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 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 – 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 →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode 5
Kareem woke up to Lena curled up in his arms. He tried to get up without waking her but her eyes opened as soon as he moved. “Hey, you can go back to sleep.” “You’re leaving?” “Just to go back to mommy’s to shower and change.” “Oh. Okay.” Lena yawned and fell right back to... Continue Reading →
Ms. Berry’s Sweet & Spicy Soaps – Lena – Episode Four
Lena sat on a blanket out on the beach. Six months in northern Europe had her very thankful for the sand and sun. Macie and Nathan’s destination wedding in Anguilla was both a gift and a curse. Lena had been taking care of her maid of honor duties from Europe with the help of the... Continue Reading →