Fallen Grace

by Sadeqa Johnson

I believe that if you’ll just stand up and go, life will open up for you. —Tina Turner

Guilt had changed sturdy young women into wailing, wimpy damsels. No. She would not follow that path. She would take her chance with shame rather than live with regret.

“All that singing and carrying on you do every week in the name of the Lord, and you’re going to put your flesh and blood out on the street because you’re afraid of church gossipers?”

“Yep. In the Bible, one of the Psalms says, ‘Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.’ I never hurt as bad as the night I went into labor, but when morning came, so did my baby. I named her Joy.”

Bubbles’s mother always said houseguests were a lot like fish. “They start to smell after three days.”

“But I do. He’s a man. They’re all the same. They take, take, take, and take. But no more. Tonight, you take our power back. For the both of us. Now fix your face and get up there and sing.”

“Don’t you let them win, Bubbles. You’ve earned this. Go claim what’s yours.”

She didn’t want to run in disgrace anymore, cowering from a family who feared judgment.

Gertrude’s side of the sink was usually cluttered with baking soda, Prell shampoo, mineral oil, and petroleum jelly, but now it stood empty.

No.

Bubbles, I’m sorry to run out on you like this, but I really need to get to Hollywood and start fresh. The dream of us crossing the country together was a good one, but I don’t think we would make it as far as Kentucky with Joy. I know this is real foul, but you have a family. You can piece your life together. I can’t, not with Mr. Fox still looking for me. The car is yours. I hope that makes things right between us. With a voice like that, you’ll land on your feet. Gertie

How could you?? Y’all were doing so good. Y’all could’ve made it!!!