Rebecca noticed the woman was quite tall as she followed her to the back of the house. She wasn’t old, maybe mid-fifties, but she was wearing a gray caftan that made her appear older. She led Rebecca into the living room and offered her a seat. She sat and looked around. The place was clean and there were family pictures displayed about the room.
“So, you’re Rebecca. Your dad has told me so much about you. You are just as pretty as your father said you was.”
“Really?” Rebecca was astonished he’d spoken of her at all.
“Yes. Henry thought you were the most beautiful child in the world. He wanted to be a part of your life, but your mother refused to let him see you. He tried being nice, negotiating and even going to court. But because of Henry’s criminal record, which by the way was initiated by your mother’s false claims of domestic abuse, he wasn't awarded custody or visitation. It broke his heart. Karena did everything she could to keep the two of you apart.
Why?” Rebecca asked.
“Me. It was because of me. She said as long as Henry was married to my white ass, he would never see you.”
That news didn’t surprise Rebecca in the least. Her mom never had anything good to say about white folks.
“Where is he?” Rebecca asked.
“He’s in the bedroom. He’s not doing too good these days. He recently suffered a heart attack, but the doctor says he should make a full recovery.”
“Oh, wow.”
She was not at all surprised that he suffered from heart disease as well.
“I’m Sarah, by the way. I've been married to your dad for thirty-seven years.”
Rebecca wrinkled her brow while calculating, but it didn't take long to do the math. Sarah was married to her dad when she was born.
“I see,” Rebecca acknowledged.
“Yes, I was pissed. But I eventually got over it. And after a while, I was even looking forward to having a baby around. See, I couldn’t have children of my own. So, the thought of you excited me. But Karena would have none of that.”
Rebecca shook her head. She’d never heard one story of her conception. Surely, her mom wasn’t eager to explain her affair with a married man.
“Wow.” She sighed. “I just thought he didn't want anything to do with me.”
“That’s just not true. He’s always wanted you in his life. You were going to be the princess we couldn't have.”
“Well, who is the guy that answered the door?”
“Oh, that’s Boogie. Well,William. He’s our foster son and more trouble than he’s worth. The lil’ bastard stays in trouble, but he’s leaving in a few months, going to an adult living facility.”
“Oh…”
Sarah stood. “Would you like to see your dad now?”
“Yes, please.”
Rebecca got up and followed Sarah down a hall until they were standing in front of a worn wooden door. Sarah opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit by the light from a television. She flicked the light switch and walked over to the bed.
Rebecca stood in the doorway and waited for an invitation to enter, although she did peep into the bedroom. It was small, but clean. There was a tray table for meals and a television that was loudly broadcasting the football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions.
“Henry, honey, you have a visitor.”
“I…” He coughed. “I-I-thought you said no visitors for a while.”
His voice was feeble. Rebecca stepped back, wondering if she should come back another time.
Sarah looked up and raised a hand to still Rebecca’s retreat. “Well, this visitor isspecial.”
“Why?” Henry grunted.
