The Best Laid Plans, Chapter 18

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By the time Jax sees Dara, she's saving him a space on the windowseat in the living room. Everyone is gathered around. People were everywhere. On seats, couches, the floor, standing up. And all eyes were focused on Dr. Jensen.

" Well, now that we've been fed, I think that it's time for a bit of history. Negroes, yes, that was what we were called then, started coming to Martha's Vineyard a little bit after the turn of the century. And we settled in Oak Bluffs. I think it's because of the charming houses, and the Methodists that used to live here. Their Christian goodness didn't make us feel unwelcome. Well, the word spread throughout the elite of the Eastern Seaboard that there was this place where they could vacation and relax and be comfortable. And they came. Doctors, Lawyers, Business people, Educators. And we put down summer roots.

My father came to Martha's Vineyard on invitation of a White Doctor that he worked for. Once he got here, even staying in their guest cottage, which was not even bigger than this room, he knew that this is where he wanted his children to spend part of their time. Away from the segregation and Jim Crow of his homestate of Virginia. He wanted a place for his children to be. He bought the original house, the gray one, in 1927. And even though, it was difficult during the Depression years, he did anything and everything to hold onto that house. He said that he saw the difference in his children. That he saw how the sea air restored their souls.

I went and fought in WWII. And, I decided, against my wife's wishes, that I was going to use my GI Bill on getting THIS house. My father loaned me the downpayment. But, I bought this house. For years, we lived in an apartment while paying on this house. But, it was worth it. This was a symbol of our family achieving. Getting more. That each generation would do better than the previous ones.

Now, I don't expect for the next generation to get a bigger house. No. I expect for the next generation to keep these two homes together. To realize how much love, sweat and tears were put into these homes. That in everypour, there is 70 years of roots in the gray house, and almost 50 years of roots here. These are places to restore your mind, your body, your soul. To reconnect with yourself. And never forget what family means, and how special it is. I know nowadays, Blacks can move all over the island, which is progress. But, the bonds formed, the friendships forged between families, over generations, is a legacy that Oak Bluffs can hold its head high, with pride. Now, enough of the history lesson. I am paying that DJ by the hours. I fully expect for each and everyone of you lovely ladies to give me a dance. Shall we?" And they all begin to venture outside.

Dara leans over to Jax." So, did you like Grandaddy's lecture?"

" I did enjoy it. And I finally understand why this place is so special to you."

" I'm glad. I've never shared it with anyone else like this."

" If that's true, then I'm honored."

" So, let's go out and dance."

They get out to the backyard. The DJ is spinning dusties. They start a steppin' contest.  Dara challenges Jax. It takes a while, but eventually, Dara and Jax are Steppin' With the best of them.

Dara goes to get some lemonade for her and Jax, when her brother approaches her.

" So, sis, what's up with you and Crocodile Dundee?"

" Nothing. We're just friends."

" Yeah, sure. I thought you were seeing that Ward fellow."

" I was. But, it's over."

" Oh, so the Brother done you wrong, and you're willing to jump to vanilla in two seconds flat?"

" Excuse me?"

" I mean, Dara. The Brother done you wrong, just a bit , and you're willing to jump the fence and bring HIM here."

" Ohh...Pardon me...But WHEN did you join the Nation of Islam? I must have missed your conversion, Johnathan X."

" It's just that here you are, a successful, intelligent, knock out of a sista. Just think that some Brother would be happy to have you on his arm."

" Well, that last one wasn't too happy. I happen to like Jax. And I didn't appreciate the number that you did on him, JJ."

(looking innocent) " What number?"

" Don't play me for a fool, JJ. You KNOW what number. Now, if you'll excuse me.."

JJ gets serious..." Dara, please. Sister, come on. OK, Dara. This is your big brother talking. I'm an Investment Banker, Dara. I KNOW all about Jasper Jacks. His professional and PERSONAL reputation. The man has women all over the globe. He was married to that model chick. I've seen the women that he's been seen with. Dara, I hate to say, but, you don't seem his type."

" Why, because I'm not beautiful enough?"

" No, cause you're so damn smart. I looked at those women. They seem to be messes, Dara. You are a put together  Sista. I doubt he's come across anyone like you before. Just an older brother's concern; be careful. Make him work for it. I know that you make the Brothers work for it. He should have to work overtime. Well, off a my soap box. Gotta go sell some bean pies."

(Dara laughs) " You are such a clown. Go away."

Dara takes the drinks to Jax. They enjoy talking. The party eventually dispersed. And Jax and Dara went to bed.

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Dara walks into the kitchen in the morning. Her mother, Grandmother, Aunt Sweet and Miss Easter are all there.

" Goodmorning, everyone. "

" Hello, sugarplum. Want some coffee?"

" Thank you. I think I will."

" Well, Dara. Your Mr. Jacks seems to be enjoying himself."

" Yes, he is, Mother. I think that Jax has passed every test that you all have placed in front of him with flying colors. Aunt Sweet, how did he do?"

" I must say that he was very honest and very frank. And everything he said checked with Lillian's search of him."

" Aunt Sweet...you didn't?"

" Of course I did. That's the great thing about this computer /internet stuff. You can check out people in an instant."

" So, tell me, Dara, how did you meet Mr. Jacks?", Miss Easter asks.

" Well, Miss Easter. It was in a professional capacity. He was involved in a drug case. Don't worry, he was cleared. THEN his former wife was framed for the murder of said drug dealer. And then the decided to leave Jax for her Mobster lover. But, that's another story. I was on my way to a convention in NYC, when we ran into each other at the Port Charles Airport. I was having trouble with my plane ticket......"

Dara continues to explain the story of her and Jax. Each of the women send out subliminal messages to the other.

Look how animated Dara is.

Look how alive she is.

Look how her eyes light up as she talks about him.

Look at the general lightness of spirit about her.

They all come to the same conclusion.

She's falling for him, but fast.

" And that's how Jax wound up  coming to the Vineyard with me. Oh, goodness, I told Jax that we'd go touring the Island today. Bye all." Dara kisses each of the four women and leaves.

There is a silence between them when Dara's Mother speaks, " That girl is heading for heartache." She leaves.

The other women wanted to contradict her, but couldn't. They were guardedly optimistic. That maybe the world had changed enough so that Dara wouldn't be hurt.

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Dara and Jax take their bikes and go around the Island. The explore the shops and eateries. Go to the various piers and watch the boats. They ride their bikes past the red clay cliffs of Gay Head, which can't be explored anymore because they are protected by the Forest service. Going inland, they stop at the little shops along the way. And buy all sorts of nicknacks and fresh preserves. They take time out to go horeback riding. Dara tells Jax about the various  personalities of the different towns that make up the Vineyard. They wind up having lunch at the famous Black Dog, where Jax also purchases the mandatory T-shirt and hat.

They are on the other side of the Island when they take a swim. They make it back for supper, just in time. After dinner, the family is mellowing out in the living room. Jax just found a book on Paul Williams, the famous West Coast architect, and family friend. Dara is reading. There are some cousins over in the corner. They have come from the attic with photo albums. They are looking at them, when...

" Dara, come look! Here's you as Tina Turner."

" No....When was I Tina Turner?"

" I don't know...but here it is..." The cousin comes over to Dara. She shows the picture to Dara. It was of Dara and another woman. Dara was  dressed as Tina Turner. The other woman looked like she was Diana Ross. Dara paled. She dropped the picture and left the room. Jax followed her. Dara's father came over and picked up the picture. By the time he had it in his hands, Dara's mother had come over and snatched it. All she could do is nod her head.
 

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Jax followed Dara as she quietly slipped out of the house. Ever since her cousin had shown her the photograph, Dara had been so distant. He didn't say anything as they walked. They walked along the road until Dara finally found them on a private pebble beach in East Chop and they were sitting on the edge of a small pier, if you could call it that. They were there for a while, when Dara spoke.

" Her name was Melanie Jacobs. The person in the picture. And I killed her."

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