Free When Everything's Said & Done by Eboni Snoe Page B

that.”
    Nebia’s Story...
    “She came back,” Erica exclaimed. “How long was Cora gone?”
    “A year, three months and five days,” Nebia replied without hesitation.
    “You remember it so well,” Cynthia said. “Miss Laura had to be happy, too.”
    “And Brenda,” Sheila added.
    “Yes. Brenda, too,” Cynthia agreed.
    “Mmm-hmm,” Nebia sounded. “We were all deeply moved that Cora has returned to us. Especially Michael. A glow came over his face when he saw her. I told you I watched it all from the porch. I saw every one of their faces. Laura’s joy. Brenda’s uneasy happi ness. And Michael’s surrender to Cora.”
    “Do you think Brenda saw that?” Erica asked.
    Nebia leaned toward her. “I don’t know if she saw it that day, but it wasn’t long before everybody knew. ”
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 10
     
    Miss Laura sighed as she wiped her hands on her apron. “It almost seems like old times again. Almost.” Her smile was forlorn before her chest lifted. “Although I miss my Annette, it surely feels good having you back.” She looked at Cora, who smiled.
    “And a great meal like the one we just had only adds to the pleasure,” Michael said as he stood up.
    “It was good, wasn’t it?” Miss Laura’s smile broadened. “Mighty good. Mama,” Cora said. Brenda simply nodded.
    Laura used the arm of the couch as a counterweight to push her way onto her feet. “It doesn’t hurt seeing you around here so often, either, Michael. For a while there I thought you had forgotten us.”
    Michael glanced at Cora before he looked at Miss Laura. “There is no way I could ever forget you. Miss Laura. You know that.”
    “Either way,” Laura replied, “it’s good. It’s all good.” Michael pushed the chair up to the table. “I guess I ought to be going. I don’t want to wear out my welcome.” “I’ve got to go, too,” Brenda said. “They’ve asked me to head up a community organization. So I’ve got a meeting to go to.”
    “What kind of organization?” Cora asked.
    “It’s just getting started,” Brenda replied. “But it’s a neighborhood watch program. We’ve had quite a few problems lately with the young boys out here trying to prove they’re men with knives and guns. I’m organizing a group that will help our neighbors feel a little safer.” “Sounds good.” Cora smiled at her sister.
    “And you’ll be just the person to do it, too,” Michael added.
    Brenda looked at him, then looked away.
    “Where’s it going to be held? At the community cen ter?” Michael tried to engage her.
    “No. No.” Brenda looked at him. “It’s going to be at Rising Star Baptist Church. The church is thinking about backing me on this. They’ve got a community outreach program and they want me to consider start ing a tutoring program for the youth.”
    “Seems like a match,” Cora said as Miss Laura crossed her arms.
    “You sound rather interested, Cora. Do you want to come?”
    Cora shook her head. “No-o. It’s not for me.” She tried to soften her reply. “But I can see you doing it. Me.. .I’m thinking about going right down to the beach. I want a little quiet time with nature.”
    “Brenda just told you how dangerous it’s gotten around here, Cora,” Miss Laura warned. “I don’t know if it’s wise for you to go down there and be sitting on that beach in the dark by yourself.”
    “I’ll be fine. Mama. Believe me,” Cora assured her. “Over this past year I’ve dealt with more than young thugs who think that violence is a way to show their strength.” Cora rose from her chair. “But you’re right about it getting dark. So I’m going to leave right now. I won’t be long.” She walked toward the front door. “Good night, Michael. And I’ll see you later, Brenda.” Cora opened the door and closed it behind her.
    Moments later Brenda and Michael got into their cars and drove off. But as Michael got further down the street the headlights of his Olds 225 caught Cora