Korra
"I think it's unfair that we have to share the theater hall with the other school. They knew we had this day!" My mama says, as we wait in line to purchase our tickets.
"Honey, it wasn't their fault the venue got the dates mixed up." Dad replies, while we move up.
Booker and Fredrick's play is today, and even though they're going on after the all-white elementary school. I know the boys are ready to perform. They have to be! Because I didn't stay up many of nights, for them to fail.
It's nice to be out as a family again too. You know? Back when the boys weren't born yet. Outings like these, used to be my joy when I was younger. Don't get me wrong, I love the twins. But, I know they're back stage somewhere doing their own thing.
Despite the possibility of us getting home later due to the scheduling confusion. Another draw back is, we have to sit in the balcony. A lot of folks took off from work to be present for their children, the lack of pay just encouraged whites and coloreds to accept the reality. But of course you've folks like my mama, who still insist on complaining.
With Thanksgiving two days away, I'm taking the time to relax. Because once Mama starts cooking, chaos will happen. If her prepping wasn't enough of an obstacle. The groceries has already taken over our kitchen, and she still expects to go out to buy more!
I keep reassuring her that we've more than enough to feed our family of five, but she thinks the whole church is going to randomly stop by for a plate. Sure, she's baking some desserts for the church's bake drive. But, I doubt they'll need 12 different variations of pie as.
As we finally make our way inside, we surprisingly spot the twins talking Sokka's ears off.
"Finders keepers. They're yours to keep now." Sokka tells us, as he takes his attention off the boys to greet us.
"Sokka promised us ice cream after the show." Booker says proudly, in his adorable pilgrim costume.
"I didn't entirely say today." Sokka says, through gritted teeth.
My mama gives the football star a hug, then examines him. "You look oddly different." She says, with a very amused smile on her face.
"What do you mean, Ma'am?" Sokka asks, curiously.
"You just look very...manly. I thought football season was coming to an end. "She teases.
"It's the strong inner colored man in him." Dad adds, before patting the player's back so hard, he has to cough and clear his throat.
My parents take the time to talk to the boys, while I try to catch up with my friend. We haven't really talked about our thanksgiving plans yet. So, I'm shocked to hear that he won't be spending the holiday here. That his sister and aunt were driving down to North Carolina. Despite the exciting plans he has in store down there, he doesn't sound too excited. He looks almost disappointed to leave. I think getting out of the state would be a nice break, in my opinion. But I know I would miss Asami tremendously. Maybe being away from his friends, is causing his doubts?
"Are you doing anything special for break?" He asks, personally.
"Other than hope to God that my family won't drive me crazy, nothing."
"Come on now! They're not too bad."
We look over at my mama yelling at the men of our my home, and then back at one another.
"Okay, maybe I would be dreading being stuck at home too. But there has to be other things you can do." He reassures.
"I thought I could get ahead on schoolwork, but you all don't give work over break like they do up in Chicago."
My friend laughs at my truthfulness. "Down here. We only care about eating good, and trying not to kill our families. Especially during the holidays. Survival is way more important than a few chapters of a text book." Sokka replies.
"Katara didn't come?" I ask.
"Nah. She's still packing. She wanted to come though. I thought it would be nice to get out the house, before I'm stuck in the car with women for a few hours. A man has to save his sanity. Did you find your seats yet? You want to sit with me?"
"That works. Just let me just tell my folks first. Mama, we're going to go find our seats." I call out, as we start walking towards the stairs.
"Um. I'm afraid you're not." She replies, stopping us before I could touch the railings.
"Why can't I sit with my friends?"
"Because, Korra. This is a family occasion. Therefore, we will be sitting together. I'm sorry, Sokka."
My friend gives an understanding nod, then proceeds to head up alone.
I can't believe she's acting like this.
"Senna. Maybe we could just let her sit with her friends, the boys' play doesn't go on for another two hours." My father tries to defend.
"Tonraq! Thanksgiving is about spending time with your family, Korra should know that."
"I've practically seen this play already! I know the twin's lines more than they do!" I defend.
"No way! I'm original." Fredrick says, motioning to his Native costume.
"Yeah! And I kill people!." Booker adds, flexing his toy pistol.
This is our youth.
Asami
Just because the diner's closed, doesn't mean I've to not work. Well, supporting Tenzin and Pema's children isn't work exactly. But something about being with my bosses for their children play, feels like it.
Don't get me wrong, I love those kids to death. But I certainly could've survived not sitting through a two hour play about something no one was actually present to know about today. Then again, this is an elementary based play. So, maybe I could be less of a critic.
A lot of folks were upset about the colored and white schools sharing the venue day. Apparently, there was a mix up or something like that? I'm thrilled about it, because it gives me the opportunity to watch Booker and Fredrick's play as well.
A woman has been holding up the line with her dislike of sharing, and I would wish she would carry on with her day.
"I think it's very unfair how my children have to breathe the same air as those coloreds. Think of the sickness." The blonde woman yells, at the ticket seller.
"Miss. I understand you're upset, but I'm just doing my job. I've no control over the policy." A boy no older than me, replies back to her.
"What do you expect I do then? I can't just leave!" The woman defends.
"Miss. Maybe you could..." Before the seller could finish, the woman cuts him off. "MY NAME IS KAREN!" She yells, while her husband tries his best to calm her down. But she's in her own world. Actually, no. It's like she believes she owns it.
We're called to the next booth, so we can purchase our tickets and now I'm right beside the frantic woman. Seeing how she's not going to stop, I interject. "Maybe you could wear a mask to protect yourself from the coloreds' air." I say just nicely enough, so she doesn't catch my sarcasm.
"Oh! I can't. I've asthma." She replies.
We finally enter the theater, and it's packed with numerous of families making their way to their destinations. The coloreds going up the stairs to the balcony, and the whites entering through the double doors. You would think the amount of unavoidable interactions between the two races, wouldn't make much of a difference if they sat together. If a high school can manage to do so, what makes a theater any different?
"You think we'll be able to catch the kids before they go on?" Pema asks, looking around.
"I highly doubt it, especially when they were given different parts." Tenzin replies to his wife, as he leads us down the aisle to the seats.
We're not right upfront, but more so in the middle section. I prefer it this way, I don't want to be right onto the stage or too far. I can't really complain though, because it must be difficult to view everything from the balcony.
A little red haired boy peeps his head out of the curtains, which gets a few folks to laugh as he's yanked away, from whomever adult caught him.
Korra has to be here somewhere. My hope is to catch her somehow before all of this is over, but due to this large crowd, that might be unlikely. I doubt she even knows I'm when it comes to chance, I think we tend to have it in our favor.
The lights start to dim, and all the separate conversations start to die down. I tuck my pamphlet into my olive green wool trousers and place my attention onto the stage.
A woman with dark auburn hair steps out from behind the curtains, and waits for two men to move a podium out for her. With everything set, she takes the stand. "Good Evening, Parents of Franklin Collegiate. We're very pleased to see you make it out tonight. We understand the change of plans, due to a misunderstanding with the venue. But the show must go on. Our students have prepared very much, to put on the performance of their lifetime."
"Give me a break." Tenzin says, under his breath. Which gets me to chuckle.
"Today's play is about a beautiful blessing. It's about how the settlers made peace with the Indians. And as thanks for the Pilgrim's generosity, the Indians offered them a feast."
"Way to spoil the ending, Lady." Some older teen, calls out through the crowd, which gets a few laughs.
"Jacob? Is that you? You know what? If you were still in my class you would..." The woman quickly gets back on track, then places a smile back onto her face. "I think i said everything I had to say. I'm going to let our beautiful bright students paint the picture for you. I present to you 'Thanksgiving.'
We all clap, and the woman and the men carry the podium off the stage.
The curtains finally open and we're faced with a water colored backdrop of waves. A boy who looks to be in the 3rd grade steps out in a black top, giant belt, and white pants. But that's not what gets the folks to laugh, its the beard he's forced to wear that's longer than his entire body.
"I. AM. A Pilgrim." He reads from his hand
I can see the teacher in the corner of the stage shake her head in embarrassment, which just makes watching this even more amusing.
"I think we're about to come across land." He says, without reference to his lines, causing a few other pilgrims ranging from numerous grade ages to rush out. One of them is Jinora, and I can see Pema and Tenzin smile proudly.
"Finally! The land we've been seeking. Do you think it's the Americas?" Jinora asks loudly, and clearly.
"No. it's India,Woman! I best collect my things, as we plan to dock." The bearded Pilgrim replies, before running across the other end of the stage and exiting.
Next, the curtain goes down, and we can hear movement and directions being given as they prepare for the next scene. "They're doing so well." Pema whispers to me.
The curtains reopen, and we are given props this time. There is also a makeshift crayoned colored green bush. A tan sheet, that's supposedly represents sand, and a few paper mache boulders.
My admiration of viewing the props were shortly lived when the sound of off beat drums begin to be played. Next, yells and random chants can be heard. Following a collection of kindergartners running onto the stage.
The crowd laughs, as the tiny painted faces run around being just as wild as their usual selves. Circling the Pilgrims, who cling to one another fearful. Everyone seems to be amused, except the father seated one chair away from me.
Because one of those Indians is Meelo.
"Why are you so happy seeing your son prance around in a skirt?" He asks his wife, just low enough for her to hear. But I catch his words just as clearly too. She quickly drops her smile, and glares at her husband. "It's just a play, Tenzin. Why can't you just lighten up? Everyone finds it humorous."
"Well, I don't! And don't make it seem like this is just a one time thing. We shouldn't be encouraging this behavior."
"He was assigned a part! All the males had to wear it, that's what the Indians wore!"
"Well, they're not Indians are they!?" Before his wife can reply, Tenzin gets up and walks out of the theater. Even though I continue to place my attention onto the scene taking place on the stage, I can't help but see Pema tear up in the corner of my eye.
I'm torn between whether I've the right to comfort her or not, because it's not my place to say anything. Nor does Pema know I'm now aware of how her husband feels about their older son. Meelo looks to be having a great time on the stage, and I know it has nothing to do with his attire. It's disheartening to know, his father is too set in his ways to acknowledge his child's happiness apart from that.
"I think this might be the first time I ever heard him scream." I tease to Pema, who actually smiles.
"Who knew all it took was some paint, to make him rowdy." She jokes back, finally stopping her tears.
Korra
As I sit in the balcony with my parents, all I can think about is Asami. Wondering what she's probably doing right now. Maybe if I was able to sit with Sokka, I would have more of a distraction. We haven't really discussed any plans, we would make during break. I didn't want to suggest anything, because I wasn't sure how mama would act. Now knowing how family oriented she wants to be during this break, I'm worried she won't let me go out at all.
The first school's play is about to end, given how they're all seated at the big feast now. I know the boys haven't gone on yet, but I'm ready to go home. At least I could call Asami over the phone, I don't have to leave the house to do that.
"Korra, can you go get some popcorn and a soda pop for you old man?" My father pulls out his wallet, while his wife glares at him. Before my mama can protest, I retrieve the money and make my way down the stairs.
Everything is pretty empty, with everyone inside. It's nice out here, the theater is classically designed. I read somewhere, a colored man helped design it. Of course you wouldn't read that in textbooks, but this town is small enough to know about it.
I wait for a few white folks to finish getting their snacks, then approach the concession stand. When I get there, I see the teen retrieving more popcorn with his back turned. I'm just about to turn around and return back to my seat empty handed, when he catches me.
We look at one another, and I know I've no right to be fearful. But I am! I also know, running away won't help the situation. It'll show that I'm guilty, which I'm not. But I certainly don't expect to make a purchase from him.
"You want something or did you get lost looking for the colored restroom?" Mako asks, with a sharpness in his voice.
"I think I know where I can and can't go. And purchasing from concessions, is a right of mine. " I answer back.
"What you want then?"
"Can I get a popcorn and one Coke." I notice some jawbreakers in the corner and add a few of those too.
He grabs my Coke, then does something that surprises me. Instead of giving me the already prepacked popcorn box. He goes out of his way, to get a fresh batch directly from the machine.
"That's all you want?" He asks, with his back turned from me, still scooping.
"Yes, that's all." I reply, while he hands me all my items. "That'll be seventy cents." Just from hearing the price, I make a displeased face. "Goodness, you would've thought we were in an actual movie theater. They're still charging an arm and a leg." He chuckles, and goes to the register to get my change.
"Tell me about it. Just ringing folks up, makes my wallet hurt. They're not even paying me what two boxes of popcorn are worth." He replies, sliding my nickel to me. Seeing how the tip jar seems pretty empty, I drop my nickel inside and he looks shocked. Similar to how I internally looked, when he got me my popcorn.
"Thanks." He says, before quickly grabbing a dish rag to wash the counter, so he wouldn't have to look me in the eyes.
I want to say you're welcome, but some things are best left unsaid.
"Is that Miss, Korra Wilson?" A familiar voice asks, while I pop a jawbreaker into my mouth.
"Jet, what brings you here. You don't have any siblings to force your attendance." I tease, while pulling him into a hug.
"I'm a man who likes to be apart of the happenings of the town. I'm guessing you're here for the over priced concessions." He teases, while we opt for walking pass the stairs, to walk around the building.
"These are for my father, and you know I'm here for the twins. They're about to go up soon. Do you want some?" I offer while holding out the box for him.
"Nope. I've something better." He then opens up his coat jacket, where I find numerous of watches, pendants, and jewelry in his procession.
"Where did you get those?!" I ask, horrified.
"Shh Shh. Don't cause such a scene. You know white folks don't believe in locking their cars. Call it an early Christmas." He snickers, while trying to hand me a necklace, worth twenty boxes of popcorn.
"I don't want any of that. You better return them!"
He laughs, as if I was speaking stupidity.
"No way! Them white folks don't deserve all of this. Besides, it'll be more trouble returning them."
"No it won't. The second play is about to start, which gives you two hours." I defend.
"Oh, please! You think they'll stay to watch colored kids? The same ones they neglect with lack of resources and programs? Nah. They're leaving as soon as their precious children get off the stage. You just watch." He argues.
If he gets caught, he'll be in a world of trouble.
"Jet, you know that's wrong. You could go to jail." I plead.
" Ha! I would be lucky enough if I get jail. And besides, ain't no one is going to know. This is just between you and I. And I know you ain't gonna tell no one, are you?" He asks, with suspicious eyes.
I want to tell my father, but I know he'll question my friend choices and probably not let me leave during break too. I also, don't want Jet to get in trouble. I could tell Sokka, but Jet will be long gone by the time I do that. Not to mention, I'll miss the twins' play taking care of this.
He's right. It's far more trouble, taking care of this.
"Relax, Korra. No one saw me. I do this all the time. I know the risks and I never get caught. I just felt generous to offer you apart of it. It's okay." He replies, while pulling me into another hug. "Go back to your family, and tell them I wish them a great thanksgiving." He replies, while making his way out the doors.
Asami
There is only ten minutes left in the final play, and the majority of the white parents left with their children, as soon as they got off the stage. Tenzin and Pema were one of them. They were curious on why I opted to stay, but I told them my father would pick me up around the time the other play would be finish. They agreed, and wished me a happy Thanksgiving. Even giving me two days off. I know I won't have such luxury when Christmas starts. Because nowadays folks don't cook on Christmas or celebrate it like they did before. But somehow, everyone stays put when it comes to Thanksgiving.
Booker and Fredrick's school did a great job with their productions of Thanksgiving. Even though they had lack of resources, their acting carried them all greatly. I don't want to be bias, but Booker and Fredrick were the best actors throughout the school. They spoke with confidence and helped improvised when fellow students forgot their lines. It was nice to see all their hard work come alive finally on stage too. With less people in the crowds now, I wished I could find Korra. If the coloreds were given the option to move forward, it would make the task much easier. But my hope is, I can run into her after the play.
As I watch some Natives die due to a disease they were given, from the Pilgrims .( Which were certainly left out from the first play. I feel a body join the vacant seat beside me."I thought it was you." Mako says, while I continue starring up at the stage.
We haven't spoken in a month, and even though I've come to peace with his past behaviors, it doesn't mean I'm 100% okay with his company. Eating together at lunch, is one thing, but him trying to have a conversation is another.
"Looks like you found another job." I reply back.
"Yeah, the factory was laying people off. I didn't want my Pops to get cut due to his age, so I quit."
I nod, accepting that was a considerate choice.
"My car isn't working, I was hoping you could give me a ride home." He says, which finally gets me to turn and look at him. He looks exhausted , but he still gives his smile. The smile lacks the confidence I once knew he held, but I know the comfort is still trying to fight it's way to be shown.
"You're telling me you walked all this way?"
From where he lives, you're talking a thirty minute walk on a good day. Buses certainly don't run the hours he probably had to come out here. "It wasn't too bad. I ran longer on the field." He teases.
I continue watching the show, even though I'm thinking about if I should actually let him ride with me when I call my father. I think about how this dampened my plans. The only reason I told my father I would call him, was in hopes I'll find Korra and we could spend time together. With Mako now in the picture, that makes a ride home early from my dad certain.
"I was going to ask Suki, but she was with her entire family. And I doubt they would have the space for me. I also would walk, but I'm a little sore. Lifting up the popcorn machine to clean it, is troublesome. But I understand if..."
"Fine! I'll do it. But don't think just because I'm taking you home, we're on good terms."
"Are you serious, Asami ? It's been a month."
"Yes! Which isn't enough given how I've known you my entire life, and you made me rethink your character in a matter of a few minutes." I defend.
It's not anger I feel for him. It's the feeling of pain, knowing I've a difficult time calling him my friend. I still care for him, even though he hurt someone I deeply love. But I also see that he doesn't have to be that hateful person. That he isn't that person. I've seen hate driven people, and he's not one of them. He's just someone that can do hateful things when he feels threatened. That's not an excuse, but if he would just stop seeing things as threats...
The Chief who is played by Fredrick appears back onto the stage, and everyone is silent. "We gave you food, shelter, and knowledge. And you gave us, disease, war, and destruction. We gave you life, and you took ours. The Thanks Given." The stage goes black, then the theater erupts with applause.
You would've thought the balcony would collapse with how many people are stomping and cheering at the production. Even folks sitting around me, are clearly impressed.
"I can probably ask my dad to look into your car." I mention.
"It's fine, Asami. I'm just grateful for a ride." He says, embarrassed.
"You know he's not going to charge you." I express.
"I don't want no hand out!" He defends.
"And I don't think he'll give you one! You'll probably have to work it off. His hand has been hurting lately, I'm sure you can work something out with him." I reply, noticing how people are starting to make their way out the theater. Which gives me a better chance to find Korra ,before calling my father.
"Are you looking for someone?" He asks, which pulls my attention off the crowd.
"Yes." I reply.
"I told you, Suki already left."
"I'm not looking for her, and we aren't really talkin..." I remember I much rather not talk about the miscommunication between her and I, so I just leave it at that.
"Maybe waiting outside would make it easier to find whoever you're looking for." He suggests, while getting up.
"No, I think I can do so here."
"Sami, I worked here long enough to know you aren't going to get much success inside. Come on."
Korra
I'm so proud of Booker and Fredrick's performance. Fredrick's closing line sent chills down my spine. And I'm the one that wrote it! I gave him the choice whether he felt comfortable to say it, and I'm glad he did. He really would make a great actor one day.
People keep coming up to the twins to express their appreciation of their roles. And even though they're congratulating them, it's like Mama is taking all the credit. As folks start to leave, I see a wonderful sight. Asami making her way towards us.
"You two did so well." She says, which gets Booker and Fredrick just as excited to see her too. Rushing towards her, to get her thoughts. "Did you see me stab the Natives !"Booker asks, eagerly. "I most certainly did! You were like a serial killer with that knife." She teases, which gets him to smile proudly, which makes my parents very concerned for their child.
"And Fredrick! Do I see a future Fred Astaire in the future?" She asks, which gets him to smile widely.
"What brings you here, Miss Smith?" Mama asks, while giving Asami a hug. The same folks that attend church with us, look at us oddly. They're probably noisy on what business we've with Asami, but I could care less.
"My bosses have children that attend the collegiate school, so they invited me. But after finding out my favorite twins were performing. I knew I had to stay, and I'm glad I did. They did wonderful."
"All thanks to me." I interject, which gets her to smile. "Oh! You know I saw you during every moment of that play." She replies, which gets me to moment is short lived, when a gentleman smoothly sweeps pass me and lifts both twins off the ground. "You two did amazing!" Sokka says, while spinning the boys around.
"Thank you." Mama says, while the star football player sets them down, then proceeds to be wrestled down by the boys.
"Now now. Enough is enough, boys. I think we already know who won the fight today." My father says, through chuckles.
The boys get off my poor friend, so Sokka can gets off the ground.
"As you may know, we're heading to North Carolina in the wee hours of the morning." Sokka says, to my parents.
"Really? I was hoping to drop off a pie for you." My mama says, hurt.
"I know, Ma'am. But our family is expecting us. And Aunt Kya is deeply grateful for the pie you made for us prior." He says, while pulling Mama into a hug, then giving a firm shake to my father.
"I also came over to invite Korra to get ice cream with me, is that okay?" He asks, which is shocking ,because he asked them instead of me personally.
My parents both look at one another with a smile, then nod.
"I think that'll be alright."
"What about us? You said you would get us ice cream too." The twins whine.
"I promise I'll take you all next time, but it's too late for you all to be out." Sokka replies, while giving them a giant hug, before they say their goodbyes and walk off.
With them gone, I look at my friend annoyed. "Why did you do that?"
"I wanted to talk to you? But they made it difficult, with them not wanting us to sit together!" He defends.
"Maybe they think you two are courting, I wouldn't be shocked by it." Asami adds, realizing she's still here. Her comment wasn't malicious, it was very humorous. Accompanied with a giant smirk, which gets Sokka to smile back impressed.
"Asami, would you like to get ice cream with us?" I ask.
She quickly blushes. "No, it's fine. You two enjoy yourself."
"No, I want you to come." I express deeply.
She gives me a small smile, then motions her head to the boy leaning against the wall, clearly waiting for her. "I've to call my dad to have him pick us up. If it wasn't for him, you know I would. I just don't want him interfering with such a great night." She says, sympathetic.
"Invite him." Sokka offers, which shocks the both of us.
"You know he's not going to come." Asami says to Sokka. And I don't know why, but this is such a odd conversation to witness. Because I've never seen the two interact before. And they're speaking so casually with one another. I know that's a good thing, but I always saw all my friends interactions separate.
"Trust me, he'll go if you go. Ain't no white boy, gonna allow his own to be with some colored alone. Just offer, and let's see." Sokka replies, but also waving at Mako, who rolls his eyes.
"Okay. I'll be right back."
As we wait, and the crowd of people die down, I want nothing more but to tell Sokka about what Jet did, but the smile on his face, makes me not want to kill his mood.
"I thought I had a hunch you and Asami were friends." He says, almost smitten.
"What's wrong with that? Please tell me you aren't the type who's against whites and coloreds being at least civil with one another."
He gives a very unexpected laugh. "Trust me, I'm not that type. There are a few boys on the football team that I don't mind hanging out with outside of school. Clearly that would never happen. But then again, I think girls are more understanding than boys. Also, I've known of Asami for a long time .I've never heard anything bad about her. Maybe about her friends, and the company she keeps but never her solely."
I'm glad he feels that way, because she is a good person. Speaking of her, she makes her way back over to us.
"So, what's the verdict, Miss Smith?" Sokka asks.
"He said he really doesn't think it's a great idea."
"Of course." I say, a bit annoyed and disappointed.
"But..." She adds, with a smile. "He'll come for protection!"
When I hear this, I quickly match her smile. "I don't think you'll need the protection." I reassure.
"I don't think I do either. I always feel safe with my favorite things to indulge in." She replies, with a wink.
"Ice cream it is then! Come on Mako, Baby." Sokka calls out, while the other football star grumpily walks towards us.
Author's Note
And you thought I forgot what a cliffhanger was lol.