Read Online Homemade Sin by V. Mark Covington - Free Book Online Page B

looked through the window and saw Cutters’ big white van.
    Mama scowled, closed her eyes and shook her head. She reached under her chair and retrieved the large leather-bound book of conjures and handed it to Hussey. Mama scooped up Hussy’s backpack and crossed to her bedroom. She began pulling bottles and vials off the shelves and stuffing them in.
    â€œI’m going to Saint Petersburg and be a doctor.”
    Mama continued to stuff bottles into the knapsack.
    â€œI don’t need that stuff. Besides, I have all the voodoo powders and stuff I need in my grandfather’s old medicine bag.” When Mama returned with the overstuffed backpack Hussey passed the book back to Mama Wati.
    â€œThis is just some odds and ends I mixed up for you, girl,” Mama said and handed Hussey the heavy backpack. “Some of them might come in handy, who knows? Humor an old woman and take it anyway.” Mama shoved the book back into Hussey’s hands. “Take the book too, it’s meant to be yours anyway. Besides, I don’t want it in the house anymore.”
    â€œI’ll take this stuff to humor you,” Hussey said. She tucked the book under her arm.
    Mama happened to catch movement at the kitchen door when she stood. The door was open a crack and Bella’s face was visible through the gap. She barely heard Bella mutter, “That should be my book. “It ain’t right!”
    Hussey slipped her backpack over her shoulders and grimaced at the added weight. She adjusted the book under her arm and moved toward the front door.
    Mama turned away from the kitchen door and followed.
    Bella heard the two women cross to the door and crept through the living room to listen. As Mama stepped out onto the porch, letting the screen door slam behind her, Bella moved in so close the door almost slammed on her head.
    When Hussey stepped off the porch Obadiah put down his hammer and came to give Hussey a hug goodbye. He gave her a broad smile displaying his gold teeth, hugged Hussey tightly and whispered in her ear, “Don’t show your ass over there in Saint Petersburg.” Then he climbed the stairs to the porch to stand beside Mama.
    Hussey turned back to wave at the old couple and noticed Bella’s face in the screen door, a pained expression on her face.
    â€œI’m telling you one last time,” shouted Mama to Hussey. “Don’t go!”
    Hussey waved goodbye and turned toward Cutter’s van.
    â€œI thought you told me it was the girl’s destiny to go to St. Petersburg,” Obadiah whispered to Mama.
    â€œThat’s right,” Mama whispered back.
    â€œThen why are you telling her not to go?”
    â€œYou got to understand that girl. The best way to make sure she went to St. Pete was to tell her not to go.” Mama smiled, pleased with herself.
    â€œDid you tell her about her grandfather?” said Obadiah.
    â€œI was all set to but when it came down to it I didn’t have the heart,” Mama said through the side of her mouth, still waving. “She’ll know when the time comes.”
    Bella Donna, her head pressed to the screen, was hanging on every word. “You gave that girl the book. It should have been mine. And I think I figured out what you made that doll for too. Your time is coming, you old witch.”

    The next morning Hussey was bent over collecting mushrooms and stuffing them in a plastic, zipper bag when Cutter pulled his van around the lake and across the grassy bank toward her. He rolled down the driver’s window and said, “What are you going to do with all those mushrooms? I thought you were through with voodoo.”
    Hussey pulled the little plastic zipper across the full bag and stuffed it in her backpack among the powders and potions. “You never know when magic mushrooms may come in handy.” Hussey smiled as she climbed into the passenger side of the van and tossed her backpack into the back.