In The Eyes Of The Beholder

This book is dedicated to all who can see beyond external beauty.

Chapter One

Looks Can Be Deceiving

May 1995

Lorilei Riley ran over to her friend Micah as a crowd had gathered around him, taunting him. She hated the way they treated Micah.

He was sitting on the ground with his hands over his face, trying to hide the huge blue-black growth that was the object of their scorn.

Monster, monster! they chatted maliciously.

Lorilei wasn’t surprised that Jessica and Craig were the ring leaders. She despised them both. Leave him alone! she said pushing her way through the crowd.

Most of the kids dispersed after she came over. Lorilei Riley was a big girl and she was only one of a few black kids in the community. At five feet one inch tall, she towered over the other kids her age and most were afraid of her. She had a large frame with thick arms and legs. Even though she was somewhat overweight, she appeared to have more muscle than fat. She reached down and helped Micah to his feet. He was the complete opposite of Lorilei. His frame was small and he was a little over four feet. Upon first glance, no one would know they were the same age, only three months apart. He was her best friend and she was his protector. They were inseparable.

Come on, Micah, she said grabbing his hand.

You’re both freaks! Jessica yelled as they walked off. You’re a big black chimp, and he’s a monster! You’ll both make some ugly spotted chimp babies together.

Craig, who had a crush on Jessica, laughed at her joke, and followed the two as they tried to walk off.

Monster, monster, monster! he chanted trying to impress Jessica.

Lorilei put her arm around Micah and tried to control her temper, but she knew her patience was wearing thin.

SABRINA MANCHESTER sighed as she drove through the winding roads of Wise County, Virginia.

She had never understood why her sister would move to the hick coal mining town of Appalachia in the first place! So what if her husband had inherited some land? Did it matter when it was so far out in the far western tip of the state of Virginia? She shook her head in disbelief.

Her sister Candice had fallen happily in love with some white hillbilly she had met at the Pork Festival in Emporia. It had been love at first sight, or so she claimed anyway. Sabrina had been immediately suspicious as her sister had a young five-year-old daughter to consider. Did that stop the budding romance with Joe Bob Newton? Of course not! They had dated for all of six months before she married him and took her young daughter with her back to the god forsaken woods of Wise County!

Sabrina had to admit she missed her niece, her sister and Joe Bob had grown on her a bit. She surmised that he really did love her sister, even if he was a back woods country hick. Her sister after all, deserved to be happy after her first husband, Ronald Riley had beat the crap out of her, all throughout their rocky marriage. Sabrina had taken in both her sister and her niece, Lorilei several times until she put her foot down and demanded that her sister leave the bastard for good.

Candice had finally declared that she wanted a divorce after she saw Ronald smack Lorilei in the face. She then promptly packed her bags and moved in with Sabrina for the eighth time, and took out a restraining order.

Sabrina was happy when her sister’s divorce was final.

The two of them were all the family Sabrina had left and she had to admit that she was pissed when Joe Bob had taken them away. It angered her even more that Joe Bob knew her dilemma and appeared sympathetic; inviting her to visit them in good old Wise County anytime she pleased. What the hell was she going to do in Wise County, milk a cow?

Still, she had to admit that her sister appeared happier than she had ever seen her, and she did visit them during Christmas and holidays. Candace had worked retail management when she lived with her in Virginia Beach, but there were no retail malls in the town of Appalachia, population 1800, so she depended on good old Joe Bob’s meager income and the child support she received from the ass wipe Ronald.

Sabrina had taken a week off to visit Candace, after Joe Bob had phoned and told her that her sister wasn’t feeling well and he couldn’t make her go to the doctor. That damn hillbilly was twice her sister’s size, but Sabrina thought he was the biggest teddy bear she’d ever seen.

She turned off the road, spotting the grey frame house on their land and drove up the bumpy dirt trail to their front door. She got out of her car, walked up to the torn screen door, and opened it. She knocked on the door, waiting for her sister to answer.

Joe Bob opened the door grinning. Hey Rina!

Hi, Joe Bob, she said trying not to roll her eyes at the sight of him.

Joe Bob Newton was big and burly. A red beard covered his face, his red hair was curly and unkempt. He wore a green cap with B.P. on it, a well-worn red checkered shirt and dirty jeans. His large green eyes stared at her with adoration she couldn’t begin to understand. His mouth had his usual lopsided grin. Your sister’s feeling mighty poorly. I tol’ her to let me take her to the clinic, but she refused. That’s why I called ya. I knew you could make her do right, he said hugging her. She won’t tell me nothing!

Where is she? Sabrina asked, walking into the house and looking around the kitchen.

She followed Joe Bob to the bedroom and saw her sister sitting up in bed.

So, what’s up with you, Sabrina asked looking at Candace who clearly seemed shocked to see her.

What are you doing here? Candace snapped surprised. She turned angrily to Joe Bob. I told you not to call her!

Sabrina sighed as she pulled out her stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. Let me take your blood pressure.

I know you didn’t drive eight hours all the way over here to take my blood pressure, Candace bit out angrily. Don’t you have something better to do?

No, I had nothing better to do, Candace, she responded dryly, taking her arm and putting on the cuff. Sabrina then looked at her sister after removing the cuff. It’s high. Are you taking your meds?

Candace rolled her eyes and looked away. Money was a little short... she stammered.

That’s no excuse! Sabrina interrupted her. You’ve had blood pressure issues since you had Lorilei! You know better, Candace. She turned angrily to Joe Bob.

He threw up his hands in surrender at the disapproving stare directed his way. I give her my check and she pays for everything, he said defensively. She could get her medicine if she wanted to.

I’ll go into town and get it myself, she hissed, glaring at Candace after picking up the empty prescription bottle from the dresser top. She quickly dialed the pharmacy and called in the order. She looked around after she snapped the phone shut. Where is Lorilei?

She’s with her best friend Micah, Candace replied. You’ll probably run into her when you go into town. They should be on their way home from school.

Sabrina tried not to be irritated. Lei was only ten! Her sister was talking like she was grown or something! Shouldn’t he be out there meeting her niece when she got out of school? She looked over at Joe Bob.

He simply grinned stupidly at her.

Excuse me! She rudely pushed past him. I’m going to pick up the medicine and I’ll see if I can find Lorilei while I’m in town!

She walked to the car and slammed the door, totally frustrated with both her sister and Joe Bob Newton. She drove the mile to the drug store then pulled up and looked around. Immediately, she spotted Lorilei. It wasn’t hard to miss her since she was most likely the only black kid living in this backwards hick town.

Lorilei was walking with a smaller blond boy, as they were being followed and taunted.

Monster, monster, an older boy yelled from behind them as he followed them.

Lei put her arm protectively around the little blond boy who hung his head. You better get! Lei screamed at the bully. Shut up, or I’m gonna punch your lights out!

The boy laughed.

Lei turned and quickly punched him in the nose.

Sabrina gasped and ran across the street. Lorilei Riley! she snapped.

Lorilei looked up obviously shocked. Aunt Beanie!

Sabrina looked at the bully who was holding his nose. Her niece was a big girl and Sabrina knew she could take care of herself. Still, she didn’t approve of her fighting.

She hit me! The bully accused while holding his bleeding nose.

Go on home, Sabrina snapped angrily at him and she watched the boy run in the opposite direction. She turned to Lorilei. You know better than to hit, young lady!

He was picking on Micah. They always pick on Micah, Lorilei declared. I have to protect him. He’s my best friend!

Sabrina tried not to smile. Lei was a big girl, having been twelve pounds when she was born. Even when she was in nursery school, she’d always been protective of others. She always had been a head taller than other kids her age, and even now she looked older than her ten years. She scowled at the boy she’d hit as he ran down the street, reminding Sabrina that Lorilei looked a lot like her father. Sabrina loved Lorilei and tried to instill within her high self-esteem in order to combat what she felt was coming down the road. Lorilei had a dark brown complexion with her mother’s expressive eyes; yet she was big for her age, and there were some who shamed those that were different.

Her face was now in a frown and her shoulder length hair was pulled back in a messy pony tail. She then smiled giving the little boy a hug.

You should let your friend fight his own battles, Sabrina admonished her.

They call him monster. He’s not a monster, Lei replied angrily. Craig Dodson is a prick!

You will watch your mouth young lady, Sabrina responded, even though she agreed with Lei’s assessment.

Sabrina looked at the young boy who was still hanging his head.

Hold your head up, boy, she commanded.

She tried not to gasp as his eyes met hers. Micah was a beautiful boy with pale blond hair and large blue eyes. His face had a large mole or melanoma on it that started on his forehead, came down the bridge of his nose, and extended to his cheek. It was shaped like a backwards L and was raised and blue.

Come here. I’m a nurse, Sabrina said touching it. Has your mommy taken you to the doctor about this?

The boy nodded, but wouldn’t meet her gaze.

He don’t talk much, Lei said. But he talks to me.

Did the doctor say it could be removed? she asked, concerned.

We don’t have no money, Micah replied, speaking for the first time.

Sabrina was taken aback. There were hospitals all around and she knew they would be willing to take care of this problem. This child should not have to suffer with this thing on his face. I know some people that would remove it for free, Sabrina replied. Maybe I could talk to your mama.

Micah suddenly grinned at her words, obviously giving him hope.

Sabrina thought his smile was breathtaking. He really was a beautiful boy, despite the ugly birthmark. Lorilei, I have to pick up some medicine for your Mom. Come on with me and I’ll drive you home.

What about Micah? Lei whined. He can’t go home by himself. Someone might beat him up.

She looked at Micah who hung his head again. Where do you live, Micah? Sabrina asked.

He lives a little bit from our house, Lei replied. We walk to school together.

Alright then, Sabrina said smiling. Come on. I’ll take you home.

Micah hesitated and looked at Lorilei.

It’s alright Micah, she reassured him. This is my Auntie. She’s not a stranger.

Micah nodded in agreement and followed Sabrina into the pharmacy.

Sabrina picked up the medicine and the kids climbed into her car. She drove back towards Candace’s house.

Lorilei pointed to a white trailer on the opposite side of the road, not far from her home. That’s Micah’s house, she said.

Sabrina pulled up into her sister’s yard and handed the medicine to Lorilei. Take this medicine to your mama, she instructed. She turned to Micah. Come on, I’ll walk you home.

She walked across the road with Micah, and a beagle ran out to greet them.

Hi Bailey, Micah said grinning.

The dog wagged his tail and licked his hand.

They walked up to the house and Micah opened the door with Sabrina following him.

Hello. Anybody home, Sabrina yelled out.

In here! a voice said from the back of the house.

Just then, a blonde woman walked up. She was wearing some cutoff jeans and a checked shirt. Her long hair was in one braid down her back. She looked at Micah who stood next to Sabrina. Hello, she said curiously. Is everything all right? He ain’t get in no trouble, did he?

No, Sabrina said smiling extending her hand. I’m Candace’s sister...you know my niece Lorilei. She and Micah walk to school together.

Yeah. I’m Betsy Hamilton, the woman said wiping her hand on her jeans before shaking Sabrina’s hand. Lorilei is his little protector. They pick on him so much you know, because of his condition.

That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, Sabrina ventured. I don’t mean to intrude, but I’m a nurse and I was wondering if his melanoma is malignant or benign.

Doc says it ain’t no cancer or nothing, Betsy replied. He said its...uh, be-nine like you said. Doc says it’s a blue nevue, I think.

Blue nevus, Sabrina said smiling. You should have it removed. Lots of doctors do it for free because it’s a child.

No one round local wants to do it, and Doc said it would leave a scar cuz it so big. I figure he could get it off when he gets grown, Betsy replied.

Betsy...Like I said, I’m a nurse and I know some people... Sabrina said hesitantly not wanting to offend her.

Please, Ma, Micah pleaded anxiously. Can you get it cut off? Lei’s auntie says it can be done for free.

Betsy looked at Sabrina and frowned. You had no right coming in here getting his hopes up! I don’t have no money to take him to some big city and I don’t have no money for no hotel or nothing. We barely making it as it is, and I have two other children to take care of. I’m a widow and I don’t have no man to help me.

Look, I want to help, Sabrina replied cautiously. I’m sure we can work out something.

Betsy stared at her suspiciously. You don’t know us. Why you want to help?

Because he’s Lorilei’s friend, and I love her. She’s upset that kids pick on him so much.

Betsy relaxed and grinned. She is a sweetheart. I should have known she’d ask her nursing Aunt to help her best friend out.

Sabrina didn’t correct her on the conclusion she drew, and just decided to go with it.

I’ll have to think about it, Betsy was saying. School will be out in another month. Maybe we could work something out over the summer.

Maybe, Sabrina replied grinning.

Where you from? Betsy asked.

Virginia Beach, Sabrina replied. But there’s a good hospital in Richmond. I know a doctor there that would do it for free.

I can’t let my boy go by himself, Betsy reasoned. I would have to go with him, but I have two other children. Jeff is twelve and Lamar is eleven. Micah here is my baby.

Maybe we can work something out, Sabrina replied.

Maybe so, Betsy said nodding.

MICAH WENT INTO THE bedroom he shared with his brothers and sat on his bed. Could Lei’s Aunt really help him?

Micah had been bullied in pre-kindergarten about his birthmark. Most of the kids were bigger than he was, and they knew he was scared. His brothers couldn’t help him because they were in other classes, so most of the time he either ran or fought the bully, usually losing. Teachers would intervene from time to time, but they couldn’t be there all the time.

Things had changed when he started regular school. He noticed Lei right off. They said that she was a Black girl, but she was really kinda brown like chocolate ice-cream. She looked scary to Micah at first because she never smiled. He just hoped she wouldn’t join in with the bullies who tormented him.

He had been surprised, however, when the class was over, and Jessica began picking on him as he walked home. His mama told him that you weren’t supposed to hit girls, so he just took her nasty comments and tried to ignore her. Then, some others came and joined in, pushing him and laughing when he stumbled to the ground. He was shocked, however, when Lorilei Riley walked up to the crowd and told them to leave him alone. The kids were scared of Lorilei, and had run off, that first time. Micah remembered having his head down and his face hiding in his knees as tears ran down his face.  She touched his shoulder and he looked up and saw her smile.

Hi, Lei had said giving him her hand and helping him to his feet. I’m Lorilei.

I know, Micah responded, shyly returning her smile. Thank you.

I hate bullies, Lorilei had declared. She had looked at him shyly. My friends call me Lei.

Micah remembered that he’d liked her from the very first smile she’d bestowed on him. It wasn’t just her smile; she had pretty eyes and lips that weren’t like his. No, Lei’s lips were thicker and made her smile even prettier. They had been inseparable since that day, and the fact that she lived just across the road from them made things even better!

Even though most of the kids, including Jessica were scared of Lei, that didn’t stop them from talking about her behind her back, calling her ‘ugly’ and other names. Micah didn’t like that and he felt like they were just being mean to her, since they knew they couldn’t whup her.

Sure, she was bigger than the other kids but that didn’t mean nothing. She was still pretty and she was a pretty good marble player, and she could play softball too. Now they were in the fifth grade and nothing had changed between them. They were each other’s best friend and Micah liked it that way.

Jessica and that bunch still picked on him from time to time, but Lei was always there to defend him and now there was a chance that the ugly birthmark could be removed.

SABRINA STAYED A WEEK with Joe Bob and her sister in order to keep an eye on her. She was somewhat angry with the two of them when Candace finally told her she was pregnant. How were they going to take care of a baby? She confronted Joe Bob out of her sister’s hearing.

Joe Bob, a baby? What in the world possessed you two to have a baby, she hissed angrily at him as they stood in the front yard.

I wanted a baby, ‘Rina, Joe Bob insisted. Rina, I don’t have no kids. We’ll be all right. I didn’t know until she told you. I’m glad she’s giving me a baby.

Sabrina tried to hold her temper. My sister is almost forty years old! There are risks! She quickly turned her back to him, trying to hide her tears. Candace was too old to be having a baby! What if something happened to her?

I know you don’t think I’m good enough for her, Joe Bob replied. I know I don’t have all that much learning and such. Candy told me that her other husband was a professor over at one of them colleges in Norfolk, but did he treat her right? He had all that money and learning, and he didn’t do her right. He don’t even try to see Lei. That’s not right.

Sabrina felt his eyes on her as she stood with her back to him.

He then gently grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him. I know I don’t have much. I don’t make the money that the professor did, but I love your sister, and I love Lei too. We have a garden here and some chickens and I make money at the BP station in town. I’m a good mechanic. I’m still a man, and I takes care of my business. We do all right.

Sabrina smiled. I know you love her, Joe Bob. I just worry about her.

That’s what sisters ‘spose to do, he said grinning. I asked her why she didn’t get her medicine, and she said the money ran out and she was waiting for my check Friday. She didn’t tell me ‘Rina, honest.

Sabrina patted his beefy arm. Yeah, I know Joe Bob. I have some money—

No way, Joe Bob declared interrupting her. Taint right. I told you I’m her man, and I can take care of my business.

Sabrina respected him for that. She’s all I have, she said tearing up again.

You got me and Lei, Joe Bob declared putting his arm around her. And now you gonna have another baby to fuss over.

I guess, Sabrina said sniffing. She looked at Joe Bob, trying not to smile. I tried so hard not to like you! Your goofy ass makes me sick!

What’s there not to like? he asked grinning at her with that stupid smile she had grown fond of.

What you two doing out here, bonding? Candace yelled from the porch.

No, we’re fighting! Sabrina declared wiping her eyes with Joe Bob’s handkerchief that she’d snatched from his back pocket.

So, what else is new? Candace sighed, slamming the screen door and going back into the house.

Sabrina made several more trips over to Betsy’s house trying to gain her trust. Candace had told her that she would take her some food to help out and Sabrina was amazed seeing that her sister didn’t have much herself. She carried some food for Betsy’s family several times during her visit.

When she was about to return to Virginia Beach, she put five hundred dollars in her sister’s hand.

Joe won’t like it, Candace pointed out, looking at the money.

I don’t give a damn, Sabrina replied grinning. Tell him I said that!

You like him, don’t you? Candace asked, grinning.

A little, Sabrina admitted. His goofy ass is growing on me, all right?

Candace snickered. We’ve been married now five years, Beanie. You ought to see that I’m happier with him than I’ve ever been with any man.

Yeah, I know—it’s just...

What? Candace asked, pinching her sister on the arm like they did when they were kids. Sabrina smacked her hand away.

I don’t get you two. What is it about Joe Bob Newton that has you out here in the back woods, feeding chickens?

Candace giggled. Girl, the sex is mind blowing.

Sabrina’s mouth fell open. You’ve got to be kidding!

Nope...and I was his first. He told me he had been waiting for the right one. We met at the pork festival in Emporia, and he had on these overalls with no shirt under it. I was immediately turned on. He grinned that grin at me and girl, I was lost.

Candace linked her arm in her sisters as she leaned against her car. Beanie, I had to have me some of that! I admit I seduced him. He never knew what hit him. I asked him if he had a girlfriend and he turned red as a beet. He told me he was a Christian man and he was looking for a wife. She giggled at the memory. Then he said that he had told God that he wanted a brown wife, because he always thought brown women were pretty. I told him that I was brown all over, and you should have seen the look on his face. He was practically drooling right there.

You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Sabrina chastised good naturedly, shaking her head. You took advantage of that poor imbecile!

"I told him that God sent him to me because I wanted a big strong man to look after me. Well, he grinned that grin of