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."

"I wish so much I could

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

quarter for five more minutes." The recording over the

I'm

to work, Lynn, and we'll talk

you, mama. And tell daddy I

"We love

the irate noise of the traffic became all but soundless. All she had to do was hear her child and

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. She was beginning to believe

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 beginning to wear thin upon her as well. From the food, the noise, the rain and the heat Lynnette just wanted to drop dead right in the middle of the street and

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. The very second she walked through

her scarf around her already sweating head and inhaled the curry

keep getting later and later, girl!" Clea announced as she came flying through the swinging doors from the

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

"Ya look like you've been cryin',

Jumping back, Lynnette said, "Oh...I was just

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

even one step, Clea took her by

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

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

actually an

Taken aback, Lynnette replied, "Yep, I sure

we've seen since we've been here." The

"Oh really," Lynnette began to relax a

past two days,

a few scattered about

the states are you from? If you don't mind us asking," Bill

serious?" They both lit

smile, Lynnette

"What city are you

"Cypress."

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. "

longer than it should 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

"Hello, sir. Welcome to The Kabal. Can I take your order?" She continued

slacks

He spoke in a more

"What can I get

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

here for a little while, and

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

came stumbling out of nowhere with

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

have to forgive him." Lynnette explained. "Sometimes it gets a little rowdy in

bit garish for my taste,"

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

an intriguing glare staring right at her. It was an alluring, if not spaced out stare that caused the young lady's smile to

I have never tried sweet potatoes before." Livingston

"Back in my country we prepare them a bit differently; but they're

"I'm awfully glad to know that.

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

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

man's order. "Okay, and

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