Serving Justice

Angie sat at her vanity touching up her hair and makeup. She made an appointment at Chez Charles Salon for a new look and the man himself, Chez Charles, Clemons, turned her into a masterpiece. CC had taken her usually severe looking hair and softened it. He had cut her hair in wispy layers with bangs falling gently across her freshly threaded eyebrows; creating a natural and sexy windblown look.

Her makeup was a combination of deep bronzes, light almond vanilla creams, and chestnut browns that both highlighted and softened her already beautiful face. Looking herself over in the full-length mirror, even Angie couldn’t believe how stunning she looked. The Vera Wang gown she was wearing complimented both her figure and complexion. The Almond colored gown enhanced her copper skin tone and brought out the softness of her light brown eyes. Its rounded neck perfectly shaped her face and the way it fell softly around her waist made Angie realize that she had never worn anything quite so flattering.

Angie had to admit she was flabbergasted when she saw the price tag on the dress Darlene had bought her. When she had asked her friend to help her find something to wear to the ball, she had not expected she would go all-out and buy her the gown. They were out shopping one Saturday and decided to see what Marshall Field’s had to offer. They loved shopping in the stores at the Water Tower Place. Her other favorite store, Victoria’s Secrets, was there too.
Initially, Angie tried to refuse the gift, but after trying the dress on and seeing how beautiful she looked in it, she had to accept it and admit to Darlene, how she really knew her fashion.

“Angie, this is your night. It’s not often one of my friends is given an honor such as the one you have received. You represent everything the four of us have worked so hard to obtain, and you look good doing the dang thang.” Darlene reminded her with added laughter.

Shortly after receiving her gift, Angie had to find the perfect shoes to match and she did. The shoes were a sexy evening sandal, with a matching bag, also by Vera Wang. Angie opted for bronze to offset the almond color of the gown. The shoes looked very delicate and the rhinestone buckle seemed to make them magical.

While at the salon, Angie had also had a spa pedicure and manicure. She loved those rare occasions when she pampered herself a little. She usually felt guilty about such indulgences, but not this time. She felt fierce! She knew her hair and nails and even her toes were tight. She couldn’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to her new look.

Suddenly, Angie heard the doorbell ring. As she nervously looked out the window, fully expecting to see a yellow taxi waiting for her, for a moment, she panicked. Realizing maybe she had made a mistake.

“Oh my God! What if he comes to pick me up in his cab?” Everyone will know. But as she glanced out the window, she saw a limousine waiting instead. Angie felt relieved, for the moment.

As she made her way downstairs and opened the door, she was not prepared for what she saw. It was Tony, right on time as planned. Instead of blue jeans and his usual hunting shirt and jacket, he stood there dressed in what was obviously a designer tuxedo, holding a very beautiful and unique bouquet of spring flowers. Many of the flowers were her favorites. There were purple stargazer lilies, blue iris’s, and white lilies. There were delphinium and tulips. The single yellow rose and the scent from the eucalyptus completed the extraordinary bouquet.

The tuxedo he wore only accented his muscular frame. Angie didn’t know what type of cologne he was wearing, but she knew she liked it very much. Somehow, it smelled as it had been made just for him. It was fresh rain and fire rolled into one, it gently caressed your senses and set them on fire all at the same time. He stood in the doorway for a moment silhouetted in the light, looking as though he had just stepped off the pages of the latest fashion magazine. Angie was pleasantly surprised and it must have shown on her face.

“Good evening your honor. Close your mouth. I have been out on a date or two, so I know how to clean myself up. I take it from the look on your face, I meet your approval?” Tony amusingly responded.

“I’m sorry Tony. I just didn’t expect that you would look so handsome.” Angie admitted.
“Why thank you my lady. A woman of your stature should always expect the best. I hope I will do, at least for tonight.”

You are fine Tony. Please come in.” However, Angie really wanted to say he was the man she had always dreamt about picking her up for a date.

“Wow”, I don’t think I have ever seen a more beautiful woman myself,” said Tony as his eyes traveled the length of her body. Angie could see the admiration in his eyes, as he slowly took in her new look. “I love your hair, it softens your face and I can finally see those beautiful eyes without having to strain, and that dress! That dress must have been special made by angels especially for you.” Tony had been totally caught off guard by Angie’s look and for a moment had allowed his desire for her to show. Finally collecting himself and feeling a little awkward, he remember that he was holding something in his hand. “These are for you.” Tony said as he handed her the bouquet.

“Please have a seat while I put these beautiful flowers in water.” As she led Tony down the Foyer and into the living room, Angie realized that in all the years he had been picking her up, this was the first time she had ever invited Tony into her home.

“Can I get you something to drink while you wait?” Angie offered. She felt like a princess on her way to the ball. She just hoped she wasn’t Cinderella.

“No, I am fine. Do you mind if I take a look around at your artwork?”

‘No, not at all. Please, take your time,” said Angie. Again, Tony never ceased to amaze her. Most men she had invited into her home never even noticed her paintings and collectables and if they did, it was never spoken of. She was very proud of her collection. Each piece held special meaning to her.

As she returned to the living room to join him, she paused in the doorway as she studied him observing her favorite painting. It was titled “Fairy Tale Time.” As she looked at the painting, she was reminded of how she felt the first time she had laid eyes on it.

“Fairy Tale Time was a portrait of a little girl, sitting on a porch on a beautiful summer’s day, in a rocking chair with a book in her hands. Whenever she looked at the picture, it reminded her of how wonderful it felt to sit on the front porch with her grandmother while reading her own books.

“I see you are a fan of Lester Kerns.” Tony offered.

Angie was suddenly brought back to the present and had a passing thought of how at this moment it felt so right to be with him. She had never felt as comfortable with a man as she did at that moment with Tony.

“Why yes, I am. When we have time, I would love to show you the rest of my collection, but for now we better get going if we are going to get to the ball on time,” Angie reminded, as she picked up her wrap and purse. Tony bent over to help her with her things. Placing her arm in his, they headed out the door to the waiting limousine.

As they arrived at the limousine, a smartly dressed young man got out of the car to open the door for her. Angie realized as she and Tony got into the car, that in the eleven years they’d spent together, this was the first time he had ever been so close to her. It made her a little giddy.

“Tony, it’s such a beautiful night, would you mind if we rode with the moon roof open?”
“I was just thinking the very same thing.”

Sitting there in the car was almost more than Angie could have ever dreamed. It felt so right. Somehow, she had been transported to a time and place that until now, she only thought of late at night as she slept. She watched Tony sitting there and wished the moment would last a lot longer.

As they sat looking up at the magnificent night sky and talking in the back of the car, Angie tried to carefully form her words so she would not offend him. “Tony, you know I respect you very much. I admire your courage to be your own man and do what feels right for your life. But…”
Tony didn’t seem to hear her as he interrupted her words with, “Your honor, I must tell you, you are the most stunning woman I have ever been out with. I mean, you are beautiful everyday, but I have never been out with a woman who is as graceful and elegant as you are tonight.”

As she heard these words, Angie didn’t have the heart to tell him not to tell anyone what he did for a living. She recognized it was she who should be honored to be with him. “I’m sorry your Honor. I interrupted you. What were you saying?”

“Nothing Tony, nothing at all.” The remainder of the ride, they rode in silence. Each deep in their own thoughts.

The Barristers Ball was being held at the beautiful and elegant Michelina’s Pavilion, located just outside of Chicago in Lement, Illinois. Angie had heard of the pavilion but had never been there. She had heard how stunning this garden paradise with it’s two waterfalls was but she wasn’t prepared for what she saw.

Angie, was taken aback, she did not expect such an applause as the one they received upon entering. She’d thought she would be able to join the festivities as inconspicuously as possible.
No sooner than making their entrance, her life-long friends were up on their toes to size up her date.

“Tony, these are my very good friends, Rhonda, Darlene and Theresa,” Angie introduced. Tony smiled and greeted each of them with a slight bow and a soft kiss on the hand.

“My, my Angie girl. I see why you wanted to keep Sir Anthony under wraps. Because, if I weren’t your friend, I swear I would try to take this man away from you,” Darlene said playfully.

“Sorry Darlene, I belong only to the Judge.”

“You know I am a judge too,” said Rhonda.

“I’m sorry your Honor, I only have eyes for Judge Jenkins tonight.”

“Ladies, can’t you see you are making him uneasy,” interrupted Te.

Tony took Angie’s arm nervously and asked for a dance. Upon her acceptance, he once again bowed towards the other ladies “Nice to have met you all’s acquaintance” and excused himself and led Angie to the dance floor.

Darlene was the first to speak up. “Dang,” Angie girl done hit the jackpot with this one. He is as wonderful as she says. Good Looks, Charm and he dances too. Be still my beating heart. I wonder.” They all watched as he walked away. When they realized what each of them were doing, they all broke out in embarrassed laughter.

“Ladies, get a hold of yourselves. Remember, we are all officers of the court who are here on official business,” said Rhonda. The laughter continued.

“I’m sorry Tony, I should have warned you. They may be ladies on the outside; that is until they open their mouths. I hope they didn’t offend you.” Angie whispered as Tony led her to the dance floor.

“Offend me? I am honored your friends approve of me.” Was all Tony could say before the music started. She was pleasantly surprised when the song “Deep Waters by Incognito” began playing. Is it a crime for me to be feeling this way. I’m going out of my mind and there's no change from my runaway love.

Angie, found herself lost in the moment. It was heavenly to be in the arms of the man she’d been secretly in love with for years. Is it a dream (Is it a dream) That I'm throwing in the wishing well . I'm losin' control Body and soul (Body and soul) Standin' here waiting for a train that may never come. I saw the signs I'd read the book I should have had a second look But, boy you caught me dreamin' And there were times you'd come around And we'd agree just to be friends Tell me who was foolin' who.

Momentarily she threw her apprehensions to the side, she didn’t care what her friends and colleagues thought. She knew at that moment; Tony was the only man for her.

Deep waters, I'm drownin' in Deep waters, slowly drownin' in deeper Deep waters, I'm drownin' in Deep waters, slowly drownin' in deeper What do I say, what can I say. Where words have failed me before What do I do, when I'm feeling so blue And there's no place, for me to run and hide I saw the sun inside your smile and wished for more than just a while Cause, boy you caught me dreaming. A giant step into the dark we threw caution to the wind Tell me who was fooling who.

They danced most of the first part of the evening away. Before long, Angie realized that she was tired and needed to take a break. She found her friends at their table and sat down to rest.
“What would you like to drink?” Tony offered.

“Chablis, if you don’t mind,” Angie accepted.

Would the rest of you ladies also care for a drink?” Tony suggested.

They all looked around at each other and responded in unison, “Chablis.”

As Tony walked away to retrieve their drinks, Darlene asked, “Does he have a brother?”
‘No, he has two sisters who live out of state” Angie answered.

“Just my luck, the last good-looking, dancing, manner able brother in Chicago and Angie got to him first.” Darlene joked with a look of disappointment on her face. For a moment, each woman became silent. Each just a little jealous of Angie and Tony.

Tony returned to the table followed by a waiter with their drink orders, who attended meticulously distributed the drinks around the table before retreating as quietly as he came. Rhonda casually asked; “so Tony, what do you do for a living?”

Angie almost chocked on her drink as she heard, Tony’s answer, “I drive a cab.”

Before she realized it, a look of terror crossed her face. Her worst fears were happening right before her eyes. She was powerless to stop what was about to happen and she knew it. Tony didn’t seem to notice the stunned looks on the faces all around the table as he told his story about how driving a cab put him through school and how he decided rather than starting a Psychology practice he chose to continue to drive a cab.

No one at the table seem to hear how he had his PhD. or how he felt he was better serving others in his chosen profession. They didn’t hear how he made more than a decent living driving a cab and how he had made some very good investments from his earnings.

They didn’t hear how he had influenced the lives of others with his gentle spirit, his love for humanity, and how honored he was people trusted him with some of the most intimate details of their lives. All they heard was he drove a cab for a living.

Even her friends seemed to have forgotten how just a short while ago; each of them was envious of her and the handsome man who had accompanied her to the ball. She could see the looks of disapproval on their faces as they stole glances at her. Darlene had the nerve to look angry! Theresa was watching her to see how she was reacting and Darlene had put on her courtroom face. Now she really did feel like Cinderella and the clock had just struck midnight.

Why hadn’t she warned Tony? Better yet, why didn’t she just tell her friends what he did for a living before tonight? She could have saved Tony and herself from the embarrassment they now endured. Looking at Tony, she realized he hadn’t missed a beat.

The same smile was on his face. His enthusiasm for his job could still be heard in his voice. Rather than feel embarrassed, Tony appeared to be taking great pleasure in describing what he did for a living. Angie had to excuse herself from the table as she felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She hoped she could make it out of the room before the tears began to flow.

Angie was confused about her feelings, she didn’t know if she wanted to cry for herself, Tony, or her friends. The men at the table all stood to excuse her while Tony never stopped talking as he assisted her out of her seat.

She couldn’t take it any more. Angie questioned her own judgment of why she would allow this to happen. How could she imagine her friends would accept him? Angie headed toward the veranda where she could get some air to clear her head.

On the veranda, the cool night air caressed her face while drying her tears. She stood there looking up to the sky as if it would give her answers. The air was filled with the many fragrances that the beautiful garden had to offer but even the beauty of her surroundings weren’t able to calm her fears. The moon and the stars had both given her comfort through her apprehensions just a short while ago as she gazed at them with Tony in the limousine.

One by one, her friends joined her. As she stood there with her back to her friends, she wondered if they would still find Tony as attractive now as they did when meeting him, or had their opinion changed. She hoped they would say the right thing.

“Angie, what were you thinking? You are a judge for Christ sake.” Angie could hear the anger in Darlene’s voice. How dare she, thought Angie. “Angie, are you so desperate for a man that you would lower yourself to date a cabdriver?” Darlene questioned with disgust.

Rhonda was next. “Angela, I know you realize this could jeopardize your career if this ever got out. The others at the table are already starting to whisper. We have to do some quick damage control. My God. I don’t even want to know what you were thinking. We need to move as quickly as possible to minimize the effects.” Just like she expected, Rhonda was reacting like the mother reprimanding her child.

Just as she had expected, her friends didn’t understand. Angie wasn’t even sure if she understood. She just stood there, fighting back the tears both angry with herself and sad to realize that they were both right.

Two of her friends had already weighed in. She was waiting for the third and final strike. Theresa. Angie stood there for a moment, still with her back to her friends, fighting back the wave of emotions that were taking over, and waiting on the third and final judge. There was none, just silence. She turned around to face her friends, but they were gone. Her friends were no longer there, only Tony. She was even more ashamed of what she was feeling. Why did what her friends think have to mean so much to her.

Deep in her heart, she knew. Her friends where only expressing how she really felt, but was she too much of a coward to admit it to herself? Her friends were a mirror image to her true feelings. They only spoke the words that she had held her back all of these years so she wouldn’t have to confront her feelings for Tony.

She tried to convince herself that it didn’t matter what Tony did for a living. She loved him anyway. She loved him with all of her heart. But was love enough to conquer all? She really didn’t know.

Angie was surprised to see him, but there he was. Even in the darkness, she could see the look of disappointment in his eyes and before you knew it, the tears began to flow. After seeing and by now, probably hearing how her friends felt about him, she hadn’t made it any better. Rather than confront their accusing looks and their biting comments, she did something she hadn’t done since her childhood, she had simply run away. She turned her back to Tony as she felt the hot tears stinging in her eyes and running down her face.

“Tony, I’m so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I should have known my friends would be so cold. You see, part of the reason we have remained friends for so long is the fact we have so much in common. Even how we view things.

I tried to pretend it didn’t matter that you were just a cabdriver. I told myself, you were nothing more than my escort for the evening. What you do isn’t important. You’re not a thief or murderer. You are the most decent man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Then I realized you were more than just my escort. You are my friend. For years, I have wanted to tell you I fell in love with you the first time you picked me up. At first, I thought it was because of your looks, then I realized it was your spirit that I fell in love with. Forgive me for being so cruel.”

Angie turned to face Tony to receive his response. But Tony like everyone else in her life whom she had cared about had simply disappeared. First, it was her parents, then her Nana, now her friends and Tony. This time the ache of loneliness was more than she could bear. The tears continued to fall as she tried to understand what had just happened.

The one and only man she had ever loved simply walked away and she hadn’t done anything to stop him. As she stood there with warm tears streaming down her face, she heard the soothing voice of her friend Theresa. It was then Angie realized she had never heard, her give her opinion.

“Angie, why do you allow others to shape your life? Why do you care what your friends think? Have you not noticed none of us has a man to love us or look at us the way he looks at you? Do you not realize that not everyone has a chance at true happiness? Why would you let a gorgeous man just walk out of your life? He is a treasure. Don’t just let your treasure slip through your hands. Now my friend, dry your eyes. Come on let’s go to the ladies room so you can get yourself together and find your man.”

As they walked through the door, she saw Tony standing just inside. Before she had a chance to talk with him, she heard the announcement that the ceremony was about to begin. She walked over, desperately trying to see into his eyes and whispered to him, please don’t leave. We need to talk. Although she saw the obvious look of disappointment on his face, he reluctantly nodded his agreement to wait for her.

Angie rushed off to the ladies room to try to get herself together and fix her face so she could get back out to take her seat. She was a judge who was being honored tonight. Despite the drama that was going on in her life, she would just have to suck it up and deal with the fallout after her speech.

As she stood in the mirror looking at her reflection, she wondered, just who she had become. She saw the face of a woman who had fought so hard to always do what was right both on and off the bench and even though she didn’t always agree with the system, she knew that there were rules to follow. Angie began to wonder to herself, was she still the little girl whose grandmother told her, To always maintain her sense of justice, keep her determination to fight against right and wrong, and to go out and prove to the world that women were just as good as men. ‘Most of all, it’s not who you are on the outside, but what you possessed on the inside, that mattered.” She could hear her grandmother say.

Sometimes when she tried hard, she could still see her grandmother’s face as she spoke to her. Angie wished her grandmother was here right now so that she could put her arms around her and feel her grandmother’s soothing touch as she placed her tear streaked face in her lap.

“Nana, have I forgotten everything you taught me?” Angie asked herself as she walked towards the crowd, preparing to give her speech.

“No time for foolishness right now Angel,” she heard her grandmother whispering. Te had brought Angie’s purse to her and she knew that she had to pull herself together. Angie splashed cool water on her face, reapplied her make-up and made her way out of the ladies room, headed for the podium. A look of pure determination mingled with her smile as she walked towards the podium to the roar of the thunderous applause. She could hear her grandmother say.

She suddenly caught a glimpse into her future and looked back at her past. She mounted the stairs to the stage and stood in stunned silence for what seemed like an eternity.