“She Acted Docile” (Part 3)

Joanne’s attitude towards Michael when she was in public was that of a docile woman. Humble, loving and kind were some of the words that were used to describe her. Michael was deemed to be a dominating man.

Lisa had a different outlook about them. Her father was loving and kind, but Joanne was wicked. When she was very young, Joanne told her that she must stay out of her way. Go outside and stay until she calls he into the house. If it was raining, she can take a seat on the porch. Lisa felt hurt, but she did what she was told. After breakfast if she did not have school, she would go and sit under a tree in the yard.

Gregory called Joanne and invited her to a Bar-B-Q. He told her that she, Michael and their children were invited, but not Lisa.

“Why can’t we bring her?”

“You know people will question the difference between you and her and I am not the mood to answer that question today. Are you?

“You are right.”

The day of the bar-b-q they were all getting dressed, while Lisa was in the yard.

Michael asked Joanne, “Is Lisa, getting dressed?”

“She is not going.”

“Why? Is she ill?”

“No.”

“Then she should get dressed.”

“Gregory said that people will ask questions about her and you know she looks like Teresa.”

“She will be home alone. I am not going.”

“Why!?

“I cannot believe you are asking me that. She is a child and we will be gone for more than 5 hours.

“She is 13 years old and she can stay home by herself. If she has a problem she can go to one of the neighbor’s for help.”

“It is not right to leave her.”
“You had your little fun time with my best friend and Lisa was the result of it. I took the hurt and embarrassment of your folly for 13 years. Today I am asking for one day with my husband and our children, without any hurtful embarrassing moments.”

“Okay. You are right. I will speak to her.”

Michael walked out of the bedroom and Joanne smiled cunningly…