Etha and May

Etha and May are as different as night and day. To speak technically, we can say that one of them wore red and the other soft yellow colors. Both are obstinate, stubborn, motherly Black women. Etha is in control of the upstairs of the charming three story house in the Brookdale section of East 55th street of Brooklyn, NY. May rented the flat halfway between the ground and the middle of the house.

These women were known throughout the entire community. Very close friends, however, with a constant struggle of mind and will between them.

May

Even-tempered, kind, elegant, stubborn and headstrong, May was a soft angelic voice of a lady. She never had any children of her own but mothered dozens of wee ones who were drawn to her like flies to honey. They're all adults now and complain that May's memory is not as good as it used to be, and at any given moment she won't recognize who we are.

Etha

While May is moderate, Etha is a volcano in eruption, a bull in a china shop, a whirlwind whirling which does neither subside nor stop for anybody. She vomits lava all over the place. Be careful not to get yourself burnt. Etha has three children, a girl and two boys. She frightens the holy ghost spirit out of them when she talks. She probably traumatized them for life with her relentless pursuit of perfection in all things. But these children especially did not require therapy.

The house had to be immaculate at all times, perfect this, that and everything that was there.

She was a bully, if you need to know - just having to get her own way.

ONLY PROBLEM WAS. They were the same individual.

Bertrand married the hotheaded Etha, she was exciting, adventurous, crazy. And fun. But between children's talk and Etha's thoughts. May appeared.

She dwelt in the apartment below. What May desired above all else - was peace. Except for children and animals in the neighborhood. She just loved them. And they always gave her presence and courtesy. May never did discover that the word NO, had been invented many years prior.

Bertrand learned to afford May a wide berth, until Etha awoke and stormed upstairs.

She would walk into the living room, to the sofa, where the three children sat like statues. Never talking. Never moving.

Bertrand observed. His heart feeling sorry for the woman he had known all that time ago. The way she used to be.how he dreaded that one day she would be a person he didn't know anymore. Someone dangerous.

"I'm so sorry". The fertility specialist had last spoken, they had tried so many times previously - in vain. "But, I see no reason why you can't have children naturally. I know your concern that both your biological clocks are ticking. But with the latest advances in medicine, women are giving birth years after what was originally expected".

Bertrand had left the clinic, and introduced himself to May for the first time. Etha stepped back and was silent. May came down downstairs.

.

The therapist remarked that the 'children' were why Etha hadn't crossed the line.

He recalls the time when she'd shopped and come home with the three full-sized dolls.

Somewhere in her head they were, she loved them, screamed at them, hugged and wept with them. It seems when she blended reality with fact, it was when May came to life. The frayed character of her other self created a recluse thinking in solitude.

All the neighbors knew, for upstairs, Etha was a holy terror that nobody trifled with.

But belowstairs.They loved May with near devotion. Her sweetness to all.

This continued year in and year out. They were both mid-forties now. Life went on as it will. Until one day, having not been well, and believing she was embarking on a feared journey into menopause - childless. Etha went to see her doctor. After some tests - He instructed her to have Bertrand phone hider. Ross did not enjoy giving the news he was required to give them.

"You won't believe what is happening". The two of them were grinning like the cat who swallowed the canary Attempted to suppress, and failed.

"You're pregnant, Etha. Such great news required the two of you here to absorb it".

Bertrand leaped from his chair. Surprise and concern composing a melody on his face. His initial concern was regarding his wife's health. Would she live to see such a violent attack on her mind? He glanced at her for a positive response.

Etha remained silent and in a state of shock. May walked out and pacified her. Both of them were extremely delighted.

Bertrand nearly wept with relief. Perhaps, perhaps - life would resume as usual from here on in.The dolls were taken downstairs. There, they helped May keep the dear neighborhood children occupied, some growing up, some grown, but still visiting the twin babies. Now, Alyssa and Maya. Bertrand is contented. May a frequent visitor. Especially when Etha was missing and needed some quiet time. Then both of them go downstairs.

They now had nearly double the number of children to look after.

He now has a very sharp eye on their upbringing.