Page 68 of The Aries Alliance
Even without seeing his feet, I knew Skip stomped his foot. He waved his balled-up fist at War like he was going to punch him in the face.
War lifted his long arm and held it high like a shield.
“You don’t want to do that.” War laughed directly in Skip’s face as if he were playing with a child.
Even on the television, I saw a small puddle of spit land on War’s coat as Skip fumed and searched for words.
“Nasty ass bastard.” I shook my head, anxiously anticipating War’s next move.
War didn’t flinch as the president swayed like he was under the influence. When his body shook like he was about to have a seizure, a man who must have been his assistant rushed to him and held his arm steady.
War continued. “This university is a circus led by one of the biggest clowns on the planet.”
A collective gasp rippled across the crowd as a cameraman who had to be in on War’s plan scanned to Skip on the word clowns and zoomed in on his face, holding it there several awkward seconds as Skip huffed and puffed like an overstuffed pig. The camera then panned to the back of the room.
As secondhand embarrassment overtook me, a group of at least forty people entered through double doors and walked to the front, surrounding War. A couple of the men pushed Skip back with their bodies before the president and his sidekick rushed out of the room.
I clapped my hands and laughed as Skip ran away. I turned up the volume. This was about to get good.
“These are the faces of those who will no longer remain silent about their treatment at EFU. They are coming forward courageously on behalf of Dr. Scarlett Kane, who has been a champion for inclusivity and justice. We will not stand by as she is crucified by people who call her unethical but are the most unethical of all.”
A wave of nods and several bursts of applause filled the room. When the noise died down, War continued.
“I’m submitting my resignation from EFU, effective immediately. I joined this community, thinking I had a chance to change the oppressive culture from within. I now realize that new, more progressive methodologies are needed if we are to advance our workplace and our country. To those in the media, listen to the people before you. Work with them to report instances of termination and retaliation now that they have come forward. We have already filed several EEOC complaints. If a single hair is harmed on their heads, we will move forward with our class action lawsuit.” War chuckled until my colleague, Stewie, popped him on the arm and whispered in his ear.
“Right. We might do that anyway.”
With that, War stepped back and walked away as several members of the group I called The Haven stepped forward. I couldn’t hold back my smile as the media asked questions of the workplace abuse survivors who stood unapologetically before the press.
The Alliance
“I’m proud of you,baby. Thank you for standing up for me. You didn’t have to do it.” My mother stroked my cheek with her hand.
I bent down and hugged her tightly, closing my eyes and saying a silent blessing over her for continued healing long after this day ended. Although she tried to play it off, I saw Tiffany, out of the corner of my eye, wipe a quick tear. When I winked at her, she gave me a thumbs-up.
As members of Scarlett’s Haven remained with the press, I walked to my car and drove home. The second I left campus, aweight lifted from me, filling me with peace for the first time in years.
Tiffany and Mama met me at my house with a smorgasbord of my favorite guilty pleasures—fried chicken, candied yams, mac and cheese, turnip greens, and countless other soul food staples. Despite losing the most prestigious job of my career, nothing stopped me from salivating as Mommy filled one of her good plates with food like I’d done a twenty-year bid in prison.
“I see you, Mama Bear. Y’all gonna make me work out three times a day for a month.” I quickly blessed my food and squeezed a crispy chicken breast and a wing next to my already full plate.
“There’s nothing wrong with indulging in a few activities that bring you joy during tough times.” Mommy beamed.
Although the familiar semblance of sadness always rested behind Mama’s light brown eyes, today her shoulders lifted higher. I was happy to have contributed to peace that was hopefully there to stay.
“Warrick is our real-life hero. I’ve never seen such bravery.” Tiffany filled my glass with sun-brewed sweet tea.
We sat around my oval dining table, enjoying each other’s company until barely any food remained. After I washed the dishes, Tiffany stored the food and prepared to leave. She held my hand and kissed me on my cheek at the door, holding my hands in hers as Mom gathered her belongings from my bedroom.
“We need to leave so you can think about your future,” Tiffany said.
“You don’t have to leave. I’ve had enough time to think. What I need is to be surrounded by my family, my community.” I gave Tiffany another bear hug and rocked her body back and forth.
Since she was about a foot shorter than I was, I picked her up from the ground, causing a childlike giggle to escape her lips.
“Boy, put me down before you pull something.”
Before I could argue, my doorbell rang.
