I am just a poor little woman from Bach, Mississippi. What do I know about anything? My father was poor and my mother was poor. All my siblings started from poverty. What do I know about wealth? I never thought in my wildest dreams of anything. Because too much is given much is required says the Good Book. I never thought in my life. It started while working at the restaurant. I worked at my uncle's restaurant since I was 14. I never asked for no raise. I never asked for anything. I was just happy to cook and work. Because that's what my parents taught me. You worked hard you receive. You worked hard you get. You worked and worked and a blessing. The only name I went by was Rebekka. All my friends called me Rebekka and all my family called me Rebekka. I was Rebekka of Bach, Mississippi. And my family lived here most of their lives ever since slavery ended. We lived in these shacks and never looked back. We were just happy to be freed and without bondage. You oppressed people so much that they just want to be freed., They just want to be by themselves. All by themselves and don't care about money or fame. Although I was famous in church for my Southern gumbo. The Pastor said Rebekka cooked us some of the most excellent gumbo that God gave you. I would be like all Pastor don't. My grandma and mother taught me and my uncle did give me the job. And after being shy of relationships and being married. This man came to my uncle restaurant. He must of been an out of townee or something. He had on this fancy suit and this suitcase. And he would order just a sandwich and chips and a light drink each time. My uncle thought he is from the IRS or some federal agencies. I thought nay he must be up to something. So he told me to keep watch and have good conversations. I shouted Hey you. And he politely looked at me. What;'s your name? My name is Rebekka everybody call me Rebekka. He politely said Mr. Peterson. I said let me buy you a drink on the house. You will love the Caribbean, it's sweet and tangy and full of flavor. And he said Thanks. So I made him the house drink. he just said thanks. I said where are you from? He said pulling his glasses off I am from an agency. i said what the government or something? He said No. And he had a phone call that made him abruptly leave. And I went in the back after checking everyone on a full house. I told my uncle. And he said he still thinks he is from the IRS. He eventually came back and asked what church I go to? I said Calvary Baptist Church down the street. My family always go to church most of the week and so does everybody else. He said Good when is service? I said well they usually do service every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. He said I will be there and you will find out why I am here. So I politely wave to him and told uncle. And uncle sweated and said be there and tell everyone that I will give them a discount if they find out why he is here. I said Whoa I am not making that gumbo. Uncle if I find out you better hire a new staff because I am tired of gumbo. Days later on Saturday, we were having church and praising the Lord and I was getting my praise on. Just because God is that good and I liked to thank him. And just before prayer, Mr. Peterson stepped in and he said he has to testify. I am from one of the agencies up North. And somebody I need to talk to. Everybody begin talking and scared. The Pastor silenced the church with the choir humming the spiritual, It is Well. And the Pastor spoke to Mr. Peterson and asked him privately but Mr. Peterson resisted and said I will talk to you if I could bring the person out. The Pastor let him. Mr. Peterson said I am looking for Saint, the last name is Saint. And the church laughed we all are Saints in God's eyes. What are you talking about man? said the Pastor. Mr. Peterson said Julia Saint. And the church started asking each other. Then the Pastor said Can we please get on with the sermon? People have to go home. Mr. Peterson said Her name starts with an R. I was shocked but so were the other people. Mr. Peterson said born in Virginia, Mississippi. And my uncle came into the meeting. And he heard and pulled me out and said Rebekka your real name is Julia Rebekka Saint and you were adopted. I said No uncle no. He said shaking his head yeah yeah. I almost passed out when my uncle straighten me out to save the town by saying it was me. I said it quietly and a little louder and then loudly. And Mr. Peterson said That;'s your name, ah ah ah I found her. You are the heir of Mr. and Mrs. Saint you are worth a fortune. Then I passed out and the church members came to help me. i said No Lord no. I worked all my life. I am not a rich snob. I worked all my life. The next day Mr. Peterson met me alone at the restaurant while my uncle was getting the restaurant ready. Mr. Peterson told me about my parents and he reassured me that I was their only heir. Then he asked me what I would do with the money. And I said spend on charities, save the church, repair the restaurant, and live well. Mr. Peterson said You really impressed me. You are thoughtful and kind. Your parents could not have prepared for this. Your check will be in the mail. Good Day Ms. Julia Rebekka Saint.
About the Creator
Matthew Primous
I am a Black Scholar, International Scholar, & Google Scholar, & 3-Time Eber & Wein Best Poet., Nominee for Poet of the Year, 2020 Black Author Matters Winner, 2 time Akademia Excellence Essayists,& 2022 Honorary Muckrack Journalist.
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More stories from Matthew Primous and writers in Confessions and other communities.
The Times of Clive Levy
As I tell you this story I am crying not tears of defeat but tears of joy. I will tell you why later. My story begin in Florida where I was born. Clive as the first child of Ella and Phillip Levi. And my family was normal and stable as long as Momma was around. She had a few more children and I had to help around the house. But I was glad to do anything for my Momma. She loved me. She really really loved me. And she was pretty and she was kind and smart. And she wanted me to be something. Momma was the best gift I got from God I thought as a child. And the family grew and was stable. Then suddenly out of nowhere Momma passed away leaving a husband and four children. My father made me quit school and work to make ends met. My father was a harsh man and very stubborn. And as I grew older he became more and more strict. One time I beg to go out and spend time with some friends and my father threatened to beat me. And I beg my father many times and reminded him of what it was like to be young and adventurous but my father did not listen. So I held in my desire to explore the world and I kept to myself. Then the war broke out, World War 2 my father and I signed up for the military. My father tried to take my paycheck too but they would not let him. I had freedom. The military was much freer than being at home with my father. And I had friends and met other women. I went to the bar and I was likable. I did not want to leave. But eventually the war ended and we went home. My father tried to empty my accounts and put me back under his rule. I believe my father hated me. He would never tell me that he loved me especially after Momma died. He became mean and surly. He was always angry and mad. He treated us like property than children. And he outright did what he wanted but left me to take care of my brothers. I started to go to church and make friends. I met some cousins. And I told them what my father was doing. And they saw that he was mean and surly and how he treated me like a slave. I was older now, a soldier and a man and I was not gonna take it anymore. Cousin Ralph and I was leaving. So we plotted our escape at church and everybody went to church both night and day, well we met there one night and fled. My father was onto us the next day. Ralph and I escaped with jobs in the local churches and on farms because back then you can find a job on the farm or church and they will pay you and feed you and clothe you and give you a place to stay with some money. And we stall my father for weeks and enjoyed freedom. Then my father had the police looking for me. So I realized that Ralph and I had to escaped as far as possible up North for freedom. I knew my father would leave me alone if I go up there. And my father caught up to us. I tried to avoid fighting my father because the Word says Honor your father and mother. I just told my father before we catch the train. Leave me alone Father. And he said No I won't you will serve me till you die boy. And I said You're suppose to love me and you don;t. You hate me ever since Mom died. And I am not your property. Now I am leaving and you will never see me again. And Ralph and I jumped on a random train. And my father threw a fit in the field and left angry because his shotgun was unloaded and the train left before he could loaded it. I was freed. No more slavery. I was a man. Ralph made fun of what my father said and I laughed freely and without restraint or worries. I prayed and thanked God and I worn the cross that the church gave me. And I thought Ralph what if he tries to come for me to kill or threatened me. Ralph said Change your last name, he's Levi you can change yours to Levy. And I said Yeah my father is not the smartest man. And I won't go by my middle name either. On our way up North I met this beautiful woman Victoria. Oh man she had to be taken as lovely as she is. Ralph was my wing man but I remember she told me what church she went to. And then I saw her at the Jazz Club and I read a love poem to her. And next thing you know it we were married. And my father was dead then. Victoria had family issue but not like mines. She had been married but she was available and single. And she loved playing the piano. Her parents had issues too but she had a better family than mines and they were really welcoming. She was alone up North and we started our family together without anyone else except ourselves. You see Matt that's how your grandfather lived, that's how I became the man that I am today. You can too be somebody I know it. Keep up the grades and do what's right and God will bless you too.
By Matthew Primous19 days ago in Confessions
Broken Hearts Fall Silent
Attraction can sometimes be a deceptive guide, leading us through a mirage of charm only to leave us stranded in a harsh reality. It's a cruel twist of fate when the dream we chase turns into a nightmare we cannot escape. The realization that we've been deceived by our own feelings is a bitter pill to swallow, leaving us to pick up the pieces of our broken illusions. Yet, it's often through these painful experiences that we grow stronger and learn to see beyond the veil of mere appearances.
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In the heart of a bustling metropolis, where skyscrapers towered over crowded streets and the hum of traffic filled the air, two souls found themselves on a collision course with destiny. This is the story of Mia and Ryan – a tale of serendipity, chance encounters, and the transformative power of love in the modern world.
By bakhtawarkhanabout 22 hours ago in Confessions
Peaceful Purpose
I have noticed that in the professional sphere, as far as I have noticed, that many people choose to come to work, mainly with the intention of collecting a paycheck, which I completely understand, unfortunately, we all need money to survive in this world. I also feel very strongly about the fact that if you are going to work in a profession, you should certainly treat that profession, whatever it may be, with the dignity that its purpose entails, whether you are working in the medical field, or working at a fast food restaurant, you should do you best to do the best job you can, because when it comes right down to it, we are all humans, going through the trials, and challenges that this life can bring us, by working together.
By Kaylon Forsyth6 days ago in Humans
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