Korra
* Mid November*
"We're here to break bread with you." Booker shouts, as I hold the sheet of paper, making sure they're saying their lines correctly. "Oh yes, kind Pilgrim. We would en-joy to share our crops with you. Crops as in corn." Fredrick replies/adds on.
"Crops mean corn, Stupid!" Booker insults.
"I'm not stupid, you're stupid!" Fredrick replies, before shoving his brother to the ground. It's way too hot, to be dealing with this nonsense. Let alone, help my brothers with their thanksgiving play. Which is one week away.
I'm not sure who thought it was a bright idea, to have a pair of twins play opposite roles. But then again, having colored children play roles of whites and Native Americans wasn't well thought of either.
I just know. If the school throws a Nativity play, I'm leaving all the work to the choir directors.
As the boys continue to rough house, I hear my backyard gate open and my annoyance is quickly gone. "You came!" I shout, getting up to greet her. "Of course. Looks like I missed out on the best part too. I want the Indians to win, they were here first." Asami replies, while I pull her into a hug.
These past few weeks, we've done a much better job making time for each other. Especially out of school. Her hours at work have picked up, but we still manage to find the time.
Saturday mornings always work the best. Because my mama runs most her errands that day, my dad is at the shop, and the only thing I've to worry about are the twins. With Asami here, it always makes such task bearable. Even the boys have finally accepted her company.
"Can I see what you've been working on?" Asami asks, which instantly gets the boys to get up from the ground.
"Certainly, Asami. And may I correct you. You called me an Indian, I am actually a Native American. America wasn't India." Fredrick corrects.
"My apologies. Thank you for letting me know the facts." She replies, playfully. But enough seriousness to respect Fredrick's role.
"Take it from the top." I state, while we both sit down.
"What does that mean?" Booker asks, wiping the sweat off his face.
" It means start from the beginning." The boys both nod, and go over their lines again. I've read the script enough times, I don't have to read along. Which gives me the option to multitask.
"Did you've any trouble getting here?"
"No. Why do you ask me that every time?" She asks.
"Because. Sometimes my neighbors can be nosey."
" That's all neighbors, Korra. But I understand what you mean."
"Speaking of neighbors, how is Diane?" I ask, remembering the last time I spoke with her was two weeks ago. And even though I saw her, I couldn't talk much. Which I know clearly hurt her. She always has a lot on her mind, which is understandable, with her being alone all the time. I haven't been over Asami's a lot, so it's been awhile since I seen her.
"You mean the woman with the palm trees, that's everso fond of you?"
I roll my eyes.
"She's not fond of me. She just enjoys my company."
"Well, I enjoy your company too."
"And I give you it." I tease back, bumping her shoulder a little.
"I'm tired of this. Can we stop?" Booker whines, throwing his script to the ground.
"Um. Actors don't quit." I state, getting up to retrieve the sheet of paper and hand it back to him. I swear this younger generation gets lazier and lazier by the day. The longer they don't get their roles down, the longer I'm stuck helping them.
"Maybe they can take a break?" Asami suggests, which gets the boys to grin heavily."Yes! A break." Booker says, while walking towards supposedly my friend, and sitting next to her. "See. This is why I like you coming over here. You keep our big headed sister in check."
"She doesn't have a big head. Well, when she's not informing you on an assignment you're completing wrong, that is." She teases, which just takes up more of my time.
"Fine! You've fifteen minutes, then back out here you come. Got it!?" The boys race into the house, and I sit back beside my guest. "You don't always have to be the nice one around here, they already warmed up to you." She grabs a hold of my arm, and rest her head onto my shoulder. "You think I don't know that? It just gives us more time to be alone. Also, even with their past hesitation of me, they still opened up quicker than you did." I chuckle at that. "Well, that's because they know how safe I am when it comes to who I bring into my life."
"Not to brag, but you've struck gold with me." She replies.
She's not lying with that one. Since the day I confessed my want of her in my life, things have been better. Not just between us, but oddly everything. I apologized to Sokka, which he accepted fairly quickly. On the topic of school, things aren't that peachy, but I seemed to adjust to it. Especially knowing, there are things to look forward to outside of it.
With fall break coming up, there is this newness floating around. I can't really describe it, but i'm quite curious on how I'll go about my free time. With the workload gradually decreasing, having a project over break is very unlikely. That being said, I can truly say for the first time in awhile, I'm excited.
"Korra."
"Yes?"
"I've been wanting to ask you something for awhile, but I always seem to chicken out when I do."The fear in her voice causes me to look at her. "What is it? Is it something bad?"
"Oh no..Well, I don't think it will be. I'm just unsure how you'll take it."
"Just tell me, I'm not sure how I will either."
She gives a nervous laugh, then starts.
"I want you to have dinner with me."I almost laugh out of relief, because I thought it would be something terrible like her moving or her not wanting to see me anymore. Dinner is nothing, we eat together all the time. But if she wanted to be formal about it, I guess that could be frighting for someone to convey.
"Dinner with me and my father, to be exact."
When I hear that part, I can feel the fear overcome my body. it's not as bad as her moving, but it's up there. She grabs my hand before I can be embedded into my thoughts, thinking of all the things that could go wrong."Korra, you know I don't ask much of you, but I really want you to meet him."
"Asami, it's just.."
"A lot? I've met your entire family. I understand it's different given my race and all. And I can understand that factor when it comes to your own fears with meeting my father. But I promise, there is nothing to be fearful of."
"He doesn't even know about me! Don't you think springing all of this on him, is a lot?
"She gives me an amused smirk. "Who said he doesn't know about you?"
"You talk to him about me?"
"All the time. He's a father, Korra. He wants to know where his daughter is half of the time. I already asked, and he said he would enjoy meeting you. I just want you to enjoy meeting him."
Hearing the pain in her voice, makes me feel guilty, because I've been putting off meeting her father. Every time I get the chance, I find an excuse on why it's not the best time for me.
Her telling me in advance, he gave the go ahead and she really wants this, makes my doubts become smaller.
"What did you tell him about me exactly?"
"I told him you're extremely intelligent. The smartest person in the entire county. You're great at running. Funny. Have amazing style, and you're really sweet.
I chuckle at that. "You basically told him, I'm your best friend."
"Pretty much, but I left out some other key factors. Like how you're the most gorgeous person I've ever laid my eyes on. How caring you're when it comes to the people you love. How defensive you get when someone says your name, only to have a beautiful smile follow up when there's nothing wrong. How determined and cautious you are. And most importantly, how happy you make me feel when I'm around you."
I find myself blushing.
"I think you could've told him those things too." I tease, which gets her to laugh and move closer to me again.
"You think so?"
"Certainly. You said it yourself. It's the perfect description of me."
We both burst into laughter, and I feel more confident in meeting this important man in her life now. Because he did a great job raising her, and I feel so foolish for pushing this off for so long.
"I don't know. If I'll tell him all of that, he might chase you away with a shotgun. After those words come out of her mouth, she looks horrified.
"I didn't mean it like that. He's very protective over me. Like a father not wanting boys around their daughter. Not saying he'll do that to you. He'll love you. I'm sure of it."
"Relax, I understood what you meant." I reassure, and her face quickly decolors from red.
"So you'll come over for dinner?"
"Yes, i'll come over for dinner." I answer, which gets a giant hug from her, knocking me over.
"You two having fun?" A voice adds, which gets us to quickly get up. "Hello, Miss Wilson ." Asami says.
"Good Afternoon, Miss Asami. How have you been?"
"Swell, really enjoying the free weekend. How are you? I'm loving your dress. You truly are the best designer of all of Franklin."
My Mama is so full of herself, she twirls with a huge smile on her face. "Thank you, Child. I just put this together two nights ago. I will say. I did do a great job with the layering. On the account of my day, it has been good. Got some good deals on some fresh apples from the market. Might go back, to prepare for my signature apple pie for Thanksgiving."
"That has to be delicious, because the rest of your treats are to die for." Asami replies, which just makes my mama to giggle. "You're too sweet, I'll make sure I bake an extra one for you and your family."
With that being said, I use the time to tell Mama about our plans.
"Asami invited me over for dinner one day, is that okay?"
"What day?" She asks.
" I was thinking this upcoming Monday. I figure with the holidays coming up, I didn't want to steal too much of Korra's time."
After hearing this, I start to feel down. Because I was sort of hoping I would get to see Asami more with the break and all. But she gives me a smile, which brings me back into the moment.
"Hm. I don't see nothing wrong with that. What time are you expecting to be done?"
Again, she asks Asami and not me.
"She'll be home no later than eight, Ma'am. I'll see to it."
"Well in that case, she's certainly allowed." She replies, with a giant smile towards Asami.
"Thank you, Ma'am."
"No problem. I'll leave you girls be. I got the boys bringing in groceries, you don't have to worry about helping them rehearse anymore today."
She walks out, leaving us alone and I roll my eyes. "You see how extra she is?"
"I don't mind it. I sort of like it."
"Well, if your dad's anything like her. I would be concerned
"Oh. I wish. I can't really describe him, but you'll like him. I know it! I'm just glad your mother likes me, I was worried about it for awhile."
I start picking up the boys' school bags from the grass. "You shouldn't have. You're the daughter she always wanted." I reply, which gets her to smile.
My mother adores Asami, she's like the ideal daughter in her eyes. I thought it was just the compliments that she constantly butters her up with. But they genuinely share some things. They both truly appreciate colors when it comes to fabrics. Which is crazy! I've also had the honor to witness Asami be another
one of my mother's models. She gets to use a lot of patterns, she wouldn't typically use on me. Due to our different skin tones, it's like she's my mama's personal dream doll. Clearly, Asami doesn't mind it. I think she likes the attention too. She doesn't talk about her mother at all, so I've no idea if these moments remind her of anything or not. But I do know, it brings joy knowing she feels comfortable with my family.
I just hope I can feel the same way with her's.
Asami
I can't believe Korra's going to finally meet my dad. Of course I always wanted this outcome, but she seems genuinely excited too. My mind is racing with possible dishes I can prepare for everyone Monday night.I don't want to make anything simple, but I also don't want to go over the top. As I debate possible food choices and pull into my neighborhood, I see the woman who owns the palm trees in her yard.
"Just keep driving, Asami. Don't stop. Just get home, to tell your father the good news. "
Despite my internal convincing attempt, I pull to the side of the street and get out the car. I've been struggling for the longest, to just let things be. But I still find it quite odd this woman has this obsession over Korra. I also find it strange, Korra doesn't see it my way. To her, she's just a lonely woman. But to me, something doesn't quite add up.
I've been living here long enough, to know when our neighborhood is unfriendly. From Korra's words, the woman Diane Nancy paints it like we traumatize her. Forcing her to confine in her west coast themed home. That doesn't make sense. We're not engaging folks around here, but we don't attack other's either.
I walk around here many of times, and not once has she spoken to me. Why seek out Korra?
"Good afternoon, Neighbor ." The woman says, while hosing down her yard.
"Afternoon. I'm not sure if you know me, but my name is Asami and I live a few houses down." I explain while pointing to my home in the distance.
"Ah yes, I know you. Your father owns that mechanic shop?"
I nod, proudly. "Yes, Ma'am. That's him."
"Well, I don't have any car troubles, thank heavens. But whenever I need an oil change, I'm sure to go to him." She says, sweetly.
"I think he would appreciate that, Ma'am. Thank you."
I look around and notice how many beds of flowers she has. With the palm trees,. I don't think they clash together well. But then again, who has such trees in the south in the first place.
"Would you like to come in?" She asks.
"No, thank you. I'm in a bit of a rush to get home. But I wanted to speak with you quickly."
She looks a bit concerned, then turns off her hose.
I battle with how I should approach this, but spitting it out seems easier. "I'm not sure if you know this, but...I've a friend named Korra." At the sound of her name, Diane gets thrilled. "The sweet little colored girl that comes around here?"
I nod. "Yes, her. Actually. She's coming for me, and I wanted to understand fully what you want from her."The woman looks shocked at the realness of my question, "And what business is it to you?"
"Partial. Because you see? She's visiting me, and her safety is my concern. I don't need to spell it out to you, on how folks can be around here, given race and all. I just want to make sure she's safe." I reassure.
"Huh. Well, if you wanted her safe you would be picking her up from the bus stop. So she wouldn't have to be walking through the neighborhood all alone."
"I've offered many of times, she prefers her ways."
"Then let her decide whether she want's to speak to me or not. You seem way too young to be hounding your maid. Afraid she's not performing her duties on time, while talking to me?"
I've never been so offended in my life, but I've to remind myself this isn't up for debate. This woman needs to leave Korra alone.
"She's not my maid, she's my friend. That's why I'm having this conversation with you. She's genuinely fond of your company I'm reckon too. But these little hold ups, isn't very fair." The woman laughs, and picks up her tiny dog. "I'm sensing you don't have many friends."
"I've a lot of friends, you're the one I should be questioning."
"And aren't you not?" She replies, finally taking off her sunglasses where I can see her icy sky blue eyes.
"Listen, Ma'am. I'm not trying to start any problems. I just wish you took in consideration the risk you're putting her under, when you invite her to chat inside with you.."
"I don't see what the big problem is, we both are new to the town. Both have different ideologies compared to those in our lives who lived here longer. Her being a smart colored, and me being a west coast movie star. We don't belong here, and we share that commonality. I'm not hurting her. If anything, you're the one doing so. Don't you think it would be better to have two people she trusts living here?"
After hearing that, I start to reconsider my claims. "I guess two is better than one."
"Exactly. We both want what's best for our friend. I appreciate you stopping by to talk to me about her. It shows you truly care about her. Tell you what, I'll make sure I keep my conversations to a minimum, when she's on her way to see you. Is that fair?"
"Yes, that's fair."
She gives me a smile, before putting back on her glasses again. "Swell. Now if you don't mind me. I've a yard to tend to. Have a great remaining Saturday."
As I make my way back to my car, not understanding what just happened. She calls my name again. "Asami, right?"
"Yes."
"I just wanted to say you look very similar to Nancy Kwan. Which I stole my stage last name from."
"Who's that?" I ask.
"Oh, she's this actress back in Hollywood. She's known really on the fact she's half Chinese and Scottish. She's gorgeous, and you favor her a little."
I ignore her words, and quickly make my way back to my car, and sit there for awhile. I hope I didn't sound like a jealous person. Because I'm not that type of person. I was suspicious of this woman, and wanted to know her wants on Korra. I got that. But even though I received her words, something about her mentioning who I favored concerned me. It sounded more like a jab, than a compliment. Maybe I'm being paranoid?
I have been on the edge lately, and my protectiveness grew larger , because I already lost two friends close to me. Mako I can tolerate not seeing as much. But Suki? I don't know what has gotten into her, I know my words towards her were harsh. But her reaction to everything wasn't like her.
I put my car into drive, and focus on the positives. Such as, the dinner coming up and fall break. I know I'll probably be working at the diner more, but that still gives me more time to see Korra and be with both our families. As I pull into the driveway, I see my favorite car. I quickly get out, and can already hear my grandmother yelling about something. When I enter my home, my father gives me a grateful smile. "Oh look, Mother. Your favorite grandchild is home." he states, while getting up from the couch and her wrath.
"Baby girl." She says, extending her arms wide so I can fall into her hug.
"Good afternoon. What a delightful treat to see you." I state.
"Aw. That sounds like a child who's grateful to have me around." She says, loud enough for my father to hear.
He sets his coffee into the sink, then walks over to give me a hug. "How was visiting Korra's?" He ask, which allows me to display my proud smile. "Great! She agreed to have dinner with us this Monday."
"Monday!? That's pretty soon, I've some work to do at the garage later, but I'll make it for dinner at least."
"That's no problem, I told her mother I'll bring her home around eight."
"Well, in that case. Sounds like a great thing." Despite my father and I being on board, my grandmother looks at us confused. Clearing her throat to empathize how rude it is to be left out of the conversation.
"I like dinner parties too." She whines.
"It's not a dinner party, it's just a very small get together." I reassure.
"And what would you be serving at this get together?" She replies, crossing her arms, most likely ready to judge me for my food dish option."
"Probably a baked chicken and greens?" I suggest, which nearly kills this woman with how dramatic she's being towards my response."Heavens, no! You can't serve such a basic dish. You're inviting someone over to your home. It's not just about the decor, it's about painting a picture in one's stomach. And child, you don't cook well enough to leave a great impression."
That was pretty harsh.
"Tell you what. Invite your friend over to my home, and I'll prepare everyone a feast."
When I hear this, all my alarms go off. I told Korra it would just be my father and I. With my grandmother in the mix, that'll just add more pressure to her. More pressure that would get her to decline. Also, I'm not sure how my grandmother will react to her being colored. She's not the worse woman around here, but she certainly isn't the kindest when referring to things not traditional.
My father picking up on my fears, intervenes. "You see, Mother. Asami's friend is one of the colored students down at her school."
Estelle, blinks then looks at me in shock. "Colored? You've been hanging with some colored this whole time."
"She's not just colored, Grandma. She's someone dear to me, and I invited her over to meet Dad. Excuse me for being rude, but your opinion doesn't apply now."
After her hearing this, she nearly faints at the confidence in my voice."Son, you're allowing some colored here in your home?"
My father looks at me, then stands his ground. "This isn't the first time she has been here. And if my daughter wants her over for dinner, I think it's fair I allow it." He replies, while wrapping his arms around me.
My grandma battles with this, then speaks. "This certainly explains why Mako doesn't come over as much. You've been dipping in a pool, you ain't have no business being in."
I'm just about to speak my mind, when my father interjects,"Why don't you meet her too? Then maybe we'll listen to what you've to say. A great woman once told me, you can't judge anything without having a view first."
My grandmother thinks about it, then agrees. "I did say that, didn't I? In that case, I want to meet her too. And I don't want that girl thinking you ain't got no home training. So, I insist you invite her over to my place. So I can prepare her a decent meal."
I'm about to object, but my father speaks again. "That would be lovely of you. What time should we all be there?"I look at my father in disbelief, but he just gives me a smile. "Anytime would do. I can even invite Iroh."
"Now. Now. You can't just go inviting everyone." My father says, defensive.
"And why not? It is my home, and the more the merrier. It's been since my granddaughter's party, that I had guests over. Now stop all that moaning and groaning and go fetch me a sheet of paper. I've grocery shopping to do."
I really hope, Korra doesn't hate me for this.