FOX

Fox

Dahlia lived in Glory, Louisiana; the year was approximately 1973. She lived with her loving parents in a small two-story home. On the same road resided her grandmother Pasty, her hair now fully gray, and her face etched with lines; some were laugh lines and the other lines were from the life in Louisiana. Dahlia enjoyed spending time with Grandma Patsy. She had a beautiful flower and herb garden in the back, she even had a way with the bees that resided in her trees.

Dahlia loved yellow; she had several dresses of different styles, but they all had yellow to some degree. Grandmother Patsy would cornrow Dahlia's hair every evening while Dahlia's parents worked late into the night. Every evening grandmother Patsy would walk Dahlia part of the way and wave goodbye to her as she walked the remainder by herself. The darkness would separate them once Dahlia neared her home, and Grandma Patsy was assured that she would make in safely. The streetlights were scarce on those Louisiana back streets, some of the neighbors left their porch lights on to guide those coming in late from work. If you didn't live here, you would be sure to become lost or run into something.

John an upper-class member of Louisiana society lived across the bayou on the side of town where most of the Mulattos resided. They were more affluent due to their French backgrounds, and their fair skin. He had come home for the Christmas holiday from college, were he studied photography. When John arrived a week before Christmas, he had planned to paint the town red with his friends. His family was busy preparing their home for parties up through the New Year. John didn't bother to hang around his family home. Each day he ventured out to find old friends and party until the sun shined on his face. This Christmas would be no different, he had received an invitation to meet some old friends across the bayou for drinks. John thought back to that little blues bar, Jewels, across the bayou where he would slow dance and romp on cheap drinks until the sun came up.

John accepted the invite; he cancelled his other plans for the evening. He was certain that once there, he wouldn't leave until sunup. John dressed casually with jeans and a V-neck sweater. He didn't bother with a coat; it was still comfortable for December. John headed out that evening at 8 o'clock, he had a hearty meal with his family before leaving. He hopped into his Cadillac and drove off into the night heading over to Jewels.

Dahlia sat with grandma Patsy on the back porch getting her hair done to for the holiday season. Her parents would have a few parties to attend during the holidays. They would host a party or two of their own for friends and family during the holidays and bring in the New Year. Grandma Patsy sat in her tall oak chair, and Dahlia sat on a small stool before her. Grandma Patsy parted and braided long rows down Dahlia's back. Grandma Patsy threaded yellow and red ribbons throughout her braids and tied bows on the ends. Once finished Grandma Patsy let Dahlia look in her silver-plated mirror. "Do you like it Dahlia?", Grandma Patsy asked. "I love it!" Dahlia replied. "I wish I could look this fancy every day, but momma said this is only cause it's the holiday." Dahlia said, as she spun around and around. "Your momma is right." Grandma Patsy said. "Are you ready to head home?" Grandma Patsy asked. "Yes, grandma. I'm getting tired and I want to show momma my hair before bed." Dahlia said. "Let's go." said Grandma Patsy. Grandma Patsy looked at the clock, it was almost midnight. She grabbed her shawl and headed out behind Dahlia. Dahlia walked in front of Grandma Patsy like a little lady. She no longer needed to hold her hand, she no longer was afraid of the darkness that surrounded her. Grandma Patsy stopped before the ravine and watched as Dahlia passed two houses with their porch lights on and then into the darkness. Grandma Patsy turned around and walked back to her house slowly, when she saw car lights approaching on the street.

Dahlia walked slowly humming to herself, two more houses and the next one would be hers she thought to herself. Dahlia's foot slipped on the side of the road causing her to step out of her shoe. Dahlia stopped, knelt and felt the ground for her shoe. As she placed the shoe on her foot, she saw bright lights coming in her direction. Dahlia attempted to stand but there wasn't enough time and she fell into the ravine. Dahlia laid in the ravine, gasping for air. She couldn't feel her legs and pain shot through her 9-year-old body. Dahlia stared into the sky and called from inside of her mind for her mother and her Grandma Patsy. Dahlia could feel the heat of the light on the side of her face. As she looked to her right, she saw a blurry image looking down at her. She hoped the person was looking at her and going to help her. Why aren't they helping me, she thought to herself? Dahlia watched as the person backed away and ran. She watched the car back away slowly and darkness covered her again.

John made it to Jewels, he walked in with confidence and holiday cheer surrounding him. As he searched the bar, he saw his friends in the back near the small dance floor, next to the stage. John walked over casually, speaking to everyone that was present. "Hey John!" His friends said. "Hey guys happy holidays to you all!" "What are we drinking tonight?" John asked optimistically. John sat down at the crowded table, and as the hours climbed the clock he drank and laughed the night away. Jewel was closing at midnight for the holidays. John and his friends decided to leave between 11 and 1130, giving them time to make it home safely. John paid his portion of the bill as he left the bar. His friends asked if he was okay to drive. John nodded and waved goodbye, getting into his car. John felt buzzed but not drunk, just to be safe he decided he would take the back roads.
As he exited the bar parking lot, he turned near the woods and saw a fox sitting in the middle of the road. John got out of the car and walked to the front of his car and attempted to shew the fox away. The fox didn't move, he sat there stubbornly watching John become agitated. John got back into his car; he drove around the fox and continued down the dimly lit dark roads. John turned the music up in his car, he placed a cigarette in his mouth. He pushed his car lighter in, to heat up. As he drove, he saw an old woman walking. He wondered where she was going or where was she coming from. When his lighter popped out, he leaned slightly to his right to light the cigarette. As his car veered off to the side of the road, he heard and felt a bump. Damn it! John exclaimed as he put the car in park.

He got out and walked to the front of the car to check his tires. He thought to himself, maybe I hit a fox or a dog. He walked to the side of the street and looked down into the ravine, he saw something laying there. John stood trying to make out what it was laying there in ravine. The car lights were shining but not down far enough for him to see clearly. John stepped a bit closer and saw a yellow dress and a shoe. As he followed along, he saw the face of a little girl. John stepped back, ran and got into his car. He backed up slowly and then quickly sped off. John slapped himself, he turned the music off and instantly he felt sick. John pulled over and he opened his door and vomited.

John drove to his home, parking his car in the back of the house. John came into his house to find everyone was still up sitting around chatting and preparing food for tomorrow's party. John couldn't face everyone; he went around to the side of the house and came through his father's office. John went swiftly up the back stairs to his bedroom and went to bed. As he laid there, he thought to himself, that perhaps he was mistaken, perhaps he was more drunk than he realized. He vowed to go back in the morning and check the area for a child in the ravine.

Dahlia laid in the darkness crying out softly. She could feel that she was dying, she didn't know what it felt like, but she felt dead. She was unable to move; she couldn't take a deep breath. This must be death Dahlia thought to herself. As she closed her eyes and thought of angels taking her to heaven, she felt hands lifting her up. Dahlia whispered, "thank you Lord for receiving me." Dahlia listened for a reply, but she heard nothing but footsteps. Dahlia opened one eye slightly and she saw a dark face beneath a large hat. Dahlia heard a door open and then close, she felt herself being laid down on top of something hard, above her was a ceiling fan going around and around. Dahlia attempted to move her head, but it hurt too much to do so. "Lay still chile.", she heard from a man's voice. "I'm your neighbor Fox, I'm not gonna hurt you." "I'm going to help you the best I can." Dahlia tried to speak but her mouth was dry, her throat hurt to whisper. Fox walked into the kitchen and ran the water in the sink. He grabbed a straw and stood next to Dahlia. He placed the straw to her mouth, as he watched the water go slowly down in the cup. "Good Chile, good." Fox said.

Fox grabbed some blankets and a bucket. He walked out on his porch and gathered various herbs and came back in. He went to the wall in his kitchen and picked up the receiver and dialed grandma Patsy's number. "Hello?" Grandma Patsy said. "Hey there Patsy, I need you come over now." Fox said softly. "What in the devil could it be at this hour Fox?" Grandma Patsy questioned. You'll see when you come, I got a good reason." "Don't get dressed just come now!" Fox said and then he hung up the phone abruptly. Grandma Patsy looked at the phone and sucked her teeth. She got out of the bed grabbed her shawl and her shoes. She sighed to herself and said, "Fox better have a damn good reason for this call!" Grandma Patsy cut through her back yard and across two neighbors' yards. She reminded herself to apologize when this was over. She was certain that she trampled their gardens some, but this was the quickest way to Fox's house. He lived three houses down from her granddaughter, and he never turned his porch lights on in the front.

As grandma Patsy came to his back porch, she sat down to catch her breath. She was huffing and needed a class of water. Fox! She called out. Grandma Patsy got up and walked to the door and saw him busy in the kitchen with his herbs. What in the world, Patsy thought to herself? Who is sick right before the holidays? Patsy opened the screen door and walked in, she took off her shawl and laid it on a chair. "Fox what is this all about?" Fox stopped grinding the herbs, he turned around and stared at Grandma Patsy. "Thank you for coming so quickly, follow me." Fox said. Grandma Patsy walked swiftly besides Fox into the dining room. Grandma Patsy gasped and held her hands across her mouth. Her eyes widened as she walked slowly over to her granddaughter. "Dahlia, Baby, can you hear me?" Grandma Patsy said. Dahlia opened her eyes and she stared up at the fan. Grandma Patsy walked closer to her; she placed her hands on both sides of Dahlia. She couldn't stop the tears from strolling down her face. "Hey there little lady." Grandma Patsy said. "Can you speak baby?" Dahlia attempted to whisper but it hurt to much. Grandma Patsy looked back at Fox and said. "You must help her!" "Are you going to help her?" Grandma Patsy said softly. "Of course I am." Fox said. "I needed you here, with her being female and all." "I have everything I need." "Are you ready to begin?" Grandma Patsy swallowed hard and nodded softly.

Fox went back into the kitchen and grabbed the creams he made. He lined everything up neatly in order, and he lifted the blanket. First thing, he poured three shots of whiskey. He handed one to grandma Patsy and he placed a straw in the other. "Give this to her, it's going to hurt." Fox said, not looking at grandma Patsy. He took the last shot for himself and began to pray softly beneath his voice. He looked towards heaven, and slowly he placed his hands-on Dahlia 's legs. He began to softly rub her legs one at a time, his voice developing a melody as his English turned into an unknown language. Grandma Patsy held Dahlia's hand and watched her eyes. Tears rolled down the sides of her eyes, and Grandma Patsy wiped at the tears with the tip of the blanket. Fox pulled on Dahlia's legs one by one, he rolled her from side to side rubbing her back. Fox had grandma remove the remainder of her dress, and he smeared the herbs on her back, chest and stomach. He placed a sheet beneath Dahlia, and he palpitated her chest and stomach region. He sat her up and wrapped his arms around her and squeezed tightly in various spots. Dahlia screamed out, and grandma Patsy began to sob. Fox continued in his foreign prayer, as Dahlia took deep breaths in and out and moaned loudly. He lifted her arms and pulled on them, she winced and cried out. Fox laid her back on the table, he moved her legs up and down. Dahlia cried out in agonizing pain, he poured three more shots. One for grandma Patsy and another for Dahlia. As they drank Fox popped her legs and began to wrap them tightly.

He wrapped Dahlia up like a mummy and placed her on the back porch on his cot. Fox closed the door behind him. Grandma Patsy sat at the kitchen table and sobbed. "Who did this to her?" "She would be dead if you hadn't found her Fox!" "We must be very quiet and very still now." Fox whispered. We are waiting for healing, and once the angel passes by, Dahlia will be good as new. Grandma Patsy dried her eyes and sat staring at nothing. She prayed inside her mind that God would grant this blessing on behalf of her granddaughter. Fox sat next to grandma Patsy and took her hand and they sat there until they heard Dahlia. "Grandma?" Patsy looked at Fox and he nodded that she could go. As grandma Patsy got up and walked to the door, she prayed one last time. She opened the door to find Dahlia sitting up and her bandages on the floor of the porch. "Where am I Grandma Patsy?" "This isn't my porch is it." Grandma Patsy stood next to the door stunned. She said, "Dahlia can you walk over here to me?" "Of course I can." Dahlia said. She jumped down off the cot and walked over to Grandma Patsy. Grandma Patsy began to sob uncontrollably as she held Dahlia closely to her bosom. She kissed Dahlia over her face several times, and then smiled. Fox stood in the doorway and smiled. He handed Grandma Patsy the blanket to cover Dahlia in.

John awoke that afternoon from the noise of caters and his mother yelling directions back and forth throughout the house. John sat on the side of the bed, the sun burning his eyes and his head throbbing to the noise surrounding him. John walked into his bathroom, he showered and dressed himself with a cap and shades. He had to find out if he really hit a child or if it was all in his head. Why didn't he take the ride that was offered to him, all of this could have been avoided? He questioned himself as he descended the back stairs to the kitchen. John looked over the spread of food and chose a plate of fruit and a cup of black coffee.

As he prepared to walk out the door his father called out him. "John, may I see you for a minute?" John sighed and closed the door. "Sure Dad, here I come." John walked into his father's office next to the kitchen and plopped down in the small sofa chair. "What's up dad?" John said, removing his shades. "I haven't seen much of you since you've returned, I was curious how you've been doing?" His father said, sitting behind his desk and observing his son intently. "I'm good dad, I'm just enjoying life." It's good to be home. How are you doing dad?" John said. "I'm doing well." "If I stay in here, your mom won't need me." John's father said. John's father stood and looked out his office window and he said. "I saw you parked in the back of the house, why is that?" "Oh, I was wasted, and I didn't want to come in through the front and embarrass myself." John said. John's father turned and looked at his son. He narrowed his brows and said. "What did you do John?" "How much is it going to cost me to get you out of trouble this time?" His father demanded. "Dad, why would you say such a thing?" "I didn't do anything." "I shouldn't have driven; I was totally wasted, and I didn't want anyone knowing I had driven." John's father frowned his face and stared at his son. "That's all it better be John!" John's father scolded. "If I find out you're lying to me again, you will wish you hadn't!" "Dad, I'm telling the truth." "I must have hit a dog or something, but I got out and checked and he had run along." "There's nothing to worry about." John said as he got up and opened the office door.

John walked through the kitchen and out the back door to his car. He drove slowly through the city until he reached the Bayou. He turned down a small dirt road and travelled along until he came to the spot where he hit the dog. John parked his car at the end of the street where he saw the old woman walking. He walked along the side of the street looking casually at the ravine, trying to appear inconspicuous. As John walked along the back road, he saw a fox sitting where his tire marks were located. John looked down, he thought to himself, this is bad. I didn't realize I made tired marks on the road. He shewed the fox away, but the fox wouldn't budge. The fox sat looking at him and down into the ravine. John looked down, there was nothing indicating that he had hit someone. He knelt and had a closer look, nothing was there. He thought to himself, good, I must have dreamt it all; perhaps I hit an animal and he left. As John stood up and turned around, Mr. Fox was standing behind him. Sorry to frighten you, I saw you out here and I wanted to ask you a question. John didn't know the man, he looked at his tall stature and dark face beneath the hat. Sure ask away. John said. Were you here last night? Fox said as he lit his pipe. No John said. I wasn't here last night, why do you ask sir? Fox, stared at John intently and slowly said, "a little girl was hit last night." "The person didn't bother to see if she needed help, they just ran to their car and left." John looked side to side and said, "that's terrible!" "I wonder what kind of asshole would do such a thing." Fox puffed on his pipe while watching John speak. Fox sighed and said, "I didn't get a good look at him, but I got a good look at his car." "I know about how tall he is too." "I was really hoping to find the fella." Fox said as puffed on his pipe. John felt himself sweating, he felt the need to have a seat. John thought to himself, this old man saw my car, he saw me too. Damn it! He should have never come back to the scene. Fox asked John, "do you drive son?" "Yes, I drive my dad's car when I'm home." "I'm usually at college in Texas." John investigated the ravine and asked, "Do you know how the little girl is doing?" Fox looked at John, he saw that he was perspiring and appeared to become nervous. Oh, the little girl, she died." "Yes, she died right here in this ditch in the darkness." John's mouth dropped open and said, "that's terrible." John felt sick on his stomach. He reached out his hand to shake the old man's hand and said, "Well sir, I'm sorry to hear this horrible news but I gotta get back to my mom." "She's having a holiday party." "I promised I would help her, but nice talking with you." "I'm sorry to hear about the little girl." John walked briskly back to the end of the road and drove off in the opposite direction.

Fox stood on the side of the road and chuckled to himself. John pulled in front of his home, he ran into the house and into his room. He grabbed his bag and began to pack quickly. John's father stood outside of John's room watching his son run back and forth frantically packing his things. "John what's going on, why are you packing?" "Oh, dad I forgot to turn in a term paper, and I was thinking I would go back now and get it done." John's father stared at John and said, "you're not going anywhere until you tell me what's wrong." John stopped and sat on the edge of his bed, he sighed and looked at his father. "I hit a little girl last night; I went back to check, and some old guy says she died." "What?" John's father said moving closer to him. "Dad, I thought it was some dumb animal." "I got out of the car last night to check but it was dark on the back road, I didn't see much." John's father stood shaking his head with his mouth ajar. "Son, this is serious!" "This isn't something you can run from; you must deal with it and make it right!" "Dad, the little girl is dead!"" I can't make that right!" "I shouldn't have been drinking and driving in the first place." "What do I say to this girl's parents?" "Money won't fix this daddy!" "You'd be surprised son; how much money soothes pain in this world." John's father continued, "I need to know everything, especially where this happened." "Don't leave, come with me to my office." John's father walked into his office, he removed his pad and began to write. Now son, tell me everything you did after you left here last night. John sat down and began his story. John's father listened and wrote every word his son told him. John's father looked at John and said, "now go to bed and stay out your mother's way." "If you leave, it will break her heart and then I will tell her what you did." "If you stay, I won't say a word and I will fix your mess." John nodded and went up the back stairs to his room. He pulled out a bottle of brandy, he sat down and drank himself to sleep.

Later that night John awakened to music and laughter, he showered and dressed in his suit and came downstairs for the festivities. John grabbed a prepared saucer of food and walked around the room greeting guests. He looked over and saw his father walking to his office with a very tall man. John placed his plate on a chair and followed behind his father. As they went into the office, the door closed behind them. John went through the kitchen and out the back door. He squeezed himself behind the hedges and crawled beneath his father's window. He peered into the window and saw his father handing money to the old man from earlier. His father shook the man's hand, they were laughing like old friends; his father patted him on the shoulder. John was at a lost for words, how did he find this man? Why did he invite him to our home? John questioned himself. John crawled out of the bushes and went back to the party.

John grabbed a glass of champagne and watched for the old man to come out of the office. John saw the door open a few moments later and only his father emerged. John walked down the hallway to his father's office, he opened the door and looked around. John thought maybe the old man left out the French doors to avoid being seen. As John walked over to the French doors, he locked the doors. He stood there with his eyes closed thanking God for his parents and apologizing for what he had done. When John opened his eyes, he saw a two foxes sitting and watching him. John stared at the foxes, he noticed that one had a black strip down it's back into its tail. John slowly backed away from the doors, he didn't know what to make of the foxes and why they appeared to be following him. John left the office and rejoined the party, he walked over to his mother. He kissed her and hugged her tightly, he vowed to her he would be the best son going forward.

John searched for his father half of the night, he thought he was sure he saw his father come out of the office, but he was no where to be found. At the stroke of midnight John went outside to see if his father had fallen asleep on the porch. John walked out onto the porch; his father wasn't there. He walked down the steps near the hedges and lit his cigarette. As he stood next to the porch, John saw his father emerge from the nearby woods naked. He strolled casually to his office French doors, he opened the doors and walked in. John stood stunned, was that his father walking into the house stark naked? John questioned himself. He then thought back, he locked those French doors before leaving his father's office. "What in the hell was going on?" John murmured under his breath. John marched back in the house to find his mother in the kitchen. "Hello Dear?" John's mother said. "Hey ma, by any chance have you seen daddy?" John questioned. "No. I'm sure he's around here somewhere." His mother said smiling. "He probably went out for some fresh air." "Fresh air?" John said slowly. "Ma, I could have sworn I just saw daddy come out of the woods stark naked and covered in dirt." John said. "Ha-ha, John you're so funny." "Why would your father be naked in the woods dear?" John's mother asked with her eyebrows raised in humor. "I don't know ma, but guess what's even more strange?" "What dear?" She replied. "I saw him open the doors to his office, which I locked hours ago before I left out of his office." "Oh honey." "You're making a big fuss over nothing." "I unlocked the French doors; your father likes them to stay unlocked." John stepped away from his mother, with shocked disbelief. "How did you know they were locked in the first place?" John said. "John, when the guests leave, I walk through the house and I saw the gold lock at the top of the door." I went in and unlocked them, speaking of which, I'm going to bed." "Lock up the kitchen doors when you're done, goodnight dear." John's mother said, as she walked away and disappeared up the steps. John stood in the kitchen looking out the door. He wasn't sure, but he decided to stop drinking. He also decided not to return to school in Texas but to attend college in Louisiana, he only had a year left. There was something very strange going on at his family's estate and he intended to stay around until he uncovered the truth.

The End