Bermuda Triangle

By A.K. Seals

Bermuda Triangle's author has always been fascinated with the region's meteorological forecast. The triangular shape of the area and its mysterious history of vanishing modes of transportation was the catalyst of the book's title. But what truly sparked the idea of this title was the female reproductive area. The triangular shape of women's reproductive area could be looked at in a number of ways: The ovaries to the depth of the uterus and down to the cervix. Or the breasts to the genitalia. This is the area where human life develops but also holds an energy of life outside of the physical growth of another person. This context of energy is creation, contributions, and interacting with others.

We all encounter many obstacles in our lifetime. How do we address these challenges? Bermuda Triangle is a story of dozens of women and how their particular dilemma comes to a resolve. Their age range varies across the spectrum. Each situation has a sense of familiarity, something anyone could relate to. We all live our lives according to what we've experienced over time. Sometimes it works out in our best interest and other times it does not. Even when it does not, that doesn't mean a lesson was not learned. Bermuda Triangle wants its readers' to be reminded that we are all in this together, the travels of life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493164844

A.K. Seals

A. K. Seals has written stories and poems for many years. With strong conviction and encouragement from those close to her, she has published her first work. Her years of interaction with others and own experiences gave her the idea to create Bermuda Triangle. She has always been fascinated by the way people live their lives and the situations they encounter along the way.

Book preview

FULL CIRCLE

Y OU NEED TO listen for once! Marie Toussaint growls at her eighteen year old granddaughter. They were in the middle of a heated debate. Marie knew that when they began to talk over one another she was done. She wasn’t raised like that. A young person just didn’t do that in her day. If they did, it wasn’t pretty. Marie’s oldest grandchild, Joanna, huffed with her nostrils flared as she tried not to roll her eyes. The communication at this point was strictly body language. Marie looked at her with raised brows that said ‘fix your face’. Joanna caught herself as she was about to cross her arms, place majority of her body weight on her right hip, and left leg centered out. It was a classic stand when young girls are being checked, about to be checked or checking someone. But she caught herself. Joanna knew her grandma would knock her down. Marie’s expression changed letting Joanna know that she did right by not going ‘there’. Now calm down and listen to me child she began. Joanna listened as her grandma spoke.

Marie has been taking care of Joanna her entire life. Her eldest daughter, Natalie, joined the military right out of high school. Natalie ended up pregnant with Joanna a year later. She stayed on active duty but didn’t want to trot baby Joanna to her various deployments. Marie didn’t like the idea either therefore she agreed that she would care for the child. Joanna was a good girl and very smart. Marie didn’t have much trouble with her, only the typical kid stuff. Joanna did what she was told, had good manners, and excelled in school. Joanna received several scholarships and would be leaving home soon. Marie was very proud of her and also held a selfish sadness for her grandbaby that would be on her own. The melt down they were having was to be expected. Joanna pleaded immensely with her grandmother to attend a pre graduation party. She was completely forbidden to attend. Marie didn’t like the idea of her going because of the crowd and the location of the party. They finished their talk and Joanna walked away crying. Marie didn’t mind, as long as she wasn’t slamming doors in her house she’d be alright.

Joanna goes to her room in tears. She plops on her bed and calls her best friend, Kelly. She wipes away tears as she waits for her to answer. Kelly answered, always upbeat hey Girl, you going? she asked. Joanna’s eyes were hot and wet Naw, I can’t. She won’t let me she responded. Kelly could hear the tears in her voice. Aw Joey, that’s messed up. She said. Joanna could tell that her best friend was trying to spare her feelings by not further feeding into her sadness. She knew that the party would be just as important as the ones following their graduation. She knew the area it was being held in was rough. She knew how to be careful though. None of that mattered to her, she just wanted to go. Girl I swear to god I can’t wait to leave. You know I love my grandma but damn she still thinking like it’s the sixties or something she said turning over on her back staring at the ceiling. I feel you girl. You’ll be out of there soon.

The two friends will be attending the same college. They looked forward to it. Even their families got together to discuss the girls’ next step in education and life. The girls had no idea how blessed they were. The adult family members sure did. When they got together for such meetings, Joanna and Kelly went off to a different room. This would happen after initially greeting everyone and the start of adult-talk, which was about them. Marie and Kelly’s parents wanted the girls to know that their wellbeing was a group effort. The girls have known each other for so long. Marie wanted to make sure that she always had a sense of who Joanna’s friends were and their families. When Marie was growing up, everyone knew everyone. Friends’ parents, neighbors, and teachers were all intimately involved with the youth. Even Kelly’s much younger parents remembered how it was ‘okay’ when teachers physically disciplined their students. Times have changed so much. It was bound to happen because it’s always happening. Marie and Kelly’s parents were so proud of the girls. Over the years the parents and grandparent formed quite a bond, all because of the girls’ relationship. Marie knew that the parents appreciated her approach of getting to know who’s who.

Marie knows that Joanna was thoroughly disappointed about not being able to go to the party. She didn’t feel right about letting her go. She also understood why Kelly’s parents gave her permission to go. They were younger and more lenient than Marie. At times, they would follow Marie’s lead. This was not one of those times.

When Kelly’s parents came to visit, they listened intently to Marie. She appreciated it, almost found it flattering. In her mind, it was like younger children that would follow older children. Inquisitive and wanting to learn something new, while keeping themselves out of the dark. The young always looked up to the older ones, even when there were ill intentions. Most human behavior is learned behavior. Marie knew this party was ‘the place to be’. But for her, the address wasn’t the place to be with a bunch of young adults on a warm evening. She always thought there was too much ‘stupid shit’ happening these days. As always, it was different in Marie’s day. Now every young idiot carries a weapon and will use it at their discretion (which will always be a piss poor excuse to take another person’s life). Marie felt bad that her grandbaby was sad that she couldn’t attend the party. She already knew how those kinds of parties went. She went to some when she was younger. Later on in life, she clearly saw the danger she put herself in. At first it was exciting with just a hint of danger. Marie decided to make Joanna’s favorite meal. She had everything she needed and began. Soon after, basic veggies were sliced and diced right into a hug pot. The smell of sautéing vegetables filled the home. Joanna was off the phone with Kelly and continued to lie across her bed, door still closed. She didn’t feel like listening to music or going online. She just wanted to be free to do what she wanted, she felt old enough and responsible enough.

Joanna went to her bathroom, which was a Jack and Jill bathroom. She was the only one that used it. She always kept the adjoining bedroom door closed. She stepped barefoot on the tiled floor. There was a bit of chill on her feet. She splashed water on her face, hoping to rinse away the madness she felt. Joanna opened the door leading to the unused bedroom to get something, but instead got a whiff of her favorite smell. It instantly lightened her mood, but she quickly reminded herself that she was angry. She tried ignoring the beautiful aromas as she toweled her face. She could not believe what her grandma was doing. Joanna felt that the familiar, favorite scents were some sort of peace offering. She actually felt sick to her stomach. She went straight to her room to call Kelly back. With her towel in her hand she dabbed her right ear. She wanted to make sure it was dry. She had problems in the past where her touch screen phone doesn’t register her request because of the excess water. Hey Joey, she said you can go? Kelly answered on a one and a half ring. Nope Joanna dryly responded. And what makes it so bad is she is making one of my favorite meals she finished. There was dead air. This was common between the two of them. The two girls would find themselves processing what was just shared, leading to the blank yet, not awkward, silence.

For real?! was Kelly’s only response. Yep Joanna said. Another bought of silence. You know what Girl? Kelly began. I’m not going either then. Do you think your grandma would let me come over and stay the night? she completed in question. I don’t know. I don’t think she would mind. After all, she is making one of my favorites. I know she’s just trying to lighten me up. So actually, I think she would be happy that you came over. It would be like mission accomplished to her. Joanna finished with a smile on her face. Joanna was back to normal. The two good friends were ‘joined at the hip’. Kelly didn’t feel right going to the party without her. Joanna appreciated that because she would’ve felt the same way. Joanna made her way down stairs as the delicious aromas got stronger. She asked her grandma if it was okay that Kelly came over. Marie felt a sense of joy as she agreed that Kelly could visit. She even went as far as to ask if Kelly’s parents were available to come over too and have dinner. Joanna said that she would call Kelly and ask. Joanna didn’t mind calling Kelly for such requests. This request in particular wouldn’t rain on the two girls’ parade. It would be beneficial; it would keep Kelly’s parents occupied. All the while she and Kelly could do what it is they normally do: talk.

Marie kept a close eye on the simmering pots on the stove. She gave a dash of seasoning here and there. Joanna comes down the back stairs leading to the kitchen. Her mood still seems to be a bit low and Marie gets the sense that there is a hint of unhappiness at the fact that she can’t go to the party. She picks up her pep as Joanna takes a seat at the stand alone island in the middle of the large kitchen. You know I’m not trying to keep you from your friends, right? she asked as she briskly dries her hands on her apron. Here, snap and peel these for me Marie instructs, with eye contact, handing Joanna a bag of fresh green beans and a clove of garlic. Still silent but accepting her duty, Joanna proceeded with the task. You are my first grandbaby and very special and important to me. All are my grandbabies are. But Child it’s a rough and tough world out there. You know we only want the best for all of you young people Marie stated as she checked the oven mark my words, it’s going to be a long and hot summer and I mean for you to survive it without any problems. She finished as she grabbed the peeled garlic cloves. I know and I really do appreciate it. Like you always say – I’ll appreciate it more later Joanna smiled as she continued to snap the green beans. Her grandma sensed a release from her spirit and hugged her tight. Joanna returned the hugged without any more words regarding the party.

Marie continued her cooking with Joanna helping along the way. Once everything was steadily occupying each eye on the stove top and the rest of the meal in the oven, Marie told Joanna to get washed up for their guests. Feeling a lot better, Joanna did so. Marie did the same. The two of them were fresh and clean when the bell rang. I got it Grams! Joanna shouted as she barged down the main staircase to answer the door. She looked through the small curtain on the front door. It was her aunt and uncle. Joanna opened the door and gave them a hug. It was strange. They don’t usually come by unannounced. Her young cousins breezed right past her in search of their grandmother. To Joanna, the entire scene felt like it was a holiday. That’s when they usually came over. She was confused. Joanna felt a bit on edge but they seemed to be perfectly fine. Their small talk was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell, again. Joanna politely excused herself to answer the door. It was her paternal aunt. Actually, her aunt was the only family member she had consistent contact with on her father’s side. Now she was officially confused. She was truly happy to see her aunt but it was too strange.

Joanna guided her to the family room where her aunt and uncle sat. They hugged and greeted one another. Joanna felt overwhelmed. She had her phone on her and called Kelly. Where are you guys? she asked before Kelly could say anything. We’re pulling up to your house now Kelly answered. Joanna went to her grandma’s room and knocked on the door. Since they were the only two living in the fairly large house, they knocked and then entered, even if there was no response. This behavior was kind of like a ‘head’s up, I’m about to enter your room’. Joanna cautiously entered. Grams? she asked as she didn’t immediately see her. I’m back here Baby Marie called out from a sun-porch in the back of her bedroom. Joanna went to her. She informed her of the family members that were downstairs. Joanna fastened her grandma’s necklace for her and Marie fluffed her salt and peppered hair back in place. Soon after, the doorbell rang again. Joanna told her grandmother that she’ll get it as she sprinted away to answer the door. Her aunts and uncle were hamming it up as she darted by. Finally, it was Kelly and her parents. Joanna couldn’t remember the last time she left so relieved to see her best friend. When she welcomed and introduced Kelly and her parents, she could tell that Kelly looked confused.

Marie finally made her way down stairs to greet everybody. It truly felt like the holidays. Joanna and Kelly headed to the family room, right off the living room. Then they went upstairs to Joanna’s room where both girls went into hyper speed as they texted, tweeted, and facebooked their friends. The messages and feedback they received was to be expected: everyone was having an amazing time. Joanna didn’t mind much. Actually, she didn’t feel as though she was missing out on much of anything. Especially after the surprise of her family coming over. Kelly felt the same way. They laughed and talked in Joanna’s room until Marie called the two downstairs. Both girls were in good enough moods to put the technical devices on chargers. They happily sprinted down stairs.

Joanna’s demeanor changed as she saw the quiet and serious expressions on the adults’ faces. She slowed Kelly down as she held out her arm as if to protect her. Kelly bent down a bit so that she could see past the stair wall and banister. They gave each other a look skepticism and caution. They went down anyway because they knew they weren’t in trouble for anything. It was just that the entire evening was turning out weirder and weirder.

Marie immediately noticed the change in the girls’ demeanor as she greeted them at the foot of the staircase with both hands extended. Grammy, you scaring me Joanna said bluntly. That’s what I’m supposed to do Marie responded with her eyes as big as saucers. Child I’m just playing! Come on down! she laughed with a hearty laugh. Both girls could breathe a sigh of relief. They continued to make their way downstairs.

Marie had both girls exactly where she wanted: confused as to what was happening. As you see, you girls have some very important people in this room. Marie started. The girls listened, waiting for a punch line. It never came. Marie continued each one of these adults in this room, including myself, has made a huge investment in both of you. Joanna and Kelly sheepishly looked around the room. They had the same feelings of remorse as they looked into the faces of family members that loved them so deeply. The girls knew there were moments they could have been more respectful. Marie clasped her fingers together as she raised her head, not quite looking at the ceiling but inhaling as her fingers intertwined. She exhaled. I’m going to call this a ‘pre-vention’. I know you know what an intervention is. All of us in this room and those that aren’t here have greatly invested in the two of you. We all have something to say. Her grandmother started.

Marie and the other family members vocally charged the girls. Joanna didn’t feel as though it was a full fledge attack but just a wakeup call for the two. They would be going off to a new environment in a couple of months. She was surprisingly engrossed with their sentiments. It appeared as though Kelly was on the same page. Joanna’s upbringing by her intelligent and traditional African American grandmother proved solid as she listened. The prior generation spoke on everything from scare tactics to stories of hardships and accomplishments. Joanna finally got it. Before, it felt like mistrust and poor decision making that they were accused of making, but Joanna knew that this would be one of the last of such discussions. She was going off to college later in the summer and would have to fend for herself. Neither of the girls interrupted what was shared from their elders.

After a lengthy discussion, it was time to eat. Joanna and Kelly knew that they came from strong and loving families that only wanted the best for them. The girls didn’t bother telling them of not so popular horror stories they’ve heard. The advice and examples their families gave were bad enough. The entire ordeal seemed like ‘scare tactics’ but the girls appreciated the reminder as they prepared to graduate soon. Joanna and Kelly gave each other looks as they entered the kitchen to bring the food out. The action was somewhat like a six-sense. No words needed to be exchanged. They could save that for later. They enjoyed the moment of having a surprise feast with people they loved (and with whom always looked out for their wellbeing). The rest of the night went beautifully. They ate, talked, laughed, and most importantly enjoyed each other’s company.

Everyone said their good-byes. Joanna and Kelly cleared the dining table of the dishes. Joanna couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility stronger than she’d ever felt before. Methodically, she went back and forth from the dining room to the kitchen with the thoughts. In her thinking, another cord was plucked. When she gets to be her elders’ age, she too, will have the same discussion with the next generation that she will help create.

MS. MABEL JOHNSON

I CAN’T BELIEVE this! said Rita Nolan as she sifted through mounds of paper stacked on Ms. Mabel’s dining table. You right confirms Shalanda Smith as she grabs a handful of paper to toss in the garbage. NO! Nikki Johnson enters the room and shouted as she reached for another garbage bag. You can’t just toss that out without seeing what it says or has on it, damn, work with me! Nikki completes with total dismay. All three women sigh in exhaustion. Shalanda bites her tongue as she hesitantly reviews documents she, seconds ago, was about to dump. Rita continues to sift through the paper work, separating what looks important and what is clearly not. As she tightly held the new garbage bag, Nikki storms through the mess snatching various items in her path. In the midst of her storm, Nikki slowly picks up a half knitted doily buried under a light mound of clutter. She breaks down in tears. Rita and Shalanda quickly take a glimpse at one another before going to her aide. Nikki sobs in the arms of her two closest friends. They comfort her as she regains her composure. Nikki wipes her tears and blows her nose from a tissue Rita handed her. Nikki sniffled as she explained her outburst. The other two women consoled her stating there was no need for her to explain. They understood the relationship Nikki had with her grandmother that passed away three days ago. They all had their own special relationship with Ms. Mabel Johnson.

Along with her mother (Melinda), Nikki was the only grandchild that helped with her grandmother’s funeral plans, estate, and other legal matters. Her grandmother was a true firecracker. Ms. Mabel became harder to deal with as the years went on and as they all got older. Out of all six of her children, Nikki’s mom and a younger brother were the only siblings stepping to the plate. Her uncle, Rick, lived out of state. He delegated his duties by phone, fax, and email. Nikki felt as though anyone could’ve done that. There was nothing like being there in the midst of it all, in the trenches. Her grandmother was the epitome of disgruntle. Nikki always knew she meant well no matter how harsh she was. She spent a lot of time with her grandmother and knew, even as twisted as it sounds, that she was her favorite grandchild. She knew this because her mother was her favorite daughter. Ms. Mabel grew up in an era where it was no secret that the strongest truly survived. Her grandmother praise the children she felt was on the right track and that those that weren’t, well, they were emotionally trampled. Her grandmother felt the world would’ve told them the same thing, only worse. Of course this didn’t help any of her children that fell short.

Everybody on the block knew Ms. Mabel. People stopped by to offer their condolences and food. Nikki and her mother graciously accepted the kind offerings for they knew she could be hard to deal with at times. The bell rang as Nikki’s close friends allowed her to remove herself from the group hug to answer it. Nikki answered the door to find an unknown man standing before her. Yes, how may I help you? she asked the stranger. Hello ma’am, I would like to speak to the person in charge of Mabel Johnson’s estate he inquired. Yes that would be my mother and I, but she’s not here at the moment. How can I help you Nikki answered. The polite man explained his reason for the visit and gave Nikki his card. Rita and Shalanda tried their best to hear what was being said. Nikki thanked him as he left and turned to the puzzled expressions of her friends. For the first time since her grandmother passed, she had a genuinely happy smile on her face. She explained the man’s visit was financially related. Apparently her grandmother had been saving a lot of money for a long time that was put in her will. Nikki told them that she and her mom would have to go to his office then probate court for further details. It didn’t surprise Nikki that her grandmother saved money and had a will. Her grandmother was taught early on that you make do with what you have and hold on tight to what was left for a rainy day.

After Rita and Shalanda left, Nikki brewed a cup of coffee and began to sift through more of her late grandmother’s possessions. She was surprised to come across an old coffee can stashed behind dusty, old magazines. She carefully opened the canister and found five hundred dollars inside. Nikki almost burned her tongue as she took a sip from her favorite mug at her grandma’s. Along with the cash was a note. She sat the canister down and felt her eyes well up with tears as she stared at the ceiling, hoping the tears wouldn’t flow. She knew her grandmother quite well and Ms. Mabel always made notes of things. Nikki was looking at a reminder note that her grandmother left to herself. The cash was for a generous donation her grandmother meant to give a nearby community center when they first opened. She remembered the fundraisers they would have. The facility needed help with additional supplies for the patrons that would utilize the place’s services. Nikki held the container to her chest as if she were hugging her deceased grandmother. With the back of her wrist, she wiped the corners of her eyes. The money in the canister predated the new bills now printed. Nikki sat up straight and forced herself to sit the container down and leave the room. And in a manner her grandmother would say, ‘with dignity’.

Nikki found herself skimming over several rooms, feeling overwhelmed each time she’d truly looked at the work ahead in that room. She knew how her grandmother felt about everything she owned. It was not an easy task for Nikki and her mother to part with most of the items. If Ms. Mabel were still alive, they would fight tooth and nail about getting rid of most of the stuff. It’s harder now because they knew she treasured many of the items. Nikki decided that she’ll tackle the basement. She figured this space would be easy because she knew her grandmother had not successfully been down there in the past several years. Ms. Mabel always denied anybody to help keep up her home. Nikki sighs as she slowly steps down the stairs. She remembers quite clearly her grandma’s feisty spirit. When anyone tried helping Ms. Mabel, more than likely she would say naw Baby, I got this. Everyone knew she didn’t but would let her save face on pride. Everyone that did help also knew how to help her without her feeling like it was help.

Nikki made her way to the dark basement. She did not have the chance to turn on the lights. She saw the piles of stuff through the light from the stairwell and small brick-glass windows. Nikki sighed and reached for the first box closest to her. The box contained haphazard items that seem to date back a couple of years ago. As Nikki sifted through the stuff, she set aside items that could be donated to Salvation Army. Being at the beginning of the basement, she could hear everything that happened upstairs. She heard her mother entering the home their entire family knew inside out. Nick!? her mother called out. Nikki was hesitant but responded Yeah Ma, I’m downstairs. I’ll be down soon, I’m going to change her mother said as her voice drifted off to another room. Nikki didn’t bother responding, she continued to flip through the many items that seemed to have started with some sort of order. It wasn’t long before she came across an old set of forty fives that contained large bills. Nikki couldn’t believe it. She went as far as to read the titles of the albums to see if there was a connection. She couldn’t immediately tell if there was or not but called out to her mother. MA ma! Nikki hollered as if she were back in fourth grade.

Her mother tiptoed to the basement stairs in a fashion that proved she had not been down there in years herself. Nikki smiled at her mother and began telling her about the cash she found in the coffee can earlier. Her mom’s smile has not been present for about a week since the sudden hospitalization and, even more sudden, death of her mother. She too, found a stack of cash under some of her mother’s personal paper work in her bedroom. She found a note describing what the money was to be used for. This time it was to help pay for items needed for church dinners. Nikki and her mother looked into each other’s eyes. As mother and daughter, they’ve had their challenges the same way Ms. Mabel did with her mother. They planned to give the money rightfully to the places Ms. Mabel intended for them to go.

I know you’re grandma wasn’t the easiest person to get along with but you know how much she loved us all her mom said with sad yet hopeful eyes. I know Ma, I can’t believe how she held on to this kind of money all this time. Nikki said as tears continuously welled up in her already emotionally saturated eyes. Well you know she always had a good heart her mother began trying not to bawl, She always wanted the best for everybody. She was a pain even as she volunteered over the years. But they couldn’t deny her. Her mother completed as she knelt down to wrap her arms around her daughter. Mama taught us all to be strong. She may have had her own special way of doing that, but look at how we live our lives she said as she drew Nikki’s head into her chest as she would do when Nikki was a child. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do she said as she held her only child and allowed her tears to flow, even though I knew Ma was getting up there in years, never in a million years could I imagine her being gone her mom completed, squeezing her daughter tighter.

They held each other in an emotionally loud silence. They silently cried in their embrace and individually allowed the various memories of Ms. Mable to course through their souls. After releasing each other they both felt a sense of calm that allowed them to carry on with the matter at hand. Ms. Mabel’s favorite daughter and granddaughter decided to clear out as much as they could before calling professional movers.

Nikki spoke on behalf of Ms. Mabel’s grandchildren without dispute from her cousins. They all decided that she would be a good representation of Ms. Mabel’s grandchildren. It wasn’t surprising, their grandmother was no joke. Unfortunately there were several cousins that would not be attending her home-going ceremony due to incarceration. The upbringing her grandmother had did not mesh well with raising the next generation of children.

Their grandmother’s service was quite inspirational. Not like funerals she went to in the past where everybody speaks on all the great attributes of the passing person. Making them seem so angelic. She felt as though her grandmother’s service was just as it should be – one hundred percent real. No one bit their tongue about how Ms. Mabel did not play and demanded complete respect. Not only for herself but for everything that deserved respect. It was a beautiful wake up call for everyone in the sanctuary, especially the younger generation. They didn’t know the younger, more vibrant Ms. Mabel. They only knew the aging woman that seemed to have a gripe with the world in general. Nikki ended her time at the podium with the power of forgiveness. She explained her interpretation of her grandmother’s ways. In short, she explained how her grandmother had a tough upbringing that she did not deviate from. She displayed forgiveness in her actions and the way she helped others. The way she gave her time, energy, and finances to those in need. As Nikki gave her final remarks regarding her grandmother before the mass group of mourners, she felt her grandmother’s spirit course through her veins. Actually through her spirit. She felt what her grandmother tried to get through her thick skull all those years ago. Nikki found herself smiling as she did her closing remarks. At this point she found herself free-styling. No one seemed to mind when she reminded herself that she was speaking before people as she was revitalized with her grandmother’s spirit of living a righteous life.

Nikki and her mom decided to have lunch after they met with the man that stopped by the house several days earlier. The mother and daughter duo just learned that Ms. Mabel Johnson had a secret financial life and left