Appalachia Tales: Knowing Fear

Chapter 1

Family Dynamics

(November, 1968)

Deep in the mountainous region of North Carolina sleeps the city of Wolf Colony. It is a cold Monday morning for this valley utopia. In the Lori O'Shea neighborhood stands the St. James residence. It is a two-story red brick house complete with a hipped roof and a long porch. The white entablature is supported by four Doric columns.

On the porch are four white rocking chairs with two on both sides. In between them are small brown circular tables. Resting on them are glass ashtrays. The front door is white with six panels and a gold doorknob. Upon entering the home there is a large cherry wood table in the middle of the foyer. On the right side of the foyer is an oak wood door containing the foyer closet. Along the right wall is a white staircase. The stairs are white and the handrail is oak wood. Parallel to the staircase is a hallway that leads to the basement.

To the left is the living room. It is furnished with modern furniture. The vanilla-colored camel back couch and loveseat are cotton with oak trim. They are positioned on opposite sides of the five-hundred-dollar beige and black rug. They are separated by a mahogany table. On the table are organized magazines and four ashtrays. A few feet away is a white fireplace. The mantle is filled with pictures of a female. They depict her wearing silver crowns, evening gowns, and sashes. Above the fireplace is a neck portrait of the St. James matriarch Letha. She is wearing an off-the-shoulder fitted white evening gown.

Her hair is neatly quaffed. She is wearing diamond studs and a diamond necklace.
Her face is made up of light powder, black eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and burgundy lipstick. She is wearing a serious expression. In front of the fireplace is a large brown television with an antenna. A few feet away from the couch is a horizontal window. It is decorated with pearl white curtains. Walking through the living room leads to the dining room. The dining room is furnished with a cherry wood dining room table. There are ten cherry wood chairs. Four on both sides and two at the head and tail.

On the left side of the dining room is a vertical window that is decorated with pearl white curtains. The flooring throughout the house is hardwood. Going through the white swinging door leads to the kitchen. The kitchen is open with a skylight above the island counter. The cabinets are white with small silver knobs. The sink is silver with plastic knobs. Diagonal to the sink is a white refrigerator with a chrome handle. Next to is a white gas stove with chrome knobs.

Upstairs are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The master bedroom has a queen-sized bed resting against the right wall. The bed frame consists of a white pear-shaped headboard. The mattress is covered in a bright pink mattress and a thick white comforter. A few feet away is a white dresser and a body mirror next to it. In the center of the left wall is a walk-in closet and neighboring it is the master bathroom. The master bedroom has a husband and wife sink with a white marble counter. Along the mirror are six makeup lights. Rounding out the bathroom is a private toilet room and a bathtub with a shower head.

Downstairs in the basement rests Kathy Lancaster. Her room is furnished with a forest green cotton pullout bed that rests against the wall. A few feet away is a light gray cabin table with four matching log chairs. A few feet away is a tall white refrigerator with chrome handling. Unlike the ground level, the basement flooring is concrete. She is awoken by the alarm clock. She sits up and stretches. She is wearing a long-sleeved chocolate brown pajama set. She gets out of bed makes it and pushes the mattress back into the couch. She puts the cushions on the couch and puts on some black slippers. She heads upstairs to the second floor. She goes to her elder brother's bedroom door and knocks on it.

"Yorkie it's time for school."

"Alright, alright I'm up!" Yorkshire retorts as the mattress creaks.

She then walks to Galleria's bedroom and knocks on the door.

"Galleria it's time for school."

"You're not my mother mulatta you don't tell me nothing!"

"I'm sorry for disturbing you."

Kathy then goes to the shared bedroom of Natalee, Bossier, and Lynn and knocks on the door.

"Natalee, Bossier, Lynn it's time for school."

Kathy then heads down to the second-hall bathroom. She brushes her teeth and takes a shower. When she finishes she exits the
bathroom in a white terrycloth robe. Her hair is covered in a white shower cap. She walks downstairs to her bedroom and gets dressed. Upon finishing goes to her body mirror and evaluates her reflection. Kathy has fair skin with blue-gray eyes. Her pear shape is veiled by a black leather coat, a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and black leather knee-length boots. Her face is made up with black eyeliner and burgundy lipstick. Her shoulder-length black hair is styled in two large curly Afro puff balls.

In the center of her head is a black leather newsboy hat. Her fingernails are painted olive green and styled in squares. Satisfied she goes and grabs her chocolate brown leather backpack and heads back upstairs to the kitchen to make breakfast. She prepares breakfast. She cooks bacon, scrambled eggs, bakes biscuits, and sausage patties.
When she finishes returns to the basement and gets dressed.

Yorkshire is standing in front of his black dresser. His room has a full-size cherry wood sleigh bed up against the back wall. There is a closet on the opposite side of the room. Yorkshire has caramel skin light brown eyes with a lean build. He has short black hair that's styled in a gelled parted comb over. He is wearing a black jersey with the number four written in white in the center, a black and white letterman jacket, blue jeans, and black tennis shoes. Satisfied he goes and grabs his black backpack and heads downstairs to the dining room.

Galleria is sitting at her vanity table combing her hair. Her vanity table is white with cabriole legs and gold curved drawer pulls. The stool is white with gold trim and matching cabriole legs. She has brown skin with shoulder-length black hair. She is wearing a sleeveless white leather dress with pink trim, white leather go-go boots, and a white leather jacket. Her hair is combed back into a bumped flip. It is secured by a plastic white headband. In her ears are pink hoop earrings. Her face is decorated in light powder, black eyeliner, and gloss. Her fingernails are painted pink and styled in coffins. She grabs her white two-strap purse and pink backpack off her bed and heads downstairs. As Kathy sets Yorkshire's plate in front of him Galleria enters the dining room.

"Breakfast is ready," Kathy says warmly.

"You must be out of your mind quadroon if you think I'm eating anything you've prepared with those monkey hands." Galleria retorts glancing at Yorkshire's plate.

"That's fine," Kathy says sweetly before returning to the kitchen.

"Gal you need to eat something before we leave," Yorkshire says coolly.

Galleria scoffs and rolls her eyes.

"I'll be in the living room. I'll leave once you've all finished poisoning yourselves." Galleria says before going to the living room.

Natalee and Bossier are in their bedroom. Natalee is standing at their black dresser while Bossier is standing in front of the body mirror. Their bedroom consists of a mahogany bunk bed against the left wall and a single twin bed on the right. All three mattresses are decorated with white sheets. Natalee has brown skin and brown eyes. Her thick black neck-length hair is styled in a Pageboy cut.

Her body is masked by a long-sleeved olive green shirt with a thick collar, white jeans, and olive green tennis shoes.

Bossier has ebony skin and hazel eyes. She is wearing a long-sleeved blue shirt, black pants, and black tennis shoes. Her hair black shoulder-length hair is styled in a bumped mod style. They grab their green and sand brown backpacks and head downstairs. When they arrive they sit across from Yorkshire. Moments later Kathy enters and places two plates before them.

"Thank you, Kat," Bossier says happily in a North Carolina accent looking up at her sister.

"You're welcome, Bo," Kathy says warmly and returns to the kitchen.

"You're such a kiss-up," Yorkshire says annoyed looking at her.

"Unlike you and Galleria I adore and respect Kathy," Bossier says fiercely.

"As for the rest of us, we have great reasons to dislike her," Yorkshire says as Kathy returns with two more plates.

"And what reason would that be?" Kathy asks setting the plates down on the opposite side.

"Mother always leaves you in charge and you think you're better than us."

"No, I don't think I'm better than anyone. However, what I do want is to make sure you all are safe." Kathy says before returning to the kitchen.

When she returns she sets two plates at the head and tail of the table before returning to the kitchen. Upon reentering the dining room Kathy has a silver tray in hand with nine glasses on them. They are filled with orange juice. She sets it on the table and places a glass before each of her siblings and at the head and tail of the table. Lastly, she sets her glass beside her plate.
Kathy goes and takes her seat on Bossier's left.

"Is Lynn still in the bathroom?" Kathy asks.

"Yeah, she should be down any minute," Bossier says cutting into her sausage.

"Don't forget to take your medicine before we leave Natalee," Kathy says looking at Natalee.

"I won't." Natalee snaps back.

Everyone begins eating their breakfast. As they eat their parents enter the dining room. Letha is standing next to her husband Vernon Clairmont. Letha is wearing a long-sleeved sapphire blue silk dress with black flames and black pointed-toe stilettos. Her back-length black hair is pulled back into a large bun with two black chopsticks crossing in an x fashion. Her medium brown skin is illuminated by lotion. Her brown eyes are complemented by black eyeliner and her lips are covered in bright red lipstick. Her fingernails are painted sapphire blue and her ears are adorned with black seashell earrings.

Vernon has brown skin and short black hair that's styled in a gelled comb over. He has light brown eyes that are clouded in mystery. He is wearing a gray suit, a white business shirt, a black tie, and black dress shoes. The teens take a moment to acknowledge them.
"Good morning, Yorkshire," Letha says dryly looking over at the teen.

"Good morning, Mother," Yorkshire says before Letha gives her attention to the opposite side of the table.

"Good morning, Natalee," Letha says shamefully.

Natalee nods her head swallowing her food.

"Good morning, Mother," Natalee says before looking down at her plate.

"Good morning Bossier," Letha says indifferently looking over at her daughter.

"Good morning, Mother," Bossier says smoothly.

When Letha's eyes meet Kathy's disgust and anger engulf them. Kathy musters a smile while Letha returns a venomous expression.

"Where is Lynn? She should have been down here by now." Vernon says in a piercing baritone voice.

"She'll be down soon," Kathy says looking at Vernon.

"Who cooked breakfast?" Letha asks looking down at the plate.

"I did," Kathy says shyly making Letha laugh.

"I wouldn't eat your cooking to save my life," Letha says looking Kathy in her eyes.

"That's why I refuse to eat it," Galleria comments walking to her mother's side.

"You made the right choice sweetheart," Letha says sweetly looking at Galleria.

"Good morning, everyone," Lynn says perkily.

The three make way for the youngest St. James sibling. When Vernon makes eye contact with Lynn, he smiles at her which she
musters. Lynn has medium brown skin with shoulder-length black hair. Her shoulder-length black hair falls seamlessly at her shoulders with a fringe on her forehead. She has hazel eyes and definitively arched eyebrows. She is wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, a blue jean outfit, and white tennis shoes. She walks to the dining room table and sits next to Natalee.

"Once everyone is finished Kathy wash their dishes," Letha orders looking at Kathy.

"Yes ma'am," Kathy says obediently.

She and Vernon leave grabbing their purse and briefcase from the foyer closet.

At six forty-five everyone finishes their breakfast and leaves the dining room. Kathy gathers her and Yorkshire's plates while Bossier gathers her Natalee's and Lynn's. After scraping them Kathy and Bossier return to push in the chairs and gather the glasses. As Kathy turns on the faucet and fills it with green dish detergent Galleria enters the kitchen.

"Mother clearly said who she wanted to take out the trash and wash the dishes," Galleria antagonizes folding her arms.

"I know what was said but I don't think Kat should be doing them alone," Bossier says looking at Galleria.

Galleria walks over to Bossier and grabs her left arm Bossier yanks her arm away and Galleria attempts to walk toward her when
Kathy enters her path.

"Don't get in my way mongrel or you will regret it," Galleria says looking Kathy up and down.

"I don't want any trouble Galleria. Please just go back to your room and wait for us to leave." Kathy pleads.

Galleria shoves her aside before walking away.

As Kathy fills the sink with the silverware Bossier returns to the opposite side of the sink and looks at Kathy.

"You're too diplomatic Kat. You must start defending yourself." Bossier scolds.

"I know but I can't," Kathy says repositioning the faucet head and grabbing the blue dish towel.

"Why not?" Bossier asks while Kathy scrubs the forks and knives.

"It's because of Mother. You know how she is when it comes to Galleria and me. She's always going to take up for her even when she's wrong. I'm just grateful to even be able to still be alive." Kathy says handing Bossier the silverware.

"True as that is to reality Galleria isn't her only child, you're her child too!" Bossier protests while rinsing the silverware.

Upon finishing she sets them inside the silverware section of the metal dish rack.

"Well, Galleria is beautiful and talented unlike me," Kathy says dejectedly placing the plates in the sink and starts cleaning one.

"Look at me, Kat!" Bossier says seriously.

Kathy looks over at her tearfully.

"You are equally as stunning as her. You have pretty skin, luscious hair, and gorgeous eyes. You are the perfect catch, and you have
one of the most beautiful guys at school remember? Stop selling yourself short." Bossier says encouragingly with a smile.

Kathy smiles weakly before they resume doing the dishes.

"I want to believe that about my physical appearance, but I can't bring myself to do that. As for having one of the beautiful guys at school, that's true. He can do so much better than me." Kathy says meekly.

The remainder of their chore is riddled with comfortable silence.

Galleria and Yorkshire are in the living room sitting on the couch looking at the television. They are watching the weather report for the week.

It looks like we're going to have a good week this week. No rain just sunshine. You know it's homecoming this week. Friday is the dance and Saturday is the game. I have obligations." Yorkshire says placing his head on his right set of knuckles.

"Oh, don't worry York you and I are going to be the envy of anyone at Wolf Colony High," Galleria says arrogantly before getting up and going upstairs.

Yorkshire remains on the couch and closes his eyes once more.

Kathy and Bossier come out of the dining room and into the living room. They see Yorkshire sitting on the couch. Kathy and Bossier go and sit on the loveseat. Hearing the cushions Yorkshire opens his eyes and sees his sisters.

He gets up and leaves the living room. This makes Kathy sad who clasps her hands together looking down at her lap.

"Don't worry about him. You have someone here that will always have your back." Bossier says sweetly making Kathy look over at her smiling weakly.

At ten minutes to seven Kathy and Bossier grab their backpacks by the front door and put them on. Kathy then goes to the bottom of the staircase.

"Everyone it's time to go!" Kathy says.

Moments later her other siblings come downstairs. Soon a knock comes on the front door. Kathy goes and opens it and there stands
Tiffany DuPont. She has reddish brown skin, dark brown eyes, and black shoulder-length hair. Her hair is combed back into a low ponytail. In her ears are red mod hoop earrings.

The only makeup accessory she's wearing is lip gloss. She has a curvaceous yet toned pear-shaped physique. She stands at five feet nine inches with a pear shape. She is wearing a white leather jacket with red trim, a red spaghetti strap top, blue jeans, white tennis shoes, and red shoelaces. On her back is a sapphire blue backpack with black straps. When she sees Kathy, she smiles as she steps out onto the porch.

"Girl you ready for another week of this bullshit?" Tiffany asks in a non-rhotic Georgia accent.

"It's homecoming week which I enjoy because I love doing the talent show," Kathy says as her siblings step out onto the porch.

When Galleria locks eyes with Tiffany an annoyed expression takes hold of her face.

"You know damn well you're not supposed to be on our property. My mother will be told of this."

"You can tell her I don't give a damn."

"Yorkshire and I are driving to school and none of you will get a ride to school," Galleria says before she and Yorkshire head
downstairs to the driveway.

Kathy locks the door and everyone else heads downstairs towards the sidewalk.

"So, will you be participating in the talent show this year?" Tiffany asks as they turn west down the sidewalk.

"Not this year," Kathy says shocking Tiffany who looks at her.

"That's a first. Usually, you're gung-ho about the talent show."

"I know but I need to overcome my stage fright," Kathy says as they approach the crosswalk.

When it's clear to cross Kathy, Natalee, and Tiffany go straight while Bossier and Lynn turn right.

"You guys have a good day," Kathy says waving in their direction.

"You too Kat," Bossier says waving back.

"What's it like being a mother to all of your siblings?" Tiffany asks as they reach the sidewalk.

"Vexing. It's like I should have naturally been their mother, especially Gal and Yorkie's. I hate dealing with their attitudes. But in
two years I'll be eighteen and I can move out of my mother's house." Kathy sighs gazing up at the brown sky.

A few minutes later they reach Wolf Colony High School. It is a three-story navy-blue brick building built in the Federal style. There are sixteen windows on the front of the building. There is a triangular portico that is supported by four Doric columns. There is a flag with a black wolf's face on it bearing its canines.

The sides of the building lack windows. Kathy, Natalee, and Tiffany enter the parking lot and walk across. As they walk down the sidewalk a black luxury sedan with a peanut butter top and chrome trim pulls into the drop-off area.

A Caucasian man dressed in a black suit and bow tie gets out walks around to the rear right passenger door and opens it.
Instantly Algier Gentry steps out of the car. He is wearing a sleeveless beige sweater vest with chocolate brown trim, a white long-sleeve business shirt, brown khaki pants, and chocolate brown dress shoes. He has smooth ebony skin with light gray eyes. His short black hair is styled in a small Afro. He has a slight muscular build making his five-foot-five-inch stature unique. After the sedan leaves he looks around. When he sees Kathy, he smiles lovingly at her.

They run to each other and passionately connect their lips. When they separate, they gaze into each other's eyes longingly and happily.

"Good morning Algier." Kathy says happily cupping his face.

"Good morning, Sunflower, how are you this morning?" Algier asks in a regal southwest Louisiana accent with his around her waist.

"I've had better mornings," Kathy says sadly as they separate and clasp hands.

"I'm so sorry to hear that darling. Hopefully, it gets better as the day progresses." Algier says happily making Kathy smile.

Tiffany walks over to the couple and Natalee glares at Kathy before walking inside.

"Hey, Al," Tiffany says coolly waving at him.

"Salutations Tiffany." Algier says waving at her.

"Let's go ahead and get our day started," Kathy says determinedly.

The trio heads inside.

Letha is at work in her office. Her oak wood walls are decorated with certificates and degrees. Her desk is cherry wood, and her chair is a black executive one with leather armrests. On her desk is a gold desk lamp, a utensil cup a small potted plant in the northwest section. There is a black telephone to her left and her nameplate at the front of her desk that reads her position and last name.

Near the telephone is a picture of Galleria. It depicts her in a white gown wearing a sash and crown. Letha is working on some documents when the telephone rings. After the first ring, she answers.

"This is Executive Secretary St. James speaking."

"This is reception. You have someone here to see you. They say it's urgent." the female receptionist says.

"Thank you, I'll be right down," Letha says before hanging up

She leaves her office and goes to the elevator. When she reaches the lobby, she gets off and heads to the reception area. The
reception area has marble flooring with white walls filled with gold records, musician photos, and news articles about the company.

The reception desk consists of a large oak wood desk with a granite countertop. On both sides of the desk are large potted plants.
Behind the desk on the wall is a sign that reads Walter Records in silver
capital letters. Above the words is the head of a man singing into a microphone.

Soon Claude Ricker walks up to the reception desk.

He's in his late thirties. He has medium brown skin with light brown eyes. On his head is a black fedora. He is wearing a black suit with a white business shirt, black tie, and black dress shoes. Over his suit is a thick black trench coat.

"Letha St. James," Claude says smoothly.

"Claude," Letha says shocked.

"It's been a long time," Claude says coolly with a small smile.