Peace I what I leave with you; it is my peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does.
John 14:27
A couple of weeks later, January goes to visit Hyacinth and her son, Jabari. She thinks about the entire situation, including its hindsight. When she visits the Montagues, she wants to tell them her final decision in person. When the doorbell rang, Hyacinth answers the door.
"January…nice to see you, again," Hyacinth greets.
"I'm sorry for coming unannounced," January apologizes.
"No worries. Come in."
"Thank you."
The two women walk into the living room; January sits on the edge of the loveseat while Hyacinth sits on the sofa facing her.
"Would you like anything to drink," Hyacinth ask?
"No, thank you," January asks, "This will not take long. Um…I have been putting up with such a fight with the "Jabari and Zora" situation…I had no idea that that happened. Please understand Mrs. Montague, my daughter, and I are going through a lot. I'm afraid of my baby getting hurt again. Please, you know I want to protect my child and my grandchild."
"You have done a fine job raising Zora. She is a fine young lady who is going to be a wonderful wife and mother because she learned from the best. Let her walk on her own, but if she stumbles, Zora knows that her mother will be there to help her."
"Mrs. Montague…"
"Please, call me Hyacinth."
"…Hyacinth, I can see things much clearer now…but I have two conditions."
"What's that?"
"If Zora and Jabari get married, they must finish their college education."
"Done."
"Then, it's settled. Zora and Jabari have my blessing to get married; I'll tell Zora right away."
"Oh, no!"
"No. Why not?"
"Let's make it a surprise."
"A surprise?"
"Yeah. I'll tell Jabari about the news, but he cannot tell Zora. I want this to be a surprise wedding."
"Oh. That sounds like a great idea."
"Well, I have to go and make $1.00 out of $0.50."
Hyacinth walks January to the door.
"Again, thank you for stopping by to have this talk."
"Sure. Don't work too hard."
"Girl, I have no other option."
When January leaves, Hyacinth is so excited, she rushes up the stairs to tell Jabari. Jabari is casually lying on his bed, reading a magazine. He hears a knock on the door.
"Come in," Jabari says.
Hyacinth comes into her son's room with a big smile on her face.
"Mommy, what's with the giant smile," Jabari ask?
"I have great news to tell you."
"Is it about the triplets? Can they stay?"
"Well, I did not get any more news about the triplets staying longer…but I have good news for you."
"Really? What's up?"
Hyacinth sits on her son's bed.
"Well…Mrs. Grant, Zora's mother, came by…"
"And? What happened?"
"She came to give you her blessing to get married to Zora."
"Really??!!! ALRIGHT!!!"
Jabari is so happy, he starts jumping on the bed.
"Ok. I know that you're happy and excited about marrying Zora, but I do not tolerate jumping on the bed."
"Sorry, mommy. I can't wait to tell Zora," he said, leaping off the bed and running to the phone.
However, before Jabari can get to the phone, his mother stops him.
"Just a minute. You cannot tell Zora."
"Why not?"
"It's a surprise."
"Say what?"
"Her mother wants to surprise Zora with a surprise wedding."
"I don't understand."
"Baby, all you have to do is get the marriage certificate and coax Zora to come with you to the CMB."
"CMB? OH! The City Municipal Building."
"Right! Zora's mom and I will handle the rest."
"A surprise wedding…um…ok."
"Good. I want to shoot for next Saturday."
"Ok. I'll get everything together. Thanks, mom," Jabari said with a hug and kiss.
"You're welcome, baby. Don't forget to thank Mrs. Grant."
"I won't."
Valentine and Christopher visit Orchid. She is in an inpatient program at Saint Dymphna Counseling Center due to years of child abuse from her parents. They come upon the receptionist's desk.
"Good morning, Miss," addresses Christopher.
"Good morning, how may I help you today," the receptionist replies.
"I am Christopher Newkirk. My wife, Valentine, and I would like to see Orchid Willoughby."
"Ok, but I think she is in a counseling session. I'll check her schedule."
He pulls out a clipboard labeled "Orchid Willoughby." He looks at her schedule to see that she is in her counseling session.
"Yes, she is in her counseling session now, but it should be done within a few minutes," the receptionist said, "Meanwhile, please fill out the visitor's log. When you are finished, you and your wife can have a seat until she is back in her room."
"Thank you," Valentine says.
Valentine and Christopher go into the waiting room. They sit side by side, waiting to see the young girl.
"Are you ok," Valentine ask?
"I don't know, Val," Christopher says, "I…I still trying to figure out this situation. The girl was a prisoner in her own home until she finally had the strength and courage to run away. Then she ends up running to me."
"You gave her a job, and you were kind to her."
"…but she was a minor. She put our whole livelihood in danger."
"Yes. Yes, Orchid did. However, it never happened. Therefore, Newkirk's is still standing."
"Yeah, I guess I should see it that way."
"Chris, she was wrong for lying, but she was scared. Luckily, she sought us as a refuge. Come to think of it, our kindness and generosity outweigh her lie."
He takes his wife's hand and gives it a little squeeze.
"When we see Orchid, I will keep an open mind," Christopher assures his wife, "I will listen to her point of view."
"I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her," Valentine says.
"Me too."
About ten minutes later, they can see Orchid. The receptionist told them that her room is the last door to the left of the right wing. As they walk down the hall to her room, Christopher holds Valentine's hand. When they finally reach Orchid's room, Christopher takes a deep breath.
"Remember, keep an open mind and try to understand she feels bad for deceiving you," Valentine assured her husband.
"Ok," her husband agrees.
Meanwhile, Orchid is in her bed; she is writing a passage in her journal.
The bed is dressed with white fitted cotton sheets and a homemade quilt. The room itself is small yet cozy. It is decorated as a quintessential bedroom with pictures of beautiful scenery and a crucifix over her bed. When she hears a knock on the door, Orchid abruptly hides her journal under her pillow. When she sees Mr. and Mrs. Newkirk enter her room, Orchid is shocked to see them.
"Chris…Valentine…what a surprise," Orchid says, fixing herself in her bed.
"How are you feeling," Valentine ask?
"Ok, I guess."
"Not nicer than Newkirk's, I hope," Christopher says sarcastically.
Valentine nudges him.
"No, Newkirk's is a wonderful place with wonderful people, which is why I feel terrible for deceiving all of you. I did not mean to cause so much trouble."
"The bottom line is that there were no problems, right Christopher?"
"I know you are upset with me. Perhaps that is your reason for being here, but I was lost. I felt like a stranger in a strange land. Then, I saw your "Help Wanted" sign. I figured if the place needed my help, I would receive payment. Therefore, I will have money to eat and a place to sleep."
"So you lied to survive," Christopher asked?
"Yes."
Before, Christopher felt overwhelmed with betrayal. He had a fifteen-year-old girl, working at his bar illegally. Now, he is overwhelmed with guilt. Valentine and Father Rector is right. There is no serious harm done, and he helped a troubled teenager in severe dire straits.
"…Orchid…if anyone should be sorry, is me."
"Why you, Chris? I lied."
"Yes, you did lie, but…luckily no one was hurt. Plus, I am glad to help you; however, I could."
"I am eternally grateful to everyone. All of you showed me that God is love, and he is forgiving. My parents were wrong about God, and I know I should forgive them for their wicked ways, but my heart cannot forgive."
"Give it some time," Valentine says.
"Isham said something like that? How is he doing?"
Christopher and Valentine look at each other.
"He is…fine," Christopher says.
"It would be nice if he came to visit me," Orchid says hopefully.
"We will let him know you asked about him," Christopher says.
"As of now, take care of yourself dear and…read the bible," Valentine suggests.
"Sure…Chris…if you don't mind, could I speak to your wife for a minute, in private," Orchid requests?
The Newkirk are shocked, but they obey the teenager's request.
"Sure," Christopher agrees, "I will be in the waiting room if you need me, Val."
"Thanks, baby."
When Christopher leaves the room, Valentine looks at her with concern.
"Please, have a seat," Orchid insists.
Valentine sits in one of the chairs close to the bed.
"So…how may I help you," Valentine asks?
Orchid is a little hesitant.
"Well…the other days …there was an accident," Orchid starts.
"What kind of an accident," Valentine ask?
"Well…I went to use the bathroom and…I saw the blood."
"Ok…"
"I…I have never been so scared in my life. I thought I was going to die."
"You thought you were going to die?"
"…yes."
"Why would you think that?"
"I never bled…down there in my life. I was screaming and crying. I was hysterical."
"Oh, my goodness. Orchid, are you telling me that…it was the first time you got your period."
"…yeah. After calming me down, the nurse explained it to me that…indeed…it was my period."
"Are you ok?"
"My stomach somewhat hurts."
"Those are cramps. Do you have some tea?"
"Yes, I am allowing to cool off a little bit. It was way too hot when the nurse gave it to me."
"When did…it arrive?"
"….last week."
"Oh, wow."
"Had this happened to you?"
"Of course, but it came when I was twelve years old."
"Twelve years old? Why so young?"
"Girls usually get their period around that age. You, on the other hand, received yours pretty late. You must be a late bloomer."
"What is that?"
"It's someone who develops late, but I would not worry. You will be fine."
Orchid crosses her arms tight.
"What's wrong," Valentine ask?
"My breasts," Orchid answers.
"Do they hurt too? Sometimes they hurt too when a girl gets their period."
"…no…I had a horrible thought of the time when my mother noticed my breasts. She beat me so bad. Then, when my father came home from work, he beat me too."
"What on Earth…"
"Ii was not my fault. It happened so suddenly."
"It's ok. It's ok. You have nothing to worry about. Your body is supposed to develop. It's completely normal, and it's a beautiful thing."
"Why is it beautiful?"
"It part of the Lord's creation. The Lord creates things in His image. He is good and beautiful, which makes you good and beautiful. I hope you understand that."
"Yes," Orchid says with a warm smile, "The more I understand the Lord, the more I love the Lord."
"Nanna, when is mommy coming," Corinthian asks?
"Soon, baby," Hyacinth says with a sigh to her granddaughter.
"How soon?"
"Very soon, my lovely."
"I don't think I want to see her," Argentina says, "she was mean last time."
"Yeah, I don't think she loves us anymore," Mandela says.
"That's not true," Corinthian interjected, "Mommy works hard, right, Nanna?"
"Yes, baby. Now the two of you hush yourselves," scolds Hyacinth to Argentina and Mandela, "Never say such a thing. I don't want to hear any ugly things said about your mother, understand?"
"Yes, Nanna," the children says together with shame.
Hyacinth and her grandchildren continue to wait for Sabine. It's a quarter to 4 pm, so Hyacinth thinks nothing of it….until about thirty minutes later.
'Where is Sabine,' Hyacinth thinks to herself?
Suddenly, Sabine hastily storms into the lobby and makes a bee-line to the receptionist's window to sign in her signature into the logbook. The children rush to their mother when the grandmother simply arose from her chair.
"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy," the children cheer around their mother.
"Alright, now," Sabine interjects softly, as she turns her attention to her children, "You know we behave better than that."
Sabine lays so much shame on their hearts, the children stop cheering immediately. Hyacinth shakes her head in shame. Sabine walks up to her mother, face to face.
"What," Sabine asks sternly at her mother?
"They are only happy to see you."
"They need to act like they have some home training. The minute they get around you, they get all crazy," said Sabine, turning away from her mother and taking a massive breath with disgust, and shaking her head.
Sabine goes back to the receptionist's window to ask the receptionist to allow her and the children to go into one of the little rooms for their visit. When the receptionist buzzes them through the door, they find a spare room for their stay. When the door closes behind them, Hyacinth looks on a takes a deep exhale, and sits back in her seat.
Hyacinth waited in the waiting area, patiently for the triplets to return. She hates the visitations. Even though they seem to miss their mother, she knows that the children hate visitations also. For Hyacinth, it was an hour of torture. She was alone with her thoughts, and they were not pleasant.
The first thought that comes to her head is the time Sabine introduced Nevin to the family.
'Sabine was so proud that day,' Hyacinth thinks to herself, 'She treated Nevin like one of her damn trophies. That poor man walked blindly into a lion's den…but they were in love. I prayed their marriage would be a good one…and here we are. Nevin's depression and alcoholism drive him to his death. The triplets are going through hell, and of course, Sabine…my beautiful…talented daughter, Sabine…care for no one but herself.'
The more Hyacinth thought about the court-order supervising visitation, the angrier she became.
'Every time I do this, it feels like torture. I can't believe Sabine is putting those babies through this,' Hyacinth thinks to herself, '…Sabine is so damn selfish. She is so centered on herself that she doesn't give a damn about anyone else, especially her kids.'
After taking a deep sigh of despair, Sabine continues with her thoughts.
She continues to think, 'As much as I love my husband, I blame him for this. He spoiled her rotten to the core. Then leaves her from rotten to…rancid…maybe arsenic. She put Nevin through so much hell because she couldn't get what she wanted from him. Abusing him…torturing him…taking his children away from him….How could I ever forgive her for that?'
Hyacinth sighs.
'I have to protect those children,' Hyacinth continues, 'As long as I am on this Earth, I will do everything in my power to protect those babies from that monster…even if that monster…is their mother.'
About an hour later, the receptionist buzzes the door open for Sabine and her children. In haste, Sabine rushes to the logbook in front of the receptionist's window to sign out from her children's visitation.
The children reunite with their grandmother; they are happy to see their grandmother. However, before Hyacinth and the triplets have the chance to tell Sabine "goodbye," Sabine is gone.
"What happened to your mother," Hyacinth looked around the waiting area?
"I don't know," Mandela replied, "I guess she left to go somewhere else."
"Yeah…I guess your mother did," Hyacinth said in slight disappointment, "No matter. I'm just happy to see my babies again."
She bends down and gives the triplets a big hug, holding back her tears.
When she releases her grip, Hyacinth tells them, "You know nanna loves you, right."
"Yeah," the triplets say collectively.
"…good….," Hyacinth replies, still holding back the tears, "and you know Nanna will do all she can to keep you safe, right?"
The triplets nod their heads.
"Good…," Hyacinth answered, maintaining her composure, "…so who wants pizza?"
"Yay," the children cheers!!!!
"Ok. Ok. Settle down now," Hyacinth says, settling the children down to relax, "Ok. Now I want you all to grab your things and let's go."
Fabiola comes to Zora's house for a visit. She brings some goodies over from her family's bodega to the mother-to-be. All of a sudden, the phone rings.
"Hello," answers Zora.
"Hey, ZZ. It's Jabari."
"Hey! What's up?"
"I have a surprise for you."
"For me? What is it?"
"If I told you, it would not be a surprise. You'll get it on Thursday. When do you finish your classes?"
"I don't have classes on Thursdays."
"Perfect. I will meet you at school."
"…ok. What time?"
"Can you get here around 9 am?"
"Um…sure."
"Cool. I'll see you then."
"Bye."
"Bye."
After she finishes her phone conversation, Zora is bewildered over the phone conversation.
"That was a weird phone call," Zora says.
"Who was it," Fabiola ask?
"Jabari. He said that he had a surprise for me, but I have to wait until Thursday morning."
"Oh."
"…Is everything ok," Zora asks her friend.
"Yeah…I just have this gnawing hunger these days."
"Fab, go get something to eat."
"No. That food is for you and my little sobrina…or sobrino," says Fabiola putting her hands on her friend's belly.
They laugh.
"My mom thinks it's a girl. She is a nurse, so she would know about stuff like this."
"No lie."
Fabiola grabs a hand full of potato chips and eats chip by chip.
"So…how long has it been," Zora asks?
"What do you mean?"
"Felling hungry."
"About a couple of weeks?"
Zora's eyes widened like dinner plates.
"Why are you looking at me like that," ask Fabiola, "You don't mean…"
"You think…"
"No! No way. I can't be…especially right now."
"There's only one way to find out. You can take one of those home pregnancy tests. We'll get the results from home."
Fabiola's apprehension grows. What if Fabiola is pregnant too? What would she do? What will happen to her and Isaac's relationship?
"Um…I don't know ZZ. I'm probably not pregnant. No…I'm not pregnant. This is all stressEllahue School of Design puts a lot of pressure on their students."
"Fab, you have the same signs as me."
"ZZ, I'm not pregnant!"
"Ok. Ok."
There is a short pause.
Then, Zora says, "…Humor me. Prove to me that you're not pregnant by taking a home pregnancy test."
"Fine. I'll prove it to you, it's all stress."
After lunch, Zora Grant and Fabiola Castillo go to get a home pregnancy test. They go back to Zora's apartment to do the test. Zora and Fabiola are extremely anxious; the minutes feel like an eternity. They wait until the results appear on the stick.
"Are you nervous," Zora asks?
"Why…why would I be nervous," Fabiola ask?
"No…well for you…maybe."
"So…are you ready?"
"Sure…"
Zora says, holding her hand, "Remember Fab, we will get through this together."
Fabiola smiles at Zora; they go to the bathroom together. Fabiola becomes scared and turns her face.
"What's wrong," Zora asks with concern.
"I…I can't look," Fabiola says with fear.
"Ok. Fine. I'll look."
Zora looks at the stick and sighs.
"Well…what does it say," Fabiola asks?
"…It's positive," Zora replies.
"What????? Positive???? Oh no…Are you sure we did it right?"
Zora grabs the box and reads it.
"Yeah. We followed the instructions, word by word," says Zora.
Fabiola sits on the edge of the tub. She hangs her head down and cries.
"DAMN," Fabiola exclaims, "What about school??? Why about my career???"
"It's not the end of the world."
"…It just feels like it," Fabiola replies, after taking a deep breath, "How am I going to tell my parents? How am I going to tell Isaac? He'll leave me."
"You don't know that."
"But…Z.Z., I'm putrefied. My parents are going to kill me."
Then it dawns on Zora. She is looking at herself all over again.
"…Wow. Remember we were in the hospital? I thought the same thing when my mother found out that I was pregnant. She's still not ok with it, but…she loves me unconditionally."
"…Speaking of which…I saw…Tony?"
"Oh. Did you go to the party?"
"…yeah. Isaac went with me. It was nice. Very…colorful."
Zora is very hesitant to ask the next question on her mind, but she ask anyway; she has to know.
"Did he look happy?"
"Well…not really. I think that Tony still loves you," Fabiola replies.
"Oh, please. Anton's so full of---"
"---Z.Z., Tony's marrying another woman because of an arranged marriage. His parents had this marriage set up way before you and Tony met each other. He doesn't love this woman. He doesn't like this woman."
"I don't understand. Why did Tony not tell me he was set to marry someone else?"
"He didn't give it much thought, I guess. Maybe when he fell in love with you, nothing else matters."
"Well, it does matter. Look at what has happened? In fact…I don't care anymore. I don't want to have anything to do with him. Let him go off into the sunset with this girl."
"I'm sorry, ZZ."
Zora looks at Fabiola.
"No, Fab. I'm sorry," Zora replies, "I became caught up in my mess for a moment and forgot about you. Who are you going to tell first? Isaac? Your parents?"
"…Isaac, I guess," says Fabiola.
"Do you need me to be there with you?"
"Yes…and could you hold my hand, ZZ."
"Sure, Fab."
Fabiola gets up slowly, and with hesitation, they both go into the living room so Fabiola can call Isaac. As the phone rings, she holds her best friend's hand tight and secretly prays that no one would answer the phone, until…
"Hello," Isaac answers.
"…hello….," Fabiola replies anxiously.
"Hey, baby. What's up?"
"Um…something came up, baby."
"What…what happened?"
"I haven't been feeling good lately, and…?"
"And…"
Fabiola takes a deep breath; Zora squeezes her hand.
"I took a home preg---"
"YOU'RE PREGNANT????"
"…I…I think so."
"AAWW MAN!!!"
Fabiola begins to cry.
"I'm sorry, baby," Fabiola cries, "Por favor. No me dejes así. Perdóname."
Isaac takes a deep breath and replies, "Baby. Baby. Cálmate. It's ok."
Still trying to hold it together, Isaac says, trying to keep it together, "I'm not going anywhere. Where are you?"
"I'm at Zora's house."
"Ok…I'll be right there; stay there. Ok?"
"…ok…"
"We'll get through this baby…ok…I love you."
"I love you, too."
"I'll see you when I'm there."
"Ok …bye…"
"Bye, sweetheart."
Fabiola cries as she hangs up the phone.
"Well, what happened? What did he say," Zora ask anxiously?
"Um…well…he said that he's coming here."
"Ok, but how did he sound?"
"He sounds like he was in a panic."
"Oh, boy. So…what are you going to do now?"
"He told me he was coming here."
"Ok …but…My mother will be home soon. If she finds out what's going on, she's going to flip. THEN, she going to tell your parents."
"Oh no, she can't do that. I got to get out of here. I'll wait downstairs."
"Are you sure you will be ok?"
"…yeah."
"I get it, Fab. As you can see," replied Zora, putting her hand on her stomach.
She walks Fabiola to the door.
"You're going to be ok. At least your boyfriend did not bail on you."
"I hope that he doesn't during and after pregnancy."
Meanwhile, Fabiola rides the elevator to the lobby. She waits for her boyfriend to meet with her. Fabiola is incredibly nervous; Fabiola paces left and right in front of the door, until she sees Isaac, walking from across the street. She runs out to meet him, but she is afraid to embrace him. Fabiola fears that he might be upset with her. However, her fears are allayed when Isaac gently wraps his arms around her. Fabiola cries uncontrollably in his arms. He holds his girlfriend while stroking her hair.
"Ssshhhh, mi amor, it going to ok," Isaac assures Fabiola.
"Pero, chulo, I'm scared."
"I'm scared, too, but you have to have faith. Now, you said that you took a home pregnancy test, right?"
"Yeah."
"Ok. Maybe the test wasn't accurate."
"But…we followed the instructions and everything. The test said that I am pregnant."
"Ok, but I still think we should get a second opinion. Let's go see your doctor."
"Yeah. You're right! I may not be pregnant."
Isaac continues to hold Fabiola in his arms as they start their way to the bus stop. When the bus arrives, the board and sits side by side. There is no conversation between them. They are hopeful that the second test would be harmful, and they can continue with their lives. However, the thought of a baby and the future with that baby plays in their heads. They will have to make a lot of sacrifices if Fabiola is pregnant. Then, the "could be" looks fearful to both of them. The bus makes its scheduled stops, while Isaac and Fabiola's anxiety grows. When the bus finally reaches their destination, they start their way off the bus. She grabs his hand, and he squeezes it. They walk for four blocks until they finally reach the doctor's office. Then Fabiola stops; Isaac keeps walking until he realizes his girlfriend is not there.
"Come on, Fab. We have to do this," Isaac advises.
Fabiola looks at Isaac with sad eyes and continues to walk with him. Isaac holds her hand; she holds his tighter. As they go inside St. Anne OB/GYN Clinic, their apprehension begins to grow to fear.