All That and a Bag of Chips (31 page)

The leaves were almost off all the trees and everywhere you looked, the look of winter was fast approaching. It was a few days before Thanksgiving. Venice called home a little more than she did
prior to her father's illness. She wanted to make sure he'd made a complete recovery. The semester was going to be drawing to a close before Christmas. Venice was happy about this since Craig's co-op study would finally be over. Hopefully he would be crossing over into Tau Nu fraternity also. The driving back and forth was starting to take its toll, but the co-op was considered a necessary investment for his resume and future. It was an experience every college student needed before heading off into the work force.

Joshua called Venice almost every other day. Venice called him the other days and he was still great on giving her advice. Sometimes she liked it and sometimes she didn't. She really respected him though. She also talked to Jarvis very late every night after football practice. He knew he would be seeing his girl Christmas break and he couldn't wait.

Bernice was marking the calendar each week doing the countdown until her July wedding to J.T. She had a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. She said it was hard to do without a mom to turn to for guidance. But, she was determined to do the best that she could under the circumstances. They were in the den watching a little TV together for the first time in long time. Bernice had cut her hours back from the hospital because she was starting to get burned out. This allowed her to spend a little more time around the house to make wedding plans and also help Craig take care of some of the business regarding the house.

Bernice asked Craig if he was sure he'd be able to handle running the house alone. He told her he was practically running it already. She knew he'd still be there and Bernice would still have that security blanket. Craig always knew he could do it. He didn't want Bernice to worry about him. Bernice's original plan was to get married after Craig graduated. However, he seemed to have become more responsible earlier than she expected. Bernice was very proud of him. He stepped right into their daddy's shoes without missing a beat.

Since Craig was on line, Venice called Bernice to see if she wanted to go home with her for Thanksgiving.

“Have you decided if you're going home with me for Thanksgiving?”

Bernice responded, “Venice, I think I will. J.T. has to work so it'll do me some good to get away. When do you want to leave?”

“How about noon on Wednesday?”

“That's fine with me. I'll pick you up at noon. By the way, have you seen or talked to Craig?”

“He left a message on my answering machine. I think they allow them to talk to their families. This way, I know he's okay. You know those frats can get out of control sometimes.”

Venice said, “Yeah, I heard. I hope he's doing all right. I miss him. Bryan says I need to be patient. He's in the same frat.”

“Pledging is not all that bad. I pledged when I was in college and you'll probably pledge, too.”

“Maybe. If you talk to Craig, tell him I miss him and…”

“Yes, Venice?”

“Tell him I love him also.”

Bernice smiled and said, “I will. Take care.”

Venice and Bernice were preparing to go over the rivers and through the woods. She was kind of excited because she was getting a well-deserved break from work and was anxious to meet the Taylors.

Thanksgiving morning, Bernice and Sinclair helped Mrs. Taylor cook dinner. Venice's drunken Uncle Walter showed up as loud as ever and smelling like day-old liquor. He sometimes came by on Sundays, but since this was the holidays, he just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make an appearance. He tried to hug and kiss on Bernice, but Bryan was able to rescue her.

Uncle Walter was Venice's dad's older brother. He used to sell cars but when the dealership closed down, he really went to the dogs. Crimson was happy once again to have her auntie back home. Venice couldn't help but spoil her. She told Bryan they needed to hurry up and have another baby because Crimson was going to be an awful brat if they didn't.

After Thanksgiving blessings were said, the family sat down and had a wonderful dinner. After dessert was served, Bernice and Sinclair disappeared in the Lexus that Bryan had given her for Christmas the previous year. Mrs. Taylor took a plate to the elderly Mrs. Montgomery across the street. Everyone else had dozed off after stuffing themselves with Thanksgiving goodies. Venice and Bryan were the only ones left.

“Venice, let's go out on the porch. How are you and Craig doing?”

Venice shoved her hands in her coat pockets. “I wouldn't know. I haven't talked to him in weeks. He's on line with your frat.”

“For real! That's all right. What's wrong? You missing your baby?”

Venice nudged him and said, “It's not funny, Bryan. All that frat stuff is so secretive. He could at least try to call me.”

“It's best that he doesn't. Girl, stop whining. This is when you find out what your man is really made of.”

“I don't care.”

“You'll see when you pledge. Chanelle is on line, too, isn't she?”

“Yeah, she should be coming off soon. It'll probably be another three weeks before I see Craig.”

“Hang in there, girl. You'll be okay.”

There was a silence as they watched cars go up and down the street.

Venice confessed, “Bryan, I've been going up to visit Jarvis.”

“I know. Do you still feel the same about him?”

“Yes. When I'm with him, I start tingling. I don't know what to do. He knows me, Bryan. He knows what makes me tick. I feel great when I'm with him. Then, when I'm away from him, the spell subsides but I still miss him. When I'm with Craig, my heart speeds up. I can't sleep when I'm away from him. I want to be with him as much as possible and I'm in love with him, too. I need help.”

Bryan put his hands over his face and said, “You've got yourself in a tough situation. I don't know what to tell you. I do know you need to get it together. Neither one of them is going to put up with this much longer.”

Venice silently nodded in agreement. “I really didn't expect this to happen, Bryan.”

“I know you didn't. Is Jarvis coming home for Christmas?” Venice sat back in the swing and said, “It depends on whether or not they go to the playoffs.”

Bryan made the swing move and said, “Well, hopefully he'll get to come home. Make sure you guys talk. Ya'll need help from a higher power.”

Venice stared out into the yard and said, “Maybe we do.”

 

Back on campus, the pledges
of Tau Nu were busy serving the
homeless at the shelter. Craig couldn't help but think of Venice. When he and the other pledges got a chance to relax, they shared what they were missing out on with each other. One of the things Craig missed most was the smell of Venice's perfume and the softness of her body. Like all the other guys, Craig wondered what his lady was doing to occupy her time. Their time online would make or break relationships.

When the pledges finished with the last soup kitchen, the big brothers decided to take them back to their secret house and surprise them with their own Thanksgiving dinner. The pledges were able to relax a little. Craig ate his meal, then took a moment to get in a little studying before turning in for the night. As he drifted off to sleep, he said to himself, “Goodnight, Venice.”

S
aturday morning, Venice and Bernice made their way back to town. Before leaving, Bernice thanked the Taylors for their hospitality. She wanted to go by and tell Sinclair goodbye. They really got along very well together. Venice couldn't imagine what those two had in common. Whatever it was, it left Sinclair in a good mood.

Bryan gave Venice a sealed box to give to Craig when he crossed over. He said, “Give this to Craig when his line crosses and do not open the box, Venice!”

Bernice told Bryan and Sinclair, “You two are going to have to come for a visit when you get a chance. I really would enjoy having you down. I'll call you with my work schedule and maybe we can set up something.”

They assured her they would visit soon. After Venice promised Bryan she wouldn't open Craig's box, they shared hugs and kisses and then they were on their way.

During the ride back, Bernice said, “Venice, I make it a point not to get to involved in Craig's business. But, I know something went down with you guys a few weeks ago. I'm glad that whatever it was, you were able to work it out. He really cares a lot about you and I know you care for him. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you ever want to talk, I'm here. I feel like I could be objective, even though Craig's my brother.”

“Thanks Bernice. I really appreciate you offering. Craig didn't tell you what happened?”

“No, and I didn't ask. I just noticed he was hanging around the house a lot and I didn't see you come over for a while. Venice, I respect his privacy and he respects mine. We get along just fine keeping it that way.”

“I understand, Bernice. I really didn't mean to hurt Craig. I just have some things I'm trying to deal with.”

“I'm sure things will get back on track for you guys after this pledging is over.”

“I hope so.”

When they made it back into town, Venice realized she was going to be alone once she reached the dorm. Bernice asked her to stay the rest of the weekend at the house.

Venice thought for a moment, then told her she would. “Thanks for the invite, Bernice. It'll be kind of spooky in the dorm by myself.”

“Why don't you take your bags into Craig's room. Hopefully, he'll call today and you'll get to talk to him.”

Bernice and Venice settled in after their long trip. Mrs. Taylor had sent plenty of food back with them. They chatted for a while and then turned in for the night. It was about 2 a.m. when the phone rang. Venice was so tired that she didn't even hear it. There was a knock at the bedroom door, which woke Venice out of her sleep.

Bernice peeked in and said, “Venice, Craig's on the phone.”

Venice jumped out of bed to get the phone as Bernice closed the door. In a sleepy voice, Venice said “Hello?”

The tired sounding voice on the other end said, “Hey, baby! What are you doing over there?”

“Missing you. Are you okay?”

“As well as can be expected. I can't talk long. Bernice told me she had a good time with your family.”

“I think she did. She and Sinclair hit if off real good. How much longer are you going to be on line?”

“I don't know. I hope not long. I've lost five pounds from all that jogging and I'm not eating as much.”

Venice paused for a moment before saying, “Be careful. Okay?”

“Always.”

“Bryan sent you something in a box. He said you can't open it until you cross over.”

“That's nice. Well, sweetheart, I'd better get off this phone. I miss you and keep my bed warm for me and make sure you have a black dress ready for the crossing over ball.”

Venice couldn't mask her emotions any longer. “Craig, I need to see you.”

“What?”

“I need to see you.”

“Venice, you know I can't.”

“Why not? Chanelle is always sneaking around so why can't you?”

“It's different.”

“How?”

“You don't understand, Venice.”

“Forget it, Craig!”

“Venice…I love you.”

It was quiet for a minute and then Venice said, “Love you, too.” Before she hung up the phone, she noticed Craig's hesitation. “Venice?”

“Yeah.”

“I'll try.”

“Thanks.”

Venice was content and had no problem falling back to sleep.

Two nights later, they met at his house. He told his frats he had to take care of some family business. They knew Craig's family situation and allowed him two hours to take care of it. Venice made sure they used up an hour and forty-five minutes of the time. She really needed this and so did he. It was hard for him to leave her nakedness in his bed and sneak away like a thief-in-the-night. Before he left, Venice thanked him over and over for taking the risk.

A few more weeks to go.

Chanelle and her line crossed over. There was soror frenzy going on in the dorms. The pledges' doors were decorated in the sorority colors and the pledges were showered with gifts. Venice had already picked out a special sweatshirt and umbrella for her girl. Monique and Venice shared in Chanelle's joy. Spoonie bought her the sorority's leather jacket. It was very expensive and Venice knew this meant a lot to Chanelle. Venice and Monique hung out in Chanelle's room while fellow pledges and big sistas came by to offer congratulations. Needless to say, the girls didn't get much sleep in the dorm that night.

The next morning, all the new pledges were decked out in sorority attire. Chanelle's sorority was not the only one that crossed over. It would still probably be another week before Craig would be finished.
It had been two more weeks since Venice had some loving from Craig. She was starting to get really grouchy and her partners knew why.

Monique said, “Dang, I'll be glad when your boy gets off line. I don't know how much more I'll be able to take of your attitude.”

“Forget you, Monique!”

Venice rumbled through her closet looking for something to wear to class the next day. The telephone rang. Monique answered and told Venice it was for her. It was Tim on the phone. He was in the lobby and wanted Venice to come down.

When she got off the elevator, the lobby was full of people going in and out. Venice gave Tim a friendly hug, sat down, and let out a big sigh. Tim came by to see his girlfriend but she wasn't in her room so he called Venice down to pass the time away. After several minutes of small talk, she excused herself. Tim told her to hang in there and he would see her in class.