Donnely Place 451 continued......

My apologies Everybody. I expected this to end with part 2 but like I said. I never know how a story will come out when I start to write. And this will end with a part 3. Feel free to keep posting to the previous post. (it's ok to snatch a good....).. And thank you all for tuning in.....


Donnely Place 451 continues......

Sylvia was relieved to get the job, but Alexis Crenshaw was certainly not what she expected. Although she was black and adorable looking, her personality was not. She was brusque with Sylvia and most times very cold. Sylvia had no idea what she had done to her, but Mrs Crenshaw made it clear that she did not like her. She had been working for the Crenshaws for nearly a week when Mrs Crenshaw's two sisters, Dione and Jennifer came to visit. Sylvia showed them in and resumed her duties. She was filling the dishwasher, when she heard Mrs Crenshaw complaining about her in the dining room.
"I tell you, I just can't believe he brought me this... this hood rat! Does he really think I want this woman around MY CHILDREN! " Sylvia felt her blood grow cold. She peeked around the corner and watched Mrs Crenshaw accepting warm hugs from her sisters, while she talked trash about Sylvia as if she weren't there!

"Alexis. " Her older sister Dione, sighed. "Exactly what has the woman done that causes you so much distress?" "She looked perfectly nice to me-a little beaten up by life, but sweet"
"Beaten up is right" Her sister, Jennifer laughed. "She looks like when God called the line for beauty, she thought he said duty and ran to hide!" She giggled at her own dumb joke, with Alexis joining in. Only Dione didn't laugh, in fact she looked slightly embarrassed. " That's not funny, you guys. Remember what momma always said -Laugh not for there but for the grace of God go you" This caused them to go from giggles to peals of laughter. "That's not the line you idiot! " Jennifer gasped, laughing harder. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "Well whatever it is, it's rude to treat people like that and you know it!" Dione felt her irritation rise. Why did they always think they were better than everyone- especially after what Alexis had done! Alexis suppressed her smile, at Dione's frowning face. "ok sis, we're sorry." she giggled. Lets go see what Aunt Jamima is cooking for dinner ok?" This caused Jennifer to fall back to the sofa in a new fit of laughter. Dione got up and walked away from them....

Sylvia was at the table feeding baby Bianca. She turned her face away so that Dione would not see her embarrassment. She knew they were talking about her. Dione was embarrassed herself. She knew by the woman's demeanor that she had either overheard, or eavesdropped on the conversation. Sylvia was so distracted, and upset, she missed the baby's mouth with the bottle. Bianca flung her little arms in the air, and gave a screaming wail of protest. In seconds, Mrs Crenshaw, who claimed to be too weak to get herself a glass of water, was in the kitchen, followed by Jennifer. They both glared at her. "What the hell are you doing to my baby? " She demanded. Sylvia was taken aback. "Nothing,.... I... I was feeding her "
"Well you're doing something wrong! " Jennifer shot at her. "Or she wouldn't be crying. She moved toward Sylvia and none too gently, literally snatched Bianca from her arms. Sylvia turned her head so they wouldn't see the rage in her eyes. She knew if Mrs Crenshaw saw it, she would be fired for sure and she needed this job! 'Just hold on girl, she told herself. Just enough money to get my babies and run. Just pray and hold on.'
" Why don't you go clean the upstairs bathrooms, and don't forget the master bedroom this time." Alexis snapped at her. " Sylvia stared at her. Had she forgotten that Mr Crenshaw had said light work only! She started to refuse but then thought better of it. Upstairs she wouldn't have to be bothered with them. She gathered the mop and broom and headed toward the curved staircase. Dione barely let her make it to the stairs before she laid into her sisters. "Look, I don't know what the problem is here, but I'm sick and tired of the way you guys are treating her! " She struggled to keep her voice down. What exactly has that woman done to you to make you hate her like this Alexis? -Did you catch her making eyes at Thomas or something?" Jennifer snorted. "That's hardly a concern-I've seen one tooth, saggy tittied, bug eyed, pygmies with more sex appeal than her!" Dione took Bianca as both Jennifer and Alexis fell into the kitchen chairs, and doubled over with laughter. "Well,...... maybe she reminds you of someone else" Dione said slowly. "Someone you'd rather forget!" The humor was instantly gone from Alexis's pretty face. "Don't go there Dione, " she warned ominously. -"Don't you ever go there!.... "

The time flew by until it was Friday, four weeks into her new job. It was the day Sylvia had been waiting for -payday! Last payday she'd had to pay all the bills she couldn't pay when Tyshon had found her stash, but now she had a bank account and that was never going to happen again. She was praying Mr Crenshaw would be there early, or at least on time. Sometimes he had to stay late at the office, but he was usually always home by 7, unless he was on a business trip. She wanted that cash in her hands badly. He had promised to give her cash so she wouldn't have to worry about getting to the bank before it closed. At six -thirty on the dot, Mr Crenshaw strolled in. Both Mrs Crenshaw and little Tiffany (the seven year old) ran to greet him. He wrapped his arms around them, kissing them both warmly. The sheer love on his face made Sylvia want to cry. She turned away the painful, yet familiar scene. Mr Crenshaw did this every night yet it never seemed to get any less painful. It wasn't fair. Mrs Crenshaw was slim, beautiful, and very much loved. She had this great house, two beautiful children, and a man who worshipped the ground she walked on. I wish I had someone to just look at me the way he looks at her! She thought wistfully. She watched, as Tiffany ran gaily back to her television program on a tv that hung from a wall, and was big enough to double as a movie screen. She was still thinking about how unfair it all was as she entered the kitchen so she could tidy it up before she left. Mr Crenshaw was still still kissing his wife. In fact the kisses seemed to be growing much deeper. Sylvia could almost see the hunger on his face as he blazed a trail from her face to her thoat. She tried to pretend she wasn't paying attention but she was fascinated. She had never actually known a black woman with a white husband where she was from. She quessed that Mrs Crenshaw's sisters, Dione and Jennifer were also married to white men just from hearing them talk, and seeing Dione's blond-blue eyed daughter, Jessica. She knew she should have left when she saw them kissing, and given them their privacy. But she stayed. They do have a bedroom! She thought to herself. And I do have to finish so I can go home! She could hear snatches of their conversation although they were trying to whisper. "How much longer?" Mr Crenshaw was asking. "Honey, please don't do this!" Mrs Crenshaw's voice sounded low and pleading. Sylvia missed the next part but heard her say "You know it'll be awhile...don't....when you know I can't" She seemed to be wiping away tears. Mr Crenshaw drew a ragged breath that seemed to take all his strength, and energy. He pulled his wife close and nuzzled her neck. apologizing softly, and kissing her gently. The look on his face reminded Sylvia of a sad moth pulled helplessly to a flame. It was pretty obvious how much he adored her, and that he wanted desparately to make love to her. She guessed this was why he looked so upset. He would not be able to touch her for several more weeks, and it was evidently driving him crazy. Sylvia writhed in jealousy at the naked hunger on his face and turning, she fled the room. No man had ever looked at her like that! And most likely, no man ever would! She thought of the pathetic groping, and pawing that passed for lovemaking in her life. With Tyshon it was more huffing and puffing than anything else. Just an endless, emotionless, pounding. No sweet words no kisses, no nothing. She sighed as she took off her apron. She'd had enough of these people, and their perfect little world for one night. She had to get away. She checked on the baby and then grabbed her threadbare coat. Mr Crenshaw seemed so wrapped up in his pretty, black, witch of a wife he made no indication of hearing her leave. Tears were on Sylvia's face as she made her way to the bus stop. She needed that money- and now she had to wait until Monday to get it! Dammit! She was so upset, that it took her a few minutes to realize that someone calling her name. She turned and saw Mr Crenshaw in his gray jag honking, at her with a puzzled look on his face.

"Sylvia, get in - Why'd you leave so fast?- I need to talk to you" Sylvia got in and turned to face him. "First off, I uh.... want to apologize for my wife. Dione told me she's been less then gracious to you." Boy, that's an understatement, Sylvia thought wryly. "And second, I want to give you this. " His 'this' made up for everything. He handed Sylvia an envelope. When she opened it, she gasped. It was obviously well over the four hundred dollars he owed her! She was so excited she could barely count it. He seemed to read her thoughts. "It's six hundred. I know we agreed on four every two weeks, but that was before you were forced to stay later than agreed some nights, as well as put up with my wife's....uh, less than becoming behavior." Sylvia couldn't keep the smile off her face. "that's ok... she's not that bad" She lied. They looked at each other a moment, then burst out laughing. " Ok, she is," Sylvia admitted. But I could put up with her all day for this kind of money! She thought happily.
"I know she doesn't like me." Sylvia began. " I sometimes get the feeling I remind her of someone else-" She stopped when she saw the strange look cross his face. He looked away quickly. "Can't imagine who that could be " He murmured, unconvincingly. " Anyway, I was wondering if you'd like to make an extra 200 next weekend? "He took in her growing excitement, and held up his large hand. " Sylvia, this won't be easy money, trust me. We're having a party on Saturday. My wife is going to want you to watch the baby, help prepare the food, and serve the guests on the night of the party. We've hired two part time helpers, but there'll will still be plenty of work. Oh, and she wants you to help clean up the entire mess on Sunday. So I'll understand if you turn us down" The wheels of her mind were turning. She knew very well that Mrs Crenshaw wanted her there so she could boss her around in front of her friends and treat her like a slave. She knew the drill by now but there was no way she was going to turn down 2oo.oo! Although it would'nt hurt to try for 300. All he could say was no. "I'm going to need 300.00, " she said firmly. "Your wife is going to work the hell out of me " She said this it more courage than she felt, then bit her lip as she waited. What if he got angry? Had she just thrown 2oo.oo dollars away? 200.00 that she needed desparately for her get away fund? He shook his head like he was about to protest, then thought better of it. "Ok." He said simply. "Just be there by 8 o'clock." He knew she was right. Alexis was definitely going to work the hell out of her. She almost seemed to blame her for what happened. But that didn't make any sense. This woman had nothing to do with that! He thought about it as he dropped Sylvia off in her dilapidated neighborhood and pretended not to notice the embarrassment on her face. He watched her get her two children from across the street and then go into a building that looked like a ransacked, homeless shelter. Quiet guilt filled him as he thought about the privileged life of he and his family. But he had to laugh to himself. She was a shrewed one, He knew now, she would gladly have accepted that 2oo.oo if he had refused to give her 300.00. She had been very shrewd to ask for 300 before he'd seen her living arrangements......

The next week-end was one of the happiest in Sylvia's life. She, her friend carol and her babies went downtown to get Tia new shoes. Tia pranced around happily showing everyone around. Her eyes sparkling with glee. Sylvia had to wipe away quiet tears. No little girl should be that happy to get a cheap pair of shoes.
Carol saw her but pretended not to notice. "Girl, so howz life at the Creme de la Creme mansion?" Sylvia giggled. "It's Crenshaw, Carol." Carol made a face.
"same thing for them mofos -so howz life?"
Sylvia frowned. " She still hates me- if that's what you mean." Then she added. "but the money is really good girl!-so she can keep on hating me!" Carol laughed.
"That's what I'm saying g-u-r-l! " She exclaimed extra loud, while she slapped Sylvia's hand. "I say let the bitches, bitch long as a sista gettin paid!" She never noticed Sylvia wincing at her words. None of the Crenshaw's or their friends ever talked like this, and Sylvia was beginning to find it a horrendous misuse of speech.
" -So you doin the party huh?" Sylvia nodded.
"Well shoot, find out if they need any help- I needs me some money too!" Sylvia nodded again, but said nothing. They walked down to a fast food place to eat. Sylvia was thinking quietly about what Carol had said. Should she ask Mr Crenshaw about Carol? She wanted to, and she knew Carol needed the money but the problem was, she didn't want Carol bringing the hood to her job! Mrs Crenshaw seemed to hate the hood more than anything. And If Carol came there being loud and uncouth, with her Ebonic street lingo, it could mean her job. And she really needed this job! This wasn't just shoe money-this was get-away-money! Quietly, she decided she would not say a word about Carol to Mr Crenshaw, she just could not take the chance, she needed the job too badly. She glanced down and saw Tia watching her. She was smiling, but her eyes were pleading. Sylvia looked hard at her. Tia's eyes were trying to convey an unspoken message to her mother. They had always had great silent communication and Sylvia could almost hear her saying " Momma, don't risk it-This is our chance to get out! please don't risk it!" Sylvia smiled reassuringly at her, and Tia's eyes filled with relief.......

The night of the party dawned crisp and cool. Sylvia dressed in the uniform that Mrs Crenshaw has assigned and kissed her babies at Ms Moppet's doorstep. Tia held baby Abigail and looked up at her. Standing there holding a baby with a diaper bag on her tiny shoulder, she looked like a child forced to grow up way before her time. With a pang of regret. Sylvia realized that was exactly what she was. Tia smiled bravely at her. "momma, kin we stay with Ms Moppet till you come? I don't wanna go with daddy, and clean up after his pokey game. I'm scared of all his friends!" Sylvia's heart stopped. What the hell was Tia talking about?. The next moment Ms Moppet was at the door. Sylvia asked her what was going on, and she told her that twice she refused to let Tyshon take Tia to clean up after his poker game and serve drinks during it. She said that Tyshon had caused such a ruckus, she'd told him she would call the police if he came back. Sylvia was so upset she had to lean against the door jamb. She told Ms Moppet under no circumstances should she allow the kids to go with him! Rage filled her blood as she thought about him trying to use her baby to clean up behind his filthy friends! She was terrified to think of what would have happened had Ms Moppet let him take Tia. Those disgusting men, all around her innocent, vulnerable little girl! Oh my God! she thought frantically. Gotta get them outta here! she thought harder and harder, as she made her way to the bus stop....

The party was in full swing as Sylvia made her way to the kitchen. Mrs Crenshaw scowled at her. " Did Mr Crenshaw not tell you seven o clock?" She demanded. "No, he did not " Sylvia answered snippily. " He told me eight o'clock!" The servers in the background exchanged glances. Mrs Crenshaw loved to snap on people but was quick to run and tell her husband, should someone have the audacity to talk back to her the same way. They waited to see what would happen. Just then the baby started to wail. The girl closest to her picked her up but her cries grew louder, and louder. Sylvia moved across the room and took the baby from the grateful girl. Bianca wrapped her tiny arms around Sylvia's shoulder and quieted softly down. Alexis Crenshaw watched quietly, then turned, and stormed away...."how do you tolerate her? " A young girl loading the dishwasher, asked. "The same way we all do, " An older woman answered for Sylvia. " We think about the money!" The hours flew by. Around 11, Mrs Crenshaw came in and told Sylvia to go clean up the dishes and drinks the guests had strewn around. Sylvia went into the living room collecting dishes and glasses in a large dish pan. She was embarrassed at having to be seen by all these rich people, in her maid's uniform. She so wished she were back in the kitchen where she could hide! Sylvia! She looked up at the sound of her name and spotted Lena coming toward her with a big smile on her face. Everytime she saw Lena she seemed to be happy and smiling. Lena gave her a quick hug, and stepped back. "So good to see you, how are you-Is my brother treating you ok?" Sylvia nodded. Lena grabbed her wrist. "Come on, I want you to meet some more of my family." She led Sylvia to an outdoor table and snatched the dish pan from her, handing it to another girl before Sylvia could protest. "Don't worry about Alexis, " she laughed at the worry on Sylvia's face. "I'll take care of her. Anyway, I want you to meet my big brother John Michael, and my husband Jim." Sylvia's was surprised to see that Lena's husband Jim was black. (although, it shouldn't have been a surprise with this family) He was semi tall, and very nice looking, but seemed rather cool and reserved. He averted his gaze when Sylvia said hi. She got his message loud and clear. You're hired help and you don't belong here!. Lena's brother John, on the other hand, was very friendly and even easier on the eyes. In fact, he was gorgeous! It was easy to see they came from the same family. He had Lena's blond hair and ruddy coloring. Sylvia took his outstretched hand timidly. He smiled down at her with clear gray eyes and a dimple in his chin deeper than Michael Jackson's. "Nice to meet you, " He said sincerely in a deep, masculine voice. He was staring deeply into her eyes, and Sylvia felt herself redden. Damn! why did she have to be in a maid's uniform, and why did he have to be so handsome? "Ah, it....it's nice to meet you too" she answered slowly. His wide smile was making her insides do crazy things. "I'll get drinks! " Lena piped up happily, and fled across the room. Sylvia realized Lena really was that happy. Funny, when she'd first met her she thought she was faking it.
"Ah... shouldn't you be getting drinks? " Lena's husband Jim, cut in rudely. "After all, you are one of the maids are you not? " Sylvia turned to him in embarrassed shock, as did John. "That was out of line man." John turned to stare at him coldly, the warm smile gone from his face. Jim turned guiltily away from John's stare, and then glared at Sylvia behind his back. His eyes seemed to silently scream, 'Get back in your place -in the kitchen!' He's as nasty and condescending as Mrs Crenshaw, she thought to herself. They should have gotten married! As soon as John excused himself to go to the bathroom, Jim came up and deliberately handed her a tray of dirty glasses. "I believe you know where these go" He said coldly. Sylvia looked at him. She was thinking to herself: 'how bout you shove them up your ass! ' but she didn't say it. Instead, she took the tray and headed back to work....

Luckily the evening was almost over, because she was not able to get away from John the rest of the night. He kept turning up and trying to talk to her while she worked, and Mrs Crenshaw made it clear she was not happy about it. Sylvia found out that he was a pediatrician and had been divorced for several years. He told her all about his patients and how funny they were. He seemed to really love kids. She wanted desperately to talk to him some more but Mrs Crenshaw was giving her the death glare. So she told John she would talk to him later and trudged upstairs to put the baby to bed. Lena followed her up. She was running her mouth non-stop in the background, as Sylvia tucked Bianca in.
"You won't be able to dodge my brother! she laughed. "The Crenshaw men are known for getting what they want." Sylvia turned to her, shaking her head. "Don't be ridiculous, he just wanted to talk about stuff he-" Lena cut her off. "He can talk about stuff with any one of the 1ooo women chasing him in his office-No, I know my brother. When he made me promise to grab you and introduce him, I knew he was interested." Sylvia was shocked, puzzled, and just a little hopeful. "but what would he want with me? He's so handsome and I'm so..." "Adorably cute!"
Lena finished for her. she grabbed Sylvia's arm and led her to the mirror. Sylvia was stunned to realize the uniform was beginning to hang on her! She was losing weight with all the constant running around, and she hadn't even noticed. As she looked closer she could also see that the dark circles around her eyes were almost gone, along with the slack, tired skin. She'd been forced to eat lots of fruits and veggies in order to have the stamina to work two jobs, and the difference in her skin was amazing! Not to mention how much stress was relieved by not having to squeeze every penny until it screamed. She shook her head at the woman in the mirror, in delighted amazement.
"wow! I'm not nearly as pretty as you or Mrs Crenshaw, but I don't look half bad! she whispered happily. "you're as pretty as anybody else!" Lena said, as sternly as her gentle voice would allow. She seemed to be deep in thought for a moment. " Alexis really is quite pretty isn't she? She said softly. Too bad she....."
She let her voice trail off. Sylvia turned to her. " too bad she what Lena? -does this have anything to do with why she hates me? I need to know- why does she hate me, what did I do to her? "
She watched a myriad of emotions cross Lena's face as she turned away. She seemed to think about it a long moment before answering. "She thinks you're her karma." she said quietly, turning back.
" What.... What do you mean?" Sylvia leaned in and listened close. Lena looked more and more uncomfortable as if fighting with herself whether or not to tell Sylvia something, finally she sighed, as she reached out to touch the baby's soft brown cheek.

"My brother Thomas was married before". She began. "His first wife was named Sylvie." Sylvia gasped, then nodded for her to continue. She had a baby girl by C-section and then suffered complications. The baby had severe breathing problems and lived only for I day, as I remember. Then then she died. My brother was horribly distraught, almost inconsolable. Anyway, While Sylvie was trying to recover, and work through the death of her baby. Along came Alexis. She worked her way into his life under the guise of helping him through his grief. But Before he knew what happened, Alexis had gotten pregnant with Tiffany. Then she made sure Sylvie found out about it. Sylvie filed for divorce and left the state, and Alexis got my brother. When she saw you, especially with your name, you reminded her of her own sins and that's why she hates you-she's scared you came to do to her what she did to Sylvie"
Sylvia let her breathe out in a whoosh. that was alot to take in. To think that Mrs Crenshaw had stolen Mr Crenshaw from another woman who had just lost her baby! She shook her head at Lena. "I shocked that she would do that- but, I don't believe in Karma she said firmly. " I believe people grow and change, most times for the better". Lena shrugged. "Well I believe in karma, but I wish I didn't because I sure have done some shady, sneaky, low down things in my life!" Sylvia giggled, she just couldn't imagine Lena doing shady, sneaky things.

She reached down into the crib to kiss Bianca's soft baby cheek -and froze! At first her mind did not register what was wrong but then it hit her! Bianca was not breathing! A piercing scream split the air. Sylvia didn't realize it was coming from her until Lena grabbed her, and slapped her face. "What's wrong with you -screaming in that poor baby's ear! have you lost-" Sylvia yanked hard on her sleeve and pointed toward the crib. Bianca's chest was NOT rising! "Oh my God! Lena shrieked, backing away in horror. Then she was screaming as well. Then everything seemed to happen in slow motion. In seconds people flew into the nursery. Then Alexis was there, grabbing her limp baby and screaming at the top of her lungs. "Oh no, it's coming true, " she screamed. "God killed my baby because of what I did!" She collapsed to the floor on top of the still body of the baby, screaming wildly. She was impervious to the fact that John was trying to get to the baby in time to save her life. "Move Alexis, Dammit! " He commanded. "I've only got seconds to save her life!" Grabbing a grief stricken -nearly incoherent Alexis from the floor, he literally threw her into his brother's arms so he could work on Bianca. Sylvia watched fearfully. They had lost precious time talking about her mother -how long had the baby been out? Wasn't Lena stoking her cheek only moments ago? Then Alexis had come in and cost them even more precious seconds! Would John be able to save her? She looked toward The Crenshaws, they were both white as ghosts, even dark skinned Alexis looked almost as pale as her husband. He seemed to be trying to hold his wife up with a strength he didn't possess at the moment. Sylvia saw his lips moving as his red rimmed eyes looked upward. She knew he was sending up a cogent prayer, begging for the life of his child. But Mrs Crenshaw was looking directly at her! Her dark luminous teary eyes were filled with hatred and suspicion. Sylvia felt the first inkling of fear for herself. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt if little Bianca didn't make it, Mrs Crenshaw would somehow blame her, and make her pay!....She felt like she was in a nightmare. Every precious second that slipped past felt like hard hail pummeling her helpless body. With nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide. And the baby's life slipping away!........


Find out if baby Bianca survives, and what happens to Sylvia in:
The final chapter of: Donnely Place 451
thank y'all for tuning in see you next post...