Korra
Today, Asami and I are going over our presentation one last time before we present tomorrow. I'm quite excited to be done with this project. Over time I learned to appreciate literature, but this book will never sell me on being great. However, I will give it respect for challenging me. Even though the project Is coming to an end, my friendship with Asami certainly won't.
As I'm walking down the street to her place, I see the familiar woman I spotted a few weeks back. But this time, she's crying on her lawn. I want to ignore it, due to her not seeing me. But I simply don't have the heart for that.
"Miss, are you okay?" I ask.
The woman looks up, and takes off her cheetah sunglasses. "I remember you."
"Is everything okay?" I ask again, which gives the woman an excuse to stand up and approach me. "Actually. I'm not quite fine. Come on inside, I'll tell you about it."
"Sorry. Miss. I truly have somewhere to be." I politely, decline.
"Can it not wait? I promise it won't take long, I've cookies and tea too. Please, I just need a friend to talk to."
I hesitantly look in the direction of Asami's home, and debate dashing there. But then I remember this woman's emotional state. And let's say I decline, she might make trouble for me in the future. This is the safest route I take to see Asami, I can't afford to lose it.
I make the decision to follow her inside, and once inside, I'm breath would've never thought such luxury would be hidden inside a home with palm trees out front. There is also a pool in the backyard. It's almost like she brought California to Virginia. This woman wasn't kidding, when she said she could've been a superstar. Her portraits are high grade, and are posted on almost every blank space on the wall.
"Make yourself at home. " She says, while she disappears into the next room.
I walk around the astounding room, and I bet I could say one word, and my voice would echo throughout the several rooms. When Diane Nancy comes back, she has a tray of cookies and sweet tea. Not the most practical combination, but I'm grateful.
"Korra, right?" She says, as I take a glass off the tray.
"Yes." I reply, taking a sip of a pleasantly great batch of tea brew.
The woman surprisingly sits beside me, instead of across. And I scoot over a bit, when her little dog hops into her lap. "Well, Korra. It's just been a long day."
"How so?" I answer back.
"Well, as you already know. I just moved here. My husband is a contractor, and he's always away. Which makes a gal pretty lonely. I try to make friends with the other wives, but I think they judge me." She pouts.
"Why do you think that?" I ask,while taking a bite out of the most delicious cookie I've ever tasted. If I didn't know any better, I would say they were almost as good as mama's. If not better.
"Every time I head over to the Woman's Book Club. You know the one on 3rd's street? They say it's a book club, but it's really not."
"I'm not sure. Most coloreds don't go around that part of town, due to not being allowed and all."
The woman frowns.
"That's not fair. But Hell, that's the south for you. It ain't like that in California. But, on 3rd street, there is this parlor. Where all the women talk fashion, gossip, and just have a swell time. Me just moving here and all, thought it'll be the perfect place for me."
"Was it?"
"Sadly no. The moment I stepped inside, nothing but eyes were on me. At first, I thought it was a good thing. But turns out it wasn't."
"And why's that, Miss?"
She places her hand onto my shoulder, and frowns. "I ain't like them other uppity white folks, you don't have to call me that. Just call me Diane or friend." I give a nod, even though I don't see myself calling her other than Miss. But for the both our sakes, I'll refrain from addressing her by name, if I can help it.
She looks uncomfortable for a bit, then proceeds her story. "I used to be a showgirl." I guess my look of confusion is strong, because she clarifies for me. "I used to pose in just what the Lord gave me." She answers, while hunching up her chest to empathize.
"Oh! That must've been..interesting?"
She gives another painful sigh. "I thought it would be. I thought I could work my way to the top, by doing magazines. In hopes that the right person would find it, and make me a star. I was told being in magazines was the fastest way to get known. But turns out, sleeping with photographers, producers, and directors was it. All of which I never did. I just wanted to act."
"Did you ever get an audition?" I ask, clearly entertained by this woman and the stories she must have.
She nods, but in a disappointing way.
"I got invited to audition for Larry Stormy." I nearly choke on my third cookie, simply from hearing this. "Larry Stormy!? He's the greatest director of all of Hollywood!" Diane smiles, and pulls out a cigarette from her purse. She offers me one, but I decline.
Hopefully, Mama won't smell the scent on me. But if you ask me. Me engaging in a conversation with a showgirl, would be more problematic.
"I was thrilled too, up until I read my script. He wanted me to play a woman who seduced men, to get whatever she wanted."
"That's terrible!"
"I know, sweetheart. I wanted a role where I would be empowering to women. Not a piece of desire in the men's eyes, and the villain in the women's. It wasn't fair."
"What did you do?"
"I left and called the director a pig. Which wasn't good, because I basically got black balled throughout Hollywood. Not one person would hire me. I tried to get back into being a showgirl, but they didn't want me anymore. So I became a waitress at some hole in a wall. All my dreams were ruined."
"I'm so sorry to hear that."
"Don't be, because If it wasn't for all that. I wouldn't have met my amazing husband, Jack. Before we knew each other, he would visit me everyday. Ordering the same thing. Black coffee and one butter on toast. When I asked him why he requested such an odd meal choice everyday. Do you know what he told me?"
"What?"
"He said it was the quickest dish, one could make, and he couldn't last any longer being away from me. And from there on, we've been together since. Work did make him travel, but he always made sure he visited when he could. Telling me he was making money to buy me a house. He did just that, and here we are."
She gets up to retrieve a picture frame, and I'm shown Jack. He looks like a nice guy. He has orange hair, and a very handsome smile. They make a beautiful couple.
"He doesn't travel as much as he used to, but work does call him out sometimes. He always gifts me with things before he goes to keep me occupied, but I would rather have him. Especially living here. He has always been fond of the South. I can't see why. It's hot and muggy all the time. Not much to do either. And I can't make a friend to save my life. Not counting you of course. You're my first friend here."
I smile at such an overstatement.
"No offense, but the women here don't seem nice enough to want to be friends with." I explain.
"Yeah. I learned that the hard way. But a gal can get lonely around here. I love my dog, but nothing beats talking to someone."
"I can understand that, I don't have many friends at my school either. Well, I do...It's just not the same. You want to connect with someone who shares similar interests, not someone who shares the same skin or struggle with you." I find myself trailing off, without thinking.
But surprisingly, the woman looks at me with understanding. "Exactly, Honey. That's what I've always seeked after. The girls who used to pose like me, were supposedly my friends. But when the shots were taken, they went on with their lives. Why do folks always have to see people as temporary? I think we all would be a lot more happier, if we took care of what we wanted to keep. Instead of milking the good we have until it's gone."
Speaking of folks, I remember Asami must be waiting for me. I'm sure she's probably worried too. When I told her I was taking the bus, she was skeptical. But I promised her, I wouldn't be late. Time really got the best of me.
I get up from the couch and brush any crumbs off my skirt. "Thank you so much for the refreshments, but I truly must be going now."
"Oh yes. I'm sorry, dear. I just stole you from your ventures. Do you need me to drive you?" She asks, getting up too.
"No, thank you. I'm just a few houses down. Appreciate you for opening your beautiful home to me."
"Anytime, Korra. Thank you for being a listening ear. I feel a little better now."
Even though my foot is halfway out the door, I turn around and say "You know how you found Jack while working at that diner?"
"Yes."
"I think you've a knack for finding your greatest treasures at your lowest. You'll make friends soon."
The giant smile on her face, makes me feel better leaving.
Asami
I'm pacing the floors, wondering where Korra could be. She called, letting me know she would be on her way two hours ago. She should be here by now.
I knew it was too soon for her to get back on the bus. She told me she felt fine, but she went through a traumatic experience. A few days can't just heal a person. I should've went with my gut, and picked her up. I know why I ignored it. I wanted her to know I believed in her, just like she believed in herself.
All these questions and fears go through my mind, when I hear the door bell. Knowing it has to be her, I rush to the door. But I find a very tired looking Pema, with her son.
"Hello, Asami. I hate to do this, but could you watch Meelo for while? The girls are still sick, and I don't want him getting sick. It's hard enough taking care of two ill children while one of us is at work, but four? It's a lot."
I want to say no, but this is the same person that offered me a job along with her husband. A job, I enjoy very much because it's where I can show my Independence. Not many girls around here, have a leadership position. Especially at my age. I don't want to ruin that. Also, I love this family like my own. And Pema wouldn't come here, if she wasn't desperate.
"Sure, Pema. But I'm having a friend from school come over, I hope that's okay."
"No problem! He won't be any trouble. I packed his coloring books and blocks. That'll keep him occupied. Thank you so much." She replies, while pulling me into a hug. After she lets go, she kneels to the six year old. "You be a nice good boy for Asami. You hear?"
"Yes, Mama." He says, before she gives him a kiss.
With her racing back to her car, I help the child take off his coat. Meelo is the one the oldest boys, with his baby brother being last. He doesn't talk much to me, but I've heard him speak to his sisters. He has always been quiet, and not much excites him.
This quality of him, worries Tenzin. Because I overhead him tell his wife, he's one of them odd ones. Of course, Pema defends their son. But I know she's worried about him too. I don't see what the big deal is. Sure, Meelo hardly talks, but I don't think he'll turn into a mass killer or anything. He's just a shy kid, who's around his chaotic sisters a lot. I wouldn't have much to say either.
"You eat, Buddy?" I ask, as he slowly takes off his shoes.
"No." He replies, lowly.
"Are you hungry?" I ask, but he just ignores my question and wanders throughout my house. I've no idea where he's going, but I let him go so I can look through the covers for something to make him. As I pull out a can of tomato soup, I hear the doorbell ring. This time, I sprint to the door.
When I swing it open, I'm met with my favorite smile. I'm not sure if it's my eagerness or relief, but I pull her into a kiss. When I pull away, she blushes."Did you have chocolate chip cookies? Once again, I'm deprived by your mother's baking." I say, while tasting something sweet on my lips. But instead of replying, she's looking behind me. When I turn around, I find Meelo leaning against the wall.
Maybe he didn't see anything?
"Hi, Meelo. This is my friend." I state, walking towards him.
The boy looks at me, then back at Korra. "Hello, Meelo. Nice to meet you." She greets with a shy wave, but he just stares at us. The boy heads back down the halls, leaving me with my accomplice. "Do you think he saw?" She asks, as she follows me into the kitchen.
"I doubt it."
"You sure, Asami?"
I find the bread, and point for Korra to get the butter dish. "Yes, I'm sure. And even if he did. He doesn't' talk. Seriously, we're fine." I reassure. I turn the counter stove on, and I think I'll pair the soup with grilled cheese. If he's sick. and not showing it, this could make him feel better. "Sorry for being late, I ran into a friend." Korra starts off, while taking out two slices of bread.
"Who? Katara?" I ask, grabbing a knife from the bin.
"No, actually one of your neighbors. The woman with the big house and palm trees. You know her?" She asks.
I'm hardly home to be close with my neighbors. But I am aware of the palm tree home though. The neighbors were in a uproar when they were placed in their yard. Said it took away from the other homes' beauty. But just because something is different, doesn't mean it's not as beautiful. If it makes that woman happy, power to her.
"What did she want?" I ask, seeing the pan start to sizzle.
"Just a listening ear. She lived a crazy life, I'll tell you that." She says with a chuckle.
I may not know this woman closely, but I wonder what this woman might want from Korra. People around here aren't that friendly, and to ask a mere stranger for a listening ear? That doesn't sit right with me. I don't want to bring this concern up though. I'm just now getting Korra to trust me, I don't want her to take away her trust in other people. Therefore, I'll leave it alone.
"She treat you kindly?" I ask, while placing one bread onto the skillet.
"Very! Her place is so huge, you've to see the insides." She beams.
"Maybe next time you can invite me."
Instead of replying to my suggestion, she changes the subject "I wasn't aware a kid would be here. You should've told me not to come."
"I didn't know! His mother brought him last minute. And no, I would want you to come regardless. I meant it when I said, I didn't care who saw me with you. Especially in my own damn home." I defend.
"Don't curse." She scolds, which just gets me to smile.
"Why? Is it not lady like?" I tease.
"No, because we've a child who appears to move around like a ghost, that can hear you." She teases back,and slashing a finger of butter onto my nose.
I didn't have to do much of the cooking, because Korra managed to take control over everything. She turned a simple dish into a masterpiece. She even went an extra mile, by cutting the bread into a race car. I never knew she was so artistic. When I asked about this talent, she just said she's really good at shapes. But I know a Picasso when I see one.
We didn't have to call Meelo to the table, it was like he already detected when his meal was prepared. Even though we already placed his food down, he doesn't touch it. He's just starring up at us, which is a little creepy.
"Does he not eat?" Korra, whispers to me.
"He does. Maybe he's just shy?" I reply back. But honestly, I've never watched him alone before. Usually one of his sisters are here, and that makes everything a lot the child barely touch his food, I try to think of a reason for his hesitation. Is it because he saw what we did earlier? Was it so disgusting, he lost his appetite?
As I get worried, Korra walks over and kneels to his level.
"Do you like grilled cheese and tomato soup?" She asks, but the boy continues to stare at her.
Yep! This is it. If the boy wasn't speaking before, today certainly gives him something to talk about. I lost my job and my life within a day, who knew it would be this fast? Just when I'm about to give up, Meelo holds up his finger and shuns Korra. But he does it in a way, like he's putting an X on her face.
Okay, that's enough! I refuse for this to go on any further. "Meelo, that's not nice..."
"Dear ye heavenly father, may you bless the food we're about to feast on. And the cooks who prepared this meal. Amen." She says, while holding his hands. When they're done, he takes a huge bite out of his sandwich.
When she gets up from the ground, I look at her like she's Jesus himself. "What was that!?" I ask, in disbelief.
"What was what?" She asks, confused.
"The whole reading mind thing? "
She giggles, and explains. "Did you not see him do the cross thing with his finger? He just wanted someone to bless the food."
"You mean, him shunning us?" I defend.
"You're silly, let's wash the dishes."
Korra
Asami and I have been practicing for our presentation, and I will say having Meelo as an audience member is somewhat beneficial. He doesn't talk much, which helps us focus. But his lack of talking, isn't setting an accurate representation of our classroom.
I know Ms. Suyin will make sure everyone's respectful. But I'm not sure that will be the case, when Asami and I present. It'll be the first time I've ever spoken in front of my English class before. What is there not to talk about?
I know with Asami beside me, it'll be a lot easier. But everything is unpredictable, when it comes to that school.
"Do you think Ms. Suyin, read our project first?" Asami asks.
"I'm not sure. Hopefully, she graded it already."
"Supposedly, you get your grade right after you present. That's what Ginger told me, when she presented today." Asami answers.
I decide to take a break, and lay on the couch, exhausted. My partner makes sure she sits on another one, because we've to be more cautious. I wasn't expecting to be pulled into a kiss like that, but finding a boy against the wall, certainly wasn't on the list either.
I'm not sure if he saw anything, because my mind was elsewhere. But I'm trying not to be too worried by it. Asami says he's quiet, but my brothers weren't at his age. Nor are any six year olds.
I roll off the couch and onto the ground, and decide to get to know this kid. "What's your favorite thing to do, Meelo?" I ask.
"He doesn't talk much." Asami answers.
"Probably because you're always talking for him." I tease, to the ravened haired girl.
Meelo looks up from his coloring book, and I wait patiently for him to speak. "I like to play babysitter." He says lowly. I'm not sure why, but Asami always looks like I'm performing magic whenever I do something.
"How do you play babysitter?" I ask, while picking up one of his crayons, and begin coloring. I purposely don't stay in the lines on his coloring book, and he looks up and smiles at me. "Clearly I don't know how to color, so you've to tell me about babysitter."
"I play it with Ikki sometimes. She's my sister." He adds.
"That's nice of you for playing with your sister. How do you play?" This time, I start coloring in the lines with him.
"We get baby dolls, and take care of them."
"That's almost like what I do with Asami." I reply, which gets a pillow thrown at me, and Meelo to giggle. "Asami's not a baby." He says, with the cutest smile ever.
"You're right, she's not. Do you play babysitter everyday? It sounds fun." I continue. The boy's happiness, dramatically changes to sad. But he answers. "No. Papa says boys don't play with dolls."
I look over at Asami, and she's just as in shock as me. But I don't display that on my face to him. Nor does my partner, instead she's upset. So I make sure I speak first."He's right, boys don't play with babies." I reply, while coloring again with him.
"Korra!" Asami defends, but I ignore her and continue. "Dads and Papas play with babies. And one day, you'll have one."
"Is that why Papa get's angry?" He asks.
"Probably so, Buddy. Maybe he still wants you to be his baby."
"But he has Rohan, and he's a real baby." He answers.
I can see the redness on Asami's face, probably from biting her tongue, but this is a delicate topic. Even I'm having a hard time, maneuvering it, but it's happening.
"Do you remember when you first played babysitter? How did you feel?"
He gets a giant smile, probably remembering. "I felt happy!"
"Well, you're your Papa's first baby boy. And he probably wants to hold onto that same happy feeling for a little longer. Does that make sense?" He nods, then stops coloring to ask me, "Am I broken for wanting to play with baby dolls?" The fear in his eyes, shouldn't be in a child so young. Yet, that same look is what my brothers and a lot of other people like me share.
"No, you're not broken for wanting to take care of something that makes you happy. No matter what, remember that. Will you do that for me?"
He nods, and begins coloring again. Seeing that he's comfortable with me, I find it best to address the elephant in the room. "Hey, Buddy. Did you see us earlier together alone?" I asks, cautiously. He doesn't say anything, but I continue. "Well….if you did. We were just saying hello to each other. Have you ever seen two people say hello like that before?"
Meelo nods, which indicates he did see us. "Mama and Papa do that."
"Yes! That's right. Mama and Papa's do that. We accidentally greeted each other in the wrong way. And we certainly won't do that again. Right, Asami?"
She hops down from the couch and joins us on the floor, giving a very convincing nod. "That's right. We're just going to stick with the waves and hugs for now." She adds.
"Does that make sense?" I ask.
"Yeah." He replies, and I'm thankful.
Asami
Meelo fell asleep in Korra's arms, and I'm quite envious, but at least I can hold her hand.
"When will your father be home?" She asks.
"Probably until later tonight. Why? You don't want to meet him?" She gives me a look that I haven't seen on her before. It's a cross between worried, but also willing. "Are you scared of my father? He's harmless." I say low enough, so it won't wake the child.
"I'm sure he is, but..."
"Korra, we talked about this." I stress, wanting her to try and trust me more.
"I know! It's just..can we just take it slow?" Her pleading eyes, tells me she really doesn't want to have this talk. So I leave it alone. I would love it for my father to meet the person who changed my life. But I also don't want to push her away. There is so much I want to tell and show her. Sometimes I feel like I'm rushing, but it feels like our time is so limited too.
"You okay?" She asks.
"I'm with you. Why wouldn't I be?" She blushes, then adjusts, Meelo so he's laying more on her shoulder.
"No. I'm talking about earlier. You got really upset."
I sigh, remembering how I felt. It really angered me, finding out that Tenzin would be so hard on a six year old. Especially, his own child. This whole time, I thought he was just shy, but he's probably this way out of fear. I'm not even sure if the girls are even sick at this point. What if things were so bad at home, Pema thought here would be the safest?
All those thoughts were going through my head, as Korra tried her best to get him to understand that nothing was wrong with him. But during that, all I wanted to confront my boss, and call him out for being a poor excuse of a father.
"I'm okay. I just didn't know about all of that." I explain.
"It's nice to know you feel that way, because the majority of folks agree with his father." She sighs.
"I hope your father isn't like that with your brothers."She doesn't say anything yet, but I know she's probably thinking if their was a time he was or not. "No, he's not. But there was this man from my old neighborhood, that used to wear dresses and makeup."
"How was that? Were they as accepting to him up north?" I ask.
"Absolutely not! He was teased by almost everyone, every single day. I'm not sure if the twins remember him, because they were so young. But one day, he was coming home from work and a group thugs jumped him. No one called the police or anything. I'm sure there were witnesses too. He wasn't even in a dress when this happened."
"That's horrible. Is he alright now?"
"It was a miracle he survived, but when he recovered. He became more flamboyant. It was almost like they killed the hidden version of him. This just upset the public more, but he never stopped being himself. One day, I asked my Mama why he would do the things that got him hurt. Because clearly, the teasing didn't stop."
"And what did she say?" I ask, hopeful, she would be as understanding as her daughter.
"She told me 'Sometimes people like to play God. Deciding whom they want to be, without actually being that person."
There is a long pause, so I take advantage of the silence.
"Do you think he was playing God?" I ask.
"Back then, I would say yes. But now thinking about it, aren't we playing God deciding who deserves to be worthy or not? If anything, I think he had the strength of God, to endure as much as he did."
She squeezes my hand, and I'm curious on how she lived through so many references of bravery, yet she doesn't see herself as brave. Hopefully she'll see it soon, because I see it in her everyday.
