I shook my head in dismay. “I still don’t understand what happened the night he got kicked out the house. It was one of those days when I simply wasn’t there. I had blacked out completely and on Thanksgiving Day, no less.”
“Thanksgiving?”
“Yes.” I closed my eyes so I could recall the bad memories. “From what I’ve been able to piece together, a hooker showed up at the family dinner claiming that my father had been paying her for sexual favors for months. She also told everyone she was pregnant.”
“Oh my! Was it true?” Marcella gasped.
“He denied it all,” I replied. “The funny thing is, I just can’t imagine my father doing something like that, especially with a hooker.”
“But why would someone just show up and say that unless it was true?”
“That is something that will probably boggle my mind forever. My mother has never gotten over it. She thinks that by dating a bunch of other men, it will make her feel like more of a woman. Having someone trashy show up claiming to be his side action really messed with her self-esteem. She’s been trying to get it back ever since.”
“It sounds like she might need some counseling as well.”
As ugly as my own situation was, even I couldn’t help but laugh at that one. “Momma definitely needs some help.”
“Do you think your mother would consider attending some sessions here with you?”
I snickered at the mere thought. “Not in this lifetime.”
“What about your father?” Marcella asked me.
“Quite honestly, I have no idea. My father might have finally written me off by now. If I were him, I would.”
“But you’re not him,” Marcella reminded me. “You should at least call him.”
“I’ve never stopped loving him,” I whispered. Then I looked Marcella in the eyes. “A phone call might not do it. Maybe I’ll go see him.”
21
jude
I couldn’t take the shit one more second. Not one more second. I took over and screamed out, “There is no way in fucking hell Henry’s coming back into the picture!”
“What did you just say?” the bitch doctor asked me. I didn’t respond. “Jonquinette?” I got up from the chaise and started for the door. “Jonquinette?”
I turned to face her and gave her an evil grin, but still refused to reply.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Your worst fucking nightmare, bitch!” I spewed out at her.
She sat back down calmly at her desk and folded her hands. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet you. Do you have a name?”
“Hmph, you think you’re so fucking smooth.” I had to admit that she was just that: smooth. I would have expected her to freak out or something. “Okay, I’ll play along. My name’s Jude—and yours?” I sat down across from her at the desk. Nobody out attitudes me. “Oh, never mind, I already know your name. Bitch!”
“That’s not very ladylike, calling me out of my name,” she said.
Was she trying to piss me off or something?
“Since I’m not a lady, who gives a flying fuck?” I retorted.
“So Jude, what made you finally come out and say hello?” She reached into her top drawer and pulled out a cigarette. “Mind if I smoke?”
“Suit yourself.”
She lit one up. “Was it Jonquinette talking about reaching out to her father? Your father?”
“Henry Pierce is not my damn daddy!” I said. So much for playing it cool.
“Hmm, you seem to harbor a lot of negative feelings toward him.”
“My, my, you are a mastermind,” I stated contemptuously. “It took getting a degree to figure that out?”
“Jude, I’d really like to be your friend. Would you consider that?”
“I don’t need any fucking friends.”
“You know, Jonquinette thinks she’s going insane. The things you’ve been doing aren’t very nice.”
“You don’t know the half of it. I’m proud of myself.” I crossed my legs, determined not to let the heifer make me lose it.
“Why’s that?” she asked.
“Because I’m the shit. Jon’s lucky to have me. Without me, she would’ve had her ass kicked her entire life. Without me, she would’ve let everyone run over her, especially the Queen Bitch, Meredith.”
“Your mother?”
I sighed. “I don’t know why you keep referring to that hoe and bastard as my parents. I don’t have parents.” The slut just didn’t get it. “Anyway, like I was saying before you so rudely interrupted me, Jon wouldn’t have a leg to stand on without me. Don’t go throwing a pity party for her ass. You should be celebrating the fact that I exist.”