September 1st, 1934
New Orleans
Tiana let out a big yawn as the morning sunshine bathed her body. She honestly wanted to roll over and go back to sleep. However, it wasn't possible. Yet one couldn't blame her for being exhausted.
Her family had spent the entire summer away from New Orleans. It took a month to get to Maldonia for the Grand Family Reunion. The reunion lasted a month. Then another month to return home. However, life seldom lets people get the shuteye they need. "Naveen?" she looked baffled to see her husband wasn't in the bedroom.
She relaxed when she heard the shower going. She seized her pale green bathrobe before heading to brew the morning coffee. She also checked on her daughter, Jamie. Jamie's alarm clock hadn't gone off yet. Tiana didn't want to wake her daughter earlier then expected. If anyone should be getting extra z's, it should be her six-year-old. She then heard the shower turn off.
"Naveen?" she called out, to which her husband responded, "Yes, Tiana?" Naveen emerged from the shower, thankfully fully clothed. "Please tell me you left me some hot water?"
"Yes, I didn't use all of it. There plenty for you and Tadpole."
"Great! We both need to look our best today. You've all those contracts with suppliers to secure. Meanwhile, I've to drop Jamie off at school. Plus, I promised I see Lottie off at the train station."
"Is she truly going to D.C. to raise hell with F. D. Roosevelt? I'm delighted she's found something to do with her life. Now that's she ultimately out of the princess phase. It's incredible to see her as a strong young woman fighting the good fight," Naveen questioned his gorgeous wife, who nodded.
"Yep, Lottie been giving the country hell since Jamie was born. I wish she hadn't been so naive for so long regarding how differently we're treated. Lottie isn't blind, merely grossly uninformed."
"Yes, she was only ignorant of how most of the world works, seeing how her father treated you fairly. I hope my sisters only taught her good things regarding fighting for rights and taking on, as you say, "the man"?"
"Well, I do think your family had a positive influence. But, even if your sisters can be a tad overwhelming, I only wish Jamie could receive the type of education found in your country.
Despite being a princess? Jamie remains a person of color. Who will, unfortunately, be mistreated unless changes come about? Changes her godmother Lottie is hoping to make happen in her lifetime." Tiana looked downcast as she said that.
Naveen took his wife's hands into his. "Tiana, I promise our daughter will receive the best education possible. Mother already promised to send a tutor in a few weeks to help with her granddaughter's education."
Tiana couldn't help but wipe a tear away. "My mother-in-law genuinely loves her granddaughter."
"Well, family helps family, Tiana. You saw how close my family was when we went to the reunion. So don't fret. I know you still struggle with letting others help you. But remember, Tia. You don't have to do everything by yourself. We're stronger together then by ourselves."
She kissed him, "Thank you for reminding me of that, Naveen. Oh, I'll make one more stop after the train station."
"Let me guess, my love. Today's your weekly visit with Ms. Rose?"
"Yep, you remember well. It's incredible how much we've learned about Mama Odie's kinfolk. It's surprising to know she has a younger sister who still lives in the Republic of Haiti.
Again she's 204 years old! However, as her niece and Ms. Rose informed us. When you utilize good magic, it extends your life. Not how like dark magic steals life from you."
"Well, as I already said? Family looks after family. So, since Mama Odie's Jamie's honorary grandmother? She and the rest of the family deserve to be updated."
Everything went according to plan for the small family. Both Jamie and Lottie got to their destination safely. Naveen was quite successful when it came to wheeling and dealing.
Plus, Tiana enjoyed lavender tea with Ms. Rose, who updated her on Mama Odie's family while praising Tiana for having an all-female staff, which included a deaf waitress!
It demonstrated how the young princess was ready to fight against all stereotypes! Tiana was determined to move things forward in life. And she knew she was almost there! So hopefully, by the time her daughter grew up? She would have a better life then her mother's!
TOUT MOUN
SE MOUN.– EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE TREATED AS A HUMAN BEING.