Bipolar Bears

By Nova Wallace

Thirty-three-year-old Shalanna Johnson has been through a lot in her life, but always manages to bounce back. Despite her challenges and less-than-ideal track record with men, she still has many lessons to learn.

Shalanna’s sister, Terry, is fighting her own battles. Unemployed and unable to pay her rent, she is now facing eviction and considering a new career as an exotic dancer. Unfortunately, she cannot lean on Shalanna for emotional support. The two sisters have always been at odds with each other due to a lifetime of favoritism and competitiveness. But when the unspeakable happens and the two rivals are forced to face their secret, now only time will tell if they can overcome their haunting past or if they will both be destroyed forever.

Bipolar Bears shares the intriguing tale of two sisters embroiled in a rivalry that shatters their world and takes them plunging downward to a dark place where they can only be healed by love and understanding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781491798843

Nova Wallace

Nova Wallace holds an associate’s degree from Lansing Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University. She is the author of the novel Finally Unrestricted, and currently resides in Michigan where she works as a journalist and enjoys spending time with her adult son.

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Copyright © 2016 Nova Wallace.

Author Credits: Deborah M. Walker

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-9885-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-9884-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016909238

iUniverse rev. date: 01/23/2020

Contents

Turning Tricks

Chapter One Shalanna

Chapter Two Terry

Chapter Three Shalanna

Chapter Four Terry

Chapter Five Shalanna

Chapter Six Terry

Chapter Seven Shalanna

Chapter Eight Terry

Chapter Nine Shalanna

Chapter Ten Terry

Chapter Eleven Shalanna

Chapter Twelve Terry

Chapter Thirteen Shalanna

Chapter Fourteen Terry

Chapter Fifteen Shalanna

Chapter Sixteen Terry

Chapter Seventeen Shalanna

Chapter Eighteen Terry

Chapter Nineteen Shalanna

Chapter Twenty Terry

Chapter Twenty-One Shalanna

About The Author

TURNING TRICKS

Nova Wallace

The darkest shadow dances across the floor.

Quickly, he makes it to the front door.

It is closed but not locked.

Anticipating his arrival, they crack it just a bit as he slips quietly through.

Tricks know the game.

Act quick; get shame.

Think smart; live long.

Never go where you don’t belong …

Dancing ever faster more—jumping, stomping, across the floor.

All night long this goes on.

He’s ready for them to play his song.

They cheer, so happy to have him there, never getting past that icy stare.

He dances until his girl is picked.

Damn, she can’t believe it; she just turned a trick.

Chapter One

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SHALANNA

Shalanna Johnson sat on her porch drinking a beer. She lived on a busy street and often enjoyed watching the cars zip by. She sometimes imagined one of the fast cars stopping. The shiny passenger door would open, and she’d climb in. She would go someplace sunny and exotic—the Bahamas, maybe.

Shalanna had been waiting for that moment for as long as she could remember. She could almost hear the sound of the honking horn beckoning her to come forward. Red—that was the color of the car—or maybe green. Who would be inside? She didn’t know. Perhaps a sultan or a movie star. She smiled to herself as she imagined running her fingers across the soft leather seats.

It was a chilly late-September day, and the breeze felt cool and refreshing against her skin. She took a sip from her beer and tilted her head up toward the sun. It had been a long day, and she was thankful it was almost over.

Shalanna sold life insurance, and at times, her job was stressful—especially on days like this, when a thousand-dollar deal fell through. The couple had canceled the policy just two days after buying it. Shalanna wanted to cry. Her cut was almost $400, and she wanted the money to pay for the new tires she desperately needed on her car.

But Shalanna didn’t let the deal bother her too much. She got more than thirty referrals from the couple and figured at least one of them would buy. Her boss, Steve Blankman, was livid. This was the third policy that had canceled on Shalanna in two weeks. She was too nice with people, Steve told her. She wasn’t closing the deal the way she was supposed to.

You have to be firm with them at the end. You know how many of my people cancel? Steve had asked her earlier that day.

Shalanna looked down at the ground. No. How many? she had answered.

Less than 10 percent, and those are the ones I knew were flaky to begin with.

Steve had called Shalanna into his office that morning with a stern look on his face. His blue eyes were dark with anger, and Shalanna hoped she wasn’t in trouble.

After his talk, Steve told her that he wanted to shadow her when she went out to work the next day. She wasn’t looking forward to that, but at least she wasn’t getting fired. Shalanna felt she was too old to look for another job. At the age of thirty-three, all she had was a high school diploma and a certificate in typing.

Shalanna had spent her life looking for a good job before she found the one at Herman Liberty. She had worked fast food for a couple of years and retail for a few more and then did cleaning for a while in addition to odd jobs. In those times, she made just enough money to afford the mortgage on her one-bedroom house.

Shalanna sat on her porch and tried not to think about her problems. She sipped on her beer and thought about the following day. She looked up and noticed someone walking down the street.

At the click-clack of approaching footsteps, she looked down and saw a pair of patent leather dress shoes bouncing down the street. Glancing up, she saw their owner dressed in a stripped blue suit that was too big. She stopped drinking and stared at the young man. Right away, she noticed his receding hairline. He looked to be about the same age as she.

The young man greeted her.

Shalanna smiled and returned his advance. He stopped to talk, and that was how she met Vernon Casey.

Vernon and Shalanna talked for more than an hour. They talked about jobs and cars and everything Shalanna could think of. She liked Vernon and wanted to pick his brain and get to know everything about him.

She felt a tingle on the inside, and for the first time in two years, she felt as if she could get close to someone again. But that was on the first day. And as everything goes, the first day was always the most special. That’s the time when the imagination gets to take hold and a person can envision any future possible.

So Shalanna let herself imagine a perfect life with Vernon, the young man with receding hair and exquisite conversation. After their talk, she walked back into her house, and before she could begin boiling the water for spaghetti, there was a knock at her door.

Girl, who was that I saw you talking to? her neighbor Victoria asked.

Victoria smiled, her pale pink lip-gloss sparkled. Her petite hips circled Shalanna, greedy for information. Her green eyes shined with excitement, glowing like an emerald for sale in a jewelry store. She shifted from side to side on her heels.

Shalanna allowed herself to smile. His name is Vernon Casey, she said before she had a chance to think.

Well, he sure is cute. But why is he walking? she said with a frown.

He doesn’t have a car, Shalanna answered.

Victoria shook her head. Well, look at the bright side, she said. At least you have someone to ride the bus with when your car finally stops working on you.

The two women laughed, even though Shalanna didn’t think she would be seeing much of Vernon. She hadn’t given him her phone number, and she hadn’t taken his. It was simply a friendly conversation, she told herself, nothing more than that.

The next day, after work, Shalanna was back on her porch. At the same time as the day before, a quarter after seven, there he was again, walking down her street. She felt herself perk up. She tried not to admit it, but she was happy to see the young man. He smiled when he saw her and seemed to be in a cheerful mood. She was glad. She hoped their conversation would last as long as the one yesterday.

How was ya day? he asked.

Good. I went out and closed two small deals today. It wasn’t as big as the one yesterday, but it’s enough to get the tires on my car.

Vernon shook his balding head at her. Why don’t you get rid of that thang? What year is it?

It’s a ’95, but Cavaliers are good cars. They’re meant to last a long time.

Well, it’s 2012. That thang is seventeen years old, ’n’ it gives ya trouble. Ya should thank ’bout gettin’ a new one.

Shalanna just smiled. She had only been at her job six months and felt that wasn’t long enough to buy something new. Besides, her car got her to where she was going, and that was all that mattered.

Vernon became tense and nervous. He wasn’t as relaxed as he had been the day before. After a couple of minutes, he seemed to calm down.

Shalanna tried to relax. He was making her nervous. After Derrick, her last boyfriend, she was afraid to get to know anyone.

What’s wrong with you? she asked.

Ahhh, Vernon said, sitting down on the porch. Ya wouldn’t understand. Man, I’m thirty-three ’n’ on the bus. Dat’s it. I got nothing to offer you …

Shalanna wanted to laugh. Vernon was talking like he was her man, and that was funny to her. She only smiled at him and told him it was all right—that she could take care of herself. And she could. She had been through a lot in her thirty-three years as well. No matter what happened, she always managed to bounce back.

Shalanna didn’t understand men like Vernon. He had nothing to offer her, and he never would. With Vernon, all you got was his company. But she didn’t care. So what if he didn’t have a vehicle? Perhaps the shiny car wouldn’t stop at all. Maybe she would have to settle for shiny shoes instead.

Vernon and Shalanna sat on the porch talking. Cars passed them by one after another. Then several buses passed by. The sun had begun to set, and the two of them continued to talk. Vernon got up off the porch to chase a begging squirrel away.

Stop it. That’s Murphey, Shalanna said.

The squirrel backed away but didn’t run. Once he saw that Vernon was no longer a threat, he came back over and shook his tail at Shalanna.

I neva’ seen one walk right up to ya befo’, he said.

He comes to me every day around this time because I’m out here drinking my beer and I usually have bread with me.

Vernon smiled. So youz an animal lova’, huh? he asked.

I wouldn’t say I was an animal lover, but I like to help out our furry friends.

Vernon nodded his head. Shalanna noticed the muscles wrapped around his tight arms. His thick lips and curly dark hair were attractive to her. She wanted to run her fingers through it but thought otherwise. She noticed curly hairs stuck to the back of his shirt and knew his hair was falling out. Perhaps they came from his hairline.

Vernon left just in time to catch the last bus.

Shalanna remained on her porch. Victoria stopped by to chat. She had on a pair of leggings and a low-cut shirt. She wore heavy makeup and a hair weave that made her look like a Jersey girl. Victoria’s family was wealthy. They paid most of her bills, and she worked for fun and spending money.

So I see your visitor came to see you again, she said and smiled.

Shalanna unleashed a super grin. Yeah, she said. He was upset that he didn’t have a car.

Well, he should be. At least he’s a bum that knows he’s a bum.

Shalanna frowned. Don’t talk about him. He’s a nice guy, she said, turning away.

I’m just saying there’s something wrong with him. I can tell he seemed depressed. He had his head down the entire time you were talking, and I didn’t see him smile once.

Shalanna laughed. So you were clocking us that hard?

Victoria smirked. Just gotta keep an eye out for you. I know how you can get. You’re so nice people can take advantage of you. You trust everyone. So where’s he from?

Benton Harbor …

Victoria stared at Shalanna with large eyes. You’ve got to be kidding me. Benton Harbor? That’s worse than Flint, she said.

Derrick was from Flint, Shalanna said with a frown.

I know.

Shalanna shook her head. There’s nothing wrong with him. He’s a nice guy—

Victoria shook her head. Please stop. This has all the makings of a problem. This guy from the bus comes walking down your street. He seems nice and happy. The next day, he comes back sad and depressed for no reason … So tell me why was he so upset?

Shalanna let out a sigh. Because he doesn’t have much to offer me … I told him that didn’t matter. I could take care of myself, she said.

Victoria gazed at Shalanna quietly. How long have I been your neighbor?

Oh my, I don’t know, six years … Shalanna said, wondering where this was going.

And I tell you something, I’ve seen you go through a lot in those years. I can tell you this; you keep dealing with that guy, and you’re going to go through something worse than ever before. What did I tell you about dating after thirty? It’s dangerous. People are different, scandalous and out for themselves. I promise you this: before the month’s over, he’ll be living with you … Victoria said, shaking her head.

Yet, Shalanna wasn’t listening. She was already thinking about what she was going to cook Vernon for dinner when he finally came in. She had made up in her mind that Vernon was it. Shalanna was depressed and often rushed into situations. So far she hadn’t learned her lesson.

The two friends, close ever since Shalanna saved Victoria from a wild dog shortly after Shalanna moved across the street six years ago, talked on the porch until the sun went down. Then they said their good-byes.

Shalanna walked into the house. The hum from the refrigerator soothed her. She tried not to smile to herself or jump around in a circle like a child at an amusement park. She was excited. She had met someone. Derrick, her last boyfriend, told her she would never meet anyone else as great as he was. He gave her the typical speech as she walked out the door, taking only what she could carry.

Shalanna had wanted to take the new sofa she’d helped pay for or the kitchen table her mother had given her, but she was afraid of Derrick. He was big, bigger than even her father, who stood over six feet tall. Derrick was also strong. He dug ditches for the city in the summer, and in the winter, he hung drywall.

After the last punch in the face, Shalanna knew it was over. It took three restraining orders and a gun before she could get rid of Derrick, but in the end, he was gone and she was safe.

Shalanna had given Vernon her phone number, and before she could settle in for the night, he called.

Hey, baby, he said.

Shalanna thought it was a rush to call her baby on the second day, but she told herself it was a small thing and not to think anything of it.

I just wanted ya ta know I can’t stop thinkin’ ’bout ya. Since yestaday dis has been drivin’ me crazy.

Shalanna allowed herself to smile. Vernon was a nice guy, and that was all that she was waiting for.

They talked on the phone for over an hour before Shalanna felt herself drifting off to sleep. They said good night, and she hung up the phone. She gathered the sheets up to her neck, bundled up, she drifted off.

Chapter Two

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TERRY

Terry paced back and forth in her house. She was waiting on Doug, her landlord, to come over. It was September 22, seven days before the rent was due. Terry didn’t know what she was going to say. She didn’t have the money, and this was the fourth month she’d gone without paying.

Terry heard a knock on the door. Her underarms began to moisten. She opened the door and let Doug in. He came in and sat on the couch as he always did. He had a serious look on his face.

Terry hadn’t thought this far ahead. She had had no job when she moved in. All she had was a settlement from her last job. Terry hurt her hand working at Dart Industries and could no longer work. The settlement was for almost $70,000. But that money didn’t last long. Terry paid bills, bought a new SUV, and went shopping. She got her money in September 2011, and by June 2012, it was gone.

Terry tried to explain to Doug where his money was. She was supposed to start a new job, but the morning she was to report to work, they had called her and said that her start was delayed. Terry hadn’t handled it well. She heard herself yelling obscenities at the woman over the phone. Before she could finish, the phone was dead and her job was gone.

I don’t have your money. I will have a hundred for you next week though. I’m going to try Labor Ready. They pay by the day. I filled out my application today, she said.

Doug let out a sigh. Okay, he said. Terry, I don’t want to do this to you, but I have to. My wife is asking questions. I think you’re a nice person, but I need my money.

A tear welled in Terry’s eye. Her stomach began to cramp and hurt. A bead of sweat dripped from her armpit. She bit her bottom lip and nodded her head up and down. She had no clue as to where she was going to get the money. Doug turned and left. She knew it was only a matter of time before she got another eviction notice. He had served her a notice six weeks ago, and Terry promised to be out, yet she hadn’t packed as much as one box.

Doug was an old white man who hunched over. Terry watched as he limped to his car. She felt guilty, as if she was taking advantage of him. She told herself it was only for a few more weeks. She would find a job and pay him.

Terry lit her wine flavored Black & Mild