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."

much I

"He'll be just fine, girl. You just take care of your health. That's all that

five more minutes." The recording over the phone all of

"Mama, I'm almost out of

work, Lynn, and

"Okay, I love you, mama. And tell daddy I love

love

quick enough. After so long, the irate noise of the traffic became all but soundless. All she 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

There wasn't a day that passed by that she didn't want

and the people that she could tolerate were beginning to wear thin upon her as well. From the food, the noise, the rain

The moment her bike rounded the bend that dead ended towards The Kabal her stomach immediately began twisting and churning. A sour taste 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.

Lynnette only wrapped her scarf around her

later, girl!" Clea

blushed as she swiped one of the order tickets from off the hanging turnstile and studied its writing. Clea stood next

"Ya look like you've been cryin', girl." Clea whispered

Lynnette said, "Oh...I

to her son!" Another one of the waitresses loudly remarked as she carried a large plate

step, Clea took her by the hand and said, "Don't ya

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 face had within the span of three seconds blossomed into a blissful bouquet of a smile and dreamy eyes that caused most patrons to instantaneously take notice of her. Lynnette spotted her

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

an American!" The balding man

Taken aback, Lynnette replied,

we've been here." The lady appeared so amused. "We're the Millers.

really," Lynnette began to

here now for the past two days, and we haven't seen

few scattered about here

"Whereabouts from the states are you

"Are you serious?" They both

smile, Lynnette asked, "Wow, what

"What city

"Cypress."

his wife's hand. "It's amazing that this town

have for a waitress, but Lynnette couldn't seem to help herself. Just hearing another voice that didn't sound like an islander's caused her once tumbling stomach to gradually settle. It didn't make a difference what color they were, they reminded her of home, and that alone made the young woman only laugh all the harder at their over-exuberant behavior. Once she had taken their orders Lynnette ran the ticket back to the kitchen. She then came back

Kabal. Can I take

blazer, matching slacks and a white shirt, placed the menu down onto

day, Love." He spoke in

I get

straight at Lynnette before saying, "I must say that I've been

a little

Glaring with kindness, Livingston replied, "I see. I see. Well, what

sloggered, everyone!" Silas came stumbling out of nowhere with

on the thralls of getting up and separating the man's head from

"You'll have to forgive him." Lynnette explained. "Sometimes it gets a

my taste," Livingston grumbled under his

Pointing down at the menu, Lynnette said, "Well, the sweet potato hash is really good, so is the coconut

that Livingston suddenly had an intriguing glare staring right at her.

from my homeland, I have never tried sweet potatoes

"Back in my country we prepare them

"I'm awfully glad to know that. This place beats an

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

I shall top

the man's order. "Okay, and will that be

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