Black Family Secrets

By Andrea L. Nelson

Shhhhh, what goes on in this family stays in this family! Momma Begonia Black means just that, a secret (including her own). Join the Blacks as they embark on one escapade after another. Momma Begonia voice tells the story of her family as they all weave a trail through their community with sex, wit, joy, love, and murder. We all have secrets, most of which stay in the closetnot the Blacks. Their secrets seem to jump right out and formally introduce themselves.

Enjoy! God is good all the time!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514489895

Andrea L. Nelson

Andrea L. Nelson is a native of Dallas, Texas. This is her second book.

Book preview

Begonia Black Grandmother

Any Place, U.S.A.

M y family is absolutely crazy. Well, maybe me too. I know things. I know things that they do not know that I know. I see and hear it all. They cannot pull any wool over my eyes. My seventy three year old eyes have yet to fail me. I rely upon my eyes and ears, they are my best friends. Just the other day, my Granddaughter Summer Tyme, yeah that is her name; her momma gave her that, because she was born in the middle of July, I personally think the name is stupid, even for my Grandchild.

Summer Tyme walked into the kitchen, smiling, always smiling like she is holding a million and one dollars in her back pockets. Walked straight up to me and asked me what am I doing? Like there is nothing in the world to do but ask your granny what it is she is doing.

Well, I was actually waiting on something to jump off, as the younger people say.

There is never a dull moment around here. Something always cooking and I do not mean in the pots over there on the stove.

Take for example, Summer Tyme's father; my son, Bourbon. Bourbon is my first born; I gave him that name because that was what I was drinking when me, and his daddy, Coal- got together one wintery night, and conceived Bourbon.

I truly feel sorry for my son. He's been moping around here since he was five. His daddy left one evening and never came back to check on the children.

Folks tell me he died; I never saw his dead body. Died, bless his little feeble heart, I tell you. But gather me this, if Coal is dead like they say; why does he always make his way into my dreams to see me? I see him. I feel him. I smell his scent all the way across my deluxe master bedroom. Powerful; that man cannot stay away from me, even in death.

And he is good to me at night- Jesus. My children do not believe me. They say that I am the one who is crazy, but I beg to differ. I know what I know, and I am going to stick by my wits.

Bourbon cannot seem to forgive his father, even after all of these years. He is moody, sullen and just plain ignorant. But on the weekends, he occasionally was the life of the party, with alcohol's help, his best buddy.

I did try when he was a teen to seek emotional help or whatever they call it in the robber's office, you know the doctor that robs you, asking all the questions while taking your money, yeah them. That boy just sat there; would not talk to anyone about his father. Just kept his fists balled up. Oh well, I gave up. I tried.

Had to see to my sweet, sweet son, Nearly ; now that one there, ump, that is my heart. I know several secrets about him too, but will carry them to my grave.

Lord forgive me, I know that you are not supposed to have favorites in your children, but that child there is a wonderful son and amazing man; excellent husband to that now dimwitted girl; yeah, he and Bourbon are seven years apart, ok, I saw your eyes bulk up, yes he was born seven years after Bourbon.

I did say that Bourbon was my first born, seven year difference...well... I did not tell the secret about Nearly; now did I?

Now we are on the part about Bourbon's wife; quiet sort of girl, at least at first; Strange but different.

Family weird; not that we are not, but we are weird in the good way. It took me about twelve years to figure out what this girl was up to, and by golly, I got it. Jeanette.

That is her name, Jeanette how plain can you get in a name, and in a person? She is just basic, and do-right simple, and a grand slut.

Then she went and named her children these crazy butted names; Summer Tyme and Canyon.

Canyon is hers, and maybe Bourbon's son. I will get to Canyon in a minute. Jeanette is the quiet, sneaky, makes you want to follow her type.

Oh she keeps a clean house and all, not as good as I would if I was still up- well wanting to do it.

She's all right, would not have picked her for my son. Never goes to Church, but sends her children. What type of mess is that?

Always needing to rest in the middle of the week. Ump, needs to I guess.

Canyon: probably goanna be just like his daddy. Quiet: not a drinker yet, senior in high school. I see that look in his eyes, like a deer ready to bolt.

Don't think he likes me much, heck, don't think he likes any of us in this house much. But he is smart. Always have gotten good grades in school, scholar. I think that is the title they bestowed upon him in the awards assembly. My grandson is naturally smart.

Coal says he is proud of both of his Grandchildren. Told me so, just last night; right before he made sweet love to me until the early morning hours. Just thinking upon it, makes me tremble. God is good.

Canyon spoke of College, his Mother shot that down. Wants him to stay and be near her. His whole disposition changed. I saw it.

When papers come regarding different colleges, Jeanette throws them into the trash. Canyon never gets to see them.

Bless his wanting heart; he just wants to get away. Can't much blame him; all young people need to get out and see the world. Experience something different, see how other people live. Get the heck away from this family awhile.

Well, Bell. Bell is my other daughter in Law. She may be the one who had any sense- at first. Married to my son Nearly for 'bout eighteen years now.

I hate to say it, but my son may have just driven this girl down the lane to Crazy Ville Drive. Why have I not stepped in and intervened? No, I try to stay out of my children's business, just keep my thoughts to myself, until I need to say something.

Nearly and Bell live down the street 'bout five or six houses over. Bell was born on Christmas day. I guess that is why they took to naming her Bell.

Bless her little half-crazy heart; I guess if she did not love Nearly so darned much; she would not be there.

But it is just one thing that I guess stands out to me. Bell's family; she only allows them to come over on Christmas day.

They so needy, they just flock to her. Almost run out of the car to get to her front porch. Smiling, hugging her tight. The way her momma hugs her, you would think they have not seen her in a year or more, well, I guess they haven't. Bless them all Jesus. But still, it is a lot that I do not understand. But one thing I do know is that this story belongs to us ALL.

We are the Black's.

Shhh! What goes on in this family, stays in this family!

Bourbon Black

B ourbon finished dressing in his work clothing. Glancing at the clock on his nightstand, it seemed that five fifteen came sooner than it needed to.

Looking at his wife, Jeanette, sleeping wildly, soundly, he purposely sat on the bed with a forceful landing. Jeanette did not move. Bourbon noticed how her mouth hung in an irregular manner.

At least one Wednesday of the month was never good for Jeanette. She was always so tired; she went for her Tuesday night drive when she needed a little time for herself.

Guessing that she was probably was tired; putting up with his Mother was enough for anyone to feel tired after sitting with her all day.

Feeling a slight pane of guilt, Bourbon wondered to himself why he never did build a home for his family, he did promise his wife one day he would move her out of his Mother's home.

Along came the children, Summer Tyme, Canyon. There never seemed to be enough money or dreams to make that move happen.

Stirring, Jeanette looked slightly over at her husband, turned over. Bourbon wondered what that was about.

Touching her thigh, she jumped, and scooted away. Purposely ignoring her husband, she continued to lightly snore.

Bourbon sat and looked at his wife, guessing maybe he needed to spend more time with her. Thinking about it again, maybe not; seemed lately, that he did not care that much anymore about her; something was just different, he felt it.

Standing, he looked down at her again. Feeling sorry for his marriage, he realized he never quite gave her a chance; wondering if he ever loved Jeanette.

Marrying quickly, moving into another woman's home, never having anything to call your own would make any woman angry. Slowly walking away, loudly closing the door.

Bourbon stood in the hallway, with his hand still on the knob. He glanced down at the floor.

The same floor that he grew up with, nothing has changed; same rugs; same tattered window dressing hanging loosely on the window down the hall, same paint; just a heavy pain in his heart when he thought of his father, which lately was quite often.

Walking past his son's room, he noticed a light beaming at the bottom of the door. Opening the door, Canyon was sitting in a made up bed with pillows behind his back.

Morning son, you are up early. Bourbon sat in a chair that was neatly pulled up to the writing desk.

"Yeah, I was looking over information about another college that accepted me. I want to go to school dad.

I guess you know that I had to get a post office box in order to get my information sent to me. All the info that comes into this house addressed to me; gets thrown into the trash. Momma is on her heels to make sure that I do not get to go to college. What is up with her?"

Canyon looked at his Father, waiting on an answer.

I do not know. But if you want to go to school, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you get there. I promise you this, you will go to college. Don't worry about the Post Office box, I understand. Now let me see that paper, I need to see what's up with this school.

Bourbon handled the acceptance letter as though it was gold. He had seen the look on his son's face; he once had that look himself. Needing to make sure that his son got away. Not wanting him to be stuck in this town; or this house; a minute more than he needed to.

Well, looks good to me, you are at the top acceptance of this school, what do we need to do to make this happen?

Bourbon watching the time, hearing his own bedroom door open slowly; knowing that his wife would soon be listening if not already.

I am going to need your tax information from last year, and this year. We have to fill out a dorm application, and send money for the application fee, which I have.

Canyon seemed excited with the prospect of going away. He too heard the door open, and the creak of the floor before one entered his bedroom.

Taking the paper gently from his father, he folded the contents back into the envelope before his mother could enter his bedroom.

Placing the envelope in his sneaker; he seemed to be tying his shoe as his Mother entered his bedroom.

Jeannette entered quickly through the half opened door. She pretended to be yawning.

Good morning gentlemen. Bourbon, shouldn't you be leaving now? Is there a particular reason why you are still here?

Canyon, get on up, knock on your Sister's door on the way to the bathroom, would not want you to miss your bus, now would we?

Jeanette looked around the bed, not seeing any letter made a mental note to scour this room as soon as everyone had left.

I will be fine; I will not be late for work. I will be fine. What do you have planned for today?

Bourbon looked at his wife, waiting for an answer; he noticed that she seemed to be looking for something in Canyon's room. She did not answer, kept looking around. Tying her robe tighter, Bourbon, stood, and deliberately pulled the robe sash loose as he left the room, right behind Canyon.

Jeanette looked at them both as she re-tied her robe. Something was up. Too many hushed talks in this house. Canyon was up to something. Could not put her finger on it, but he was up to something, Jeanette felt it.

Bourbon seemed quiet lately; maybe she needed to spend some time with him before he got any ideas.

Walking down the hall, Jeanette bumped into her mother in law dashing for the bathroom. Looking inside her Mother in Law's bedroom, Jeanette noticed the crumpled bed, again.

Had a rough sleep momma, I see your blankets all over the floor, you seem to be sleeping wildly again, you ok?

Momma Begonia took her time answering from inside of the bathroom. She purposely started her water, smiling, she thought she sure did have a rough night.

Coal Black showed up in her dreams again, this time he did not knock softly on her door that led to the outside, she had purposely left the latch undone, he entered her bedroom as he had done so many other nights before with a heated passion, her.

Good morning darling, I am good, more than good. How's everyone? I slept like a princess. Momma Begonia smiled as she slipped into the water.

Knowing that Jeannette was still at the door wanting more conversation, listening intently; today she was not giving her anymore answers than needed, today is going to be a good day.

Say, since you are still standing there; do me a favor, get me some coffee ready. I feel like some good strong black coffee, I need my strength back.

Momma Begonia looked at the bottom of the door until she did not see a shadow, Jeanette had walked off, finally; she thought that girl.

Walking into the gloomy, boring kitchen Jeanette thought about her mother in law. Lately there had been strange noises coming out of her bedroom.

At first Jeanette hoped her mother in law was having seizures or choking in her sleep.

Last night when Jeannette passed by her in law's door, it was way after 3 a.m.; the old lady was still making those choking, grunting sounds.

Just last week, she thought she heard the woman fall; waking up Bourbon, they tried to get into her door, but to no avail, it was locked; she awoke assuring them through the door she was fine and asleep; which she laughed as they walked away.

Another time before, the children heard her talking gobble in her sleep, so it seemed.

Bourbon had mentioned that there were many footprints outside his mother's bedroom door that led to the outside; she quickly mentioned that she went for midnight walks quite often.

Bourbon knew that they were men footprints, his sized twelve fit perfectly into the mud mold.

When Jeanette entered the kitchen, Bourbon was sitting at the table, looking intently at his wife, neither showing any love for the other.

Ok, I will see you this evening and we need to talk. Bourbon stood and waited for an answer, a kiss on the lips, a goodbye. Neither one came in any order.

If we must; about what? Jeannette wondered what they going to talk about now. Surely Canyon would not be speaking on the school thing again.

Look, Bourbon, I have told Canyon many times before if he wants to go to school, he can stay home and attend some schools around here. No need to go far away from me, I mean home. We are family and we all need to stay together.

Jeanette looked satisfied. Pouring the coffee crystals into the container, Bourbon walked up behind his wife's left ear, she, feeling his hot breath; she got excited for half of second before he spoke.

If my son desires to go to school, he is going. You will not be stopping him. He is smart, intelligent, and a good student. He has not given us any trouble, he wants to go Jeanette: he needs to go.

Bourbon stood for a moment, not remembering the last time he had held his wife in his arms, he felt a deep ache, for what, he could not remember.

No, and my answer still stands. Bourbon I live with these children, you are just here. I feed them, watched them grow, scolded them, you cannot make a decision without me. Canyon needs to stay home, I can watch him.

He needs to be here with me, there are all types of crazy people in the world, especially women.

Jeanette felt panic flowing through her. She was about to lose her first born in a couple of months. She felt it.

He is going to school. Bourbon picked up his coffee canteen that was still empty, went out the kitchen door, slamming the back door that shook the house as he left.

Jeanette felt his anger, which he has hardly ever shown.

Jeanette heard the crunch of the gravel as he stomped to his vehicle. She imagined him throwing the coffee canteen across the seat.

She knew that he always sat in his car before starting his engine as he processed his thoughts. She knew that Bourbon was a thinker she also knew the conversation would be on his mind all day.

As the vehicle was started, Bourbon looked toward the house. Jeanette knew that he was thinking about their marriage.

There was no love, no compassion, only two children that was holding the thread between the parents like puppets on a string.

How could she forget about her mother in law, the evil one always watching, like a hawk?

Jeanette Black

C anyon walked into the kitchen, feeling his mother's stare. She looked him square in the eye. Let me see the letter. Jeanette held out her hand, the other hand on her hip, she meant business.

What letter? Canyon did not flinch. He knew she had been listening this morning. They stared each other down until Grandmother Begonia came into the kitchen.

Looking over both, she paused before speaking.

Canyon, get your Sister, you both go out and wait on the bus. I want to speak to your Mother alone.

As the two children walked by, they both kissed their Grandmother on each cheek, walked passed their Mother. As soon as the door closed, she started in on Jeanette.

Jeanette, you need to stop it. You have been ignoring these children for months. Stop it, look at yourself, you look a mess. Coming in all times of the night; Creeping around town, everyone talking about you.

You are a Mother for goodness sakes; what do you think you are doing, don't answer, I know what you are doing. I just wanted to hear you say it.

Momma Begonia stood watching Jeanette, surprised herself that she had indeed said it out loud. Jeanette faked being hurt for a half second.

What on earth are you talking about? I just need to get out sometimes. I feel so stretched, so out of it sometimes. Overwhelmed with all the work there is to do around here, just needed some time for myself, you DO understand?

As Jeanette asked the question she looked her Mother in Law in the eye. Letting her know that she did not care what anyone said, or what she thought she or anyone knew.

Look, whatever you think you might know, since you like hinting around my business, you might want to act like you know nothing! Whatever it is you think I might be doing, with my time, stay out of it! It is not too many pots than can call the kettle black, now is it?

Jeanette stood for a moment looking at her Mother in Law. Not believing what she just heard come out of her own mouth.

Girl, you better learn to whom you are speaking to in this manner. This is still my home, which you have been a part of for twenty long years. If you do not like what I have to say, you are free to leave any time your feet can carry you to that yard out there. Don't push me.

I only put up with you because you are with Bourbon. You DO understand? Mama Begonia this time stared Jeanette in the eye.

I still want you to stay out of my business. Jeanette looked down at the kitchen floor. Not knowing exactly what her Mother in Law knew, Jeanette felt she had to stand her ground.

Hush. If I wanted to be in your business, I would listen to what all the people of the town had to say all about you, especially the men folk. You are their business. You are the talk of the town, driving around on certain nights, looking possessed. Mama Begonia walked away toward the bedroom, laughing.

Jeanette sat at the kitchen table. Wondering if people really knew all about her business; secrets do not stay secret very long in a small community.

Thinking back, Jeanette counted on her fingers how long she had been doing what she loved; sneaking around like a cat; over thirty something years now. Blowing a breath of air out of her lungs, she could not remember why she carried on and craved the companion of men other than her husband.

It all started many years before she had met Bourbon. When she was a teenager, she was a free spirit type of girl. The system had removed her and her sister, Josie from their Mother's home many times before. The last time, it was final.

Staying in a group home, it was easy to pick up the habits of others. Habits, that is, what Jeanette had developed were bad disgusting nasty habits.

Thinking back, Jeanette felt shamed; hanging her head low, hoping that her Mother in Law did not know what exactly she had been doing. All she needed for the social senior citizens club to get a hold of this information.

For some strange exotic reason, every other Tuesday, Jeanette has felt hot. Feels like she needs to get out and explore.

For as long as she can remember, she has always had a hot, deep, sexual nature about her. She also had the gift of writing, writing sensual, exotic stories that appealed to her, helping her pass the time.

In the state group home, she would write letters to her friends. Only to the boys; they were her true friends. They always made her feel special, good.

Jeanette's had the nicest penmanship in the ward. She took to finding scrap black construction paper, folding it pretty; even making the envelopes out of the construction paper.

Finding a silver pen, with silver ink; which used to be hard to locate; she would write her requests for her suitors.

The letters would always start off with the proper greeting of Dear Sir: included in her instructions of where to arrive, what to wear, black of course, white adhesive bandage stuck to one's eyes, covered with a cotton scarf, black of course.

Must arrive alone, no one must follow to named location. Must bathe before arriving, teeth must be brushed, absolutely no cologne on the body accepted. Jeanette always supplied the condom(s).

Jeannette wanted to cry. Thinking of how she had met with so many boys in the basement, behind the kitchen of the school; how she had left so many notes in their lockers for them, inside of their closets, in their underwear drawer when she had snuck into their rooms; whomever she picked for the date, each one always showed up on time. Smiling; thinking they were hiding behind the bandages and scarf.

It was all a game for Jeanette. She played her part well.

Things are not much different now. She is still the same; more matured hotness oozes out of her pores.

Meeting men: not inexperienced boys. Directions still the same; only thing is, Jeannette is timely, always early to arrive in the woods, waiting on her prey, barely able to sit still.

As the men prepared themselves by their cars; she watches as they place the bandages on their own eyes; then tie the black scarf around their eyes, each always followed the directions.

Slowly Jeanette walks up like a cat, never speaking; leading her prey by the hand into her car, which is always parked in another location; where she starts the vehicle and drives around the area for about ten minutes in circles.

After the drive, she pulls back into the same location; parks, then lead whomever out of her vehicle to a waiting blanket.

Slowly, completely undressing the gentleman; she then ties the gentleman hands behind his back.

What awaits the gentlemen is pure ecstatic ecstasy for three hours straight. Some howl as though there is a full moon, others moan so loudly, Jeanette has to place her entire breast over their mouths to quiet them down.

Others; buck wildly without control, which only excites Jeanette much more. When she is completely satisfied and finished, she ties the men up loosely to a nearby tree by one wrist, dress herself; walk their clothing to another tree, which all of this has been well planned, so if they men happen to become free before she gets to her car, she will have time to speed away.

Jeannette has thought of everything, so she thinks. They usually sleep awhile before awakening and remember where they are, and have done, and with whom.

Arriving back home after three in the morning; Jeanette always feels free, lovely, renewed, as though she has been on an animal hunt, and bagged her prey.

She smiles as she bounces out of her husband's car. She walks with a pronounced step; better than any workout.

Inserting her key into the lock, she almost whistles as she enters into the empty kitchen, like a cat hunting for dinner.

Smiling, she walks straight into the family's bathroom. Immediately starting the warm water; Jeanette seems in a hurry to shed her clothing. Holding her breath, she steps into the still filling tub; smiling.

Turning the steaming water off, she sits even though her heart is beating fast from holding her breath, letting out a deep gutted breath with a cough, Jeanette is tickled pink at herself.

Once again, it was good sex; too good; this one goes back on her personal highly requested list, gold shelf. This one has never disappointed her, never. He will be in rotation for a month or so, she thinks.

Drying off, Jeannette thinks of no one but herself. Smiling, she gathers her soiled clothing and walks to the washing machine, dropping the used blanket and her clothing from the sensual activity into the washer, starting it with no regards to the other family members in the household.

She does not care that she is walking around completely naked, it is as natural to her as much as what she had just done without her husband in the woods, with another man that is probably married to someone she knows quite well.

Jeanette pats the washing machine as though it has done a personal favor for her. Sitting on top of the washing machine, the humming excites her.

Gapping her legs as wide as they can possible go, Jeanette pleasures herself along with the humming of the washing machine.

"There is something to be said about old washers, they rock and hum just like a well- trained man. Jeanette was in heaven again for the second time in a night.

Canyon Black

C anyon and Summer Tyme stepped off the bus in front of their home. Canyon took his time walking up the drive.

Thinking about his Mother's anger this morning, he knew that things were going to get worse before they got better.

Wishing that his father was at home, dreading going into the house because he knew that his Grandmother was going to be forever staring, and his Mother probably had combed his room with the finest of combs.

Ok, what is wrong? You still mad about this morning? Summer Tyme asked while smiling. She loves her big brother, cannot understand why he wanted to leave home.

One thing that she was sure of when she became a senior in high school, she was not leaving this town or her Uncle Nearly or his wife Aunt Bell. Summer Tyme loved her Uncle and Aunt with a love that made her warm inside.

"No, I am not still mad. A lot of things are going on, you will never understand. You have someplace to go and chill.

Uncle Nearly and Aunt Bell will welcome you with open arms. I am stuck here, until I leave, whenever that will be". Canyon stopped walking, staring at his house, wishing he could keep walking right by it.

You can visit Uncle Nearly anytime you wish. They are always asking about you. You are the one who acts different toward everyone.

Come on, it is not that bad. Let's go on in, I know that momma has dinner all ready.

Summer Tyme walked in; as usual, Momma Begonia was sitting at the kitchen table waiting on the children to come home.

Evening Momma Begonia, where's momma? Summer Tyme looked at the stove which there was nothing on it, looking in the refrigerator, no left over's.

Looking at her Grandmother, who smiles and hunches her shoulders before answering.

It is Wednesday, your Mother is napping; you know she is always so tired on some Wednesday's.

Tell you what, I am going to teach you to cook today, we are going to have a hallelujah good time in this kitchen, go change, I will teach you how to cook and you do exactly what I say, all right?

Momma Begonia looked satisfied, as she instructed her Granddaughter about what was about to happen. Where is Canyon?

Standing outside, not wanting to enter; said something about Momma tripping. Summer Tyme was walking back into her room, eager to cook when her Mother passed her in the hallway.

I am tripping? He is trying to ruin his life? Tell that boy to come on in this house. Wait a minute, I will go and take care of this. I am going to put a stop to all of this nonsense.

Jeanette walked quickly toward the front door. Stopping suddenly; Summer Tyme and Mama Begonia ran into the back of her; because she had stopped so quickly.

Jeanette turned and looked at them both with annoyance; her asthma had been acting up, immediately she started a round of coughing.

Thinking, Jeanette thought maybe she should leave Canyon alone. He would surely mention this incident to Bourbon, and she did not need Canyon