Free Sister Betty Says I Do by Pat G'Orge-Walker Page B

more complete diagnosis and make a final decision.”
    Sister Betty’s face fell. “High blood pressure.” She looked at Leotis and several others standing about. “A moment ago when you were rattling off a bunch of things, but I didn’t hear you say nothing before about any high blood pressure.”
    â€œWell, it was very high when he arrived,” the doctor said calmly. “I’m just taking precautionary measures until his doctor can get to the root of today’s episode.”
    The doctor pivoted toward Leotis and extended his hand. “It was good seeing you again, Leotis. It’s been quite some time since I’ve visited your medical care center at the Promised Land complex on an oncology or geriatric visit. I hope we can get together and return to the community outreach the ideas we’ve shared in the past. I also hope it will be under different circumstances.”
    â€œOf course, Lee,” Leotis replied. “Anytime Crossing Over Sanctuary can be of assistance, you know we will.”
    As the doctor walked away, Sister Betty gave Leotis a questioning look.
    â€œI already know what you’re thinking,” Leotis told her. “And, yes, I know Doctor Chang. He’s on the Pelzer community outreach board and comes to the Promised Land twice a month to help treat the residents. It’s picked up quite a bit since President Obama’s Health Care Reform Act went into effect.”
    Leotis didn’t have a chance to finish explaining. The sound of a familiar purring voice came through the din of the emergency room.
    Ima raced through the others, knocking them aside like they were bowling pins. She walked quickly toward Sister Betty with her hands extended. Instead of continuing toward Sister Betty, she turned and shoved her body in between Leotis and Sharvon, still wearing the “almost nothing” neon orange outfit from earlier that day.
    â€œAunt Sasha only told me a short time ago about Sister Betty’s fiance. I rushed right over. Oh my goodness, I am so sorry.” Ima immediately reached up and tapped Leotis on one of her favorite parts of his anatomy—his muscular bicep. She directed her eyes toward Sharvon as she continued speaking to Leotis. “I should’ve never let you and Sister Betty continue on to service without me,” she said, pursing her lips. “If I’d come to morning service, like you wanted me to, I probably could’ve done something to help.”
    â€œLike what?” Sharvon snapped. She didn’t bother to cover up her annoyance with Ima. “This is a family matter.” Sharvon stopped and pointed toward the others, who’d remained out of earshot. “You can join the others if you intend on staying.”
    Ignoring Sharvon’s sharp rebuke, Ima wiggled closer to Leotis. “Reverend Tom, I didn’t know you were family, too.”
    Leotis quickly pulled away from Ima. He scanned Sharvon’s and Sister Betty’s faces for help and found nothing but disapproval. He received the same looks from several of his congregation members, too. He prayed for words to say that were stern yet not too harsh. He’d learned in the short time since they’d met that she might have the reputation of being the Devil’s spawn, but Ima was still a soul that needed saving. Without meaning to do so, he hastily glanced down, catching a glimpse of her long, lean legs. The smooth caramel skin on her legs still had a honey glow about it. Her legs looked as though they’d been polished with some type of body butter.
    He jerked his head away and sighed. Satan, I rebuke you! He could imagine the Devil laughing at his fleshly state. He shook his head, as though trying to block the Devil’s laugh, and hoped he wasn’t in danger of losing his soul while trying to save hers.

Chapter 7
    J ust as she said she would, Sister Betty cared for Freddie in her home. When Sharvon