Korra
"Put a smile on your face, Korra dear. You're about to walk into the house of the Lord." My mother says, as we walk down the street.
I enjoy nothing more than to wake up early on a Sunday, to debut the Wilson Family.
I thought mama was joking about this church thing. But, when she burst into my bedroom and laid out a brand new dress, I knew she was serious.
The boys weren't too thrilled about it either, but when my father woke them up, they quickly got ready.
I wished my mama would've woke them, their defiance, might had gotten us out of this.
As we continue walking down the sidewalk, I can't help but admire how well put together our family is. Booker and Fredrick are both in nice matching navy blue suits, and the only difference to their attire are their bow ties. Booker is wearing a light blue one, and Fredrick a red. I know as soon as they get home, mama will make them take it off before they go out to play.
My father is wearing one of his nice black suits. He looks quite uncomfortable if you ask me. But whenever his wife adjusts something about his wardrobe, a smile appears on his face. This woman can be quite a control freak, but she does make sure we all look well.
Especially herself.
Even in the house, she puts a lot of effort into making her beauty known. She's a very attractive woman, she doesn't have to do much to look presentable. However, she tells me constantly "You never know when you'll receive guests, so you must always look your best." I always chuckle whenever she says that, because who's going to come over? The milkman?
Today she's wearing a black and white polka dot dress, which compliments my father's suit perfectly. She also has a giant red hat that she ordered all the way from France. It's one of her favorite accessories. And a part of me thinks she wore it today, because you can't find anything like it here.
I'm wearing a baby blue collar dress, with a brown belt wrapped around my waist. My mother also made me a hair tie with the remanding fabric. Which came quite in handy, given the wind is quite friendly today.
"Ya made it!" A woman wearing a purple dress and white gloves, says.
My mama smiles and pulls her into a hug, while her perfect family stands back and smiles clueless.
"Of course, Elena. Let me introduce you to my family. The twins are Booker and Fredrick, my husband Tonraq he owns the shop on Russel Road."
The woman looks at my father and nods eager. "Yes! I think I came into your shop a few times."
My father chuckles, "I believe you had. For flour?"
She smiles, and gives him a hug too. "Yes, I did purchase it from you a few times. It's really nice to have a place for us colored folks. You're a good man." Elena states.
Once they pull away, the woman turns to me and looks me up and down with a smile. "You must be Korra."
I offer my hand for her to shake, but she pulls me into a hug.
"You look exactly like your mother. You're gorgeous. God bless your heart." I return the hug, and over her shoulder I see a fearful sight. Katara starring at me, once again, emotionless. And I swallow a gulp of panic.
The soulless girl, then turns around and taps a gentlemen in a brown suit. And when he turns around, I'm faced with Sokka. The giant grin on his face, told me he was coming over, way before he started moving in our direction.
As Elena speaks about how her husband who's the Reverend puts on a fabulous service, openings for choir singers, and even a bible study class for the boys. Sokka makes his presence known.
"Good Morning, Elena. You ready to praise the lorddddd!" He says, getting the boys and my father to laugh. From the look on the Reverend's wife, she's well familiar of his goofiness, but she seems to enjoy it.
Sokka then places his attention onto me, and I find it fitting to pray that he doesn't start his sweetness on me in front of my family. Especially with my mama's approval of him, based on his attire and built.
"You must be Korra's mother." He says, while taking her hand and kissing it, which gets my mother to giggle.
"Now. Now Son, that's my wife you're touching." My father teases, getting us all to laugh, and Sokka to back up.
"I'm sorry, Sir. I just wanted to thank the woman who made such a beautiful young lady."
My brothers start gagging, while I roll my eyes, not at the twins' disgust but mine too!
"And who are you, Young Man? My Korra hasn't mentioned you one bit." My mama states, now invested in Sokka, and my relations to him.
"Well, Miss. I'm soon to be the star football player of Franklin and your daughter's guide at school."
"You making sure them white boys aren't messing with her?"
"Dad!" I scold, but he ignores me and eyes Sokka who's expression takes on a serious, and stern one.
"Yes, Sir. I make it my duty to protect your daughter and the others like us."
My father, gives him a pat on the back, and I wish I could roll my eyes.
As my family starts making their way into the church, I stay outside with Sokka so we can help some elderly folks walk up the stairs.
"So you're going to my church now? Can't get enough of me?" He says with a smug expression.
"Um. No! Hopefully, this is a one time thing. My mama only forced us to come, so she can show off her perfect family."
"Well, she's right. You're certainly perfect. How about we go get some ice cream after service?"
"Sorry. I've to head to the school after service."
The boy's expression tells me he's confused on why I've class on a Sunday. But, this was the only way my partner and I could start working together.
With the majority of the places around here being segregated, it makes our interactions quite hard. So, Mrs. Suyin offered to give us the weekends at school to work.
Today is the first day I'll be working with Asami.
When the teacher introduced me to her, I was met with a black haired and green eyed girl. I gave a quick greeting then placed by attention back onto Mrs. Suyin, so I could address some unrelated questions. Questions that weren't very important, but caused me not to pay attention to her.
I didn't mean to come across cold, but when I've a question in my head. My focus is placed on that, and nothing else. I like to think maybe I'm not as smart as others think, I just want to solve things. And that's academics, right?
"Aw. That sucks, you've school today and tomorrow. Do you need me to walk you there after service?"
Feeling bad for declining his offer once again, I offer an alternative.
"Not today, but you can walk me to school in the morning."
The running back smiles, as he helps another woman up the stairs.
"Careful, Ma'am. I may be taken soon, you better get your touches in today." He teases, getting the woman to smile up at him.
Asami
I try to fight out their hold, but they're too strong. Especially Kuvira, it's like she has the strength of many men.
I manage to do one of those football moves where I fake a turn, but Ginger catches my arm.
"Stop fighting!" Vira stresses, as they start to drag my motionless legs through the sidewalk.
I will never stop fighting! I refuse to enter a place I've no interest into going into, solely for my benefit. Why do I've to find a birthday dress? If it's my birthday, shouldn't I have control on what I wear? I don't mind wearing dresses, I just don't enjoy attention. With a new dress, nothing but attention will be placed on me. And knowing the girls, they aren't going to stop with the dress. They'll want to do my hair and maybe dabble with makeup. That's just too much! It's bad enough I'm having a party.
"Get into the door." Azula says, as she holds the door open for us.
Luckily the establishment isn't too pack, because I'll feel bad about customers watching me kill all my friends.
Once the door shuts, Ginger and Azula block the door, so I can't leave.
"Asami, this is good for you. Stop being a brat and relax." Kuvira says, as she walks me to the fabric section of the store. I want to make this trip as quick as possible. Therefore, I don't want something made from scratch. Nor do I want to be measured and asked many questions on what style I want.
Because saying nothing, isn't 'lady like'.
"What about this?" Ginger asks, holding up a peach colored mini skirt, with a white long sleeved shirt.
"That's too simple, It's her birthday!" Azula, scolds before snatching the piece away.
With that aggression, an employee steps out and offers her services. She's a blonde, probably a few years older than us. Maybe in college or took advantage of the anti ageing cream all the women of Franklin are spending their money on. I know the latter isn't the case, because a cream like that doesn't exist. Even if it did, some company from here wouldn't be producing it.
She has blue eyes and her fragrance is quite divine.
Her purple and green plaid pants, match her lavender vest with a white collar blouse underneath. Whether her job forces her to dress like this or not, she looks amazing either way.
Maybe I would find the courage to answer if I actually wanted to be here, but since I don't. I'm comfortable not speaking.
"Yes, Miss. My friend's birthday is this Saturday. And we're looking for a one of a kind dress to celebrate in." Kuvira speaks.
The sales clerk then turns to me with a smile, and I return it out of politeness.
"How old are you turning, Honey?" She asks.
"I'm turning seventeen, and please ignore my friends' push to find me the perfect dress. Anything is fine with me."
The way the woman drops her eyes to look me over, makes me want to crawl into a ball. I'm not sure if the girls notice this attention on me, but I use that as an excuse to ignore the attention too.
"You're quite an attractive girl, you deserve an outfit that matches that. Wait right here, I'll get my measuring kit."
"That's unnecessary! I don't want anything custom made." I stress with so much concern, the woman stops walking to turn to me.
The smile on her face, tells me she's going to get the kit regardless. But something else tells me, she wanted to get the kit the moment she set her eyes on me too.
My face starts heating up, because I'm doing that thing again. The thing where I pay a little more attention to things, than the average person. Maybe this sales woman is just doing her job? This is her living, and I'm preventing her from doing so.
"Please ignore my dear friend, please get the kit." Ginger replies for me.
The woman nods and heads into the back room, and once those folding doors close, they all attack me. Talking about how I need to enjoy myself. Stop hiding in my shell. Embrace the older woman I'll soon be. How I'm holding myself back from happiness. The same old tune they constantly tell me.
I wish I could just fall into this birthday bash thing, but I can't. It's just a birthday to me.
I believe birthdays are a celebration of all the things you accomplished during your age. The biggest accomplishment I've done during this age, was eat a whole carrot cake my grandmother made one night. I was sick for a few days, but it was worth the internal challenge.
I wish Suki was here, but she has to babysit her sisters. Having her help me fight these three goons, would be easier. However, If I survive this outing, maybe that can be an added accomplishment to my age.
The sales woman returns and I conduct myself better than before. Just because my friends are giving me a hard time, doesn't mean I've to give her one.
The woman sets her kit down, then pulls out this chestnut colored fabric that even catches my eye. I've never seen such a color inside a store before, it's usually in the magazines.
"Yes. It's beautiful. We aren't supposed to put out this fabric until next month, but the moment I laid my eyes on you, Honey. I knew this was the color for you. It just matches your green eyes and black hair. A one of a kind dress, belongs to a one of a kind lady."
With that comment, I can't help but blush.
"That is a lovely color on you, Sami. There are so many directions we can go with it. A dress? Blouse? Skirt? Anything!" Azula beams, along with the other girls.
"Before we do anything, I have to get your measurements. My name is Grace, by the way."
The girls help me up onto the podium, which gets me to protest once again.
"I don't have time for this, I've to head to the school soon."
"School? Ha! Nice try Asami. It's a Sunday, do you really think we're foolish?" Azula defends.
But I'm serious, I've to meet my English partner soon. Mrs. Suyin made this accommodation for us, and that's very considerate of her. Having her present while my partner and I work, is reassuring too. Because my partner and I, have yet to speak to one another.
It's not that I don't want to, it's like she doesn't look interested to have anything to do with me. Once again, maybe I'm doing that overthinking thing, but it feels like it.
"Don't worry, we'll get you to your school in time. I'm really good at what I do." Grace says, getting on the podium behind me and placing her hands on to the side of my hips.
"Don't go moving too much, I want to make sure I get your numbers right." She says, as if her action didn't steady me enough.
"Don't worry, Sami. You're going to look gorgeous." Ginger encourages, but my attention is on not over reacting to a causal measurement take.
Korra
The church service was the longest one I've ever attended. It's as if these folks have nothing better to do, with their day. The reverend was a nice man, he has no children, but all his love is put onto his wife and his practice.
The boys grew irritable too. Not just because of their age, but neither of them are used to these long services. I tried to follow along with the hymns and the words of the reverend, but I lost interest probably 20 minutes in.
I'm just glad to be out and on my way to start this project.
I hid my backpack in some bushes, so I wouldn't have to walk all the way home before school.
It's a beautiful afternoon, and I enjoy the silence of walking. When you're in a hot, crowded, and packed church, this space is well needed.
I make my way up the school's stairs, and once I enter the doors, my heart settles while looking at the emptiness.
I feel nothing, and it's amazing.
There is no chaos, fast pulse race, disguise of being oblivious to stares from other's and fear.
So in conclusion, this school would be nothing without the people that roam it. I'm not fearful of school, it's the people inside of it. This building could careless about one's skin color. I smile to myself thinking about it. If a building had it their way, I bet they would want no one inside them.
I make my way down to the English hall, and I hope that Mrs. Suyin is already in her class. I would dislike it ever so, if I'm caught by a teacher or anyone and don't have my reason being present. Luckily, when I arrive down the correct hallway, I see a light coming from her door.
I take a deep breath to let out my relief, and continue to my destination.
When I arrive to the classroom, I'm met with my partner who's reading over the book.
My teacher is nowhere to be found, but my curiosity is overshadowed by her intense glaze on the novel. She's so into the book, she doesn't even notice me in the doorway.
I've read some of Lord of the Flies, and the book is no near interesting to be so fascinated by it. Already knowing the attention shouldn't be on the book itself, I stare at the girl.
My eyes start at her black hair, which is a bit wavy for a white girl, as it rests down her shoulders. Her maroon flats, that rock with her as she swings her crossed ankles. And how her eyebrows react to each word she reads on the page.
Just by the way she's sitting and simply reading, I can tell she doesn't care about her personal display. She could go on as the world rots away, taking her along with her book. And she'll still hold her attention to it's page.
I clear my throat probably due to the stuffiness of the church, and the girl looks up from the novel.
I expect her to look startled, but instead, she gives me a smile warmer than a summer day.
"Oh, Hello. I didn't notice you were here." She says, getting up from her desk.
She gets up so quickly, the books she placed onto her lap before addressing me, falls to the floor.
She mumbles something discouraging about herself, then sets the novel back on to the table.
Noticing I've yet to speak, I do so.
"Did Mrs. Suyin leave?" I ask, instead of a polite greeting.
The girl nods, then points to her desk, where I see a note faced up reading "Went to make copies, be back soon :)"
"She stepped out to make some copies, she should be back soon." My partner replies.
I take my bag off my shoulder, and make my way towards my seat. My partner finally sits back down, and I question if she purposely chose the seat next to mine, or it was a wild guess?
Once I set my back down, I take out the copy of my own book. Judging from the placement of my book mark, my partner is way ahead of me. I'm not too upset about this, it just gives me more motivation to continue such a book.
The girl begins reading again, and I choose to do so too. Maybe once the teacher get's back, we can begin talking about our assignment.
Our project is to create a poster with all the symbolism displayed in Lord of the Flies. It sounds like an easy tasks, but from how our teacher described it. We must use the elements of the book, that relates to us personally. That being said, there is no wrong or right answers. I don't really enjoy projects with such creative freedoms. Without foundations, how do we know if we're correct?
What gets me through the idea of working on this project, is seeing it as being graded as participation too.
As I try to read through the pages, the sound of my partner constantly flipping to the next page, irritates me. It's not her personally bothering me, it's my mind telling me I'm behind.
I then start to think about my lack of interest in this novel, and maybe it preventing me from moving ahead.
How can I find myself in a book, when I can't find any relations? What if I get through the book and can't find any comparisons? How can I relate with several adolescent British boys lost on an island? The only comparison I've right now with these boys, is being lost.
"Are you okay?" A voice asks, pulling me out of my intense thoughts.
I look to the side and see my partner looking at me concerned.
"Um. Yes. Just reading. That's all." I answer, turning to the next page even though I can't remember what was on the past present one.
Despite my attention back on the book, my partner continues to stare at me, which doesn't help my nerves.
"Maybe we should take a break." She states, while closing her book.
"You may take a break, you're almost finished. I can't." I reply.
"The project isn't due for a few weeks now, and we're practically ahead, given we're the first group to start on the book."
Her voice sounds very sweet but also deep. Something like a sugary cough syrup, that stays on your taste buds for a while.
"I can't afford to take a break, and besides my brain is now invested." I answer.
"I thought you were reading beforehand?"
The smirk on her face, causes me to smile back at her correctness.
She's right, I haven't been reading. But instead, stressing about not reading.
"Come on, let's just take a short break. I promise I can catch you up."
When she says that, my smile quickly drops and I become defensive.
"I don't' need you to baby me, nor translate anything. I'm fully capable of catching up and doing everything I need to do myself." I defend.
Instead of a snarky comeback, the girl looks away from me, and places her attention onto the window. A few seconds passes, then she collects her things, heading towards the door.
Asami
I don't know what I was thinking? I thought offering my help, would be reassuring. I by no means, meant anything harmful. From the moment I realized she was here, I made an effort to come across friendly.
It's not like I had to try, but my own feeling of fear, could make me come across as cold. Which in reality, isn't me at all.
This novel has been a lifesaver for me. Ever since I arrived here, I was nervous about how this would all play out.
Would Korra be friendly? Would I get a better understanding on how beautiful she writes? Her views on the novel so far? And most importantly, why Mrs. Suyin could see us making the greatest project together.
All these things were exciting to me. But my fear was having another one of those moments where I'm standing in the doorway speechless and clueless.
The fear where I could just stare at her for hours, like I'm in the back of the classroom. (Something I most certainly did, while she was clearly not reading her own book.)
And lastly, potentially offending her doing such actions, without my control.
This is all too much for me, I can't do this.
"I'm sorry. Please don't go." A voice says, right before I approach the door.
I don't turn around, but stay put and stare at the lockers in front of me, calling for me to escape.
"I didn't mean to come at you so harshly. I just had a long morning, my mother dragged my brothers and I to church. Which happened to be very long, and not a great experience. This book isn't quite grabbing my attention. And I'm a bit hot headed when it comes to others telling me what I can't do too. I'm sorry."
So she has siblings? I wonder if they're as smart as her too?
I turn around, and slowly make my way back to my desk. I hesitantly sit my bag down, and take my seat.
Korra closes her book, and the attention she places on me, makes me look down at the edge of my desk.
"Maybe we should take a break. Maybe get to know each other better?" She says.
There is a silence, probably based on who's going to start. Knowing I can't fall victim to my own personal loss of words I speak.
"It's okay….I didn't have a great morning either."
"Why?" She asks, which gets me to look up at her, and the way she turns her whole body so it's facing me, makes my heart race.
"It'll sound silly." I state honestly.
"Try me?" She says with a smile, which gets me to smile back.
"Well. My friends dragged me to Belks the department store, for an outfit."
"How is shopping with your friends a bad morning? Sounds like a load of fun."
I giggle at something most girls would've said.
"Let's just say, I'm not huge on the whole 'Makeover thing'. They're only doing this out of their pleasure." I reply.
She rest her head onto the palm of her hand, as she stares at me.
"You don't need a makeover, you're very attractive. No girl around here looks like you. "
I find my face heating up and I begin to correct myself. "Well, it wasn't a makeover really. They just wanted to help me find an outfit for my birthday party."
"That's lovely! When is your birthday?"
"October 12."
"Hm. This weekend. That's exciting. Did you find anything?"
I nod, pulling out a little sample of fabric, then handing it to her.
I watch as she takes the piece and play with it in her hand.
When she extends her hand for me to take it back, I'm surprised with her wrapping it around my wrist. Comparing the color to my skin, feeling her own pulse through her wrist too.
She lets go of my arm, allowing the fabric to rest onto my hand alone, then I place it back into my bag.
"It's a nice color on you. I believe it's one of the 'it' colors." She says, turning her whole body back around.
"How did you know? Not like I didn't expect you too, just curious."
She smiles to herself at my question and maybe my caution.
"My mama is a fashion designer. I'm like her personal model too."
That explains all the lovely dresses she wears.
"I wish my father or grandmother made dresses." I tease.
"Can your mother not?" She asks, and I forget she's probably the only one in this school that doesn't know about my mother.
"No. She's no longer with us." I answer.
And that's when I see the most dreadful thing in my life, her look of sorrow.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know."
"It's alright. Don't be sorry. It wasn't your fault, no need to be. "
"What does your father do?" She asks, next.
I start to feel proud that she's placing all this attention on me, I don't enjoy being asked questions about my personal life. But somehow with her, it seems so easy.
"My father owns a mechanic shop, he used to be in the Army."
She nods.
"That's pretty neat. My father owns a shop too, but it's a corner shop."
I'm just about to ask which one, to see if I been inside of it before. (My grandmother is a heavy smoker, so I go into shops for her all the time.) But then I remember, I never knew a colored man could ever own a shop around here.
Then I'm brought back to the reality that we're having this discussion in school during a Sunday. All because we can't work after school together due to our race. Some of the greatest feelings I've ever had, are under circumstances we're supposed to be divided.
And this anger just engulfs me, because I want more moments like these. Where we can listen and learn more about each other. Because, I don't want to know what it felt like to be me before I came here again.
"We should probably get back to reading." Korra says, reopening her book.
"Yeah. We want to look somewhat productive when our teacher comes back." I tease, but I doubt there would be a problem.
It has been 1 hour and I've yet to seen Mrs. Suyin.
Is she even here?
