Come to Jesus

Faith, the babysitter, was watching the twins. Moses and Elizabeth got dressed up for church.

"Didn't think you were a big church man, Moses," Elizabeth said. She was dressed in a loosefitting peach maternity dress to accommodate her six month pregnant belly.

"When the shoe fits, I am," Moses responded, adjusting his tie. "I want you to observe."

"Observe what?" Elizabeth asked.

"You'll see."

***

They went to a baptist church on the side of town that Moses grew up in. There were some people that shook his hand or gave him a hug, but most people found excuses to cut the conversation short. Elizabeth enjoyed the energy of the church, and even shook her hips a little during some of the hymns, an energy that would be blasphemy in the dour church that she and Douglas attended. After they got back to Elizabeth's van, she looked quizzically at Moses.

"You saw that, I'm sure. These are my people, Miss Castle. These are the people that brought me up to power. And now I'm like a pariah to them. If I extend my hand, it's like I'm asking them to shake hands with a leper. I was the first Black mayor of this town, and because of your cracker father, probably the only Black mayor. Because you know what people said. Oh, it makes sense that he got arrested. It's bullshit. This should be my time, when I'm treated with respect and honor. And it's your cracker daddy's fault," he steamed. He'd been needing to get this out. Every time he left the mansion, he got the same treatment. It was nonsense.

"I'm sorry, Moses," Elizabeth said, her eyes wet. "How can I help you?"

"Hmm. Maybe it's time we pay your daddy a visit," Moses said. Elizabeth looked alarm. "I ain't going to beat him baby. Why don't you give me some head while I think about this." As his pants were unzipped, he thought life wasn't all bad.