Free Forgive Me by Stacy Campbell Page B

approached them about taking temporary custody of Aunjanue. Roberta’s arthritis and Johnny’s migraines made them poor candidates for parenting a fourteen-year-old girl. Roberta loved her granddaughter, but her old bones were no match for the evolution of modern teens. She didn’t know an iPad from an iGate, and she wasn’t interested in learning the difference. Seeing Onnie on the weekends and at special school events satisfied her.
    Lasheera knew Marvin’s motive for visitation had everything to do with his wife’s passing. Lake had slid the Star News obituaries to her over coffee and cereal four months ago. They were shocked that Marvin’s wife had succumbed to a heart attack; forty-five seemedtoo young to die. The obituary referenced her cause of death and the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” website for donations in her memory. Lasheera, stunned to learn Zion was listed as their son in the paper, offered her assistance for the funeral. Marvin rebuffed her, telling her their affair and Zion’s birth played a part in his wife’s death. So, she was shocked to receive the letter seeking visitation. What is he up to?
    Lasheera shook off the thoughts of Marvin and entered the pharmacy. She forgot to check up on Onnie and stepped to the end of the cosmetics aisle to call her. Onnie answered on the first ring.
    â€œDid you make it to the location with the other students?” Lasheera asked.
    â€œYes, we’re here. I think today will be a good day since Mrs. Maggie is quiet. Tarsha and I are going skating tonight, so I’ll be home later.”
    â€œWe have church in the morning, so don’t stay out too late,” said Lasheera.
    â€œI’ll be home by twelve. Roger is out of town with his parents, so no date tonight. Only skating.”
    â€œIs he coming back in time for dinner with us tomorrow night?”
    â€œI’m not sure. He texted me earlier, but I didn’t respond yet. I’m getting the drawings together with the other students right now. I’ll call him when I leave.”
    â€œBe careful and mind your manners. Oh, and tell Caleb we have a double date soon with him and Stephanie. Lake will call him about the exact night.”
    â€œYes, ma’am. I’ll tell him.”
    â€œDon’t call me ma’am . I’m not that old. Auntie Sheer is fine.”
    â€œI will, Auntie Sheer.”
    Lasheera ended the call feeling more at ease. Since Tawatha’srelease, she called Onnie frequently to make sure she was safe. Caleb Wilson, her new art teacher and protégé of Lake’s, looked out for Onnie’s academic and social well-being. He didn’t show favoritism, and he kept her in line when she seemed disinterested in class. She’d been an active participant in class since Tawatha’s release. He promised he’d make sure to keep her on task in class, especially since he had caught her daydreaming several times the past few days.
    Lasheera tucked her cell phone in her purse and combed the aisles for clipped coupon items. The coupons were her grocery list since she never veered from planned purchases. Lake was a stickler for saving money. He’d influenced her in more ways than he knew, and she wanted him to know just how much she appreciated him. She planned on going to the pharmacy on the way out for their meds.
    â€œExcuse me, Ms. Lady,” someone called from behind.
    â€œYes?” Lasheera spun around, hesitant at first but not wanting to appear snobby. She stood her ground but was alarmed by the woman’s disheveled appearance.
    â€œMy car broke down a few miles up the road, and I need some gas money. Can you help a sista out?”
    If she has a car, I have a jet, Lasheera thought as she looked her up and down. The stout woman’s eyes bugged as she held her hands out for the money. She shifted back and forth as if she had to use the bathroom, but stopped