The Prodigal Son (A Reverend Curtis Black Novel) (15 page)

A
whole twenty-four hours had passed since Racquel had slashed him with a knife, yet he still couldn’t believe it. His own wife, the woman he’d loved and given up everything for, had nearly killed him. It just didn’t make sense, and though Matthew did believe she was ill and that maybe she couldn’t help herself, it was hard for him to find sympathy for someone who was so violent. As it was, she’d slapped him and kicked him, but this butcher knife drama had beat it all. For her parents’ sake and hers, too, he was sorry she’d been arrested, but maybe being locked up would make her think. Maybe being handcuffed and driven off to the county jail would snap her back to a normal mental state.

He lay there watching one of the local ministers on television, wondering why this had happened. Was it because he’d sort of broken his vows? All he’d done was talk to Stacey, but he couldn’t deny the lustful thoughts he’d had about her. So maybe this disaster with Racquel was God’s way of punishing him. He at least wanted Stacey to know he was all right, though, and he would call her just as soon as he could. After being rushed to the hospital by ambulance, he hadn’t had a chance to get his phone, and he hadn’t as much as thought about it until now.

Matthew thought about calling Alicia, but someone knocked at his door.

“Come in,” he said.

His in-laws pushed open the door and walked in, and Matthew smiled at them.

“Oh Matt,” Vanessa said. “I’m so glad to see you smiling. I was so afraid you were going to be upset with us.”

“Why?”

“Because of Racquel. We’re so very sorry, Matt.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“We know, son,” Neil said, “but she’s our daughter and we can’t help but feel responsible for her. We’re just sick over what she did, and now we wish we’d done something.”

Matthew raised himself higher in the bed and frowned. He didn’t have a lot of throbbing pain like he’d experienced in the middle of the night, but the soreness had definitely started to set in, both in his abdomen and his arm. His hand was bandaged up, too, but it didn’t hurt as much as the other two areas.

“How are you feeling?” Vanessa said, resting her leather tote down onto the chair.

“Okay. I’m a little sore, but the doctor said I’ll be fine.”

“That’s good to hear,” Neil said. “Thank God for that.”

“Also,” Vanessa said, “I hope you don’t think we forgot about you yesterday, because after we came from checking on Racquel, we came straight to the hospital. But when we saw your mom and dad walking inside, we decided to wait.”

“I understand,” Matthew said. “My sister called and told them what happened. They would have seen it on the news, anyway, though.”

“Did you see them?” Vanessa asked, and Matthew could tell she half expected him to say no.

“I did.”

“Good,” she said, but Matthew knew she didn’t mean it, at least not when it came to his mother because she still couldn’t stand her. “Oh and we went by your aunt’s and saw MJ. We thought about taking him home with us, but we wanted to go see Racquel again today and also come see you.”

“How was he?”

“Fine. He really does love his aunt Emma, and we’re very glad about that.”

“So is the doctor releasing you today?” Neil asked.

“Yes.”

“Maybe you should come home with us, so we can help you with MJ. At least until you’re feeling better.”

Matthew hated having to break the news to them, but he didn’t have a choice. “MJ and I are moving out of the apartment for good.”

Vanessa sighed. “Well, we figured you might, and no one can blame you. So will you be staying with your aunt Emma?”

“No, I’m moving back with my parents.”

Matthew watched his mother-in-law cringe. He wasn’t surprised about her reaction at all.

“I know you still love them, Matt, but I really don’t want MJ living with your mother. Not after that stunt she pulled.”

“I know my mom was wrong, but she would never hurt MJ.”

“I’m not sure about that. Your mom is an awful woman, and if you want, you and MJ can come live with us.”

Neil didn’t say anything and barely moved.

“I really appreciate the offer, but it’s time I work things out with my parents. I’m actually relieved to be going home.”

“But you know how controlling your mother is,” Vanessa reminded him. “She only cares about herself, and she’ll make life miserable for you. Not to mention, she’s a terrible example for MJ.”

Matthew looked at her, and it was funny how even though he knew his mother-in-law was telling the truth about his mom, he didn’t want to hear any more of her comments. They were making him uncomfortable.

“And what about Racquel?” Vanessa said. “Are you going to be there for her? I know it’s a lot to ask, but she needs you, Matt.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t. Not after what she did.”

Vanessa’s face fell somber. “I’m not trying to excuse her actions, but she needs help. She’ll be arraigned tomorrow, and we’re going to ask the judge to send her to a psychiatric facility. We want her to be evaluated.”

“I’m glad she’s gonna get some help, but I can’t be with someone so abusive. I can’t subject MJ to that kind of thing either.”

“But she wasn’t herself,” Neil finally added. “She’s been very depressed, but I believe she’ll be so much better once she gets treatment.”

Matthew felt bad for Racquel, but he wasn’t sure what else to say. Then, if things weren’t awkward enough, his parents walked in. Tension flooded the room like a tidal wave, and Matthew wished he could crawl under his bed. He prayed there wouldn’t be any drama.

“Good morning,” Curtis said, shaking Neil’s hand.

“Good morning. Good to see you.”

“How are you, Curtis?” Vanessa asked, hugging him.

“I’m good.”

Matthew waited for his mother and Vanessa to speak, but they ignored each other. Actually, this was probably a good thing because no words meant no arguing.

“Hey Curtis,” Neil said, “we’ve already apologized to Matt, but we’re really sorry about Racquel.”

Curtis nodded. “Thanks.”

The room fell silent, and everyone pretended to watch television. Matthew loved his in-laws, but he hoped they would leave soon. If they stayed, there was no telling what might happen.

“Well, I guess we should get going,” Neil said, and Matthew was grateful.

Vanessa walked over and picked up her handbag. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider, Matt?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

Vanessa looked sad again, and though Matthew felt bad, his decision was final. There was just no other way.

“We’ll be checking on you, son,” Neil said, smiling.

“You take care of yourself,” Vanessa said. “You, too, Curtis.”

“Take care, both of you, and we’ll be praying for Racquel.”

When they left the room, Matthew exhaled. He was surprised his mom hadn’t already started asking questions, wanting to know what his mother-in-law had wanted him to reconsider, but she didn’t. Matthew knew, though, that she didn’t want to anger him, so this was likely the only reason she kept quiet.

“How are you feeling, son?” Curtis asked.

“Okay. Ready to get out of here.”

“Now you know how I felt the last two times I was in the hospital.”

Charlotte laughed. “But that’s only because you’re such a bad patient. Such a busybody.”

Matthew couldn’t help smiling because his mom was right. His dad hated being confined or told he couldn’t do certain things because of an illness.

“When we dropped Curtina off at Aunt Emma’s, we saw that beautiful grandson of ours,” Charlotte said.

Curtis folded his arms. “He’s definitely a handsome little thing. Looks just like his grandfather.”

“You’re a trip, Dad.”

They all laughed.

“Well, he does. He looks like you, and you look like me, so what do you expect?”

Matthew smiled, and though he never imagined he would be this happy to be with his parents, he was thrilled. He was plowing his way through a major life storm, but his mom and dad made him feel better about things. Their love and support gave him hope, and he felt a strong sense of peace. There was nothing like family, and from now on, Matthew would never forget that.

B
aby, I am so, so sorry,” Racquel said. “I don’t know what came over me. It was almost like I was having an out-of-body experience. But you know I didn’t mean it.”

Matthew listened as his wife apologized and pleaded, but he regretted answering her call. Actually, the only reason he’d taken it was because she’d caught him off guard, and he’d hit the Send button by accident. It was only one in the afternoon, so he certainly hadn’t expected to hear from her anytime soon. He’d known she was being arraigned this morning, but he’d assumed the judge would honor her parents’ request and would transfer her to a treatment center. He could tell from her conversation, though, that she was nowhere near any mental facility.

“Matt, I really need to see you. I need to talk to you.”

He walked into MJ’s nursery and picked him up. MJ smiled happily, the same as always. “Racquel, I really don’t want to do this right now.”

“Why?”

“Because there’s nothing to say.”

“I know you’re upset, but if you’ll just let me explain things to you. Baby, I really am sorry. Ever since MJ was born, I’ve been under a lot of pressure, and I wasn’t myself. For months now, I’ve felt like I was having a nervous breakdown, but I didn’t know what to do about it.”

“Really?” he said. “Well, what finally made you realize that today?”

“Matt, I spent two nights in jail, and then I had to go before a judge this morning. I had two full days to think about everything.”

“And he let you out? Just like that?”

“No, my parents had to pay five thousand dollars.”

“That’s all?”

“My bond was fifty thousand, but the judge allowed them to post ten percent of it. You sound like you’re disappointed. Like you wanted me stay locked up.”

“Racquel, how would you feel if I’d treated you like a dog for more than a year and then physically abused you? What if I’d stabbed you with a knife? Would you be happy I was out of jail?”

She didn’t say anything.

“That’s what I thought. You’d be doing everything you could trying to make sure I was sent to prison.”

“I would never want that for you.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Matt, I’m really gonna get help. I wanna be a better wife and good mother to MJ. There’s something wrong with me, and I can’t help what I did. I’m really, really sorry.”

“I’m sorry, too, but I’m done, Racquel.”

“What do you mean?”

“Our marriage is over.”

“What?”

“I hope things work out for you in court, but I’m getting a divorce.”

“Baby, you’re just upset, and I don’t blame you. But things won’t always be like this.”

“You’re right. Eventually, you’ll move on and so will I, and that’ll be that. We never should have gotten married in the first place. We were way too young last year, and we’re still too young now.”

“I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

“I don’t know why. Just last week you were hanging out at bars, drinking, and offering me a divorce. And you were planning to leave this fall for school.”

“I told you I wasn’t myself. I wasn’t thinking straight, and I’m finished with all that.”

“Good for you, Racquel. But hey, I have to go. MJ’s hungry.”

“I can’t believe you moved back with your parents. After all the trouble your mother caused us. After all the horrible things she did to me.”

“She’s still my mother, though.”

“Well, I don’t want my son around her. I don’t want her poisoning his mind the way she’s already doing with you.”

“Excuse me?”

“Matt, please. The only reason you’re talking about all this divorce stuff is because of her. I know she’s the one who’s pushing you to do this. She couldn’t wait to turn you against me. She tried and tried before, but this time she’s going to do everything she can to make sure it happens.”

Matthew walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. His mom looked at him strangely, and he could tell she knew who he was talking to. “I’ll talk to you later, Racquel.”

“Whatever,” she said and hung up.

“You wanna hold him while I pull out some baby food?” he asked.

“Of course,” Charlotte said, reaching for him. “Hi, sweetie. So did Nana’s baby have a good nap? Huh?”

MJ smiled at her and pulled at her necklace.

“Where’s Dad?” Matthew asked.

“In his study. You need something?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You don’t seem to be as sore as you were yesterday.”

“I’m not.”

“I’m glad. This could have turned out so much worse, Matt.”

“I know, but let’s not talk about that, Mom, okay?”

“I’m not trying to upset you. I’m just grateful is all.”

Matthew knew she meant well, but he was so used to her controlling attitude and negative comments that he couldn’t help analyzing everything she said. He guessed he was afraid she would return to her old ways, and he didn’t want that.

“I can feed him if you want,” she said.

Matthew passed her the jar of green peas and a bottle filled with apple juice, but then his phone rang. It was his mother-in-law, and he debated answering it. If he didn’t, though, she would leave a message, expecting him to call her back, so it was better to talk to her now and get it over with.

“Hello?”

“Hey Matt, how are you?”

“Good, and you?”

“Well, I was doing fine until Racquel came into my office crying her eyes out.”

Matthew wasn’t sure what she wanted him to say.

“I know you’re upset,” she said, “and you have every right to be, but Racquel really is very sorry. We’ve known for a while that she was depressed, but I believe her when she says she never meant to hurt you. She just needed help.”

“Well, why didn’t the judge send her to a facility then?”

Vanessa paused but finally said, “She called us last night from jail and begged us not to do it. Being arrested really traumatized her, so she just wanted to come stay with us for a couple of days. Then, she’ll go wherever we want her to.”

“So the judge doesn’t know about her being depressed and how she hasn’t had anything to do with her own son for over a week?”

“Our attorney didn’t mention any of that to him. We decided it was best to get treatment for her on our own, and then when it’s time to go back to court we’ll be able to document her progress.”

Matthew didn’t respond.

“The reason I’m calling you, though, Matt, is because Racquel really needs to see you. She wants to talk things over.”

Matthew looked at his mom, who was staring straight at him, so he left the room.

“It’s like I told Racquel when she called,” he said. “Our marriage is over. We tried to make it work, but we couldn’t.”

“But you can. All marriages have problems, and you know yourself that your mom didn’t help things. She made life very hard for you and Racquel before you were even married.”

“Yeah, but that’s all in the past, and my mother didn’t make Racquel stab me with a knife.”

“Maybe you just need some time.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Well, can you at least think about not pressing charges?”

Matthew raised his eyebrows. It wasn’t as though he was dying to see the mother of his son go to prison, no matter what she’d done to him, but he was shocked to hear his mother-in-law’s request.

“I know it’s a lot to ask,” she continued. “But Racquel is practically a baby, Matt. I know she’s an adult, but she’s way too young to be locked up.”

“I’ll have to think about it,” was all he said, hoping this would get her to hang up.

“Even if you do drop the charges, the prosecutor can still charge her and try her in court, but it won’t look as bad. Our attorney has also advised us that, as the victim, you can sign an affidavit of nonprosecution. This can make a huge difference, and there’s a chance that Racquel won’t have to serve any time. She could get probation.”

Matthew didn’t know much about the law, and he certainly had never heard about any nonprosecution affidavit, but he could tell Vanessa knew was she was talking about. Racquel had only been out of jail for a couple of hours at most, but it sounded like they’d come up with a well-thought-out plan.

“I’ll have to talk to my parents.”

“We really need you to work with us, Matt. We’ll do anything you ask. Just please don’t send our daughter to prison,” she pleaded.

“I have another call,” he lied.

“Please think about everything I said, okay, Matt?”

“I will.”

“You take care.”

Matthew walked back into the kitchen and looked at his mother, but he didn’t say anything. She would go ballistic if she knew what Vanessa was asking him to do, and he didn’t want to upset her. His dad, of course, would be more understanding because that was just the kind of man he was, but Matthew wasn’t even sure how he felt about things himself. On the one hand, he did want Racquel to pay for what she’d done, but on the other, he didn’t want her doing time in prison. More than anything, he just wanted this whole mess to go away. What he wanted was to just be a normal young person with normal problems, period.