The Best Laid Plans, Chapter 17
 
 

Casting:
Dara's Grandparents: Ozzie Davis & Ruby Dee
Dara's Parents: Michael Warren (Hill Street Blues), Diahann Carroll
Aunt Sweet: Mary Alice (The Inkwell)
Miss Easter: Irma P. Hall (Soul Food, A Family Affair)
Dara's Brother Johnathan: Thyme Lewis (ex-DOOL)
 

Dara and Jax are in the car. There is a controlled excitement to Dara. She is hurriedly rushing through the streets of Martha's Vineyard in order to get to the house. Jax could see the excitement  rising within her. They get to a fork in the road. Jax sees the gravel and they turn onto a long circular driveway. As they drive up, Jax sees the American Flag perched outside from an actual flagpole. The white shingle house was quite large and impressive. From Jax's immediate observation, the entire lot of land was close to 3 acres. About an acre away, he saw a smaller, but beautifully kept gray shingle house. He could hear noises, music and definitely people. Dara stopped the car and had barely turned it off, when she jumped out of the car.

" Come on, Jax. They're around the back way."

" What about your luggage?"

" Oh, just leave it."

Dara and Jax walk around the back. There was even a more expansive yard and further down, Jax could see that the house was on the beach. Over to the left of the house, there were two couples playing tennis on the private court. And young children watching them play. On the opposite of the courts, in the other part of the yard, there were guys with just shorts playing and running with an American Football. In the middle of the yard, there were a series of tables set up for a party. Two of the tables were already occupied by well-dressed middle-aged occupants playing cards. One table had bid-whist and the other bridge. There was a DJ at a table playing music. There was someone overseeing a huge outdoor BBQ Grill. And on the wrap around porch, sitting in green wicker furniture, were elderly women, talking and reading. Jax could see, in the distance, at the beach, that there were children, laughing, playing building sand castles and just clowning around. This was a scene that he had seen dozens of times at many resorts around the world. The exception this time were that all the people here were Black. Jax realized as he and Dara walked over to the gentleman who was manning the BBQ grill, the card players had stopped their talking. They were going through the motions, but all eyes were slyly on Jax and Dara.

Conversation at the card tables:

" Who's the white boy with Dara?"

" I don't know. Her mama never said that she had crossed over."

" You all should hush. We don't know nothing about that boy. Maybe he's just the cab man and she needs money."

" Look at how he's dressed. He ain't no cab man."

" I thought she was seeing that Black Quartermaine."

" Maybe it didn't work out."

" Will you all hush. If you just wait a few minutes, we'll know the 411, instead of all your speculating. Now, whose hand is it?"
 

Dara runs up behind the gentleman at the grill and gives him a big hug and kiss.

" Granddaddy, how are you?"

" Is this my little peanut butter cup?"

" Granddaddy, please."

" Please, what? I've been waiting for you. You know you were supposed to have been here a couple of hours ago. Your mother..."

" Yes, I can imagine about Mother."

Dara's grandfather eyes Jax up and down. " Dara, and who is this?"

" Dr. Danforth Jensen, I would like for you to meet Jasper Jacks. He's a friend of mine, Granddaddy."

Extends his hand, " Mr. Jacks. It's a pleasure. Welcome to my home."

" It's a pleasure to be here sir. Thank you. It's quite a place that you have here."

" Well, my father bought that original house (he motions over to the gray house) in 1927. I was able to add to the Jensen family holdings in 1950.  Well, Dara, I think that you better find your Mother."

" What are you doing here, all by youself at the Grill?"

" Making sure that's it done right. That's what I'm doing here. Your grandmother hired some caterer, but they had no idea of how to BBQ, so I fired them yesterday."

Dara laughs." No one gets near your grill but you. Where's Daddy?"

" Went into town to get some more Lobsters. Do you like Lobster, Mr. Jacks."

" Yes, sir. "

" So, your mother...."

" Where is she? Inside with your grandmother and Miss Easter."

" Alright. I'm ready to face the firing squad."

" Peanut..."

" Just kidding. Come on Jax."

They walk onto the porch. All the women there, stop what they're doing and observe Jax and Dara as they go into the house.

" If they're anywhere, it's in the kitchen, come on."

Jax was suprised by the airiness of the house. It looked large from the outside, but inside, the rooms were cavernous. The living room took up half the bottom floor. It was done in airy, pale yellow. The furniture was new, but not too new. It fit perfectly into what a country home by the sea should be. over beneath the window, was a huge long windowseat, that Jax could envision Dara sitting on reading a book on a rainy day. There were bookshelves lining the floor and were stuffed with books. Off the living room was a solarium, which had to be an addition to the house.. The sun was shining so brightly in the room, like the sun itself was present. They walked through a large formal dining room, which seemed out of place with the casual elegance of the rest of the house, with its cabinets of china and crystal, then into another less formal dining room that looked like it fit the house like a glove. Jax could smell the aromas emitting from the kitchen and heard female voices..

" Well, I think that you shouldn't put all that okra in there."

" What would gumbo be without okra?"

Dara and Jax walk in. There are three ladies there.

" You know, you all have the same argument every year. Miss Easter brings out the whole bag and Grandmama says no."

" Dara, is it you? Has my sugarplum finally gotten here?"

" Yes, Grandmama."

" Get yourself over here and give me a kiss." Dara goes over to her grandmother.

" Well, Dara. You getting enough to eat in that town of yours?"

" I eat just fine, Miss Easter." Dara goes to kiss her.

" And have you forgotten your old Aunt Sweet?"

" Never. How are you, Aunt Sweet?"

" Fine, sugar. And you?"

" I'm fine."

Just then a woman walks into the kitchen.

" Mama, what linens do you think that we should use..... Well, hello, Dara. You're late."

Dara goes up to the woman and kisses her. " Hello, Mother. Sorry, that I am late."

" That's alright. I halfway expected it. So, Dara, who's your friend?"

" Jasper Jacks, I'd like for you to meet my Grandmother, Mrs. Eleanor Jensen, My Great Aunt, Mrs. Vivian Lawrence, My mother, Mrs. Madeline Jensen, and Miss Grace Easter. Mr. Jacks was kind enough to bring me to the Vineyard."

Mrs. Jensen asks, " Oh, you were kind enough to drive Dara all this way?"

" Actually, no Ma'am, we flew down here."

" You bought her the airline tickets..."

" No, we came in my plane."

Silence in the room.

Grandmother Jensen speaks. " Well, however you got her here, I'm glad for it. Couldn't celebrate my anniversary without my only granddaughter. So, thank you, Mr. Jacks."

" Just Jax, Ma'am."

" Thank you, Mr. Jacks. You must be tired and thirsty. You can take you bags and freshen up in one of the bedrooms. Dara, show the man upstairs. And afterwards, you come down and have either some fresh-squeezed lemonade or iced tea. You can't go wrong with either one."

" I don't have any bags."

" You have no bags?"

" No."

" Grandmama, Jax left in a hurry. Actually, I thought I'd take him into town and we'd go shopping. I'll see you all later. Bye."

Dara hustles Jax out the door.

" Why did you go and do that?"

" Because, whether you know it or not, you were about to undergo the Spanish Inquisition. And I didn't want to subject you to that just yet. Besides, you do need some clothes, and I needed a breather. So, let's go shopping."
They get into the car, and leave.

In the kitchen:

Miss Easter: Boy got his own plane.

Aunt Sweet: What's Dara doing with him. Maddie, did you know anything about this?

Mrs. Jensen: Absolutely nothing. It is curious. A few weeks ago, Dara was excited about bringing Justus Ward to meet us.

Grandmother: That Quartermaine.

Mrs. Jensen: Yes, that Quartermaine. But, here today, she shows up with that....person.

Aunt Sweet: What kind of name is "Jax"?

Miss Easter: I don't know. But, Dara seemed happy.

Mrs. Jensen: I doubt Dara knows what happy is.

Grandmother: And if she did, would you acknowledge it?

Mrs. Jensen: Yes....I would, Mama. Are you trying to say that I don't have my daughter's best interests at heart?

Grandmother: No. Just that you're awfully hard on Dara.

Mrs. Jensen: That's cause she needs someone there to guide her, especially when she is making poor choices.

Grandmother: She's a grown woman, Maddie.

Mrs. Jensen: She's still MY child.

Grandmother: And as your mama is now in heaven,  you are MINE. Well, 'nough of this foolishness, let's get the rest of this meal ready.

Aunt Sweet and Miss Easter just pretend like they're not even in the room.

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Jax and Dara drive into the town of Oak Bluffs, which is the main shopping area of the Vineyard. Once they find a parking space, they get out and walk the streets and the shops. It is a busy shopping area, with all sorts of people walking around: young, old, singles, couples, families. It definitely has that lazy touristy feeling about it.

" So, Dara, the ladies in the kitchen. I got a feel for all of them, as to how they fit into your family. With the exception of Miss Easter."

" Miss Easter has worked for our family going on 40 years now. She was originally hired to take her of Granddaddy's Mother, and after she passed, she just stayed on. I can't remember life without Miss Easter. She runs both the houses during the summer. And is the Cook when my Grandparents are back in Richmond. I don't think I've ever called her anything other than Miss Easter in my life."

They come upon a Men's store.

" My father and grandfather come in here all the time. I know the owner." They enter. Dara goes up to an elderly gentlemen. " Hello, Mr. Latham."

" Well, Dara Jensen. Is something wrong? Has your grandfather lost another pair of cufflinks?"

Dara laughs. " No, sir. Granddaddy is just fine. This is a friend of mine, Mr. Jacks. And I think that he could use your help."

" Certainly. So, Mr. Jacks, tell me what you need?"

" I believe that I need everything to wear. Semi-casual sports attire. Complete outfitting, down to unmentionables. For...how many days, Dara?"

" Days? You mean you're staying?"

" If you and your family will have me?"

" Sure. Mr. Latham, make it enough outfits for a long weekend. Oh, you need a Tuxedo."

" A Tuxedo?"

" Yes. My Grandparent's anniversary party is Black Tie."

" It should be something. The wife has already RSVP'd for us," says Mr. Lawrence.

" Then, Mr. Lawrence. If I need a tuxedo, like Dara says, then a tuxedo it will be."

Dara and Jax do the shopping. They put the packages in the car. Before they get back to the house, they go and rent bicycles. As they drive up back to the house, the car is hit with a frisbee.

" Sorry, Miss....DARA?!"

" Hello, JJ."

" Get out here and give your brother a hug." Dara gets out and hugs the gentleman. Jax comes around and Dara makes the introductions.

" Jasper Jacks, I would like you to meet my brother, Johnathan Jerome Jensen. Or, JJ as we call him."

" Nice to meet you, JJ."

" Mr. Jacks."

" Just Jax, please."

" OK, Jax. Does Mama know that you are here? And that you brought him?"

" Yes, on both occasions. So, be nice. Jax needs a place to take his packages. How are the sleeping arrangements?"

" Well, the Gray House is full. The further away from Aunt Sweet's all knowing eyes and ears. But, I know that the main house still has some room. And all the amenities. Yes, we give up the 'help', but we get privacy in the Gray House."

" Thanks." Dara kisses her brother. " Come on Jax. Let's find you a room.

Dara and Jax enter the house and find a room, with two other beds in it , on the third floor of the house.

" Now, Jax, I think that two of my cousins are in here. But, this room gets a great cross breeze at night. And my brother's right. Anyone on the Second Floor will be subject to Aunt Sweet's snooping. So, it's almost worth the extra flight of stairs."

" Dara, the accomodations are fine."

" Good. Get refreshened, and I'll meet you downstairs for dinner."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Jax got downstairs, everyone  was there. There were people everywhere. He walked over to the buffet table. The spread was absolutely incredible. BBQ Ribs, Chicken, Steak, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Porkchops, Sausages. Corn on the cob, spaghetti, baked potatoes, cole slaw, potato salad, rolls, pasta salad, tossed salad, and fruit salad. Greens, green beans, sweet potatoes, cornbread. At the head of the line was a huge pot of gumbo. And Next to it, were the Lobsters. Jax, who was ravenous, filled his plate. He was looking for somewhere to sit, when he heard someone call his name. He turned to see it was Dara's Aunt Sweet motioning for him.

Dara, who was helping to serve the children, got a nudge from her brother's wife, Natalie.

" Uh, Dara. Isn't that you friend going over to sit with Aunt Sweet?"

" Good Lord. You know what's about to happen, don't you?"

They say in unison..."The Inquisition."

" I gotta go save Jax."

Jax walks over to the table.

" Well, Mr. Jacks. Would you like to come sit here, next to me?"

" I think that would be nice, Mrs. Lawrence." Jax was about to sit down when Dara comes.

" Jax, don't you think that you'd like to sit over there, with me?"

" Now, Dara. You're busy. And no reason for Mr. Jacks to be over there with strangers like that. So, you shoo and go help your Mama with those children. Mr. Jacks and I will get better acquainted."

" But..."

" No buts, child. Be on your way."

Dara walks away. But, not before giving Jax a look that says "I'm sorry."

Aunt Sweet talks. In a delightful, but distinctive voice with a strong southern drawl." I tell you, that child just worries too much. Takes after her Mama in that respect. So, tell me about yourself. Where are you from, Mr. Jacks. Who are your people?"

" I live in Port Charles.."

" No. I didn't ask you where you live, Mr. Jacks. I asked where you are from. I have lived in Atlanta for the past 42 years. BUT, I am FROM, Montgomery, Alabama. Do you understand?"

" Completely, Mrs. Lawrence."

" Why don't you call me Aunt Sweet. Everyone else does."

" OK, Aunt Sweet. My family is from Australia. A small town outside of Melbourne."

" I see. And your family?"

" Consists of my mother, father and an older brother."

" And they live?"

" My parents live in Alaska.."

" Alaska?"

" Yes. That's where we got our first oil strike."

" So. Your people are in oil?"

" Among other things."

" And your brother? His name is?"

" Jerry. And he lives anywhere around the globe that suits his fancy."

" So. He hasn't settled down. Is he older or younger?"

" Older."

" An older man who doesn't see fit to settle down and establish roots. Is that a family characteristic?"

" Ma'am?"

" Do you follow in your brother's footsteps? Is my granddaughter just some footnote in your world journey?"

" Dara and I are not dating, Mrs. Lawrence."

" Well, I don't know what people do where you're from, Mr. Jacks. But, in THIS family, we don't just bring straggling acquaintances home for a family event of this magnitude. I do believe that we taught Dara better than that."

" I see."

" So, you didn't answer my question. Are you similar to your brother in his wanderlust?"

" No, I don't think so. I like to put down some roots."

" Have you been married?"

Jax is beginning to understand why people would want to be in an entirely different house than Aunt Sweet. He felt like he was undergoing a FBI grilling.

" I've been married twice."

" Twice? And you so young. Do you have a problem with commitment, or something?"

" Actually, they are both long stories."

" The best thing about the Vineyard, is that you have nothing BUT time....."

Dara stares over at the table with Jax and Aunt Sweet. Her Grandmother comes over.

" I see that Sweet has Mr. Jacks' ear."

" Grandmama, I feel like I ought to go over there and rescue him."

" Dara, now you know there's no getting around Sweet. She's our own  information dissemination center. And she happens to be the best judge of character that I've ever met. Yes, she's nosy as can be. But, I trust her instincts. You may not want to hear what she has to say, but she hasn't been wrong yet. So, it's Mr. Jacks' turn. Every person who's entered this family in the past 35 years, has had to go through this."

" Grandmama. Jacks isn't entering the family."

" Well, not yet. And he isn't going to, if he doesn't go through this trial. So, you come on and talk to Cousin Marie. She always asks about you."

Dara and her grandmother go over to visit family. After over an hour, she sees Aunt Sweet get up and go visit with some old friends. Dara rushes over to Jax.

" Are you OK?"

" I feel as if I was in the interview of my life."

" Don't think that you weren't."

" Is she always like that?"

" Always. The saying goes, 'Telephone, Telegraph, Tell Aunt Sweet.' If you need family history, go to her. If you need the details of someone's life, go to her. She has a way of getting things out of you."

" Tell me about it. I told her everything. Mirander, Brender. She knows it all. I feel as if I've just done confession."

Dara laughs " Well, they say it's good for the soul. It's been long enough, so that I know you're not all full. Want to go get some dessert?"

" Sure."

They walk over to the table of desserts. Jax is stunned by the variety. He is gathering up  a sample on his plate, when he accidentally bumps into a woman.

" Excuse me Miss."

" Oh, no problem. You're the gentleman with Dara, right?"

" Yes."

" Well, I'm her Aunt, Mrs. Etta Jean Robinson. On her mother's side."

" Jasper Jacks, Ma'am." Jax extends his hand.

" Jasper Jacks?"

" Yes."

Aunt Etta Jean puts down her food and punches Jax in the face. Jax staggers back.

" You creep."

Dara rushes over to Jax. " What did you say to Aunt Etta Jean?"

" Nothing. I just told her my name, and she hauled off and punched me. She's got a good right hook."

" Tell me something. In your business dealings, did you ever take over a company called Allied Paper?"

" Yes, if I do recall correctly. Why?"

" Well, my uncle worked for them, until the takeover. You did a number on the company. It ultimately shut down, and my uncle was out of a job that he had held for 30 years. Aunt Etta Jean always said if she "ever met the bastards" that did that," that she'd knock them out." So, I guess she's a woman of her word. You think it needs some ice?"

" No. I'll be fine."

Dara's brother comes over to Jax.

" Well, Mr. Jacks. Would you like to join us in our latenight football game?"

" Sure. I'm game."

Jax walks off. Dara holds her brother back. " You be nice to him, " she warns.

" Dara, don't sweat it. Mr. Jacks will be well taken care of."

"That's what I am afraid of."

Jax goes over to play football with the guys, while the rest clean up. They take care of Jax alright. They are a brutal bunch. Playing touch football as if their lives depended on it. They give the ball to Jax a lot intentionally, so that they will have the excuse to pile up on him and tackle him. Jax immediately understands that this is a test. So, he goes along with it and gives as good as he gets. By the time it's all over, ALL the guys are sweating, grimy hair all messed up. Clothes are torn. Some with bloody lips, most with bruises and lesions. Dara goes to Jax after it's all over.

" Are you alright?"

" Yes. I will be. Now I know why you're still single, Dara. No man has completed the intiation process of your family. Are there any more tests? Do I have to wrestle sharks next?"

Dara laughs. " No. No more tests for tonight. You get cleaned up, and get ready to enjoy the family history lesson and dancing."