PROLOGUE

It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.

~Maya Angelou

"Bonnie, where are you?"

"I'm here Momma. Just unpacking my things. Gram's this house is beautiful."

"Thank you baby. I just want to say that I am happy you have come here. I know it wasn't your mommas first choice to come here, but it is better than staying in New Orleans after you father has passed."

"Momma stop. Not now."

"Abigail, I know we have had our ups and downs, but the important thing is I am here for you guys now. Okay? Bonnie, I love you and your mother and this will be good for our family."

A sorrowful and frigid smile crept up Bonnie's face. She loved her grandmother, but Mystic Falls Virginia was not a place she envisioned finishing high school and starting her adult life. When Bonnie's step father passed, her mother went in to depression and checked out mentally on Bonnie. Sheila insisted Abby come to Virginia, so she could help them, or she would take Bonnie from her. Abigail agreed to move with her mother, taking Bonnie away from her friends and boyfriend in New Orleans.

"This will be a good thing Bonnie. I know it." Sheila said, but she could tell Abby was angry about the whole thing.

Sheila lived in a predominately White town. There was not a lot of exposure to Black culture in the community. Bonnie's father was a revolutionary, and an activist. He died in Prison. Abigail, was unhappy to bring Bonnie in such an environment she would not be around people who were like her. She feared her daughter would be alienated and alone. When Her Husband died, which was not Bonnie's birth father, but her adopted step father, she was unable to care for Bonnie on her own. Though he was in prison, her husband had means for paying and helping Abby take care of bills. He had his ways because he was powerful within his community. Now, Abby was alone, forcing her to go back to her mother's house.

Bonnie and Abby would leave the comfort of their community to go back to the place that drove them away.