He Calls Me Harmony

Chapter thirty: Rain Casting Shadows

In haste we wait. We wait for those things we most desire to come to us. No, we do not think of what it takes for something to be ours. We wait not because we are patient. We wait because we are afraid to do. Why do what one fear's when one can simply wait?

That explains my emotions. It construes my rapidly beating heart, my sweaty palms, and the crack in my voice as we (Joya and I), venture into the Riley territory. The only thing, should I say person, that is keeping me sane is Joya. Even though I am the one that requested taking on this, could be fatal encounter. I am still clammy at the knee's about dining with Mr. Riley. Given our platonic history, one would wonder why I continue to reach my hand out for him, only to have him continuously cut at my wrist. My answer is simple, I love Joya. She eases the tension brewing in my mind, with her gentle word's of encouragement. That is why I love her so much and will do anything for her. On the other hand, I approach the burgany tainted Oakwood door of the Riley's suburban home, clutching onto Joya's hand as if my life lied there with a rapidly developing lump in my throat. "Michael it will be okay. You will be okay.", She assures me, pecking my right cheek tenderly. I nod in agreement, though I am aware that my emotions are still on a frenzy. Before knocking, I look to the partly cloudy sky and whisper a silent prayer to God that all goes well. I may no longer be a Jehovah's Witness but, that will not prohibit me from looking to God for encouragement and confidence. Turning to the door again, I give Joya's hand one last squeeze before knocking on the door with my free hand. Not long after my second knock did the Oakwood door reveal a short, thin, brown skinned woman that resembled Joya oh so well. Her silvered stripped curled spirals hung down just below her shoulder's, blending into the rest of her midnight curls. She smiles sweetly before reintroducing herself as Joya's mother. I return with a timid smile of my own as I watch Joya greet her mother with a warm hug. Breaking the hug, Misses Riley turns her attention towards me. "Now why don't you two come in and have a seat in the living room?", She poses the question as an actual invitation as she gently pushes me inside. Joya giggles at her mother's enthusiasm as we enter the centre of their lovely home. The elaborately decorated living room we slip into was themed with passion pink and ivory white. Personally I found it a bit bland but it was comforting seeing as though my mother would have chosen the same. "You and my mother have the same taste in color", I finally express, letting my thought have a little life. Misses Riley glances at me with a smile appreciating my comment. "Thank-you. It took me some time deciding on a color. There are so many.", She marvels at her work. "But I am glad you like it Michael.", She adds, turning her attention onto her husband who was slumped over in a Burgundy recliner. He wore and outdated pair of boot cut denim jeans and plain lavender painted polo. "Glen? Glen get up! We have guest!", Misses Riley scowls, walking towards him. Joya giggles and walks over to assist her mother. I stand, silently watching the commotion. Finally after a few more scowls from Misses Riley and earthquake like shakes from Joya, Glen finally shoots up. "I'm up dammit!", He bark's, still slouching in the recliner. I couldn't resist chuckling at the grizzled grey haired man. I soon regret my snickering once his dark pools of anger met my equally dark pools of fear. "What are you snickering at?", He spat in question, rising from his recliner. Misses Riley quickly takes action in order to cease a boiling argument. "Umm Glen why don't you go freshen up? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.", Her once controlled tone was replaced with shaken fear as she spoke to him. This is déjà vu of my own life back in Indiana where my mother was Misses Riley and Joseph was Glen. Glen mumbles something inaudible beneath his breath before taking his wife's advice. Joya glances at me with an apology written on her face. I give her a small smile indicating that I am fine. Misses Riley sighs deeply before giving further instructions. "Well, Michael, Joya will show you to the bathroom where you can freshen up as well. I am sorry about Glen. He tends to gain a temper when sleeping. So waking him up is a bit of a daring process.", She apologizes with a forced smile. I nod. "It's okay. No need for apologies. ", She nods then walks towards the left wing of the living room, her floral, lengthy skirt trailing behind her. Once she disappears behind the wall, Joya walks up to me. "Shall I show you to the loom?", She asks in an attempt to lighten the mood. An attempt she never seems to fail. "Yes my dear Harmony, I would like that.", She giggles lightly and links our arm's together, skipping us out of the living room and up the stairs.