Free God Has Spoken by Theresa A. Campbell Page B

troubled thoughts put to rest . . . at least for a while.

Chapter Twelve
    Tiny woke up suddenly. Her heart pounded in her chest. Wide-eyed she jumped to her feet and frantically looked around. She was by herself under the tree.
    Night had fallen. New Kingston was brightly lit and still full of life. The workday had ended for most, and it was now time to have some fun. Tiny walked down to the street and asked a lady passing by for the time. It was eight thirty p.m.
    Yay! It was time for her to see Dolly.
    Excitedly, Tiny made her way back to the club, which was just on the other street. As she got to the front door, the sign now read “OPEN.” Finally.
    Tiny pushed the door inward and was welcomed into a semidark room by vociferous voices. The melodious sound of Beres Hammond streamed from loud, hidden speakers declaring to everyone, “I’m in Love with You.”
    Small, round tables with occupied chairs were scattered about. Thick, heavy smoke slithered in the air from the cigarettes and cigars that dangled from their mouths and fingers. As Tiny looked around she noticed the large mugs of beer and glasses filled with gold and white liquid. Also, most of the patrons were men with only a few women hanging around. Where was Dolly?
    Tiny walked toward the counter at the front of the bar. Three women and a man dressed in black were behind it, scampering around as they poured and mixed drinks. Rows and rows of liquor and wine lined the wall behind them.
    â€œExcuse me,” Tiny said as she waved her hand, trying to grab their attention.
    â€œYes?” the man snapped impatiently as he paused to look at her.
    â€œI’m looking for Dolly. Is she here?” Tiny asked hopefully.
    â€œLater.” The rude one-worded man walked away. He grabbed a bottle of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum off a rack and hustled over to the other side of the bar.
    Tiny was ecstatic as she made her way to the back of the bar. She heard a few whistles and catcalls, but she ignored them. At least she found Dolly. Sitting at an empty table, Tiny waited.
    It seemed like forever to Tiny as she waited for Dolly. She twisted her neck around and around to loosen the crick in it. Tapping her fingers on the table she glanced around the crowded room again. No Dolly.
    Suddenly the dim light went out, throwing the bar into total darkness. Tiny gasped and her heart leaped in her chest. She quickly jumped to her feet as she peered into darkness. The previous night flashed in her mind, and she began to tremble uncontrollably.
    She had to get out of here. But her steps were halted by the loud cheering and shouting that echoed around the room as the front of the club lit up with multicolored lights. Tiny stared in amazement at the small stage that she hadn’t noticed before.
    And there she was. Tiny’s mouth dropped open as Rockin’ Dolly danced her way onto the stage; naked as the day she was born. Her big breasts flip flapped as she pumped and grinded to the music.
    The club exploded in even more cheers and applause.
    â€œSimmer down: can you hear what I say? Simmer down,” said the voice of Bob Marley and the Wailers over the yelling. But Rockin’ Dolly was just too hot to take heed. She spun around, her back facing the audience and the two basketballs behind her began to jiggle. Up. Down. Together.
    The crowd went wild. Dollar bills rained down on the stage like confetti at a New Year’s party.
    â€œGo, Rockin’ Dolly!”
    â€œRockin’ Dolly, marry me!”
    â€œI love you, Rockin’ Dolly.”
    Dolly grinned in response as she gyrated to the music. She whirled around and gravitated closer to the front of the stage, the sparkling light washing over her pretty face.
    â€œLord, have mercy,” Tiny whispered behind the hand covering her mouth.
    Dolly did a split. One leg was pointed to the east and the other to the west. Bending over backward with her long braid fanning out behind her,