The Death of 1977 (Book 3)

Chapter 12

"What on earth is all that noise, child?" Lynnette's mother shouted over the phone.

Rolling her eyes at both her mom and the passing trucks beside her as she stood at the phone booth on the sidewalk, Lynnette said aloud, "It's traffic, mama! I had to use the phone outside this time!"

Lynnette had to keep a close eye on not only her watch but also the passing traffic that would at times splash water and mud up and onto the sidewalk where she was standing. She made sure to keep both her multi-colored apron and shoes as far away from the curb as possible.

"How is dad doing?" Lynnette glanced all around at the various people walking past her up and down along the street and sidewalks.

Sighing, her mother said, "He actually started back to work just last week."

"Really," Lynnette perked right up. "I bet you're happy about that; not having to work anymore."

"Oh no, I'm still gonna keep my job." Her mother quickly spoke up. "We need as much money as we can get our hands on. I'm just glad that your father is able to work again. Hopefully his time off won't affect his pension."

"I'll be sending another check next Friday." Lynnette said. "I got shorted this week because...because the restaurant had a leak, and we had to cut our hours."

"Don't worry too much about your money. You need it more for your recovery."

Lynnette bit down on her bottom lip right then, just as she did almost every time they talked over the phone.

"Isaac's father called here the other day." Wilma bitterly muttered.

"Oh yeah," Lynnette asked with a hint of wonder in her tone. "How is he doing?"

"He wanted to see the baby. I told him that that wouldn't be a good idea."

Exhaling, Lynnette replied, "Mama, let Mr. Mercer see Isaiah. He hasn't done anything wrong to anyone. That's his grandson, too."

Wilma breathed in and out before moaning, "I guess so. But do you think it's safe to let him be alone with Isaiah?"

Hopelessly grinning, Lynnette said, "Mama, that man wouldn't hurt a fly. Believe me, I should know. Listen, I have to get going. Let me talk to Isaiah real quick, please."

Lynnette waited until she could hear the boy playfully screaming for his 'mommy.' All the young woman could do was hold her breath and try not to burst out into tears.

"Hi, mommy," Isaiah blurted out.

"Hi...hi, baby." She braced herself. "Have you been a good boy?"

"Yeah," he shouted. "I go see Harem Grobtotters' with papaw!"

"You saw The Harlem Globetrotters?" She laughed. "Did you like them?"

"Yes! They play basketball!"

Unable to contain her joy, Lynnette said, "I know they do, baby."

"Okay, I got go now!"

"Okay, honey. I love you."

"Love you!"

Lynnette couldn't contain herself any longer. Her face immediately exploded into tears right there on the sidewalk in front of everyone to see.

"I swear that child has such a loud voice." Wilma came back to the phone. "He's gonna grow up to be a singer, I can guarantee that."

Wiping her face, Lynnette cleared her throat. "Is...is he still having nightmares about dogs?"

"Off and on," Wilma's voice faltered. "I let him sleep with me and your dad sometimes."

wish so much I could be there with him."

just take care of your health. That's all

insert another quarter for five more minutes." The recording over the phone all of the sudden

"Mama, I'm

work,

love you, mama. And tell daddy I love him,

"We love you

had to do was hear her child and everyone and everything around her became like fog. The young lady continued to wipe her face before she eventually

than a blessing. There wasn't a day that passed by that she didn't want to race to the airport and hop on the very first plane back to Ohio.

such thoughts ever since first arriving in Jamaica. Nothing about the country made her feel at ease. Almost everything and everyone had gotten on her last nerve; and the people that she could tolerate were

began swirling about inside her mouth the closer she made it to the place until her feet that were pedaling so fast at one point started to feel like sludge. She got off the bike and lanced it to a wooden fence before speedily carrying herself to the backdoor.

her scarf around her already

"Ya keep getting later and later, girl!" Clea announced as she came

Lynnette blushed as she swiped one of the order tickets from off the hanging turnstile and studied its writing. Clea stood next to Lynnette and said nothing. Lynnette could feel a presence beside her

"Ya look like you've been

back, Lynnette said, "Oh...I was just thinking about

she always gets dat way after talking to her son!" Another one of the waitresses

one step, Clea took her by the hand and said, "Don't ya let Mr. Hunta or dose Yankee boys we be servin' all day see ya look like dat,

Instantly, Lynnette went over to the small mirror on the wall next to the backdoor and examined herself. Within the mirror she saw a face flush with both tears and sorrow. She promptly wiped it all away before turning, brushing right past Clea and bolting out into the busy dining area. Her once distressed

my name is Lynnette, and I'll be taking your order today." She continued

"Oh, you're actually an American!" The balding

Taken aback, Lynnette replied, "Yep, I sure

have to be the first American we've seen since we've been here." The lady appeared so amused. "We're the Millers. I'm June,

"Oh really,"

"Yeah, we've been here now for the past two days, and we haven't

"There's actually a few scattered

states are you from? If you don't mind us

"Are you serious?" They both lit up.

Still hugging her smile, Lynnette asked, "Wow, what

"What city are you

"Cypress."

Canton. We're here for our twentieth wedding anniversary." Bill enthusiastically gripped his wife's hand. "It's amazing that this town was started just a few years ago. " He marveled. "And

once tumbling stomach to gradually settle. It didn't make a difference what color they were, they reminded her of home, and

to The Kabal. Can I take your order?" She

slacks and a white

spoke in a

I get for

saying, "I must say that

a little while, and then I'm heading right

replied, "I see. I see. Well, what do

with a shot glass full of bourbon and a loud, jovial

rolled her eyes at the drunken man while Livingston appeared on the thralls of getting up and separating the man's head from the

Lynnette explained. "Sometimes it gets

taste," Livingston

"Well, the sweet potato hash is really good, so is the coconut

Lynnette removed her eyes away from the menu she noticed that Livingston suddenly had an intriguing glare staring right at her. It was

I have never tried sweet potatoes

my country we prepare them a

awfully glad to know that. This place beats an old pub anytime, my

to stand at the table, practically melting inside her own tennis shoes. She wasn't flattered,

have your sweet potato hash, and I shall top it off

Lynnette wrote down the man's order. "Okay, and will that

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