but she clenched her teeth tight and took it like the special woman that he wanted her to be.

Two weeks later, when Reverend Carl’s wife and daughters were out of town again and they did it, the pain wasn’t so bad.  In fact it felt kind of good.  But now here she was sitting alone in her bedroom with her stomach big and she didn’t know why.

Joyce didn’t have any sisters.  At four years old her full-blooded Apache Indian mother died from the flu.  A year later her father Paul died when a tractor fell over on him.  So she was raised by her two big brothers, Nate and Greg.  Recently, her oldest brother Nate got married to a skinny little black woman who always talked too much.  Joyce’s brother Greg once told her that the eyes were the window to the soul.  And whenever she looked into her brother’s wife, Angie’s, eyes she saw a very weak-minded, insecure person. 

Joyce loved her brother Greg.  He was so funny and smart plus he always showed her new Indian things or ways that their mother taught him.  From what Greg told Joyce, their mother, Tylina, was very beautiful.

There was a knock on her bedroom door.

Come in, Joyce called out.

Nate came into the room.  Joyce, I want you to pack all your clothes and things because you and Angie are taking a trip, Nate announced.  He waited for her to ask why, but she remained silent.

Nate left the room and an hour later Angie came into the room.  Are you ready? Angie asked.  Joyce shook her head silently up and down.  She looked so innocent and sweet.  Angie felt so bad inside at what she had to do to Joyce.  They went outside the old wooden house where Nate was waiting at the car.  Angie had one big suitcase for herself and Joyce had two suitcases. 

Her brother Nate was 26 years old and very handsome in the face.  He was built solidly strong with real soft shiny smooth black hair.  Joyce’s brother Greg was 25 years old and was very handsome as well as built.  But her brother Greg was a spirit drifter who spent most of his time traveling around and hardly home.

Nate took her two suitcases, placing them inside the trunk of his car.  He then took Angie’s one suitcase and put it in as well.  They all got inside the car with Joyce sitting in the back seat.  Nate started the car up by turning the ignition.  As he drove, Nate looked into the rear view mirror at his very beautiful sister Joyce seated in back.

Joyce, you are going up to Philadelphia for a little while to stay with Angie and her cousins, Nate told her.  You will be coming back soon, he told Joyce.

She did not respond back.  Joyce only sat there staring out the window into the dark night and woods.  Finally they stopped at the Greyhound bus station and got out the car.  Nate kissed his wife on the lips and hugged her.

Call me as soon as you arrive there safely, Nate told his wife.

Okay baby, Angie replied.

Nate went to hug Joyce but she took a step back from him.  Nate dropped his head while looking dejected.  Do you hate me? Nate asked.  I don’t hate you, but as long as you continue to hide secrets from me and never tell me the truth we will never be as close as a brother and sister should be, Joyce said.

His head quickly snapped up to look at her stomach.  Aren’t you the pot calling the kettle black? he said.  While I work hard like a Hebrew slave to make sure you’re fed, have good shoes and clothes, go to school, have medical care plus more, you sneak behind my back with Reverend Carl secretly doing it with him, Nate told her.

Joyce’s right hand quickly went over her own mouth as tears sprang from her eyes.  How did Nate know about me and Reverend Carl, she asked herself.

Ever since you were a little girl growing up, anytime I tried to even get close with you, you would only close up on me and treat me like a stranger, Nate told his sister.

He walked up close to her while looking down into her eyes.  Yet tonight you have the bold audacity to stand here acting like you’re holier than thou, he said.  I can only hope that when the time comes that you and I are dead together in the afterlife that we are a whole lot closer than we are in this life, Nate expressed.

He walked away and got into his car and drove away.  Joyce stood there crying as Angie held her hugging and trying to sooth Joyce.

Albany, Georgia

Reverend Carl got out his car feeling bone tired.  Lord knew that he would be so glad when next week got here and his wife Jane plus three daughters returned back from out of town visiting relatives.  Reverend Carl went into his bedroom, removing his shirt.  Somebody came from behind his bedroom door and grabbed him from behind in a tight choke hold.  Reverend Carl tried his best to fight back but whoever it was was too strong.

Reverend Carl’s body went limp as he passed out.  Greg laid the preacher gently down on the floor.  He tied both the preacher’s hands plus feet together.  Greg put the black preacher over his left shoulder and carried the preacher out to the preacher’s own car.  Greg opened the back trunk of the preacher’s car and put him inside.  He closed the trunk then got inside the car behind the wheel and drove.

Greg drove the preacher’s car for over 68 miles until they were deep in the dark woods.  The black preacher was now kicking around in the trunk and yelling for help.  Greg opened the trunk.

What’s going on here? Reverend Carl angrily demanded.

Nothing, really, preacher, just I’m gonna kill yo’ black ass, Greg calmly said, while smiling.

You go’n kill me? Reverend Carl asked, confused.

That is correct, sir, Greg responded.

But why son? Reverend Carl questioned.

You see, sir, you took yo’ little dingy-ling and put it in my innocent 13-year-old sister Joyce and now she’s carrying yo’ baby, Greg explained.

Greg, as the Lord is my witness, I swear I never touched your sister, Reverend Carl told him.

Greg viciously punched Reverend Carl in his mouth with his left first.

If it’s worst than a damn pedophile preacher I cannot stand the most, it’s a person that lies to me, Greg said, mad.   You fucked my baby sister and now you can’t even be man enough to admit it, Greg stated.  Doesn’t it say in the bible that confession is good for the soul? Greg asked.

Greg grabbed Reverend Carl out of the trunk and roughly threw him to the dirty ground.

Ow, help me, Jesus, please! Reverend Carl screamed.

Greg kicked him hard in the mouth with his left steel toe leather boot.

I bet your no good fagot ass wasn’t calling on Jesus when you was on top of my sister Joyce, Greg said.

Reverend Carl coughed plus spit out blood and broken teeth from his swollen lips.

You cradle-robbing bastard, get up and walk before you make me mad, Greg ordered.

Reverend Carl got up crying plus sobbing while he walked slow.  Because there was rope tied to his feet he could not run or kick.

You know, preacher man, because you hid behind the cloth of the Lord while you molested my sister, you’re going straight to hell with gasoline drawers on, Greg told him.  Doesn’t it say somewhere in the bible, I think 2 Corinthians II verse 14 and 15, about false ministers like you? Greg asked.

Please don’t kill me Greg.  I swear I’m so sorry and I have money to give you, Reverend Carl sobbed.

They stopped in front of an abandoned dry well shaft.  Greg pushed a wooden round lid from across the top of the well.  He pushed Reverend Carl down to the ground on his stomach.

You know, putting a bullet in your head Reverend Carl would be too nice for you.  I want you to suffer while you starve plus think for days about your sins, Greg told him.

Greg grabbed his right foot, twisting it around in a circle.  Bones broke and cracked making a loud, sickening sound.  Greg did the same with his left foot as Reverend Carl screamed while begging God for mercy.

I hate to tell you this Reverend Carl, but this shaft is 19 feet deep so please watch yourself as you’re going down, Greg said, smiling.

Please don’t do this to me, he sobbed.

Greg picked him up and dropped him down into the dry well shaft, feet first.  Then Greg covered the top back over with the big round wooden lid and left.

Washington, DC                       September 3, 1960

Joyce sat on the bus with all of the other blacks in the back Negro section.  She was still mad at what her sister-in-law Angie told her.  Last night Angie revealed to her that she was carrying a baby inside of her and that’s why Nate was sending her away. 

After she had her baby in Philadelphia, Angie and her cousins were supposed to have told Joyce that her baby died at birth so that Joyce could return back  home without a child to later in years get married to a man who would take care of her.  Angie said Nate told her that didn’t no young respectable black man wanted to be messed up with a girl with a bastard child. 

Well, Joyce was not having none of this.  She looked at Angie sleeping right across from her here on the bus.  The white bus driver and everyone else should be getting back aboard the bus soon.  Joyce quietly as possible picked up her two suitcases, trying not to awaken Angie.  She tip toed off the bus.  Joyce asked herself how could she have thought that it was her and not Nate who was wrong for hiding secrets? 

As soon as Joyce was off the bus Angie opened both her eyes, grinning.  I knew if I scared that little bitch enough she’d leave, Angie thought.  My husband Nate gave you just too much attention and we can’t have that.  Now I’m the only woman under that roof as how it suppose to be.

An hour later Joyce was walked down the sidewalk holding her two suitcases in each hand.  She was soaking wet from sweat and her feet were swollen plus hurting real bad.  The old black lady pulled her car over to the side of the road next to Joyce and stopped.  Joyce looked her root people grandma in the face and without any words being spoken she understood.  The old lady opened her car door and stepped out.  She took Joyce’s two suitcases, placing them inside the back seat as Joyce walked around the car to get inside on the passenger side.

Owww, Joyce exclaimed in relief as she sat down.  The old lady smiled.  As she drove she looked over at Joyce’s stomach.

Child, what’s your name? she asked.

My name is Joyce Steplight ma’am. 

My name is Orra Jones, but everyone calls me Grandma Orra, she said.  You look too young to be expecting.  How old are you? Grandma Orra asked.

I be 13, ma’am, Joyce answered.

Grandma Orra rolled her eyes.  Lord have mercy, what is this world becoming when little babies have babies? she said.

Joyce stared at her.  No disrespecting ma’am, but I ain’t no little baby, Joyce said, grinning.

Well, you wrong, Grandma Orra said, grinning.  You haven’t even finished fifth grade yet, but here you are about to raise a child of your own, Grandma Orra exclaimed.  But I’m not here to lecture you, Grandma Orra said.

They pulled up to a big wooden frame house.  This is the house where I raised my nine children.  Five boys and four girls, Grandma Orra said, with pride in her voice.  And now I have 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren, she told Joyce.

Just then Joyce put her right hand on her four-months-expecting stomach. When I have this baby I’m going to give him or her the best things in life, Joyce told herself.

They both got out of the car and went into the house.  Grandma Orra took Joyce upstairs to a nice big bedroom, bigger than her own in Georgia she left from.  Get unpacked and washed up girl, then come down to the kitchen, Grandma Orra told her.  She turned and left the room.

Joyce did as she said and unpacked all her clothes and things out of the suitcases.  She then took a nice bath and it felt so good to her small, sore body.  Joyce used the big bar of Ivory soap then rinsed off and got out of the tub.  When she finally got down to the kitchen her entire mouth began watering at the sight and smells of food on the table. 

Sit down child, you eating for two now instead of one, Grandma Orra said.

Joyce smiled and sat down at the table.  After Joyce finished eating and was full she went upstairs, brushed her teeth and went to bed.  Even though it was only 7:03 PM Joyce felt totally exhausted.

Washington, DC     September 4, 1960

It was now 8:30 AM the next morning when Joyce came out on the old wooden front porch to sit down in the rocking chair.  As she was rocking, she noticed the young pretty woman sitting in her rocking chair just right across the street on her front porch as well.  She was just rocking and staring at Joyce.  She was light-brown skinned with long soft, black hair like as though she was mixed with Indian or something.

Joyce raised her right hand and waved at her and the woman waved back, in return.  Joyce got up from her chair to walk down the wooden steps when Grandma Orra called her. 

Joyce girl, get in here right away, she said with urgency in her tone.

Joyce quickly went back into the house where she found Grandma Orra waiting.  Child I seen you wave at that woman and was about to go over there.  Girl, stay away from that evil woman, Grandma Orra said.

Joyce had her left hand on her stomach, looking nervous. 

She is crazy and everybody calls her a witch, Grandma Orra told Joyce. 

She looks like she might be mixed with Indian, Joyce said. 

Well there is only one way to find out and that’s to go over there and ask her, but if you do, don’t be surprised if she do something that will cause you to lose that baby you are carrying, Grandma Orra explained.

I won’t go near her, Joyce said, totally scared.

Albany, Georgia                       September 6, 1960

Nate just stared at his wife Angie in the front room.  And you mean to tell me you didn’t get off the bus to look for my sister? Nate asked.

Nate, I swear, when I woke up that bus already was moving and you know that that white man wasn’t going to stop no bus for a black woman, Angie exclaimed.

And you didn’t try to return back to Washington, DC and search for her? Nate questioned.

Nate, you know I don’t know anything about that big city Washington, Angie cried.  Lord, baby, you talking like I meant for her to run away like she did, Angie said.

She sat down on the couch crying into both her hands as Nate only stood there staring at her.  Finally he turned his back on Angie and went to their bedroom to start packing some of his things inside one big old suitcase.

Angie came up to the bedroom door, still crying.  Where you going, Nate? she asked.

Where the hell you think I’m going?  I’m going to look for my sister Joyce! he snapped back.

He picked up his one big suitcase from the bed, carrying it to the door.

Nate stood in the hallway in front of his wife staring down into her nervous face.  Let me share a little bit of news with you Angie, he began.  I married you despite your big mouth for several reasons, he told her.  One, I loved you and I knew I could give you a good, happy life plus we could raise a family together.  Two, I figured you could be close with my sister Joyce and teach her proper lady things, Nate explained.

My damn sister Joyce was molested and didn’t even know she was expecting a baby because you two never talk, he said.  While I work hard to provide for your selfish big mouth, all you ever do is hang out with your lady friends never spending any time with my baby sister.  And now here it is Angie, you’re telling me that my young sister just up and ran off. Nate looked deeply into Angie’s eyes with penetrating eyes that caused her to shudder.

If I return back after finding out that all this was more than what you told me there’s going to be hell for you to pay woman, he told Angie. 

Nate left out the house with his suitcase and got into his car.  He turned the ignition starting the car up and drove away.

Washington, DC                    September 12, 1960

Joyce was sitting in the chair on the front porch next to Grandma Orra.  Each one had a pot between their legs shelling peas and laughing.  Joyce stopped laughing and became suddenly very serious as she watched her brother Nate’s car pull up in front of Grandma Orr’s house and park.

Grandma Orra noticed Joyce’s quick change.  Get in the house child! Grandma Orra yelled.

Joyce stood straight up holding the pot in her hands but made no attempts to run inside the house.

Don’t come on my property! Grandma Orra yelled.

Nate ignored Grandma Orra and continued to walk up towards the old house.  Grandma Orra reached inside her doorway and came out with her double barrel shot gun that she always kept next to the door inside.

Joyce was walking toward her brother which blocked Grandma Orra’s path to shoot.  Move out the way child! she screamed.

Grandma Orra ma’am, this is between me and my brother! Joyce yelled back over her shoulder.

Joyce met her brother half way and stopped right there in front of Nate.  She stood there staring up into her handsome brother’s strong face and eyes.  Are you okay Joyce? Nate asked.

Like you really care, Joyce responded back.

And what cause do you have for talking to me as such? Nate asked.

Didn’t you tell your wife Angie to take me to Philadelphia to deliver my baby then she and her cousins would pretend it died at birth so I could return back to Georgia without a bastard child? Joyce angrily asked.

No, I never did tell her such a thing and she lied on me, he replied.

Joyce searched her brother’s eyes for a flicker of a lie or deception but could not find any.  

Now I find it very ironic that you would take the word of Angie over your own flesh and blood, Nate said.

Well, she’s your wife, Joyce shot back.

Yes, and for her lying on me she’s going to pay when I get back, he told Joyce.

Why did you send me away? Joyce questioned.

Because I wanted to save you a whole lot of embarrassment and questions, Nate replied.  If you had delivered your child in another state, returning back saying she or he was a relative’s child who died and you were taking care of it, this would have been easier to catch a future good husband, Nate explained. 

So since you know the real truth now and you don’t want to go to Philadelphia to have your child, can I take you back home with me now? he asked.

No Nate, I think I’ll stay right here, Joyce replied.

Without another word Nate turned around and walked away.  He got inside his car, starting it up and drove away.

Joyce looked across the street at the young pretty half Indian black woman who was just sitting in her rocking chair staring at Joyce.

Later on that night, while Joyce lay in bed asleep, the woman from across the street came to Grandma Orra’s house and knocked on the door.  Grandma Orra answered the door.  I know it’s late Ms. Orra but I really need to talk to you, the woman said.

Come in Mildred, Grandma Orra said, stepping back to allow her in.  Please have a seat Mildred, and can I get you something to eat? Grandma Orra asked.

No, thank you, Mildred answered while sitting down on the couch. 

Grandma Orra sat down in her own sofa chair.  Now, what can I do for you? Grandma Orra asked.

Ms. Orra, when your oldest grandchild Steve was in the hospital two  years ago dying with the doctors saying nothing else could be done, you begged me to help you and I saved his life, Mildred said.  When you were feeling really tired and weak with your joints hurting, I gave you medicine that have you now behaving like you were in your late 40’s instead of 88 years old.  After all I did for your family, plus you, I just simply want to know why the other day did you lie on me to Joyce poisoning her mind by telling her to stay away from me because I was a evil woman?  You told Joyce that I was crazy and everyone called me a witch.  Then you warned her saying not to be surprised if I did something to cause her to lose her baby, Mildred stated.

So why would you tell her all those lies about me? Mildred asked.

Grandma Orra sat there crying and looking nervous.

Are you going to answer me? Mildred asked.

"I’m so sorry, Grandma Orra said, crying.

No you’re not, Ms. Orra, else you would have never said those things, Mildred responded.  Since you want to make me into an evil witch maybe I should show you my magic and cast a spell killing all your grandchildren and great grandchildren, Mildred said.

Oh Lord, she said, crying, please don’t do anything to my kids, Grandma Orra pleaded.   Please have mercy Mildred and tell me what I have to do to get back in your grace, Grandma Orra said.

Mildred stood up.  That young girl Joyce is my half Indian sister and don’t belong with you, Mildred stated.  Tomorrow at breakfast I’ll be back for her and you are going to tell her how you lied on me, understand? Mildred said.  Yes, I understand and I’ll do it, Grandma Orra sobbed.

Mildred then left out the house.

Washington, DC       September 13, 1960

Joyce woke up from sleeping in her bed and stretched before getting out of bed. She slipped into her house slippers and walked down the hallway to the bathroom where she sat down on the toilet and pissed. She got up and took a shower then brushed her teeth.

As Joyce was walking down the stairs she could smell the eggs with cheese, grits plus toast coming from the kitchen and she felt starving for food. She froze when she got to the kitchen doorway. In the kitchens sitting at the table was the young, pretty half Indian black woman who lived in the house from across the street.

Come on in child and take your seat. Grandma Orra instructed.

Joyce remained standing up at the door way looking nervous.

Joyce, you and I are both of Indian mixed blood which makes us sisters. Mildred said while looking Joyce in her eyes. Despite Ms. Orra’s lies about me, I swear I would never do anything unjustly to harm you or your children. Mildred explained.

Children? Joyce asked looking confused.

Mildred smiled. Right now as we speak Joyce, you are not carrying a baby, you are carrying twins. She said.

Lord have mercy. Grandma Orra said surprised.

Twins? Joyce said smiling." She put both her hands to her stomach

Now sit down child so I can feed you. Grandma Orra told her.

Joyce came into the room and sat down in a chair across from the half Indian black woman.

My momma was full blooded Apache and my father was black. Joyce said feeling excited.

My black momma was a whore who had me from a Blackfoot young buck. Mildred said. She just died four years ago in her sleep. Mildred explained.

I’m very sorry to hear that. Joyce expressed

Joyce, eat all your food then we will talk about serious matters. Mildred said.

Grandma Orra sat a plate piled up with food and Joyce grabbed her fork and began eating like a hungry wolf. After she finished, Joyce sat down her fork staring at Grandma Orra.

Did you lie to me Grandma Orra? Joyce asked.

Grandma Orra dropped her head in shame. Yes I did Joyce and I’m very sorry for it. She said.

But why? Joyce angrily asked.

I guess I’m an old lonely lady who was afraid of seeing you leave me for her. Grandma Orra explained.

Listen Joyce, my name is Mildred Tyson and I want you to go right now and pack up all your things because you are going to be moving in with me. From this day on I will teach you things which shall make you grow in wisdom as well as show and teach your daughter and future grandkids. Mildred told her.

Mildred looked around her like if though there was a bad smell or something. There are very negative vibes in this house as well as a very angry vindictive soul that your two babies don’t need to be around. Mildred stated.

Mildred looked at Grandma Orra May 14, 1921 you murdered your first husband Fred in this house while he slept in bed drunk and after you found out he was cheating on you with another woman,

Mildred’s head snapped around to look back into Joyce’s eyes.Go pack your things right now Joyce. Mildred told her.

Joyce quickly jumped up from her chair without saying a word and left the room to go pack her clothes.

Albany, Georgia                  September 15, 1960

Angie sat on the wooden steps of her house with the palms of both her hands on each side of her face and her elbows resting on her knees.

She was still scolding herself for the selfish act of sending Joyce away. What the hell was she even thinking about? That girl was only 13 years old plus expecting a baby.

This husband of her was so handsome, smart and everything any decent woman could want. Angie remembered their wedding day and how all the other black women looked at Angie with envy and many women laughing and telling her that she had herself something. Angie knew that she messed up with her man, now she had to be a woman and face her punishment. She lifted up her head as she saw her husband’s car driving up to the land. Angie stood up and walked out to his car as it stopped out in front of the house. He opened the car door and stepped out. Angie stood straight with her chin up high and prepared for him to slap her.

Angie, go up there to the house. Nate told her.

She did as he said going into the house and waited.

Nate finally came into the house carrying his one big suitcase.

Is she OK? Angie asked Nate.

She’s still alive, no thanks to you. Nate responded

Angie seemed to relax a little.

Angie did you really tell my sister all those lies on me that I wanted her to give up her baby? He asked.

"Yes baby I did and I’m very sorry, she said, crying.

Angie, go pack all your things and get the hell out of my house. He said.

Right then Angie closed both her eyes and she felt sick all the way to her stomach. She opened back up her eyes.

You don’t love me anymore? Angie asked in a choked up voice.

I will always love you Angie, but I refuse to be with any woman who will lie on me, lie to me plus refuse to accept my own flesh and blood sister as her own." Nate explained.

Angie placed her left hand on her stomach debating to herself rather to be more selfish and tell Nate that she was now carrying his child or not.

Well I guess I better be getting to packing. She said and left out the room.

Nate sat down on the couch, thinking.

Twenty nine minutes later Angie came out of the door carrying her two suitcases. She briefly looked at her husband Nate them walked out the house.

I bet he thinks I’m going back to my mother and sisters but he’s wrong. I don’t know where the Lord is going to lead me but I am not staying here in Georgia for these hussy women to laugh at me.

Angie was now off her husband’s farm land and was walking along the long dirt road. She could feel the hot scorching sun beating down on her as she walked.

Angie saw a balled up small piece of paper on the side of the road and for some reason some deep inner voice told her to look at it. Angie sat down both of her suitcases and picked up the piece of paper, then immediately recognized her husband’s neat hand writing. It was a written address to a house in Washington, DC. He must have thrown it out the window of his car while he was driving or it blew out.

Angie thought. Well I’m going to at least tell Joyce I’m sorry before I seek out a new life.

Washington, DCSeptember 19, 1960

Joyce was sitting in the front living room on the couch with Mildred laughing so hard. She really liked Mildred and thought she was funny. Mildred and her went shopping together plus to the movies and everything else. Mildred was like the big sister she never had.

Lately Mildred had been applying a special green herbal grease to Joyce’s entire body that she said would stop plus prevent stretch marks on her skin. Then after her babies were born Mildred would show Joyce how to tie a small sheet around herself a certain kind of way to squeeze all the after birth and baby fat out of herself and keep a nice figure.

Joyce took another bite of her shashlik, a type of shish kebab, and chicken tabaka, which is pressed fried chicken.

Since staying with Mildred she had taught Joyce so much including cooking. Now all of a sudden Mildred became really serious and quiet.

"What’s wrong? Joyce asked finally.

Joyce, I want you to tell me why it is that you and your brother Nate never really been close while growing up. Mildred stated.

Joyce pursed her lips before answering. I really don’t know Mildred we just haven’t been for some reason. Joyce replied. I mean he’s my big brother and I love him but we just never been close like me and my other big brother Greg. Joyce added.

Mildred only sat there lost in deep thought.

What are you thinking about Mildred? she asked.

Joyce, you have a very vindictive soul and I’ll tell you why. Years ago before the white man ever come to this land you and Nate were brother and sister then."

You fell deeply in love with a young Indian guy of another tribe who your brother didn’t like. You wanted to marry him and have his kids but your brother was totally against it.

One day when your bother and a war party left out you ran off to your lover’s tribe and you two ran off together. Mildred said. Your brother and some of his warrior friends tracked you two down and killed him in a one on one knife fight Joyce.

With your stomach big at seven months carrying his child, you screamed with his dead blood all over your hands.

Over two hundred years later your spirit soul went through the exact same thing in Chad, Africa. But right now you need to return back home and start showing Nate forgiveness and love to stop this cycle Joyce. If you don’t attack this vindictive sour now, then you will pass it on to your child and that child will go through so much in life bad." Mildred explained.

Joyce only sat there thinking. I’ll have to think about this Mildred. She said.

Okay Joyce, but don’t take too long. She responded back.

I’m going to take my evening nap now Joyce. Mildred announced.

Alright. Joyce replied.

Mildred got up from the couch and went upstairs. It was not 6:59 p.m. and starting to get dark outside so Joyce decided to go sit out on the porch in the