Auntie Lucetta & Auntie Lusinda were sister's. Twins. Old Maids. They lived with one another from the day they were born until the day they died. They were both fabulous but for different reasons. They looked exactly alike but seldom dressed alike.
Auntie Lucetta was just like Mother -- Glamorous. Auntie Lusinda not so much. Auntie Lucetta smoked & loved her liquor almost as much as she loved her men. She fascinated me. I wanted to be her. Auntie Lusinda loved to bake. Cakes and Pies. Every time they came to visit Auntie Lusinda would go to Mother's grove for fresh fruits. Auntie Lucetta would drink-and smoke.The following day Auntie Lusinda would always return with a cake or a pie fresh from her oven. Auntie Lusinda was loved by all the towns folk. Auntie Lucetta not so much.
Auntie Lusinda was driving her new Pontiac home one rainy evening in April. 1968. The Aunties had been visiting all evening with Mother. Auntie Lucetta drinking, smoking, & laughing with Mother. Auntie Lusinda not so much.
The police came late that night to the big house on the hill. I remember lying in bed dreaming of summer and as always when a car would drive up the hill the headlights would come thru my windows and reflect on the mirror from my dresser and the light would begin circling my room. I loved watching this. It was magical. The dreams of summer and the magical lights ended as soon as I heard Mother scream out--Nooo-Nooo-Nooooooo-THIS CAN'T BE TRUE!!! I jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs followed by the other four and ran into Mother's arms. Through whispered tears Mother told us that Auntie Lusinda had lost control of the Pontiac, drove off a cliff, car exploded, both Aunties dead.
Together they were born and together they died. The towns folks still to this day tell stories of Auntie Lusinda. Auntie Lucetta not so much!
