Butterflies Blue

Graduation Party

GRADUATION PARTY

GILBERT, ARIZONA

Three Years Earlier

“Can we have the caterer set up the cake on the back table? I also want the bottle of Cristal placed in a champagne bucket near the head table. It’s for Leon. The other champagne is for the guests. But this is my man’s day and he deserves the best.” Layla Little barked orders with determination. She had been planning this event for months ever since her long-term boyfriend, Leon Blackman, told her that he was finally graduating with his doctorate.

Never-mind that Leon didn’t offer to pay for his own graduation party. Neither did his parents or the rest of his family. He seemed content to have Layla pay the full expense of his graduation party even though they were not officially a couple according to him. They had dated for two years now. Layla tried desperately to push any negative thoughts about Leon or his family's attitude from her mind. She would deal with them later once all of the hectic planning and celebrations were over. She focused only on the fact that her man was finally graduating and what that would mean for the future of their relationship. At least she hoped that the future was bright for both of them.

To show her commitment to the relationship, Layla took a temporary job in Arizona to be closer to Leon. The long-distance relationship was stressful and strained at times. Her grave-yard shift work schedule made it even more cumbersome. She slept during the days when Leon was working. And he slept when she was awake. Fortunately, her job in New York had a lateral position with a sister hospital in Tempe. Layla jumped at the opportunity to be closer to Leon. At first, he was reluctant and did not want her to take the job. Layla suspected that Leon was concerned about his reputation in the community. He did not want his congregation to see him with another woman so soon after his public divorce. Five years had already passed, but several failed relationships since made him more wary about being in a relationship in public. Layla tried to understand, but she was soon running out of patience.

“Ms. Little, I placed the centerpieces on each of the tables as you requested. Is there anything else that you need?” The tall male assisting her watched as Layla perused the room with her eyes hastily.

“No. No. This is fine. Thanks again for all of your help, Deacon.” Layla took a deep sigh of relief and steadied herself for the entrance of the guests. She had waited for this moment and hoped that it would be glorious and victorious as she promised Leon.

Thunderous sounds of music began bellowing throughout the room. DJ Quikster, also known as Buttalove in other settings, was playing both rhythmic and slow 80s tunes. Leon was pretentious in many ways, but Layla was not going to have dry church music at a joyous celebration even if Leon insisted. He compromised with 80s music; his only vice.

Guests trickled into the large conference room for the upcoming festivities. Leon’s mother and sister traveled from Southern California to attend. They were staying at Leon’s house in Mesa for the duration of their trip. He drove them along with his younger brother, Joseph, to the party. Layla also invited all of the church members and even some of her own co-workers. She wanted the evening to be special and subconsciously wanted Leon to recognize her efforts to treat him the way that he always longed to be treated by a woman.

When Leon entered the room with his family, he greeted Layla with a formal handshake and continued welcoming the other guests. He ignored Layla’s overture for a kiss and hug, which sorely disappointed her. When he was finished welcoming each guest, Leon proceeded to the right side of the room and grabbed the microphone from DJ Quikster.

“Ladies and Gentlemen and distinguished guests.…” Leon was referring to Dr. Martin Jacob Johnson, his mentor and former head pastor who encouraged Leon to enter the ministry at a young age and to attend divinity school. Dr. Johnson, his wife, and three children sat quietly in a table near the front. “Without you and especially Dr. Johnson, who has been an inspiration, I would not have my doctorate and my purpose in life. I love being a pastor. Jesus brought me through. Can I get an Amen?” Amens echoed haphazardly and joyously as if it was a Sunday morning and the now-christened Dr. Leon Blackman was preaching at his pulpit at the First Conservative Baptist Church of the Valley like he did every Sunday for the past thirty-two years. “Ya’ll, we have some good food catered from Bubba’s BBQ. I’m gonna bless the food first…”

Leon prayed over the food in his typical booming voice which echoed throughout the conference room. Everyone’s heads were bowed except Layla, who looked glaringly at Leon as he prayed. She bowed her head and closed her eyes before he finished praying. After blessing the food, Leon escorted his mother and sister to the food table. They were the first in line. Layla watched in dismay. She shortly followed with the intention of serving a plate of food for Leon and herself. When she arrived at the food table, she quickly noticed that Leon’s mother had already made him a plate. Layla could hear his mother asking Leon what food that he wanted on his plate. Determined not to make a scene, instead, Layla served herself a plate of food and waited in line with the rest of the guests. After putting a few scoops of vegetables and other items on her plate, she walked to the head table and sat down at the only empty chair available next to Leon’s sister, Loretta.

“The ribs and brisket are good, but this mac and cheese is dry. I’ve never tasted anything so strange like this,” Loretta complained as she tried to daintily spit out the food in her mouth into a napkin. She glanced towards Layla with subtle disdain in her eyes.

Layla knew that Leon’s sister hated her. Leon’s mother, however, adored Layla. But it was Loretta’s approval that Leon needed before formalizing any relationship, especially one that was supposedly destined for marriage. Because that approval was currently withheld by Loretta, Layla knew that marriage was out of the question at this point. She feared that this obstacle may be insurmountable.

“Try the greens. They are to die for. Just like my momma’s.” Layla tried to deflect as quickly and politely as possible.

Loretta restrained herself from making the derogatory remark that first came to mind. After all, it was her brother’s graduation party.

“I think I will.” She smiled devilishly. Layla was relieved.

As the evening progressed, couples rose from their tables and began dancing on the dance floor. Layla looked around pleased. She then glanced towards Leon who seemed uncomfortable when their eyes met.

“Momma, you want to dance?” Leon asked as he turned towards his mother on his left.

“Yes, dear.”

Leon’s mother leaped to her feet and they proceeded to the dance floor. As the song continued to the next, Leon now danced with a lovely young widow, Maya. He grasped her small waist tightly and vigorously. He smiled and darted a look deeply into her eyes. Maya was consumed as if this was her first dance ever. Her heart quickened. Leon secretly hoped that Layla could hear the widow’s pulsating beat from where Layla was sitting. He always enjoyed making her jealous and letting her know that they were not yet a couple and his options were still open.

Layla, infuriated, said to the guests seated at the head table, “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.” She walked outside and did not bother to turn around to see Loretta’s amused expression.