No Ties, No Lies
Chapter 4
It was mid-December, and Lonnie and Monica had made a decision. They would make their first public appearance together at the annual City Council Christmas Ball. They would also share the news of their engagement to anyone who wanted to pry; which would be everyone there!
Taking classes by computer was actually working out very well for Monica. She was getting plenty of rest and was still able to stay on schedule for graduation. After Dr. Day spoke with the school administrators it was decided that she would finish up the year on-line. Monica was home to stay. She also finally got around to calling Harriet Delong. It appeared that Bill had purchased a new house and wanted Harriet to decorate it. The woman felt this would be a good opportunity for Monica to get some hands-on experience. The two of them were in Bill's living room looking at wallpaper samples when Harriet decided to speak.
"Well, it seems that you and Lana are still getting along. Despite the strange circumstances."
Monica took an ink pen out of her mouth. "Yes, we are. I've never had a friend my own age before. It's been nice. And she and I have worked out the, um, 'strange circumstances.'"
"And exactly how does Lonnie feel about all of this?"
"Honestly, he's a little uncomfortable."
Harriet couldn't hold it in any longer. "Well, I suppose he would be! Especially since he caused this entire situation."
Monica took her time responding. She had always respected Ms. Delong, but she wanted to like her as well. "Ms. Delong, I appreciate your being upset for me. But Lonnie and I have discussed it. And I've spoken with Lana as well. The three of us have found a way to live with it. It's important that the people who know about it find a way to do so as well. Believe me. I'm fine, and everything worked out for the best."
Harriet looked at Monica in total bewilderment. "Well, you are certainly a better woman than I. But if you say it's settled, then it's settled. Now, how do we go about convincing Bill to use this Toile wallpaper in the hallway?"
XXX
Later that evening, Harriet filled Bill in on her talk with Monica.
"She said it was fine. She seems to have completely accepted the fact that Lonnie is now seeing Lana."
Bill was putting some peas on his plate. "Well, young Miss Styles has always struck me as a matter of fact person. She and Lana were friends outside of their relationship with Lonnie. Maybe she just figures this wasn't Lana's fault and doesn't want to lose her friend. And it isn't exactly Jamison's fault either. It's not like he deliberately set out to date Monica's friend."
"I guess you're right. But when I see them together, especially the THREE of them, it just seems odd."
"Oh, I don't know, Harriet. But then, everything about this new generation seems odd to me. I just hope you read Miss Styles correctly. Lonnie wants to see me regarding 'a very important personal matter', his words not mine."
Harriet felt horrible for Monica, but she couldn't stop herself from smiling at the excitement in Bill's voice. "Now I know what you're thinking, Bill. But just calm down. The boy could want to talk to you about anything."
"Jamison? Talk? About anything, huh?" Bill looked at Harriet from over the top of his glasses with a comical smirk on his face.
Harriet couldn't stand it any longer. She threw her napkin at him and the two began to laugh.
XXX
Lonnie and Monica were sitting in Etta's living room a few days later on a Monday afternoon. Monica was catching Lonnie up on her progress at Bill's house and on her conversation with Harriet.
"I think she wants to kill you." Monica laughed.
"I'd imagine she does. So what did she finally have to say?"
"Well, basically if I could forgive you for sleeping with Lana, then she could."
Lonnie ran his hand through his hair. "Any idea what Bill thinks about all of this?"
Monica reached out and took Lonnie's hand. "No, babe. Not a word. But I'm not very worried about that. He's old, but I'm sure he remembers how these things can happen. If not, I bet Harriet knows how to remind him!"
Lonnie gasped at Monica's last comment, but when she winked her eye at him, he laughed. Monica spoke again. "When are you going to talk to him?"
"I've got a meeting with him Wednesday at two o'clock. I'm glad you agree with me on letting him know before the ball. I don't think it'd be right for him to find out like everybody else. He had high hopes for me and Lana. Even though Lana explained things to him, I think he ought to hear it from me."
"I agree completely. If I had a father, I'm sure he'd appreciate your coming to him."
Lonnie suddenly remembered another meeting he had scheduled that he didn't tell Monica about. Before she caught him thinking, he spoke again. "Listen, Lana called and wants me to meet her at the cafe. She said she needed my help planning a Christmas present for you. I just wanted to let you know."
Monica shifted slightly in her chair. She didn't like it, and Lonnie still had a lot of making up to do. But he was trying and she didn't want to make it impossible for him. Besides, it was her idea that the three of them try to move forward. "I appreciate your telling me. I am shocked that you're going, though."
"So am I. Personally, I think she's lying. But I promised you I'd try so…."
Before he could finish, Monica leaned over and gave him a long, passionate kiss. "Thank you."
XXX
Lonnie showed up at the Magnolia right on time. Lana was a few minutes late. When she finally arrived, she sat down, and Lonnie ordered coffee for the two of them.
"So," he started. "What can I do for you?"
Lana began to speak. The longer she spoke the more distracted he became. He was trying to focus on what she was saying, but somehow he felt it was trick. But the more she talked, the clearer it became to Lonnie that her intentions were actually true. He listened to her more closely. And when she finished, he sat silently for a few minutes. Then he spoke.
"I'll need a few days to figure out exactly how to handle this."
"I figured you'd say that. Look, we don't have a lot of time, Lonnie. Believe it or not, I really do care about Monica. I want this to be right for her."
Lonnie lowered his head, and then looked up to meet Lana's gaze. "And I want this to be right for her, too."
They talked a while longer, and then Lonnie left the café. He got into his car and just sat for a few minutes, still not quite believing the conversation he'd just had with Lana. He didn't want any part of this at all. He knew it was wrong to feel that way, but it was the truth. Even though he'd asked Lana for a few days to think, he already knew what his decision would be. He had no choice. No matter what his gut was telling him, he knew he would end up helping Lana.
XXX
On Wednesday afternoon, Lonnie arrived at the Sheriff's office for his meeting. Bill stood up and smiled when Lonnie walked into his office. The two men shook hands and Bill eagerly showed Lonnie his seat.
"Well, now, how've things been going, Lt. Jamison? Or should I say Detective Jamison?"
Lonnie grinned sheepishly, "That's still unofficial, Sheriff."
"Well, for now I suppose it is. And what's this 'Sheriff' business? 'Bill' will do just fine! Anyway, I know that Virgil had high hopes for you as far as investigating is concerned. Have you, uh, heard from him?"
"No sir." Lonnie continued to look at Bill, but didn't comment any further.
Bill understood and changed the subject. "So what can I do for you?"
Lonnie took a deep breath and began to speak. He started off slowly, but the longer he talked, the easier it became for him to get it all out. When he finished, he waited for Bill to respond, but the man didn't say one word. Lonnie decided to end the conversation for them.
"I know this isn't exactly what you expected to hear today, but I wanted to be honest with you. And it was important that you heard it straight from me."
Bill took off his glasses and began to clean them nervously. "You're right about that, Lonnie. No father wants to hear what you just told me. But I do appreciate your coming to discuss this matter with me face to face. And I respect you for it."
Lonnie left the man's office and went on to his next appointment. Bill sat down in his chair and thought about everything Lonnie had just said. He wasn't happy about the circumstances at all. But Lonnie did come to him like a man. And while it was hard for him to imagine his own little girl in this situation, he did have to remember that all of the women he had been with were someone's little girl, too. Bill let out a sigh, and tried to get back to work. While his heart was still heavy, he had no doubt that the future Mrs. Lonnie Jamison had herself a good man.
XXX
Jimmy Dawes eyed Lonnie carefully while he spoke. Lonnie was straight and to the point, one the reasons why Jimmy liked him so much. He didn't say anything or interrupt him. Jimmy just smoked a cigarette and let the man get it all out.
"So that's it in a nutshell. I know you're real good at 'hearing' things. I wanted you to hear this one from me." Lonnie eyed the man and waited for his response.
Jimmy finished his cigarette, dropped it the ground, and stomped it out with his foot. He leaned up against the old building they were meeting behind and said, "Okay. I got it straight from you. So when does this wedding take place?"
"As soon as possible."
Jimmy shook his head and chuckled. "I guess you expecting me to go into protective daddy mode. But I ain't. That little package you about to chain yourself to is gonna take care of it for me."
Jimmy hopped on his moped and left, and Lonnie was standing by the building alone.
XXX
Monica and Etta were sitting at the table, looking through bridal magazines. Monica was in no way thrilled about it. She wanted to elope to New Orleans, complete with a pair of jeans and new T-shirt! Lonnie laughed and told her that there was no way he was answering to Althea Tibbs about missing out on full blown wedding. He also pointed out that a wedding would probably be the only time he'd ever get to see Monica with her hair combed! Besides, with Althea and the kids gone, Monica had to admit that she glad to provide Etta with something to do.
"Oh, now this one here is nice!" The woman said, pointing to a pure white disaster straight from 'Gone with the Wind'. "'Course, we'll have to see if it come in OFF white. Ain't no need in starting your marriage off lying to the Lord."
Monica did everything she could to keep from laughing out loud at Etta's comments. While they were indeed horrible, Monica knew that Etta meant no harm. Just as she was about to respond, the phone rang.
"I'll get it," she cried. "Hello? Althea! Yes. Yes. You heard correctly! What? Of course we wouldn't plan too much without you! Really? Great! I'll tell him. Kiss the dynamic duo for me! Oh, and say 'hello' to Virgil. 'Bye!"
"So Althea know that you and Lonnie finally getting papers?" Etta asked. Etta had stopped calling Lonnie by his official title since the two announced their engagement to her. In Etta's mind, Lonnie was now family and it was proper to use his first name.
"Of course she knows..since you told her!" Monica gave Etta a great big hug.
Etta grinned. "I know, child. But I just couldn't help myself. This here done been too long comin. Even Virgil is finally happy for you!"
"I'm glad to hear that. Althea wants to host the reception, right here! Oh, I'm so excited." Monica suddenly stopped talking and Etta sensed that girl had something on her mind. "Miss Etta, do you think Virgil would walk me down the aisle?"
Etta smiled tears of joy and took Monica's hand. "I don't think nothing could make him prouder. 'Course now, you might want to ask Lonnie about that. It'd be a shame for all us to be waitin' at the cherch by ourselves!"
The two women laughed, but Monica knew that Etta was right. "I already know he'll say yes, because it'll make me happy. And I love him for it. But he's doing so much for me as it is. I almost hate to ask him."
"Humph. I s'pose you talking about that Lana Farren."
Monica sighed in exasperation. "Why is it that you can't mention her name without putting 'that' in front of it? And we all know her last name. It's okay to just call her 'Lana'."
"Wouldn't hurt me none not to call her nothing! And you talking about having her in your wedding! Ain't nothing right 'bout a woman what done been wit your man, standing wit you when you take your vows. It ain't fittin', child. It just ain't fittin'!"
Monica rolled her eyes. "Miss Etta, it's not like she knew who Lonnie was to me."
"Ain't like she woulda cared neither."
"I think you don't like her because you didn't like her mother."
Etta stopped flipping through the magazine and faced Monica. "Honey, lemme tell you a whole bunch of something. I knew Lana's mama. And I knew yours, too. And them two was a lot alike. But you know what the difference was?"
Monica shook her head. Etta just smiled. "Your mama had a heart as big as all outdoors. And every one of them money men that doted on her got it back ten times in love and faithfulness. And she loved you too, in her own way. 'Jus that she loved so hard, she never did figure out how to love more than one thing at the time. She was either in love with a man, or in love with you. Now, that Georgia Farren. She didn't have no heart at all. She treated her men like they was banks and bedwarmers; had men fightin and shootin' over her wit all her two-timing! And that child of hers….'jus a burden that got in her way. She ain't have no real feelin toward nobody 'cept herself."
Etta patted Monica's hand. "Heart, child. That there's the difference b'tween ya'lls mamas. And b'tween you two girls."
After Etta gave Monica a hug, she went outside on the front porch. Monica sat in the kitchen and thought about everything the woman had just said. And the more she thought about it, the more she realized that Etta was right. Her mother had been good to her before she died, when she was around. Even when she left for New York, her mother sent money and gifts when she had it. It was only when she had a man that Monica was ignored and left to take care of herself. Monica looked back at the bridal magazine. She was getting married, was about to graduate from college…it was time to start letting go. Monica closed her eyes and sent up a silent prayer. 'I'm sorry for hating you. I love you, Mama. And I forgive you.'
XXX
Monica was at Luann's house. Luann would also be in the wedding and the two women were looking at some ideas for bridesmaid dresses.
"I had to get out of there." Monica said. "Miss Etta means well, but she's about to have all of us looking like a bad revival of 'Designing Women'!"
Luann laughed. "You think that's bad, you just better be glad MY mama ain't here."
"Do you know she had the nerve to tell me not to wear a white dress?" Monica added with a smile.
"Ooo…no she didn't!" The women fell over laughing. Finally Luann spoke again. "You know, the whole town thinks Lonnie and Lana are a perfect couple."
'This woman has spent WAY too much time with LJ!' Monica thought as she picked up on exactly where Luann was going. "Lonnie is meeting with Bill today to tell him. Thank you for being worried, though."
Luann smiled. "Good! Now, enough of this serious stuff. Let's pick out some dresses and get this show on the road. You two fooled me once, but I expect to be 'Aunt Luann' by this time next year!"
XXX
Monica stayed at Luann's house much longer than she intended. When she arrived back on Elm Street, she found Lonnie sitting on the front porch.
"Hey, babe. What's wrong?" Monica could see that Lonnie was incredibly stressed.
"Honey, we need to talk."
Lonnie took Monica's hand and began speaking. He was taking his time, making sure that he didn't leave out a single detail, other than his talk with Jimmy. Monica was trying desperately to pay attention to him, but his words kept fading in and out of her ears. At one point his lips were moving, but there was no sound. Her head started spinning and she felt certain that she was about to have a fainting spell. He finally stopped talking and gave her a chance to respond. She thought that she had managed to find some words, but a few days later, as she was driving to Jackson, she truly couldn't recall if she had spoken or not. All she remembered clearly was Lonnie saying, "Lana's pregnant. And I'm going to marry her."
