Page 76 of Solomon’s Temple

“How are you, Ms. Temple? It’s good to see you again.” Sister Long air-kissed me.

“I’m doing well. Thanks for asking.”

“Yes. My baby is about to marry a nice, handsome, wholesome young man.” Ma Lula bragged.

On purpose.

I know it was purposely.

“Awww, I know that’s right!” Mother Ella exclaimed. “I know you’re happy.”

“Immensely.” I beamed.

“I’ll bet,” Mrs. Matthews mumbled. The woman didn’t even greet us when we walked up, but now that her son was brought into the conversation, she had something to say.

We said nothing as we eye-warred for a good six seconds.

“Would you all mind if I had a word with Sister Matthews in private?” Ma Lula asked.

“Not at all.” They stepped away, and Ma Lula smiled at Urina.

“I read a book once about mothers and their firstborn sons. Some women's studies book I picked up one day when I attended True State University. It read that when some women have their first son, they tend to latch on to them.

“They hold on so tight that they start to visualize themselves being everything they’ll ever want or need. I believe they call it an enmeshed parent. Someone who thinks no one would ever compare to the love they give to them. So, when it’s time to let go, they can’t stand the very thought of them being with anyone else but in their skin.

“Then, they get jealous, and it starts to become unhealthy, dangerous . . . possessive.”

“I don’t understand what any of this has to do with me, Sister⁠—”

“This has everything to do with you because you’re one of those women. I saw it with my own two eyes when he used to come in this very church, and you’d cling onto him more than you did your own husband. Any pretty young lady he talked to in this place of worship, you inserted yourself right between them. I assume that’s one reason he stopped coming.

“You even made friends with his ex because you thought they would last forever so you could infiltrate their life to keep tabs on him. When you lost that control, you got upset and insulted the other woman he brought around. Yes, I know all about that. But you see her right here?” Ma Lula pointed to me. “You will not do that to her, because I will drag you all over this parking lot. I may be old, but these hands still work.”

Mrs. Urina stepped back as if Ma Lula had punched her. “And this is how a woman of God speaks to someone?”

“Girl, I may be godly, but my hands ain’t.”

I covered my mouth to hide my laugh. “Ma Lula⁠—”

She tossed her hand up. “Hush, Temple.” Then she looked back at Mrs. Urina. “Out of respect for that respectful young man you raised, I’m not going to touch his mother, but what you will do is apologize to my granddaughter. She didn’t deserve your rudeness. Unlike you, I raised her to respect others, especially her elders, because I believe in good and bad karma.

“Temple is a good person, no matter if she dances, sells dope, robs people, or sells her behind on the corner. God looks at the heart, not the human. While you up in this church hollering out your Amens and Yes, Lords, you should know that those praises don’t match your personality. It’s hypocritical to praise the Most High in the day but be a heathen by the time you walk out those doors.”

I could physically see Mrs. Urina shrink before my grandmother and look away.

“You ain’t gotta apologize today, but you gon’ apologize, Urina. Those two love each other, and you better cut the cord now before your son severs it for you, and you won’t have any connection to him at all. Mark my words.” She rolled her eyes and looked to me. “Come on, baby. I’m sure you’ll be getting that apology soon.” Ma Lula took my hand, and we walked away from her. I smiled on the inside once we walked away.

Ma Lula was a five-two, 160-pound woman, but her words and personality made her seem six feet tall. She could read you for filth and teach you a lesson in one breath, and you wouldn’t know what happened once she was done.

It was why Urina still stood in the middle of that parking lot looking lost about what just happened.

“I hope you don’t get me in trouble with my husband.” I giggled.

“Chile, I doubt if that man even cares. He’ll thank me later.”

I helped her inside the car, then got in and drove away.

“Thank you, Ma Lu. For always being there when I need you. God may not have come when I begged Him to, but He definitely came right on time when He sent me you. You’re my earthly angel.”