The Mysterious One{Excerpt from the MENDACITY}

After a long pause from the usual fun loving activities that the villagers were used to,Caridad decided to cast off the 'mourning' and bring back the happy times. Through all of this Edra continued to strut her stuff. There is something to say about those who create discord and can live happily ever after. This was Edra, undisturbed by the rift she had caused, took herself out of this dismal picture and almost with a scorn wondered what is ailing us, as she goes about her business nonchalantly.

Here comes Edra, she was armed with boxes of her photos, singing at night clubs, community halls and weddings. Her small flier with bad spelling and bad grammar stated that she was available to perform for any occasion. But Caridad saw this as an opportunity to assist once more, maybe focusing on this talent would get her out of this rut she seemed to get herself in. Edra loved to be the center of attraction, she was a fierce competitor and shut down immediately if anyone seemed to be moving in on her spotlight.

The villagers were planning a social gathering where anyone could 'show us what you got.' This was right up Edra's alley and she began secretly to put her program together. We know this for sure because while everyone talked about their costumes, their dance steps and other plans, her lips were shuttered tight. Strange, they labeled this. Edra wore so many tags. Caridad also began to notice a splash of bright color in her clothing. The somber looking outfits were fast disappearing. Many thought that the long sleeves and polyester clothing in the midst of the summer heat were meant to draw attention to the Unique one, Edra. But this only drew more whispers and no one gave her the time of day, except Caridad; others giggled and made her the centerpiece of their conversation.

That's exactly what Edra wanted, the half smile, the tall tales became her way of operating. And through this a strange thing happened, Nubia and Sierra were drawn to this mysterious one; totally immersed in her stories even though they did not believe a word she uttered. These two villagers had their shady past also but were converts who had began to backslide when they started to keep company with Edra. The Mysterious one began to bring small tokens and trinkets as gifts to lure the villagers and once the bait had been set, she was able to reel in Nubia and Sierra. She had bought them out, they were intrigued by the imaginary life she portrayed and through the laughter and cunningness she continued to recruit.

Each of Edra's finger had a ring, a watch on each wrist. There were chains roped around her neck, some thick, some thin, all different lengths. The silver anklet hung from dry ankles and the broken down shoe with scoffed heels had seen better days but Edra was on display. This was her new thing, loads of jewelry, diamond studs in a eight-hole row alongside her ear lobe. What a spectacle she had become! Again,Caridad knew this was a cry for attention but the villagers just added this to their list of strange behaviors.

These villagers loved the excitement of celebrations, the connection they shared was further glued during these precious moments that they came together as if only this clan exist in the great wide world. This talent show had them revved up and ready for bursts of laughter. Those belly laughs were memorable as they watched their peers get down low and dirty. Caridad's mind strayed to Edra."What is the mysterious one planning for this much anticipated event?" She knows that if Edra did not win a prize, if all eyes were not focused on her, then she would act out her disappointment and bring sadness to the village.

Caridad was startled by the presence of Mercy who had returned for a visit. Everyone welcomed her and the cold reaction from Edra was expected. Mercy was cordial and as she caught up on all the happenings, Caridad knew she had to get the show on the road to avoid stirring up any bad feelings. For a long time there had not been such great fun but Mercy's presence had Edra seething, her eyes showed disapproval and Caridad knew that she was planning to do something unpleasant.

The villagers were chanting 'Edra, Edra' much to her delight. She walked in rapid pace, gyrating, swinging her hips, bobbing her head from left to right. She was stooped to the ground, her stares were directed to Mercy and seemed to say,"can you do this?" "No you can't!" "I am the star and I will never allow you to rain on my parade." She swung around with blood shot eyes and the trademark smirk on her face. She beckoned to her two posse and tried hard to engage the rest of the folks who were gaping at this pathetic scene. Some hid their faces too ashamed to look at this spectacle. Who is this mysterious woman? Caridad was certain of an unknown
past and she expected more trouble from the village braggart, another name they had put on her.