Room in the Attic

PROLOGUE

A good life is what most people dream about, consisting of love, happiness and a sense of well-being. Cori was no different, marrying her high school sweetheart and settling down to what she thought was a good life. However all that was about to change.

CHAPTER I

Why can’t I take that job, Tony? It pays well enough and Mama said she’d watch the kids for us while I worked.

I don’t care, Cori, no wife of mine is gonna work, and that’s that! What kind of man would I be if I let my wife take a job to take care of us? I’m the man of this household dammit, and it’s my responsibility to take care of my family.

Could you at least think about it? Nobody’s saying I have to work it forever, just long enough till you can find another job.

Cori looked at Tony, wondering why he didn’t realize this was the simple solution. Franklin was a small community, and there just weren’t enough good paying jobs to go around and she needed to act while the opportunity was available.

I know you wanna help, Cori, but that’s backbreaking work at the hosiery mill. My mama worked thirty years at that place and it damn near killed her, making her old before her time. I can’t see another woman I love go through that hell, Cori. If I have to, I can go to Cartersville, I hear it’s plenty work down there.

Cartersville? she said, worried that he was serious. That’s a hundred miles there and back Tony, we can’t be moving, not now.

Why Cori, There ain’t nothing here for us. My folks and yours are living on a fixed income, what reason is there to stay?

She contemplated whether to tell him that there may be a good reason, even though it was too early to be sure, but if it could change his mind about leaving, then she had to try.

I’m pregnant, she said, waiting for his reaction.

What!

I said I’m pregnant.

I heard that. What in the hell are we suppose to do now, Cori? I can’t take care of the two we got, much less one more mouth to feed. You gonna have to get rid of it.

He saw the way she looked at him with unmasked hurt on her face.

You don’t mean that. This is a life, Tony, our baby. How can you just ask me to do that?

I ain’t asking, I’m telling! You can go over there to that free clinic and have one of them doctors do one of them examinations on ya.

You mean abortion?

Yeah, he said, although he couldn’t look at her

I’m not doing it, Tony, this is our baby growing inside me, the same as the other two, and I won’t do it.

Oh you will do it, or else!

Or else what, Tony? she said, looking at him with a defiant gleam in her eyes. This was her child and she wouldn’t commit murder just to satisfy him.

I’m leaving.

You mean you’d run out on me and the kids?

Yeah, that’s what I mean. What do ya expect me to do, Cori? It’s your fault anyway. If you’d been taking those pills they gave ya over there, we wouldn’t be in this mess in the first place.

I don’t believe you’re trying to blame me for this, when it was as much your responsibility as it was mine. Why are you putting this on me?

Because you’re the woman, and I ain’t got no control over that!

The discussion had now turned into a full-fledged argument, but Cori was not backing down.

I’m sorry that you think you share no responsibility for me being pregnant, but if you want to use this as an excuse to just up and leave us, then you go right ahead. Go ahead and run!

Cori knew she’d hit the nail on the head—she could see it in his eyes—because he’d already made up his mind, and had probably been thinking about leaving for months. Way before he lost his job, and now her pregnancy gave him the courage finally to do it.

I’m sorry, Cori, but I guess I ain’t cut out for this family thing. I tried, God knows I did, but I can’t make it work. I don’t wanna end up like my folks, old, broke down, and still poor. I need more, Cori, more than what you or this town can give me, that’s why I got to break away.

Break away? You mean run away don’t you?

Whatever. You can say what ya want, but I’m leaving, and that’s it!

If he was going to leave, then she wasn’t going to stop him. Get out! Go on, get out! We don’t need you. We’ll be all right. You’ll see, and once we’re back on our feet, don’t come running back! You hear me, Tony? Don’t come running back! It hurt Cori deeply to know that the only man she’d ever loved would turn tail and run like a coward. Run away from her, his children and, most importantly, himself. She should’ve known from the start that Tony was not a strong man and lacked the confidence that it took to be a real man, because running was his way of life. One of the reasons his mother had stayed at the factory for so long was because she had a runner, too. His father left her for five years for another woman, and only came back because his girlfriend kicked him out, and he had no place else to go. It seemed as though the apple hadn’t fallen that far from the tree. Her own mother had told her not to marry Tony because he was spineless and weak. Nevertheless, she had to prove her wrong. She regretted now that she didn’t listen. It was too late for should’ve, could’ve, would haves. Because the next morning Tony did exactly as he’d said, leaving early before Cori and the kids were awake. He left without even as much as saying good-bye. All the arguing she’d done with him half the night and crying her eyes out the rest left her exhausted, but her youngest child pulling at her eyelids awakened her.

Eat Mama, Rion said.

Okay sweetie, Mommy will fix you something to eat, just give me a minute while I check on Daddy.

Looking at his side of the bed gave Cori evidence that Tony hadn’t slept there last night. Taking Rion by the hand, she walked to the front of the house to see if he was asleep on the couch, but he wasn’t there either.

Mama, Daddy? he asked, waiting for an answer.

I don’t know baby, you sit here and I’ll go find out. Placing Rion at the kitchen table, Cori went back to the bedroom to see if any of Tony’s things were missing. The first place she looked was in the closet. Two of their four suitcases were missing, which gave further evidence he’d gone. Searching the dresser next, she found that everything belonging to him was gone as well. The realization that he’d actually done it hit her hard, and she took a seat on the bed, feeling her legs about to give way from under her. It was shocking that the bastard had packed his things and snuck away like a thief in the night. It left her wondering what she’d do. They had no money to tide them over, nothing of any value, except the house and the two and half acres that it sat on. There was no need going to the bank for help, the house, already mortgaged twice, wasn’t close to the payoff. Oh God, what was she going to do? Cori thought. Tony had left her with two babies, another one on the way, and no means of support for any of them. However, she’d always been a quick thinker and an excellent problem solver, and didn’t have to ponder long. A thought raced across her mind; she’d an idea that was a plausible answer. The money they’d borrowed for the second mortgage they’d used to make repairs—there’d been enough left over to finish part of the attic, making it into a spare room. So just because selling the property was out of the question didn’t mean she sure couldn’t rent it out. Satisfied with her decision, she knew that this was the solution for her momentary problem, but everything else could wait until after she fed her babies. As soon as she met their needs, she made a call to the local newspaper to place the notice for the spare room. Cori’s funds were sparse, but Mr. Jones owned the paper and besides that, had known her from birth, and she was counting on that fact, hoping he’d wait for reimbursement. With one problem solved and many more to go, she seriously considered taking the job at the hosiery mill. But any thoughts of that ended, now that she knew she’d have to quit as her pregnancy began to increase.

While Cori contemplated her own problems, hundreds of miles away she shared a similar situation with a young man that destiny had selected as her soul mate. Unaware of the chaos in Cori’s world, William Christopher Williams was about to embark on an adventure that’d take him on highs and lows. This journey would change his life and so many others around him.

It was his sophomore year of college, and he planned to spend his summer hiatus exploring the country, as it was his intention to enjoy the good fortune that being the son of two affluent parents had afforded him. He was an only child and his mother sometimes over-indulged him. At least his father thought so, not wanting his son to have a whimsical attitude about life. William Sr. was an admiral in the Navy, and had been so for nearly twenty-five years, and his mother, Jessica, was a labor lawyer for the District of Columbia. It’d always been his father’s dream that he’d also join the Navy, becoming one of America’s finest. It’d have been easy to enlist as an officer, amassing college credit for one of the Naval programs offered at the base. However, Will had other ideas about his future and wanted to see just what the rest of the country had to offer outside of D.C. One of his favorite hobbies was art, although knew he’d never make a living as an artist because his father wouldn’t hear of it. Having big plans for his future, he’d invested much time and money, insuring that it’d happen. Moreover, this business of him taking the summer off to travel across the United States was absurd to his father. Especially when he assumed that he’d do something more useful, such as helping him out in his office, hoping he’d catch the military fever and reconsider. That wasn’t going to happen, Will thought to himself. He’d always been an obedient son, doing exactly as his parents expected of him. Not this time, though, now was the time for him to break away from family traditions and make a life of his own. Traveling this country’s great highways and byways was where he’d begin.

Dad, what’s wrong with me wanting to see the world? That was one of the reasons why you enlisted yourself.

Things were different then, son. There weren’t many things that a man of color could do when I was your age, either enlist or become a factory worker. Your grandparents were laborers; my father worked as a welder and helped build most of the bridges that link our city to the next. Your grandmother worked in the furniture factory for years and finally had to stop because of her aging hands. Don’t get me wrong, son, I admire my parents greatly for being strong, and I was never ashamed of how they’d taken care of me and my brothers. However, son, your mother and I’ve set money aside over the years for you, and why you’d throw it away while other young men your age where wishing they could go to school is beyond me.

I’m not throwing anything away, Dad. I only want to explore, seek out what it is I really want to do in life. I’m not dropping out of college, just taking a break for a little while, three months over the summer, and when it’s over, I promise I’ll be back to school.

Looking at his son thoughtfully, Will Sr. knew there were many things that could happen over a three-month period, and had seen it before when he was his age. Many of his high school friends had decided also that over the summer they’d try to find themselves, only to be lost forever.

I don’t see why you can’t take that time and do something useful besides traversing around the world.

Not the world, Dad, just the United States.

Don’t get smart with me young man, you know what I mean.

Mom thinks it’s a great idea, she feels that I should want to see how other people live, and that I might even learn something from the experience.

Pooh on what your mother thinks; sometimes I think she disagrees with me just because she can.

In many ways young Will was just like his father, and Will’s mind was already made up. No matter what he said to discourage him, it wasn’t going to make a difference.

Where will your first stop be? his father said, seeing the look of surprise on Will’s face.

Does this mean you’re okay with the idea of me going?

Well, I guess it does, doesn’t it? You’re twenty years old now and hardly a child, so I can’t tell you what to do or stop you, now can I?

Thanks, Dad, in three months time you’ll see; I’ll be back home and back to school.

Giving in to his son’s wishes had cost William Sr. greatly. He’d recover from the dent it’d make in his wallet, but his pride would take longer to rebuild.

Will was waiting for this encouragement; now that he had it, he was unstoppable. He was completely on top of the situation, and had already mapped out his route. Tennessee would be the first state, all the ones that lie in between, Texas, and then on to Arizona, and hopefully California. He understood the constraints of time wouldn’t allow him to see all of the country, but at least it was a start. There was no turning back now, he thought to himself while he packed his things for the trip. He paused momentarily when he saw his mother peeking around the door.

So you’re really gonna do it, huh? Jessica asked.

I have to. If I don’t take the opportunity while I have the chance, I never will, Mom.

I know, son. I’m all for seeking and living out your dreams. If I’d listened to my parents, I would’ve been a homemaker raising probably twelve children. However, I had dreams and desires that consisted of doing something more fulfilling with my life. I love being a wife and mother, but I just couldn’t resign myself to that only. While your father was off doing his tour of duty, I went to law school and in between that I made time to become a mother.

Will knew the story of how his father had wanted more children, which had initially caused them problems over the years.

Dad never forgave you, did he?

He did after some time. Guess he finally accepted the fact that I was going to have a career outside of the home. After all, I did give him one of the best sons a father could ever wish for, now didn’t I?

If you say so, he said, shrugging his shoulders.

Don’t be modest, son. You’re a good kid. That’s why I trust you to make the right decisions about your life. Well, I know you’re leaving early, so I’ll get out of your way and let you get back to packing, she said, closing the door behind her.

Freedom was something Will looked forward to, and he couldn’t wait to put as much distance between himself and the always-watchful eyes and domineering control of his father. Throughout his teenage years, he’d had to listen to his drilling lectures about responsibility and having a good career plan. One day he’d settle down to all his father’s expectations, but right now all he wanted was to have a little non-parent-controlled fun. This trip was the gateway to that freedom, his rite of passage. However, what he hoped mostly was that when he returned, his father would no longer see him as a child but as the man that he nurtured him to be.

All was right with Will’s world, but Cori’s life was a shambles. Her days began much the way they ended every night, worrying about how she’d make ends meet. Two weeks had already gone by and not one person had replied to the ad in the paper. Franklin was small, but she was sure someone needed a good clean place to live. If only for a short while, and if she didn’t get a potential renter soon, all would be lost. Keeping her family fed was not a problem, but keeping the only roof they had over their heads was. Mr. Jones was very kind to continue allowing the ad to run, but if she didn’t pay for it soon, he’d pull it. Cori had avoided calling him, but she thought talking to him in person would gain more sympathy.

Mr. Jones, how are you today?"

Just fine, Cori. And you and the kids?

We’re okay. They could exchange niceties all day, Cori thought, however, it wasn’t going to change the reason for her visit.

I hate to tell you this, but I have no takers at the moment.

I know times are hard for you right now, Cori, but there’s nothing else I can do. Can you borrow the money from Allan and Rhonda to pay for it?

She looked at him thoughtfully, knowing that if her parents had any money to lend, she wouldn’t be in this mess.

No sir, they won’t get another check until the first of the month. That’s only a couple more weeks, can you wait till then?

I’m sorry, Cori, but I just can’t do it. The ad I’m running for you is taking up space that I could be making money on. If you don’t have it by the end of the week, I’ll have to pull it.

There was nothing he could do, Cori thought sadly. She was at the end of her wits, too. On the way home, she stopped off at her parents to get the kids; she’d left them there so she could run a few errands. She went through a gate that was in bad need of some painting, to the backyard, where her mother usually spent the morning weeding out her vegetable garden.

Hey, Mama, the kids weren’t too bad, were they?

No honey, good as gold. Rion’s in the house taking a nap.

Looking around, Cori didn’t see her oldest child.

Where’s TJ, Mama?

Oh he walked over at the neighbors with your daddy, but they should be back by now, almost lunch time.

Gazing at her aging mother, Cori knew times were just as hard for them as they were for her. Both of her parents had worked for years toiling for a company that didn’t have as much as a pension plan for them. That left them dependent upon a Social Security check that came only once a month. Her mother’s health had been failing over the years too, and she wasn’t looking very well at all. This only added to the worry and guilt of burdening them with her troubles.

I’ll just walk down the street to see if they’re coming, okay Mama? It’s much too hot today; don’t stay out here too long. I’ll be back in a few minutes.

Cori took the shortcut through the back door so she could check on her sleeping baby first. She found him lying in the middle of her parents’ bed. She looked at him lovingly; he resembled a cherub, rosy cheeks and all. Rion was sleeping so peacefully and she hated to wake him and decided that she’d let him sleep while she looked for TJ. Walking from the room, she stopped at the table by the door where there was a picture of her parents. She couldn’t help thinking that it was a shame how the years hadn’t been kind to either of them. When she compared the once young, vibrant couple to the browbeaten image of who they were today, it made her feel sad. She remembered back to when she was a little girl standing in front of her mother’s mirror, emulating her, wanting to be just like her when she grew up. Yet looking at the picture that she held in her hand depressed her; she realized this could be her fate as well. She replaced the picture on the table and was just going out of the door when the two people she was looking for came through it.

How you feeling, Daddy? I was just coming to find you.

I’m fine, baby girl. Any luck with the room?

Not yet, but I’m still hoping. I was thinking about going over to the factory to see if that position was still open.

Maybe you should wait awhile, the week ain’t over yet.

I know, Daddy. But when the week is up, what then? If I can get a job, I think I should try while I’m at least still able to work, she said, noticing the puzzled expression on her father’s weathered face.

Is there something ya ain’t telling me, Corinne?

She hated it when he called her that.

Can we sit out on the porch for a minute, Daddy? I think it’s time I did.

She directed TJ to the backyard, wanting to break the news privately.

All right baby girl, what is it?

I’m pregnant again, Daddy. Tony wanted me to get rid of it, but I couldn’t do it. Cori carefully watched her father as he considered the situation thoughtfully before giving an opinion.

I see. Is that why he left ya?

Sort of, she said, looking away, unable to maintain eye contact with him.

Is it more than that? Ya don’t have to be ashamed to tell me, baby girl. Daddy will understand.

Well maybe just a little, but either way he’s still gone.

The last thing Allan wanted was to come down on her when she was already dragging on the ground, but what he had to say needed saying.

I wished you would’ve listened to me and your mama; wouldn’t be in this mess right now if you had of.

You think I don’t know that, Daddy? But if Grandma had told Mama not to marry you, do you think she’d listened either?

That’s different, Corinne, and you know it.

Comparing Tony to him was not fair and she knew that, but that’s what life was all about, making mistakes.

I’m sorry, Daddy, but I’ve learned and he’s out of my life now. It’s not going to be easy, but I don’t have another choice. If I don’t rent out the room or get a job, the kids and I’ll be on the street.

You know your mama and me won’t let that happen, ’cause y’all always welcome here. Your room upstairs is just how we left it, may be small for three, but it’ll do till ya can do better.

Thanks, Daddy, but I’ll try the factory and if that don’t pan out, well, I guess I’ll just have to think of something else. It’s getting late and the kids haven’t eaten lunch yet, so I’m gonna head on home. I’ll go out the back door so I can tell Mama bye before we leave.

All right, but you think about what I said, ya hear?

I will, talk to you later, she said. Gathering up her children, Cori buckled them into the car before driving home; hoping when she got there a message