Cotman: The Jaylene Olivia Josalene Cotman Story

By R. D. Smiley

This book is about a family of great resources and power. The entire universe awaits for the birth of the redbone queen Olivia Jaylene Josalene Cotman. She is born into a world of hate and slavery, then grows into a family of mystery and great wealth with the instruction of El to guide them. The timelines move on as the ancestral winds tell her whom to choose, and the celestial heaven shows her a deep secret. She finds her family and grows anew. With the help of her brother Clarence Cee Cotman and her adopted brother Raymond Rayvon William-Cotman, she becomes a danger to the worlds unknown, as she tells the story of how it all began.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781462866281

R. D. Smiley

R. D. Smiley, a.k.a. Rene’ Denise Pearson, is no stranger to the hip-hop world. Inspired to create one of hip-hop’s first female DJ MC crew, RD experienced something that she thought was gone forever: music. As an inner-city child, the world of beats and hardcore verbal flow had RD putting away her wants and desires to make the group a success; but the music world left a bad taste, leaving R. D. hurt and disillusioned about life. However, the creator of all gifts saw something different in this woman and brought back an experience that awakened RD for good: the Redbone Queen. It was an open vision that came back to her from the past and sparked an interest in something that she was told she could never do: create stories. At seven years of age in school, she experienced and ran with the character of this very book. This character or ancestor stayed with her throughout her growing years until RD came to a crossroad. With the heightened glow in her life, RD received a BA in theology, and it was then that the Redbone Queen surfaced and inspired her to write this book—and so she did just that.

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Copyright © 2011 by R. D. Smiley.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2011907832

ISBN:         Hardcover                       978-1-4628-6627-4

                   Softcover                        978-1-4628-6626-7

                   Ebook                             978-1-4628-6628-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

Acknowledgments

Twenty Years In The Midst

The Bronx, New York,

Twenty-One Years Earlier

At The Office Of Joseph Piermont

Juanita Green

Jose Rosario

The Rosarios

Noon, Downtown Manhattan At Forty-Second And Fifth Avenues

In The Bronx

Tracie, Will You Please Come Home?

Chance J. Cotman

Meanwhile In The Bronx

Party At Ten At Tutsi U (The Redbone)

Three Hours Into The Party

The Morning After

The Lovesickness

What Happened?

Meanwhile At The Duplex

On Fifth Avenue

The End

Jaylene Olivia Josalene Cotman

Let Me See A Show Of Hands

Take A Deep Breath

I Hate Good Nights

Let Us Have Some Fun On

The Down Low

Rayvon (Raymond), Why

Are You So Fine?

I Am Watching You From A Distance

Two Hours Later

Tell Me The Stories

Meanwhile At The Cotman Mansion

Where Are They?

Wow, What A Night

A Stay Over With Connection For Rayvon And Deborah

Am I Here?

Deborah, Deborah

Ten O’clock Am In Brooklyn

Before The Block Party

Noon Downtown Fifth Avenue,

Going To The Block Party

Meanwhile In Harlem, Usa

The Queen Has Just Arrived (The Block Party At Three O’clock)

Meanwhile

Six O’clock

Meanwhile

Parental Guidance Please

The Women

In The Club At Hunts Point

The Women

A Change Is Coming

Meanwhile Back At The Mansion

Sir Charles Norbin

Who Will Pass The Test Tonight?

The Story Of The Past

(The Unnamed Child)

Three Hours Later At The Mansion

The Gathering

Meanwhile In The Living Room

Meanwhile In The Back Of The Mansion

Three Years Later

The Surprise Visit

Renee

Meanwhile In Harlem

In The Bronx

Note:

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I like to thank the only father I know, who was always there for me even when I was not there for myself. Thank you, Daddy (God).

I thank him for my mother, Thelma Pearson; my sister Elaine; and my brothers Joseph, John, Charles, Eugene, and Clarence for the wonderful stories around the dinner table. I will never forget them.

Also my niece Deborah for growing with me, my sister-in-law Juanita for helping raising me, my uncles for giving music in my life, especially Uncle Rudy. My cousin Diane (Weysa Dya) for her beauty, niece Natasha for her prayers, and Kendra for her straightforwardness. All my nieces and nephews—Desiree, Clarence Jr., Christian, Eugene Jr., Trevor, Lance, Avery, Janay, Dara, Rachel, Leander, Joseph JR, Kamel, Shamel, Kyle, Daniel, Joshua, Cousins Edward, Rudy, and George—for being Cotmans. All of Uncle Brother’s children and any family that I did not mention, may God bless your soul with God’s desire. Also Soul Saving Station no. 2 for the prayers, Pastor and Minister Holloman for your insight, and Minister Wilkins for being a true woman of God. Sister Vanessa, I thank you for always looking out for your church family; it is truly a blessing. Next the hip-hop world for growing and developing. There are too many to thank but most of all my crew, the Mercedes Ladies. Rocka, rocka on, sisters. I love to thank Prophetess Ann and Nicole for seeing the gift in me and my purpose. Who cares about how we as sisters are received as long as we do the Lord’s works and his will. Let the church say amen.

I do not have many friends, but, girl, you are like a sister to me. Tracey Tracey-Tee Peterkins, what laughter I had with you. Let us continue to laugh with God’s grace. Lastly I would like to thank a man who came early in my life. This man of great wisdom saw me and told me, Do not feel weird that you do not go out much, and do not let people tell you that it’s weird for you to stay home. You are supposed to be creating [writing]. Those words pushed me to bring forth the book without a doubt. Comedian (King) Freddie Ricks, thanks, man. I will not forget those words.

TWENTY YEARS IN THE MIDST

The Antarctic blast blew the winds of the north, where the snow and the ice seemed to fight between themselves. They twirled around together in the fiercest battle between the winter blow and the silent cold air.

The visibility was hardly noticeable, for the entire place was covered in white. However, suddenly out of thin air, in the distance an orange-and-gold light came at lightning speeds. The beautiful light came closer to reveal a songbird. The color of the bird seemed strange, as the bird’s orange-and-gold feather swished through the snow and the wind. The Antarctic blast did not shake the bird as its determination to reach its destination grew.

The bird stopped to look ahead beyond the horizon and saw the pivot point: a white wall made of snow, ice, and rocks. The distance on each side of the wall seemed to be infinite. The wall was higher than any tall skyscraper, but nothing was too big for this bird for the final destination lay right over that wall; the bird, Johan Boyd Cotman Rosario, only charged. With one sudden surge of energy, the bird pushed with momentum of speed, so fast that the bird looked like a short ray of light.

Flying straight ahead, the bird reached the wall; and without hesitation, the bird shot up higher and higher. As the bird quickly reached the top, the orange-and-gold bird showed its identity.

The songbird transformed into a beautiful orange-haired angel with gray eyes. The small pupil of the eyes was black, giving her a uniqueness that was indescribable. Her gold flowing gown fit her body; her big wings flopped straight back as she continued to climb up the wall with the speed of a torpedo until she came to the top.

She flew so elegantly as she waited for the stone figures, the gatekeepers, to awaken and let her pass.

They were two stone seraphim, nine-footer angels, with wings that stretched everywhere. The angels did not even bother to come alive, for they knew who she was and for whom she was here for. They opened their stone eyelids and looked, as the female angel smiled, shaking her orange hair; then they started to turn slowly, facing each. The female angel flew back to let their gated wings turn, as she continued to smile at them.

She slowly passed through the wing tunnel, but she stayed cautious, for they could crush her with their wings if they wanted to.

Once she passed, the seraphim slowly closed the gates until their wings touched each other again and then returned to their stony position.

She let out a big sigh of relief, as she took a look around and saw the beautiful sight of snow and mountains. Once again she was happy to be in a place she’s familiar with. She spread her wings and fly, letting her wings do all the work—up and down, in and out—until she searched for the great city of Cotman-Tutsi. She flew over worlds of fields and meadows, ponds and oceans, glaciers and dry lands. She dived, thrilled to see the city of ice and snow.

When she approached the city, she saw that the people were moving around and about, for this was a special day for them: the coming home of the lost families.

Myra, someone called out, and the people smiled and waved when they saw her fly by.

However, she had no time to chat. Lord, she said to herself, your will be done, as she sped up her pace to the ice castle in the mountain sky.

Soon the search for her destination would be over, and she would find her in charge and give him a piece of her mind.

She shook off the thought when she saw the Old English colonial Greek castle, all white and glittering with a dash of gold. The castle was full of balconies with open windows, so big they reached six feet in height. As she approached the castle, she look in every window, for the family was still asleep.

She searched, sniffing the air, until she found what she was looking for on the north side of the castle. Myra entered the two double windows, as she gently glided down to the window ledge.

Her large wings disappeared; her hair fell in place as she searched inside the big room.

The enormously sized room looked empty. Therefore, she called out, Johan, I would only whisper so as not to frighten. But there was no sound, so she walked off the ledge to see if the queen-size bed had anyone on it. She walked over closer and saw a foot hanging out of the covers.

She laughed as the brilliant light shone upon her; she did not know how he got away from her, but she was determined to stick like a glue to him. Myra sat down on the bed, took her long orange hair, and gently touched his feet. Johan snored softly but did not awaken to her touch. Mmmm, she said to herself, must have been a rough night in the outer world. Johan, she said again, today is the day you have been waiting for the past twenty years. However, Johan did not move an inch—nothing, zilch, and zero.

Myra was getting annoyed, so she called out for help. Father, please. There was then a light so bright it lit the whole room and whitened it.

A male angel came from the light; his long dark hair cascaded down on his shoulder. He was of small build but created in such a way that his muscular body fitted him. He was excellent in his created body.

Myra, his voice echoed for it sounded like many waters.

She ran to him and hugged him.

Carlito, he will not wake up. He will not listen to me. Myra pouted.

He tricks me all the time, and now look at him. He is too spoiled.

Why was I given such a spoil charge?

The male angel Carlito hugged her back, and he kissed her forehead. Myra, he said, God has favor in you, and he wanted you and Johan to grow up together, you as his charge and he as your guardian. It is why God chose you to become angelic. You are a supreme being and he so powerful and God’s most trusted tool.

However, he is twenty and an adolescent in his way.

Teach him and learn from him, and you will see how alike you really are.

Then with a loud voice, he called Johan.

Johan woke up disorientated and still drunk. The smell of his burp was evident.

Oh, man, he said as his eyes opened, is Mother calling me?

The older angel spoke, Johan, do you know what day it is? Johan finally focused his eyes, his curly black hair growing out a tassel of curls that fell on his face. He scratched his rosy cheek, which became rosier than usual. His radiant butter pecan tan complexion matched his beautiful brown greenish eyes.

Hey, he said with a sleepy voice, I have not seen you since I was a child. Where have you been? Then he shut and opened his eyes because he was still having trouble focusing.

Oh, I have been around, watching and making sure that both of you are safe.

Both of us? Myra pouted once more, feeling betrayed. I do not need to be safe. I am an angel.

Both of the men laughed, and that made her feel sad.

Carlito, the head of the angels of children, lifted Myra’s chin. Remember, Myra, you are God’s favorite. He smiled and disappeared.

She looked at Johan, speaking directly to him, It is time. Twenty year has gone by, and you have a special mission from God.

What is it? as Johan stirred and moved closer to the edge of the bed.

However, she did not tell him because she did not know what the mission was herself.

She just rudely said, You need to be ready. One of your families is coming very soon.

Who? Johan asked as he got out of bed with no care about his nakedness, for he was just like his mother very un inhabitable (to exist within).

He stretched, going all the way back, putting his both hands on his hip. He stretched his pelvis upward, and his manhood appeared erect.

Myra could not help but look, but then she walked away.

Forgive him, Father. I know he is doing these things on purpose. Johan, would you please? I do not care to see your nakedness.

Johan stretched out of his position. Then leave, he said bluntly. This is my room.

That touched Myra, for she was only showing respect.

Fine, but please be ready, for the approach is soon to come. And with that, she vanished.

Johan dragged himself over to his mirror; he looked at himself, speaking only to himself. He sighed. God, out of all the women that I’ve been with, my heart is smitten by an angel. He was so mad that he pushed his favorite lamp off the table and it broke into pieces.

However, he figured he would miss it because the lamp was his favorite; so he wished it back, and the lamp appeared unbroken.

He thought about what would happen if an angel and a half human like himself would fall in love.

He remembered the day he asked. All hell broke loose in the heavens and in his world and the outer worlds. The ancestral winds were having a fit and were asking the Lord by praying to make all angels invisible to his world.

That saddened all the people and the angels for they all love one another.

All that happened at the age of sixteen, so he promised to fall out of love with Myra and go to school in the outside world and maybe find another, but that did not happen. He could not love another.

It did not sit well with his aunt Renee’ who prayed to God, and God accepted her petition.

Lord, Renee’ said, who better to keep Johan in line but Myra? Besides, she does not know he loves her. So, God, make Myra his charge.

He has been angry at her and at the situation ever since. He just cannot get better with it. His love for her kept on getting worse.

He remembered his aunt saying that as he slept like a baby, a baby cherub came in the room. She was baby-sitting, and the cherub did not see her. She watched as the cherub came flying in, then went right to the crib. The cherub took one look at Johan sleeping; bent down and kissed him; then lay next to him, pulling the cover over her; and fell asleep. They were inseparable ever since until he spoke of his love for her.

Johan shook his head of the memories. Lord, I do not know how to put a distance without hurting her; please I need your help.

However, God held out for Johan. Johan must figure out a way to be better to her. He got up to take a shower. He wanted to hurry so he could apologize to Myra. This really was a special day, and he was excited.

He hoped that the first to arrive would his cousin Meko. He wanted to finally introduce himself to him; it’s hard knowing that he was family and not let him know who he was. Each family member was allowed to follow one member from the outside world, and he chose Meko. He heard that Meko was the most intellectual man in the world and that they were close in age. So after high school, he enrolled in Tutsi University. Not a minute too soon, Meko became a professor there, and everyone loved his teaching; his classes were always full. Man, I hope it is Meko. We have a lot to talk about.

He went to start the shower when rage called out his name, JOOOOOHHAAAANNN! Johan covered his ears as his mother’s loud high-pitched voice reached his room. The voice was so loud that it sent the poor young servants running for cover.

Johan turned the water full blast. Well, if I have to get my butt chewed off, I might as well make it clean.

Johan laughed out loud then replied softly to his mother, Mother, I am about to take a shower. I will be right there.

MAKE IT SNAPPY, she said, AND I MEAN QUICK.

Way on the other side of the ice castle, sitting on a big tree chair in a long chamber room, was Jaylene Cotman Rosario.

Also known as Josalene the Terrible, her stunning beauty did nothing to hide how mad she was at her son.

Her hazel eyes pierced the door down the long corridor as she waited for her son. Her wild long mane was a fiery red as the ancestral winds tried to keep her calm. One by one, they showed themselves, encouraging her to smooth and talk without the anger and fuss. Both son and mother nearly wiped out a continent with their constant bickering. Josalene, be calm, as one ancestral spirit moved in and out, smoothing her hair as one rubbed her temple.

However, they just made her red skin redder as she waved away the annoying winds. Jaylene Josalene’s skin was as red as a strawberry, which in the dark made her look scary but beautiful. In her world, she was queen, and there was nothing normal about her. Her ears pointed out and pulsed as her hands gripped the armrest of the tree chair.

She stomped her left foot, waiting anxiously for an answer.

HURRY! she barked. WE MUST TALK NOW.

Dear, please stop your yelling. I can hear you all the way in the outer world.

In the darkness of the corner of the chambers, her husband, Jose, walked out. He wore a three-thousand-dollar suit, and he was just loosening his tie. Please, honey, you know the situation with your son; it is hard for him. Please, Jaylene, he’s been looking forward to meeting the family. You know he does not mean to be mean.

Oh, she said, so you heard his rudeness and said nothing.

Jose walked in closer. He smiled and tried to take her hand and kiss her, but she refused his touch. She tilted to the other side, leaning away.

This is something more than Johan, he said. Okay, what is it? Jose folded his arms as he waited and counted silently, One, two, three…

Where have you been? I slept by myself last night, Jaylene said, blurting her anger out at him.

Oh, please, Jaylene, I worked for you.

Jose Cotman-Rosario stood five feet eleven inches and was beautiful in his own right. His curly short haircut sparkled from the light of love for his wife. He was healthy and well toned. His eyelashes curled as he looked at his wife with a smirk, feeling good that his queen was jealous. He blinked his brown eyes as they sparkled and his butter tan complexion glowed. He spoke in his native tongue as Jose moved in closer to her.

You are jealous, he said. His muscular body showed in his shirt, and it threw Jaylene off as Jose tried to calm down the fire. Jaylene, do not take out your frustration on our son. Save all that energy for tonight.

My king, she said with a horse tone in her mouth. Jaylene was pudgy in his hand, where were you?

It made her angry that she could not stay in the outer world once and be allowed to visit, see, and help the people and her family. Jaylene, I was with Joseph preparing for our family welcome; you know that they are all over the outer world.

Jose stood in front of her as she tried to look around him.

Look at me, Jay, but Jaylene tried to keep her ground.

You are mad at me, Jay. Please do not be. I had to sleep in Connecticut with the Piermont and the kids, babies. I miss you. He bent down and kissed her red lips.

You were not in our bed, my husband, and I miss you too.

Excuse me, Jose said as Jaylene acted as if she did not hear him.

She finally could not resist; she looked up, and all the rage slowly melted away.

I said—Jose kissed her slowly again on her lips—I miss you. Ooooooh, baaaabeeee, Jose hates it when she is mad and sad.

All of a sudden, he jumped on the armrest leg straddle as he opened his shirt. She touched his hard chest with both of her hands as if she was touching a fine-smooth marble table.

He put both of his hands under her jawline and kissed her hard and then soft. It made her expose herself.

This was the reason why Jose was chosen for her; he was the only one who can calm the terrible Josalene. Jose spoke in his native language once more as the fire ripped through her.

Ooooh, Jaylene moaned as she her nostrils flared, you know I love it when you speak. She was still hot when Johan came in.

I can come back at another time, Johan said as he watched his parents hastily tried to make love in the chamber.

Jose jumped off from the armrest. You could, but then I will not get any peace. He winked at Johan to let him know that it was all clear.

Jaylene looked at her son. Come here.

He came closer, but he was nervous. Jaylene was now focusing on her son. Jose kissed her neck. Be gentle, my dear.

Jose turned around and walked to the long chamber hall.

Dad, Johan said quietly, as they both passed each other, you are not staying? Jose hugged his son, almost knocking Johan down.

Son, he said in his ear, I love you dearly. You are my world; however, I will have peace and love tonight. Then he looked at Jaylene. Yes, love, tonight.

She blew a kiss at her husband, as Jose turned back around, laughing. As he walked away, he disappeared.

Johan, what have I told you about respect? Johan looked away ashamed that his mother saw his rudeness to Myra.

Mom, I know. I will apologize. I was wrong. Johan looked down.

Mother, I do not know how to handle what I feel. It hurts sometimes, especially when we are in the outer world. She looks so human and so beautiful; she is already unique. When the other men look at her, it drives me crazy. I do not lie. I tell the truth about her not being mine; it just hurts when she talks to other guys. Jaylene found sympathy for her son. She tried to put a wrong to right; she tried to be a mother. Johan, it is only for show.

Jaylene rolled her eyes. Son, you are trying too hard not to love her. She has been your charge and friend since you both were babies. You did not chose her; she chose you. Johan, that’s more important. Enjoy the friendship.

Then Jaylene sighed. Johan, I know how it is to be in love and not have the one person that you love. Nevertheless, God has brought me and Jose, and the Lord knows I am happy. He will do the same for you.

Jaylene kept talking, but Johan was interrupted. He stared into the abyss and saw who was coming.

It was the sleigh bus, and his cousin Trevor was driving. In the back of the bus were a young man, a female, and a little girl.

Johan look harder, trying to suggest to the young male to turn and face the direction of the front of the bus, but the will of the young man was too strong.

Mmmm, Johan said, who in the world could be that strong to not let me penetrate?

Oh, goody, someone is coming. Jaylene slid off the tree chair and danced out of the chamber room with Johan running behind her.

Who is it, Mother? He is very strong willed. I could not penetrate an opening. Jaylene looked at her son; she was all smiles, and her eyes twinkled.

That’s because he is the smartest nephew in the world and my brother’s only son.

MEKO! The excitement in Johan’s voice made Jaylene laugh as she put her arms around her son.

Yes, it is Meko, and he married the woman that he had chosen when he was five.

They both laughed. You see, son, God is full of surprises. Come with me, she said as they put on the winter coat.

She held him by his arm, and they glided out the door and into the winter air.

As the bus slushed and slid around, the young man of twenty-five turned around to face the front of the bus. His complexion glowed as he smiled; he was feeling the ancestral wind come upon him as he came in full charge of who he was. Meko, as they silently called out his name.

It has been a long time since I heard you call my name, he said to himself. However, a familiar voice interrupted him, and he moved around to see who it was, but he could not see who it was. His eyes narrowed, it looked like he was looking from under his eyelids. As his brown-cropped hair closed around his ear, his juicy pink lips juice with the flowing juice of his weapon. He touched them, as he has not felt the juices for twenty years. He reminded himself to calm down or the whole bus would be in flames. His cheekbone was so high that it put a permanent smirk on his face. What so funny, Meko? as a golden brown woman with the bluest eyes looked at her husband. She smiled at her husband. Things are awaking in me, as he looked at his daughter asleep. Who is there? he answered, as the voice got clearer. It’s been a long time, but I do not change, little nephew. AUNT JAYLENE! he yelled out as Meko Cotman jumped up, looking from every window. I DO NOT SEE YOU, AUNT JAYLENE. Meko’s wife, Curel, was scared, for she never saw Meko act in such an excited reaction as that. Meko, what is wrong? she said, as Little Sairon woke up. Calm down, Meko. You are scaring them. Jaylene looked into the horizon and saw the sleigh bus.

She pointed to Johan the direction, and then they jumped off the great white wall.

Oh my god, Trevor, please, cousin, stop the bus. Please, man, stop the bus.

However, Trevor kept on driving. Little cuz, be patient. Do not exhaust yourself. Let your power come slowly and then Trevor pulled down Meko with one hand on his shoulder.

Good, Trevor, love you, and Trevor spoke out loud, Love you too, Auntie.

Jaylene and Johan glided with the speed of ten miles per hour as the winds and the snow swished around them.

They came to a stop as to not to scare Curel or Sairon, and waited.

When the bus came clear and they saw visibility, Meko finally knew that his life was real. It stopped, all the breaking dreams of feeling nothing. He then knew who he fully was. Moreover, he learned why he was always demanding and searching. His mind never stopped searching for his identity; he felt lost, and that did not sit right with him.

The fact that his dad and mother did not know and did not care was the worst. Therefore, he left Japan to search for an answer. And here he was the first of the family to awake from the midst. He tried to hold back the tears, but they filled his eyes. Little Sairon saw her father cry, so she got out of her seat and on her father’s lap and hugged him. Sairon, this is our home. Baby, this is where we belong.

They both looked in the direction of the two hooded persons standing straight in the snow. The bus came closer; Jaylene took off her hood and walk over to the bus.

Curel was the first to speak, Oh wow, she is just as beautiful as I remember, and as Jaylene opened the door, she spoke, Well, thank you, honey. You are just as you are too. Then Jaylene laughed.

Then Jaylene looked up to the sky and shouted, Lord, thank you for this day. And she grabbed Meko and Sairon who light brown eyes widened, and Jaylene hugged Meko, and he did the same.

The embrace was long and wet, for they were both crying. She kissed and hugged and then looked at him. I see my brother in you.

And he smiled as he touched her face. For many of days I sat in my room and tried to remember this face. You, Aunt Jaylene, were always on the tip of my tongue. I will never forget you again. Excuse me, Curel said, but you are squeezing the heck out of my daughter.

Oh, we do not want to do that, as Jaylene looked at Sairon.

Hello, baby, I am your aunt Jaylene. Sairon looked at her aunt. I saw you in my dreams, and do I have another aunt.

Yes, you do, my little princess. Am I really a princess? Sairon waited for the longed-for answer. Yes, you are. Oh, Meko, let me hold her. Meko handed Sairon to her auntie who hugged to a bond ever so tight no one could break. Hellooo! Curel finally peeked out of the bus. Isn’t anybody else cold? She held herself and shivered, as all of them said no. A little juice should fit that, as Trevor walked around and hugged Jaylene. Well, cuz, I see you when I see you. Meko looked at Trevor strangely, Trevor, where are you going? Oh, he said, back to pick up the rest of the family. Avery is there waiting. Trevor blew kisses into the air and got in the bus, and he was gone. Auntie, Sairon said, where did he go? I will explain later, baby, and she hugged Sairon again. Curel was freezing; they had forgotten all about her being a normal human being.

Johan took off his coat. Here, put on my coat, and he handed it over to Curel.

No way! Johan Rosario, what are you doing here? Meko looked suspiciously at Johan. Meko narrowed his eyes. Meko, I am sorry. I could not tell you, but I am your cousin Johan, your aunt Jaylene’s son. What? Meko looked confused. Huh? Oh gosh! Aunt Jaylene, is this the baby? He laughed, then stopped, and became serious. Huh, you mean you were annoying me sitting in my class for how long? Four years, sir, Johan said with caution because to him Meko was someone of authority. Meko waved his hand in disgust. Do not call me sir; you are only five years younger than I. Then he looked at Jaylene, but she smooth whatever question he had. Meko, he wanted to be with you. Remember, you were going to teach him how to be a terrible too.

Meko put his hand to his mouth—he was thinking—and a memory snapped back in his head, and he twirled around dizzy and light. He received the full picture of him as a little boy looking at Johan and smiling. I will teach him that, he heard himself saying, and the last memory was he waved at the plane window and the mist knocking him out. Mmmm, he said, I do remember.

Good, Jaylene said excitedly. Now let go. We have a little feast, and I think your wife—oh dear, I think she is frozen; and when they looked at Curel, she was frozen stiff.

Do not worry, Meko, as Meko tried his fiercest to warm her up. Johan tapped Meko’s shoulder. As soon as she is on the side of the city, she will thaw out.

Without hesitation, Jaylene waved her hand, and they vanished with the cold wind.

Jose looked at everything in preparation for the coming of the family. They would need a lot of refreshments, he said to the servants; then he shadowed back to the outer world. When Jaylene and the others appeared, Curel thawed as her body limped in Meko’s arms. Jose gave a thought to Jaylene, and she shook her head for him to come back later. I will see you later, my love. Remember me, she said as she waited for him to answer but received nothing.

What happened? as one of the servants walked quickly over to them. It is all right. We were talking, forgetting that Curel is human. Oh, come on, how could you forget something like that? and he made a face.

However, Meko stared as memories after memories came repeatedly. Wow, everything looks the same. The servant looked at Meko.

Man, oh, man, you are handsome. I always knew you would turn out to be one Standish young man. He grabbed Meko, and they hugged.

Man, little Meko, the servant James said as he shook his head; then he looked at Jaylene.

Queen Josalene, we miss him a lot, and Jaylene walked over to James. Look, he is a father. James tilted his head when he saw little Sairon.

Wow, she is beautiful, Meko. What a stunning princess, and Sairon laughed. Then all of a sudden, she screamed; the scream was so loud, so piercing, that everyone covered their ears and every glass broke.

When she was finished, Sairon started to cry. Curel was still thawing, so Meko went to grab her, but Jaylene stopped him cold.

Sairon, Sairon! Jaylene cried out, trying to get her attention. She looked at her aunt. I am sorry, as the tears rolled down her cheeks. Do not be, honey. You are among those whose gifts had to be sorted out. Then Jaylene looked at everyone. I think we have a siren in the family. Johan, would you please? and Johan had all the broken glasses fixed. Wow, Sairon said, you can fix things? Yes, little cousin, and you are very gifted. Here in this world, you will train to control your gift. You mean I can just stop when it comes and goes when I want it to? Yes. James bent down to her to wipe her face. I teach all the students here, even your cousin and your auntie Renee. James straightened up and looked at both Jaylene and Meko. Oh, wait until Diane sees her, and he pinched Sairon’s cheeks, and Sairon giggled and blushed. Look at little Meko’s daughter. Your father, Sairon, could not control his spit, remember? Everyone laughed.

Curel woke up, and Jaylene thought it was best that she eat and go rest, and Curel agreed. So they all ate and was full and laughed, telling stories that Meko was in heaven. He then looked at his wife; she smile backed but looked tired. Maybe she should lay down. Curel fussed. She did not want to miss the other families. The feast will start in three hours, Curel. You will not miss a thing, so Curel finally agreed as they waited for the rest of the family. Curel, Sairon, and Meko followed James; as they entered into the big master bedroom, Meko put all the bags down. James prepared the beds, and Sairon fell fast asleep, as the angels came to protect her. She will be fine; you just get some sleep, honey, as Meko tucked and kissed his wife. He stayed until she fell asleep; then he walked to the big family room and sat down. He looked around until he saw the bottle of wine. I always want to try some of this wine. Therefore, James brought him a glass. He poured and tasted it.

Wow! he exclaimed. Resting deep into the chair, he took another sip and held it for a second in his mouth. This lives up to its name. He leaned to the side of the chair. Jaylene sensed that he was troubled. Speak, Meko. You know that you cannot hide here.

You mean I cannot hide from you. She laughed at the truth. You are right, dear. Nothing bypasses me now. Speak. James took a seat on the other side of his queen. She patted his hand as her hazel eyes looked at him. They sat in a circular pattern, which made the conversation private. Meko felt good about being home, so he spoke, Auntie, I never knew the story of you and the others. Since my wife and my daughter are asleep and we are waiting, would you please tell me the story of Olivia? Jaylene’s hazel eyes stared at him; she was taken aback by the request. Meko, Olivia died so long ago. I do not remember much without my watcher being with me to help.

Huh, you have me. I remember the whole story, and while we are here waiting for how long—James rubbed her hand—honor us with the story.

Please, Auntie Jaylene, I wanted to know the truth of who we really are.

Well, she said as her fiery hair started to move, and the ancestral winds gathered around her.

Maybe I can bring a new way of telling the story. How about how I find your cousin?

Yes, that will be nice, Auntie. Then think, remember, Meko, James, only on the things of Deborah.

Meko’s eyes fluttered, and like a motion picture, he came to a place.

Deborah

THE BRONX, NEW YORK,

TWENTY-ONE YEARS EARLIER

A bus pulled up at the stop of Boston Road and 166th Street in Bronx, New York. A twenty-five-year-old black woman stepped off. Feeling down and depressed, she sighed. Deborah, why are you rushing home? A cloud of darkness went over her as she felt the pain of nothing new in her life. When she started to walk, someone called her name, and she looked in the direction of that familiar voice. Yo, Deborah, how was your day? A tall football-type brown-skinned man named Bird called out to her. Same old thing, working for nothing, giving my money away to Uncle Sam, you know, she answered. Life’s a bitch, girl. Didn’t anyone tell you that? Bird replied as he continued to walk the street to make his local hustle. Deborah was annoyed at his answer.

Bird was her mother’s old boyfriend, just before she mysteriously disappeared. He could never really remember what happened that night, only that they were talking as they were coming out of a bar on Twenty-third Street in Manhattan when something fast knocked him off his feet. When he came through, she was gone. The police tried to pin him with foul play. He spent three months in Rikers Island before he received a trial. She was five years old then, and her mother, Elaine Cotman, was twenty-five. It took Bird a long time to come to her, and she never held him responsible for her mother’s disappearance. She just assumed her mother was tired of struggling and left her, but Bird never seemed to think so. Once Bird got his mind right, he never seemed to let life get to him. That was twenty years ago. He became so successful with street life that his reputation became ruthless.

Deborah just shook her head and waved him on. She started thinking to herself, Life’s been too bitchy, and she needs a man. Leave me the hell alone, life. Deborah stood there, watching Bird get into his 2010 Mercedes S550. But before he pulled off, he brought the window automatically down and made a U-turn toward her. Deborah could smell the newly brought car; the leather smell was so good. Bird leaned over and looked at Deborah. It has been a long time since her mother was missing; since then they never really talked. The car door clicked. Get in, baby girl. Let’s talk, Bird said. She knew he was going to offer her some money, but she’s not going to make his promise to her mother a reality. I might have forgiven him, but I don’t trust him. Why should I? Deborah made a mental note. She looked around to see who was watching as she bent down. Bird has his good days, and his bad ones just like the street. No, she said to herself, he can’t help me. Therefore, she bent down to the window and told him that she was in a hurry. Maybe some other time. But looking straight at him, she repeated to herself, No, you cannot help me. Bird looked worried but did not answer. Then she heard the door click again, and he drove off like a madman down the road.

Deborah waited for the light to change. She made a face at how the neighborhood changed; she opened her eyes wider to take in the view. Everything seemed so dark to her; there was nothing happy about this place she called home. The people changed; everyone