Free Déjà Vu by Suzetta Perkins Page B

Malik’s stare as she passed in front of him. Neither Malik nor anyone else was going to steal her joy today.
    “Sister Myles has a testimony she would like to share today. Go on, Sister Myles, and tell us about the goodness of the Lord.”
    “Thank you, Pastor. Church, if I haven’t told you individually, I’d like to take this moment to say thank you for all your prayers during one of the most stressful times in my life. The last five yearshave not been easy for me or my children, but through the grace of God, we are doing fine.
    “A couple of days ago, I received a call from my husband, and he reports that he is up for parole in a few days. Jefferson’s attorney believes he has an extremely good chance of being released from…prison, soon. I rejoice because of your prayers; my prayers are about to be answered. I owe everything to God, and I can’t thank Him enough for all He has done in my life and what He is doing for my family. I ask that you continue to pray for us. Thank you, Pastor.”
    Clap, clap, clap, clap, and clap. The congregation praised the Lord right along with Sister Myles.
    “God is good, isn’t He saints?” Pastor said.
    “Yes, He is,” the congregation blurted out.
    “Sister Myles, we thank you for your testimony. We will be in prayer for Brother Myles’ early release. Hallelujah!!!” Pastor shouted.
    Malik continued to look straight ahead. It was obvious to Margo that the news had stung him. It was hard concentrating on Pastor’s sermon for wondering what was on Malik’s mind. Why should she worry? The Lord was about to answer her prayers, and her husband would finally be home where she could pamper him until he got enough. Jefferson didn’t need to worry about a job right away; she had sold four houses in the last few weeks.
    Church was over and some of the members came over to give Margo a hug and offer words of encouragement. After the group dispersed, she looked around for Malik. There was no sign of him. Margo shrugged her shoulders. She had hoped to receive congratulations at the news about his best friend, but obviously the news was not good to him.
    She corralled her group together and exited the church. Her children seemed to enjoy seeing everyone. It had been years since they had visited. Ivy pulled her mother to the side.
    “Mom, you are so obvious.”
    “What are you talking about, Ivy?”
    “Malik. You’ve got a thing for Malik. I saw how you watched him today. I bet you don’t remember a word that Pastor spoke because you were tuned in to Malik. Mom, don’t deny it.”
    “Shut up, Ivy. You’re always thinking with your mouth. Malik is your dad’s best friend and that’s it. You need to keep your wandering mind in check. Do you hear me?”
    “Straight up, but I know what I saw. You can’t fool me.”
    “What are you talking about?” Winter asked, walking into the middle of Margo and Ivy’s conversation.
    “Nothing,” Ivy said.
    “Your dreads are squeezing your brain, Ivy,” Winter said. “It was obvious you were talking about something because your hands were moving a mile a minute. It probably has something to do with Malik.” Margo and Ivy exchanged glances. “What I tell you? Anyway, everyone in the family knows that Malik has been more than attentive to Mom.”
    “All right, hold on Winter. You and Ivy need to get it straight right now. My eyes and heart are only for your dad. Any ideas or illusions you may have conjured up in your brains about me and Malik are false. Now, let’s get out of here and go to dinner.”
    “Hello, Margo,” Malik said. Margo jumped and turned around to find Malik in her space. Ivy and Winter each put a hand over their mouths to stifle a laugh. Margo looked like a thief that had been caught.
    “Good afternoon, Malik. Good Word today.”
    “Which one, Pastor’s or yours?”
    Ivy and Winter turned and continued to giggle at the sight of their mother.
    “Of course, Pastor’s. He sure did preach today.”
    “Why