Green Eyed Monster

Extended Family

After venting for over an hour, Lola ended our call, still so upset. Christmas was a disaster at her home. Mrs Tolbert, Roger, Maxine, David, Leah, and Solomon got into a vehement battle. By the end of the fight, Mrs Tolbert insisted that Solomon be her guardian, and she wants to move back into her own home.

It's the day after Christmas. My mother, Trevor, and Jessica spent the night. My mother mocks, "Honey, it sounds like some delicious hot tea brewed in West Chesterfield yesterday! Trev, did you see any of the fight?"

"Nah, G-Ma. It was definitely getting started, though. I guess they kept their composure until after Jess and I left."

I ask, "Getting started, how, Trev?"

"Well, initially King wasn't really interacting with us, but it was so many folks up in there he wasn't missed. Also, Hyde was the guest of honor, so King's absence was nothing. But once everyone was seated to eat, that's when I could sense the tension. You know Mrs T doesn't bite her tongue for nobody, so after King's grandfather says grace, Mrs T says, "Amen. And while we're all here, I want you all to know King's going to be my guardian, and I'm moving back home. I want my life back. I'm not dead yet!"

Roger interjects, "Mom, it's dinner time. We'll discuss this later."

"Roger, you don't tell me what to do! If I want to talk now, I'll talk. But there's nothing to discuss. I'm telling everyone my plans. I've spoken my decision and that's that!"

Huffy, Roger continues, "Mom, you're not well. King and I make the decisions, not you."

Maxine rubs his shoulder, then whispers into his ear. Mrs Tolbert says, "Yes, calm your man down before he gets embarrassed."

Trevor's now staring at Lola. Staring back at him, she pokes out her lip, shrugging. Roger goes to speak, but David interrupts, "King and Lola have prepared a beautiful evening for us this Christmas. Thank you, Lola. Thank you, King. Today we celebrate the birth of our Christ and Savior. Let's dwell on that today."

David's father, Bishop Chad, adds, "Amen, son. ...Neve, that's enough. You and I prayed over this situation. You, Roger, and King can discuss this later, okay?" Mrs Tolbert, though agitated, simply nods."

Trevor then asks, "Ma, did you know Mrs T's first name was Neve?"

Laughing I answer, "Wow, no I didn't. She told me her name was Tolbert, but call her Mrs T, and that's what I did from day one."

My mother scoffs, "Who cares! Boy, finish the story!"

"That's it, G-Ma. Once Bishop Chad jumped in, everyone submitted to his authority. ...So is Solomon adopted, ma? Like, how is he Mrs T's real grandson and David his real father, but they're not related?" Trevor asks.

My mother answers, "Duh, clearly David was married to Mrs T's daughter. So King's deceased mother must be Mrs T's daughter."

"Impossible!" I answer.

"Why's that so impossible, Mae? That's the only way it's possible."

"Mrs T hated Solomon's mother. Well, Gypsy said she hated her but once she died Mrs T started saying she was an angel and then badmouthing Leah."

"I know you love Mrs T, but that's a troubled woman, Mae."

"She's just outspoken, Mama."

"She's just ignorant, is what she is."

"Why wouldn't Mrs T tell Ma that King's ma was her daughter?  So sorry, G-Ma, that can't be it."

"Trev, that's it! Either David is her son, or King's mama is her daughter. Other than that, King isn't her biological grandson, so he has no legal rights beyond those of a guardian. So I'm on Roger's side. That's his mama. This adopted boy, whatever he is, needs to fall back!"