Chapter 2
Thank goodness that my mother was able to get all these papers rolled and bagged despite this morning’s episode. I must deliver these papers out of this car in lightning speed, for these town people get annoyed when they do not see their paper in their driveway or lawns. And just as I suspected the customers are beginning to call and it is not even 7:00 am yet, “Jo here how can I help you?”
“Yes, you can help me, I didn’t catch your last name?”
“Excuse me, who is this?” Who has the nerve to call me while I am trying to get this route done with all these questions? “And who wants to know?”
“Your present and future hero” I could not fix my mouth to say a word, this dude wants to be slick.
“Hi Troy, didn’t I just leave you a few minutes ago? And hold up, how did you get my number?”
“When you first began the route, you attached your card in the newspaper bag, I kept the card. So, after leaving you, I rushed back to my house to find it. You gave me the vibe that you were not going to call later, so I am just making sure I have your number so I can call you. So, Jolanta I need your last name because it not on this card?”
“Well Troy, I didn’t give you my last name because you didn’t not give me yours...”
“uhm that is a good observation, but my last name is on the card I handed you a few minutes ago.” I reach for the card that now set atop of my purse and read the details on the card.
“That could be anybody’s card, but I need you to check this out, I only have two hands, right now I am driving with one hand and tossing papers with the other while talking to you on the cell phone speaker. But …. I tell you what, tomorrow is St. Mark School District Christmas Bazaar, and I can use a hand with the electrical hookups in vendor booths and lights to the decorations.”
“You didn’t pay attention to my last name, but you did see that I am an electrician?”
“Yes, and I saw specifically that you are a licensed electrician and a master plumber.”
“You noticed that too?” Thank goodness he called me; I would have never really paid attention.
“Yes sir! so, if you are who this card says that you are, Mr. Troy J. Campbell then I will see you on the fairground lot at 9am. Once the job is done, you will get to know my last name and you may get a little lagniappe...” I am beyond tickled, most people would have hung the phone up, but I can hear through the phone that he held on to every word. “Do we have a deal, Troy Campbell, Licensed Electrician?”
“I would be foolish to turn down such an invitation, I am there with bells on Jolanta, see you tomorrow morning.”
“At 9 am sharp!”
“Got it covered.”
Well, nah… who would have thought he was an electrician!! Thank You Lord!
It is almost two weeks until Christmas and my students seemed to be excited about the different activities that will kick off their holiday. I called my mom and sister as promised once I had a chance and caught them up on the hoopla of Troy J. Campbell. I made it home and put-on proper attire so I can get on the hustle to get groceries, presents and decorations for my students for my class and the after-school program that I run. Do not get me wrong, I love all my kids and I love being a teacher, but I wish that other teachers and even the school board would take a more invested interest in these children and stop being so politically distant. As I go about my weekend routine from store to store, I would think about Troy, and by the way God thank you for answering my prayer for an electrician, I know if I had to call Mr. Meaut to come out on a Sunday, it was going to kill my pockets, so thank you master! But I am still trying to figure out why my brain told my tongue to call him my hero. I cannot put my finger on it but there is something up with him, it will take me a minute, but I will soon find out.
I get home again, and I hijack Lynn to help me unload the bags of gifts and food to drag inside and we sat down to finalize our family Christmas. Lynn moved back home this spring after her husband was killed on an offshore rig accident. Mother and I did not want her down in Lafayette living alone in that big house. It took a lot of arm twisting when I showed up to her house on a Sunday afternoon. Jocelynn was locked away in her house hiding from the world. Lynn and Glen were made for one another and even though it seemed like yesterday that they made vows to one another 8years ago, their love was cut down in a matter of seconds, I just could not bear to see my sister in so much pain so I kindly packed up some of her bags and called her next-door neighbor and told them she will be away for a while. I believe Lynn being here has helped her tremendously, for me personally it was like old times to have my womb mate back home.
“Jo?”
“Yes, Lynn.”
“When are you going to see Troy again?” She is smiling from ear to ear.
“I will see him tomorrow at the bazaar. Mama needs some lines run from the main meter for her oven and fridge for her booth.”
“Why mama need an oven and an icebox at the bazaar booth?”
“Mr. Taylor, my principal talked her into making her famous mini sweet potato pies and pumpkin cookies and she refuses to sell anything a day old, so mama and Ms. Bonnie made mountains of batter and cookie dough. So, with the oven she can bake on site and sell them fresh.”
“Girl, mama not worried about no pies being fresh, she is wanting to fill Mr. Nolan up with her goodies! He should have had enough from Thanksgiving; he is a greedy old dude” We both burst out in laughter. “But you know mama and Ms. Bonnie believe their little baking operation is equivalent to Jazz Fest vendors, but the community will enjoy some of their baked goods and it will rake in a nice profit. So, are you coming out tomorrow?”
“At first, I said I was going to pass, but I need to take a hard look at this new fella that is all sudden smitten with you, and it would be good to get out and actually become engaged with other people. It has been up and down since Glen was killed and I must start learning how to live again you know. I am grateful that you guys convinced me to come home for a spell, but I need to grow a backbone and go back to my life in Lafayette at the beginning of the year.”
“Lynn are you ready? You know you can stay with us as long as you like...”
“I know, but I love nursing, just as much as you love teaching. I just wish you could come down there with me and use those degrees to teach at the university, I know the dean would love to have you in the Liberal Arts Department.”
“Yeah, I know; the pay would be good if I ever decide to teach on the secondary level, but I much rather hang back here with my children, if I do not fight for them, who will? But are you sure Lynn?”
“Yes, and besides, I miss my house and my friends a little. I have to do this for me, and I need you to be alright with whatever decision I make.” My sister and I have a pledge to the other, that no matter the situation, we will always be there for the other.
“And it is so…” Lynn crossed her hand over her heart from the left.
“And so, shall it be” I crossed my hand over my heart from the right. And in unison we recite hand in hand, “that we will be there for each other to eternity.”
“I have to say, seeing you two with your pact to each other never gets old...” Mama slips up on us with bags of her own in hand. “Mama, where have you been and why are you still buying ingredients, I thought you and Ms. Bonnie prepped up all of your batter and dough already?”
“We did, I forgot that I promised Ethel from the church that I would donate two cakes for her to auction at their booth, so once I rest my feet, I will work on it to be ready for pick up in the morning.”
“Which two are you doing for her?”
“She requested the German Chocolate and the Five Flavored Pound Cake, so which one of you will be helping me?” I point toward my book intelligent twin that has no kitchen skills, yet she had a husband…
“Uhm Lynn is helping.” Lynn’s sat straight up in her chair.
“What? You know I am horrible in the kitchen Jo!”
“And that is why you need to help, so you can learn! Love you sis. I am going to finish my lesson plan for the week, and on to Saturday evening Mass, so have fun!” Mama looks at Lynn with a smile, “Come on it will be fun, I’ll let you lick the bowl…” Lynn’s face lit up, “Ooo, Ok!”
The sun has peeped through my teal-colored curtain sheers and the radio alarm is buzzing for me to arise to start out this busy Sunday. Today is the Christmas Bazaar, but why do I do this to myself, its Sunday and I need to be resting or still sleep until 7am but my after-school program will not survive if I do not get out here to raise this money for the school district. I sit on side of the bed and said a quick prayer, stretched my toes and jet for the shower and dress for the day. I can hear mama, Ms. Bonnie and Ethel in the kitchen, as they exchange pleasantries about the two cakes that mama donated for the cake auction in the today’s bazaar. “Ms. Jessica, I can always count on you to come through for the women’s auxiliary. These cakes look scrumptious, they will be one of our highest bided items! I cannot wait for the look on that scrooge Roni Wells face when I roll up with these beauties and that this bazaar will be a success.” Jessica had a weird look on her face.
“Ethel what makes you say that?” You Ethel is the type of person that says what comes from her heart and she would never ever say an awful word about a soul if they did not deserve. So, when she Ethel Jean Pierre speaks you need to pay close attention and know that it is the truth.
“Jessie and Bonnie, I didn’t want to say anything, but I feel like somebody in Jo’s circle should know.” Miss Bonnie was never a person who like for gossip to be dragged out before she knew she blurted out, “Ethel, would you spill it already!”
“Ok, ok…Roni is the Asst. Principal at Curtis Elementary where Jo teaches but she is also the Chairman over the school district’s budget. I overheard her saying to her secretary that she hopes this bazaar flops so she can redirect the funds to an administrative discretionary fund. You did not hear this from me, but I find it strange that she knocks down every proposal to create programs and activities for the children telling that lie that the district cannot afford it but her cheating behind stays behind the wheel of a district vehicle, preferably a Cadillac. And a word to the wise vehicle and administrator salary and expenses are drawn from this account that she solely controls. And for the life of me I cannot understand how she has so much power over the superintendent and the other school board members?” Jessica and Bonnie are standing in the kitchen with their mouths dropped and their minds are blown away but become angry, because Jolanta has been battling with the school board to keep funding the after-school program. Ethel can see Jessica’s mind working and Bonnie is ready to throw punches.
“I cannot believe that wig wearing heifer has been trying to sabotage my girl. You mess with Jo and Lynn; you are messing with me nah! Jessie how we going to fix this wench! So no wonder this particular discretionary fund she is so important to her, it is her bread basket?”
“Ethel, who else is on that budget committee with Roni.”
“I believe its Councilman Jones, Principal Woods from Ruston Secondary and Deacon James Collins. She is trying to allocate the bazaars profit to the administrative fleet. She wants to upgrade the fleet from GMC brands like her Cadillac to Lexus or Infinitys.”
Bonnie’s eyes widened as big as two fifty-cent pieces, “Ethel you said James Collins?”
“Yes, ma’am”
“Jessie…you are thinking what I am think?”
“Yep,” Jessica looks at Bonnie as she bows her head. She pushes away from the counter she leaned against.
“Ethel, I want to say thank you for being honest and doing the right thing by my Jo. And know it is my pleasure, to do anything for the church. My Jo has knocked herself out to make this Christmas bazaar happen. Lord, knows the school district and community vendors can stand these extra dollars.”
“You are absolute correct Ms. Jessica and I know you and Ms. Bonnie will be hit today as well.” Bonnie raises her coffee cup in the air.
“Baby, we are stocked, locked and loaded for the crowds today! The Two Peas in a Pod will be the talk of the town, hunnie. But do not make anyone aware that we know Roni is up to her dirty tricks again, we have it from here Ethel.”
While getting dressed I could not make out what they said but when Ethel saw me coming down the stair, they all stopped chatting and Ethel hurried her way out the door to load her car with the two prize cakes. I make my way in the kitchen with my tote bag of Knick nats like electrical tape, pliers, screw drivers and markers. “Good Morning Mama!” I reach in to kiss them both on the cheek. “Good Morning Ms. Bonnie!” “Hey, here comes the boss. How are you doing this morning and baby, what do you have in the bag?”
“Just some odd supplies, Mama did you make coffee this morning, I believe I smell honey biscuits…” Jessica Watson Collins looked up from the bacon she was frying and gave me a big smile. “Yes ma’am, homemade honey butter biscuits!”
“I would tell you that your mama baked them for you and Lynn, but I think this is a man trap for that hungry boss of yours, Nolan Taylor.”
“Bonnie, you need to hush your mouth, I am always baking goodies for my girls, especially since both of them are here…” I look over at Miss Bonnie and shake my head. “Jessica, I have known you since the 3rd grade and soon as Ms. Brenda, God bless her soul, taught you how to bake, you would use blueberry muffins from scratch as a man trap. And now that you are single again you have rattled every pot in this house for that overeating giant. By the way what in the world you see in that freak of nature anyway?”
“Don’t hate Bea, now I haven’t said a word about that bucked-tooth nutria rat you have for a husband.”
“Nope, you will not bring Carson into this hunnie, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I have been down for him for 25 years, now I want to know what’s up with you and with too tall greedy Nolan?!” I am standing there with a cup of coffee wanting to know just like Miss Bonnie, I would have never put my mom and Mr. Taylor together.
“Well, I have to admit he is odd, but he is a gentleman and I like when we are together, it has been a long time since a man has crooned over my cooking, well honestly over me. Marvin always took me for granted and when the girls started taking on their separate lives and went to college, we suddenly became strangers in an empty nest.”
“So, you mean to tell me that the first man to show you some attention you suddenly evolve from Betty Croker to Julia Childs?”
“That’s what it looks like to me Miss Bonnie, but don’t be too hard on her, Mr. Taylor is a misfit, but he is a good man, his wife died almost a decade ago, so I am glad he was able to reach out to my mother.” I kiss her on the cheek and reached for a fluffy honey biscuit as I grab my bag. “I love you both, thank you mama for the biscuits,” I take a bite of the mouthwatering pastry, “uhm they are fantastic as usual and I will see you guys in a minute, I am headed out to meet the electrician to finish with the light hook-ups and your booth. So, ladies do not gossip too much and lose track of time, the festival starts @ 11:00am.”
“Yes, ma’am Jo, Oh! Carson told me tell you, he will meet you down there because he is finalizing the parking detail with his volunteers.”
“Awesome! I can always count on my buddy; thanks Miss. Bonnie see you soon.” Headed out the door Lynn turns the corner in the hall to bump right into me. “Hey, sissy slow down, you are about to run me over to see lover boy?” Lynn is showing all thirty-twos. “Girl, you know I was running for the door so I can be about today’s business, are you coming?” “Yes, I promised mama I would help her, and Miss Bonnie load up and come help them in the booth.” “Oh, that is so sweet, thank you so much, it will help me not overextend myself. Love you!” “Love you too but you need to bring lover boy over so we can get a long look at him.”
“I know, and I will do that.” Ding. Good grief that is a text message, I wonder who this could be @ 8:00 in the morning. ‘I AM HERE. TJC.’
I look at the text. “Say what?”
“What’s wrong sissy?” I look up at Lynn with a goofy grin…
“It’s Troy…he is already on the fairgrounds waiting on me.”
“What time did you tell him to meet you?”
“I told him 9 o’clock.”
“Dang, he wants you girl!!”
“I don’t know about all of that but let me get out of here before his desire to impress me fades, later Lynn.” I am impressed and out done to say the least, he is an hour early, thank goodness I stay less than 10 minutes away. I texted Troy back, ‘On My Way, but u r early- impressed.’ Wow, well Lord, I hope you let us have a good weather day and for this fair to meet the expectations of what my kids and this community really need, money! I believe it to be so- Amen! I popped into my silver Toyota Camry; I consider it to be my Sunday ride. It has all the bells and whistles of a nice car for a teacher’s salary, I brought the Dynasty from my mama when she traded up and use it strictly for newspaper delivery and besides its sticky and muddy on the outside from getting stuck on yesterday. I know Troy will be looking for me to pull up in a Burgundy car so I will try to sneak upon him, uhm interesting technique.
I pull up to the fairgrounds and I see the beige Isuzu Rodeo sitting at the vendor gate entrance, as I drive in Mr. Carson waves me down, I pause to see what my number one volunteer had to report to me today. I roll down my window, “Good Morning Mr. C, how are you today?” “I am fine JoJo, how are you sweetheart!” “I am tired but excited, what we have going on so far, Ms. Bonnie told me you were already out dealing with the parking markers.” “Yes, ma’am we are ready to go, all we need are people, JoJo. Also, I let your electrician park over by the vendor gate so he can have easy access, he said he would wait for you to show him what he needs to do. If you need my help or one of the other guys on this side hit me up on the radio.” “Yes sir! And Mr. C, thank you so much, I really appreciate you.” “Anything for my Collins’ girls, now get going time is a’wastin!” “Yes Sir!” I had to salute him for he is a true solider about everything he takes on, Miss Bonnie is an incredibly lucky woman to have him. I ease up next to Troy’s truck and honk my horn before I reach over to cut it off. He looks over but he seems to be puzzled at first and realizes that it is me that has parked next to him. Troy jumps out of his truck to come around the Camry to the driver’s side to open my door. “Good Morning Miss Jolanta, you are late.” “Good Morning Troy, and no you are early, but I like that….and I prefer to be called Jo, if you don’t mind.” “Well actually I do mind, I love the sound of your name and I am prepared to speak it all day, today.”
“All day? Wow, I figured you would do this task and get back to your life?”
“Right now, I want my life to get to know who you are Miss. Jolanta whatever her last name is, because she will not tell me.” I could not do anything but chuckle and smile. “I promise once these items that require your expertise have been completed, I will tell you, ok.”
“You promise, because if not I will write you out a bill that will be long as my arm.”
“Oooo, so you are threatening me with an invoice, are we? Wow, you play hardball Mr. Campbell. But thank goodness I am a woman of my word, now can you grab your tool belt or box and let us get this show lit up, please?”
“Yes, ma’am you are the boss.” We enter the grounds and there are vendors busily working in their booths as we all anticipate a health crowd of fair goers today. Walking in from the parking lot to the fairgrounds was like entering a Christmas Village. There were Christmas garland, bows, wreaths and ornaments that were strung about the front of the booths and a festive stage backdrop. There were large propane burners, deep fryers, boat paddles that served as wooden spoons as they prepared various gumbos, boudin sausage, fried crackling and jambalaya for the cook-off. It was good to see that food side was functioning but if we can get some light to the decorations, it will be the final touch to make this event outstanding. As a surprise we will even receive a visit from Santa Claus to pass out candy canes to the children to remind them to be on their best behavior to stay on the nice list. I must admit that I was not feeling the Christmas vibe at all while planning the bazaar but coming today and seeing how everything is coming together, has shifted me in the holiday spirit.
Troy and I keep are walking to the main meter lines for the lights and the stage and everyone is excited as I pass their booths and acknowledge their creativity. Suddenly out of nowhere, “Top of the morning Miss. Jo!” I catch my chest and I think it even startled Troy! Nolan Taylor stands 6 feet 6 inches tall with long arms legs. Mr. Taylor is known as the gentle giant around these parts, but the children love him to pieces. In his younger days he was the All- Star Basketball Champ at Leland College over in Baker, LA. He was supposed to head to the NBA but suffered a horrible leg injury. Thank goodness that the injury did not jeopardize his academic career, because he finished Magna Cum Laude earning his Bachelor of Arts in Education, later becoming a teacher, school counselor and now school principal. The only thing that irks me about Mr. Taylor is that he walks quietly and sneaks upon a fella testing out their cardiac ability “Good Morning Mr. Taylor, you scared me there for a moment,” I literally had to take a deep breath to slow down my heart. “Well, we have finally made it to the big day, are you excited?”
“I would be if I can ever figure out this electrical mess, we made...”
“Oh, don’t worry Mr. Taylor, I know my mother mentioned yesterday that we were stuck in the mud on yesterday.” “Yes, she did, I was little upset because she did not call me to help you guys.” Well, the gentlemen who saved us on yesterday agreed to save me again today; Mr. Taylor meet Mr. Troy Campbell he is a licensed electrician. Troy, Mr. Taylor is the school principal at Curtis Elementary/Middle School.”
“Well now, nice to meet you Mr. Campbell, thank you first for pulling the ladies out of their predicament on yesterday morning and now you are for coming to our aid today. Jolanta, I believe we have an angel among us today, and secondly before I show you what we need, I just need to be upfront and let you know that we cannot afford to pay you for your service. This is a fundraiser, and we need every penny to continue our efforts here in the school district.” I wanted to die, Nolan Taylor had the heart of gold, but he remained true to himself, honest and penny-pinching self.
“Sir, there is no need to worry, I have worked out an arrangement with Miss. Jolanta and I promise all the work performed here today is strictly donated to your cause.” Mr. Taylor raises his hands in the air and claps them together. “Thank you, young man, for your kindness and generosity and thank you Miss...”
I had to interrupt him before he belts out my proper name.” Mr. Taylor, I do not mean to step in on your words of thanks, but I need you to show Mr. Campbell about the issues you are having with the lights and power line to the booths. While you do that, I will get a status from the stagehands before the Zydeco band comes out to set up. But I will be back to check on you guys….” I grab Mr. Taylor by the arm, “and Mr. Taylor, please just call me Jo today, ok.”
“ok, Jo it is.” Taylor begins to turn but he turns back toward me because he had yet another topic to discuss, “uhm Jo did your mother confirm if she would be here with those scrumptious sweet potato pies?”
“Yes, Mr. Taylor, Lynn, Miss. Bonnie and mother will be here around 9:30 to set up shop and I think she has a little lagniappe for you today as well for breakfast.”
“Humm, eating your mama’s cooking is like having Christmas every day!” I shake my head and raise an eyebrow. “I guess it is Mr. Taylor, I guess it is.”
“Well, Mr. Campbell let us get to it before the fair Miss. Jessica arrives!”
“You lead the way.” Troy turns to me, “This looks very minor, give me 20 minutes and I will have your Christmas Bazaar lit up like, The Christmas in The Oaks.”
“That would be awesome. All of this kindness for my last name…yes indeed.”
“Yep, and don’t you forget I was promised lagniappe as well….” He lightly grabs my right hand and raises it to his lips and plants a soft kiss on the center of the back of my hand. That kiss sparked a small charge that ran through my body…. oh, my goodness. I gently pulled my hand back and popped it in my pocket. Troy smiled at me and followed Mr. Taylor. Oh, today just turn out to be a good already.
As I walk along the Art & Crafts Vendor booths, I see so many amazing gift ideas for the family and for myself, but as I make small talk with all the vendors, I can hear a wave of ahs and ohs only to notice that the lights were all aglow throughout the fairgrounds. All I could do was to place my hand over my heart, it was a touch of relief and wonder of how beautiful, even in the daylight, how the lights put our little bazaar into a place of Christmas wonder. And I can hear Mr. Taylor screech out over the stage microphone, “And on the first day, let there be light!” God thank you for letting this all come together, and I thank you for sending the help that we needed today. “Jo! Jo! “Samantha, who is my after-school assistant comes jogging across the field seemed even more excited, she was expressing even more emotion then what I have managed to display. “Sam what’s wrong honey?” She is gasping for air, “Oh Jo! Do you see the lights? Everything looks so beautiful, it suddenly feels light a Christmas Village, how did you do it?” “Well Sam, we had a little help today, from a hero and here he comes now.” Sam grabs my upper arm tightly as Troy approaches, “God bless his mama and daddy, girl he is fine!” And I must agree, he is that…and he works fast, he said it looked like minor job, but he is a professional, I guess. “That did not take long at all, you must have fast hands?”
“No, not really, I was able to pinpoint the problem just a few feet away.” Samantha is closing her grip on my arm; this must be her way of wanting me to introduce him to her. ‘Uhm, Troy this is my assistant Miss. Samantha Gibson, Sam this is Mr. Troy Campbell, he is the one responsible for making our Bazaar light up today.”
“Nice to meet you Mr. Campbell.” Samantha reaches to shake his hand and he extends his, “Please call me Troy, it is nice to meet you ma’am. Miss. Jolanta your lights and sound system is now operational, so may I ask for that last name?”
“Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt,” Sam loosens the grip off my arm and stands with her hands in fold in front of her. “But her name is.” I grab Sam and turn our back to Troy and began to whisper to her, “Girl, hush your mouth, I have just one more thing for him to work on, he can’t have my name until he is done, so go make sure the gate admission committee has everything they need, we will be opening @ 11am, I will fill you in later.” We turn back around sheepishly, Samantha is all teeth and extends her hands to Troy once more, ” It was nice meeting you…Troy, but I have more work to do before we open, hope to see you soon.”
“Yes, ma’am the pleasure was all mine, hope to see you again as well, have a nice day.” Samantha waves as she backs away and disappears into the sea of preparation. “Ok, Troy first this place looks great, and I heard Mr. Taylor having his own praise break on the stage mics. I am marveled at what you have done so far and thank you, but you are not done.”
“I’m not? Ok, lead the way Miss. Jolanta Collins 5th/ 6th and 7th Grade Language Arts, Master Teacher, After-school sponsor, Secondary-School English/Literature Tutor, events planner, and biweekly newspaper carrier for The River Times. I am willing to do whatever you need today.” Troy not only found out my last name but called out every job I have. “Ok, who told you? Mr. Taylor?”
“No, he did not say a word, he was too busy munching on the biscuits that your mom over brought him while we were working on the meters and while he ate, Ms. Jessica and I were chatting while I connected the lights.” I just shook my head, my mama strikes again, I told Mr. Taylor to be quiet, I should have told my own mother. “I did not know she was even here yet, so…. now that you know my last name, and my occupations what else do you know?”
“Found out that you are an intelligent, loving and caring young woman that loves her family and the young minds that she molds. And she has this weird obsession to drink strawberry lemonade and can cook a mean pot of Chicken/Andouille Sausage Gumbo.”
“Wow, you were only back there for 15 minutes.”
“That was the most informed 15 minutes, but I guess you are taking me over to your mom’s booth next?”
“Please don’t tell me she told you already what she needs done on her booth too?”
“No, she didn’t.” I look at Troy as if he is losing it when it is me.
“Then who? “
“Uhm, wait there was a short lady with a curly afro that was with your mom and she was as ball of fire...”
“Ms. Bonnie?”
“Yes! She told me that I needed to find you and bring you over to the booth before I checked on their equipment.” I leaned my head back towards the heavens and ask myself what they are up to now.
“Alright, but before we go, please allow me to say these words to you… I am sorry for what they are getting ready to say or do. My mother and her friend Ms. Bonnie are an unusual pair and there is no way for me to know what they could be up too. Just answer the questions and smile.”
“They seem to be very colorful; they cannot be that bad.”
“Just know I warned you and I am not to be held accountable for their behavior.” We walk past the stage and dance floor and I was glad to see that the first band was already preparing for their set and I waved to them and gave them two thumbs up. The food court is filled with strong southern aromas and it is making me terribly hunger and I did promise this guy and little lagniappe. “Troy, again I really appreciate you helping us today and I try to be a person of my word.”
“I am glad to be of service to you guys today, the bazaar hasn’t even started yet, and I am having a ball.”
“At my expense, I assume.”
“Yes, but it is my goal to know all I can about you, I told you that when you got out of the car this morning.” I stopped walking and looked up at him. “Yes, you did, but what I was trying to say, as a person of my word, I promised you a little lagniappe.”
“Oh, so are you ready to kiss me already?” I was studded and gave Troy a little tap on his arm and laughed.
“NO!!, I wanted to give you these food vouchers as a token of our thanks for helping us today. I blessed all the bazaar volunteers with them since we could not pay them, at least they can enjoy some lunch and other goodies while they are here helping. It’s not much but it’s better than nothing.”
“Jolanta, I love that you are so passionate about the things that truly matter in this life. Most people would not have thought to do this, but you must make me a promise. And you have to fulfil it today.” I sure hope this dude do not try to force me into trading spit with him today. “What are you asking me?”
“Once the bazaar is open, I want you to take a minute and let me treat you to those Fried Boudin Balls with Remoulade Sauce and a cup of Strawberry Lemonade, I hate eating them alone.” I could not do nothing but laugh and he is really trying his best to make me feel comfortable.
“Are you serious right now?” We begin walking again toward mama’s booth.
“Yes, I am you have obviously worked super hard on this event and I have volunteered to be the one to make you enjoy it, even if it’s just for a little while.”
“Ok, but that snack will not count as a date, ok.”
“Oh no, I want to take you out on a date Jolanta Collins. My offer still stands for dinner/breakfast/ lunch whatever, all you have to do is just accept it.” We finally approach our destination and I look down at my hands and noticed that they were dry. I reach in my jean pocket for a small travel tube of lotion and dab a little on the inside of my hand and began to rub the lotion into my skin and fingers. I look up at him with a half grin, “Well, we will have to see what the day brings.”
“It’s about time you guys got over here, I thought y’all got lost out there.” Mother and Ms. Bonnie are standing side by side with their matching Christmas aprons on, you can see that they are plotting and left my poor sister behind them to stack supplies and product. Troy saw her struggling and ran to help her lift the last container. “Oh goodness, thank you so much. Oh Hi, I am Lynn, Jo’s twin sister, you must be Troy.” Lynn is struggling to catch her breath; I think these ole gals had her on the grind since I left them this morning.
“Yes, I am Troy Campbell, wow, I knew she had a sister, but I did not know you guys were twins?”
“Fraternal twins in fact and I want to thank you for saving my mom and sister on yesterday. I have told them repeatedly that roaming the streets in pj’s will catch up to them.” Lynn and Troy break out in laughter. Lynn excuses herself and directs her questions to the baking duo “Two Peas in a Pod”, “Mama, Ms. Bonnie, you have to tell me how you want me to set up your display, the gates will be opening soon, and we need to let Mr. Troy work his magic with your appliances.”
“Hold your horses, we will get to work when your sister introduces us formally to her new beau.” Ms. Bonnie and my mama are friends for a reason, they are just alike. “Mama, you already know Troy and I heard that you Ms. Bonnie have already introduced yourself by having him to fetch me back over here. I am not being mean, ladies I love you, but I need you to let Troy check on that oven and fridge because it would look bad if the organizer’s mother and acquired auntie was not setup by the required 10:45am deadline. I need ya’ll to bake pies and cookies!” The ladies relented to my request and went to work. I received a text that the parking crew were finally receiving attendees, so I walked away to communicate with all of lead volunteers over the radiophone. Troy checked on the lines for their oven and fridge and went beyond what was asked of him and did a quick inspection of the neighboring vendors that would rely on any electricity to avoid any power surges or electrical incidents. And within minutes across the grounds, I can smell sweet potatoes, sugar, butter and pumpkin from the cookie dough. The grounds are looking like a Christmas village, the food is smelling delightful, the Arts and Crafts are the best work I have seen in a longtime and the Zydeco Christmas Music echoes in the wind. Lord, thank you for the beautiful day and I pray that end results will be more than we could ever imagine. I turn on the radiophone, “Attention to all Christmas Bazaar leaders and patrols, it’s 11am, Mr. C open the gates and let’s get this party started!”
“Roger, that Jo! Ladies and Gentlemen -Welcome to the First Annual Christmas Bazaar, Lassiez les bon temp roule! please enjoy!””