There was a knock on the guest house door. Kareem thought it might be Lena, who always knocked first. He came into the living room as he was putting his shirt on and saw Veronica standing at the door. She seemed upset, yet smiled for a second before frowning again. “Kareem, Lena is watching Shawn... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode 12
Kareem walked up the path on the side of the house. Every day he would try to get to the guest house in the back for a few moments of quiet before the kids knew he was home. He was rarely successful. That day was no exception. “Daddy’s home!” Evan yelled. Evan was sitting on... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode 11
Lena sat at the head of the table in the conference room. She had the two interns who had been at the office prior to her arrival, two that her soror was able to send over from the University of Chicago, and the delivery guy. Lena kept a straight face but smiled to herself. The... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode 10
Lena smiled at Terry. She was on a video call with him while she rode from O’Hare Airport to her company’s office in downtown Chicago. “Mommy, when are you coming home?” Terry pouted. “Sweetie, I just left this morning.” “I know but I want you to come back.” Lena was proud of how quickly Terry... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena Episode Nine
Lena dialed the number while she slowly walked down the aisle of the plane. She waited for everyone else to deboard so that she wouldn’t feel rushed. “Lena, you’re on maternity leave. Why are you calling me?” Roderick huffed. “I forgot a few things on that list I left you.” “You know I run an... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode Eight
The shuttle driver helped Kareem get his bags out of the back of the shuttle. It was his fourth visit since Lena moved to Miami. It hadn’t gotten easier. He missed his family. Kareem tipped the driver, shook his hand, and picked up his duffle bag. He had a garment bag in his other hand.... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode 7
Kareem leaned back in his desk chair and took a deep breath. He had read Lena’s email five times already. Each time he read it, he heard it in her voice. It reminded him of the Lena that he had met almost eight years earlier. In a calm and professional manner, she informed him that... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Janelle – Episode 4
The sound of Bobby Debarge’s voice made Janelle smile as she walked into Austin’s apartment. It was a cool Saturday afternoon in October and she was just getting back from yoga class. Typically Austin would drive them both back. He had found a gym ten minutes from the yoga studio and would go there to... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode Six
Lena sat on the large hotel bed and cried. Evan, who had just turned four, sat at the foot of the bed and watched cartoons. Every so often he would turn and look back at his mother and smile, hoping it would make her smile. Most times she was able to force a smile for... Continue Reading →