CHAPTER 5
The restaurant was crowded. The strong delicious smell of chicken soup invaded my nostrils. I turned in my seat and observed as everyone in the restaurant laughed and made jokes. They devoured their food with happiness - well, I thought they looked happy. Meanwhile, Mama Gabby went around with plates of food on a tray serving people with a huge grin on her face. She related so well with everyone. She made jokes that made people laugh. Her bright blue sundress made her appear delicate and angelic. As she moved about, it flowed around her beautifully. I remembered the first time my Maa sent me to work with her. Goodness, I hated every minute of it. I didn't like this job or this town either. But then she said something that comforted me. "hey Donnie, it's easier to do the right thing when you make up your mind ahead of time, don't you agree?" I blinked, not sure how to respond to her tricky question. "Why don't you go home and come back tomorrow eh," she said with a wink. From that moment on, I wished my Mother was as cool as Gina's Mother.
"Donna, you made it!" Gina's voice startled me out of my reverie. She hugged me tightly. I could do nothing to release myself from her crushing hug as I was still sitting down.
"Do I have a choice," I muttered?
"Behave, Ladonna," My Mother chastised.
"It's okay Mrs. V, I'm used to her aloofness by now," Gina chuckled. Which infuriated me the more. I didn't want to be here. I hated the crowd, that's why it was absolute torture when I worked here last holiday.
"I'll be back, mama is tending to some customers. You know her with her 'customers first' policy," Gina said. She then tapped my shoulder and whispered, "be nice," she warned as she breezed past to the kitchen at the back of the restaurant. I turned to the door and watched as half of Bridge Valley ate. It made me curious as to what celebration Mama Gabby was having. Almost everyone she knows was here. In this town, everyone knew everyone. That was just the way it was. Nothing was a secret. Regardless, they gave some privacy from time to time. Then I spotted Miss Udi walking in, and my heart dropped. What is she doing here? Surely she wasn't hoping to tell my Mother what I did in school is she?
My heart pounded and my leg bounced nervously. I shifted closer to Emily in hope that I would hide. She turned with a frown.
"What's wrong with you?"
"What do you mean? I'm okay. Everything's great." I glanced at my Mother. She was busy reading through the menu as if she would order anything. I wish she would, so we could leave this crowded restaurant already. I quietly watched as she flipped through the menu. Her long dreadlocks were in a bun atop her head. The sun peaking through the glass wall reflected on her skin, which made her look glorious. I note to myself to never forget this moment. A moment where I feared what could go wrong and at the same time, how my Mother looked so at peace as she read through an ordinary food menu with so much grace. She's distracted. Good. That means I just have to make sure miss Udi is out of sight before she spots my mother and decides to narrate the whole ordeal that took place.
"You're more on edge than usual. What is going on?" I turned sharply towards my Mother. She watched me with raised brows.
"Huh? Oh. What could be wrong? I'm great. Just tired that's all," I cleared my throat nervously.
"I hope you didn't cause any trouble in school today. Because If you did, I would be so mad at you. And you be sure I'll punish you for it." She sternly warned.
"Why do you always think I did something," I asked. Frustrated.
"Because you always do."
I sighed and folded my arms on my chest.
She went back to reading the menu. While Emily just sat quietly, as usual.
"Why is everybody so gloomy, lighten up ladies," I rolled my eyes at Mama Gabby's attempt to calm the atmosphere. She stood in my vision, as I was sitting by the edge of the chair. Mama Gabby's a short woman in her late forties - just about my mother's age. With kinky shoulder-length dreadlocks, like the yellowish color of the sun setting in the evening, resting on her shoulders. She was wearing a grin - as usual. Which, I must admit, made her look five times younger than her age. My Mother stood up and walked towards Mama Gabby for a side hug. "How are you Gabby? You look sweet by the way," she said with a smile. Mama Gabby snickered, "*you*look impeccable as always Joyce. But I see the tiredness in your eyes dear, what is the matter?" She asked with concern clear in her voice. My Mother sighed heavily, "It's nothing I can't handle."
"Are you giving your Maa problems again Donnie?" She frowned jokingly.
I cracked a smile. "Not that I'm sure which one," she cackled. My Mother was also suppressing a smile of her own. I stood to greet her with a brief hug. She always says she preferred hugs to handshakes. Yet, I find them unnecessary in this situation.
"Good evening Ma," Emily greeted.
"How are you, sweet Millie?" Emily smiled and went back to her seat. We all sat down.
"You all just wait here. The food and the man of the hour will be here soon. He's just picking up a few things before he gets here."
"Take your time," My Mother said with a smile.
"Not so sure about that," I muttered.
The Chime announced the entrance of customers. There she was, Alice Williams. The typical mean girl in school. I was merely a learner compared to her in academics. She's the daughter of the chief of police. Pampered daddy's girl, beautiful and intelligent. It's safe to say me and Gina don't like her very much. Especially after I broke her phone and had to stay home for an entire holiday and missed our planned - campout with my friends. She walked towards our table. Her father is in tow. What are they doing here? Surely the universe didn't hate me so much for me to be facing such a bad phase in my life.
"Oh, how are ya, Joyce? I see you're here with your girls," the chief greeted with his husky voice.
"Yes. How are you chief?"
"Never better," he chuckled nervously. At least - I think he is. The chief was a thick-bodied man with nothing but muscles on his body. He wore everything black, while his daughter had short kinky hair, and was wearing dark skinny jeans with a button-up long-sleeved shirt. Alice didn't say a word as she sat with her father on the seat opposite ours. Seconds later Mama Gabby appeared with beverages. Meanwhile, Gina followed closely behind with a large tray. As she spots Alice and her Father, the three of them shared a smile that caught me off, guard. What was that about? But I shrugged it off. A bowl of chicken soup cooked with Irish potato was placed on the table in front of me. I immediately grabbed my spoon to eat.
"Drop it," my Mother warned, "we're waiting till everyone is settled." I sighed and dropped my spoon. Veronica breezed towards us with the glass cups. She arranged it in front of us, then smiled. "Enjoy the food everyone," she cheerily announced and skipped off. Veronica was the only friend Emily has, yet Millie barely says four words to her - and that's plenty. Nevertheless, Emily adores her as she was her only friend. Mama Gabby and Gina sat with the Chief and Alice. Which sprung up questions in my mind. However, I didn't let it bother me. The situation will explain itself I guess.
"Okay. I'll be straightforward. The reason why we're gathered here is that.." I watched as her hands held the chief's hands, "I have found joy with our very own chief Williams and we're getting married," she grinned. Everyone was quiet. Then applause resounded from my Mother, and soon everyone followed right after. My eyes were wide and my mouth was agape. I turned to Gina, who was ecstatic. Alice also seemed happy for her father - more or less. I can't believe Gina never told me she and Alice would soon be freaking step sisters. When - or how - did this happen? I turned to Emily. Her face was neutral. She just clapped along with everyone. After the announcement, everyone went back to their normal conversations, as if nothing had happened. My Mother drilled questions at Mama Gabby about how she plans to shop for what to wear and how exciting it must be to get married again. Minutes later, as I finished my chicken soup, fully satisfied, I watched - to my horror as Miss Udi walked up to Mama Gabby to offer her congratulations on her engagement. I could tell that she wanted to bring me down on purpose. She knew my mother, so it wasn't hard spotting her. After she was done with the pleasantries she turned to my mother and smiled. For some unknown reason, Gina spoke. "Are you going to tell our parents what went down in school? If you are please let us tell them ourselves and.."
"Why on earth would I do that young lady?
"Gina is quiet please," I seethed. Miss Vanni looked taken aback, "I was just simply greeting Mrs. Vanni here because it's been a while since we last spoke," Miss Udi explained with a puzzled expression. Gina's lips formed an 'O' at the realization that she jumped to a conclusion. I glared at her. She mouthed an apology.
"What is going on here?" My Mother inquired. Confusion marred her features. My Mother turned to me with a burning glare. It was evident that I was in for it. Everywhere was quiet. Typical Miss Udi to draw attention. She cleared her throat awkwardly. "If I may be excused," she walked away. Her tight skirt restricts her movement. My Mother sighed.
"Maa .." I gently called as I turned toward her with a pleading gaze. She shook her head. As if my words pained her. She turned to me. "Ladonna. Whatever it is you did, I'm very disappointed in you," her eyes cold and withdrawn. I didn't plan for it to unfold this way. I wanted to tell my Mother myself with no dramatic situations. Instead, tears pooled in my eyes at her words. I turned away.
"Now, now. Joyce, you cannot jump to conclusions, let's hear what she has to say.
"There's no need to. Besides we should take our leave now. I would hate to have ruined an important day for you. Consider this an opportunity for a family bond."
Alice had a smirk plastered on her lips. She is enjoying my ordeal, no doubt. Her Father showed genuine concern though.
"Are you sure Joyce? We could just continue with dinner and -"
"I'm sorry but we have to be on our way," so we walked out. Emily stopped to greet Veronica, while I breezed past them so the angry tears don't fall. The June air hits my face and I inhaled sharply. A shiver ran down my spine. It was already dark but everywhere was lit with lights. I could smell the rain in the atmosphere. I lifted my eyes to the floating dark clouds in the night sky, but the sky was void of stars today. I sighed heavily. Just like my life. I blinked back the tears, then I furiously wiped a rogue tear that had already rolled and ran down my cheek. What would it be like if I didn't have to go through this stage of my life - where everything I say or do would be taken seriously? Where every idea of mine sounds dumb even to the hearing of grown-ups though when I'm around is the opposite. I wish I would grow up fast so everyone could see my worth. Then my Mother would not be so disappointed in me so much - Gina's Mother doesn't. Why not mine? It shouldn't be that hard to trust me right? Life shouldn't be that hard.
"Donna d?" I sighed. What does she want now? I stuffed my hands in my jacket pockets and turned to Gina. She looked small and had a 'sorry' look written all over her face. I sighed and directed my gaze upward to clear my eyes of any sign of tears.
"What is it? Is everything okay?" I tried to sound nonchalant.
She scoffed. "Donna, C'mon I know what you're doing. And I'm the cause of that .."
"You are? I snapped.
"Yeah."
"For what exactly. Clarify please," I was determined to be petty.
"For not telling you that you'll be seeing more of Alice. the truth is, I didn't think too.."
"Just like you didn't think when you ran your mouth to our parents just now," I knew Gina didn't deserve what I just said, but I felt betrayed. And my anger was completely justified. I know Gina panics and spews the truth whenever she's caught in between a confrontation, Furthermore, I felt like I was purposely left out.
"Ladonna Vanni," she sternly called. " I'm sorry I didn't say anything even though I had so many chances to tell you. I know you hate her guts because of what happened last year but.."
"I don't.. ha - hate her, I just.." I shrugged. "We just don't agree on a lot of things that's all."
"Well, I'm sorry for not telling you that she's my soon-to-be stepsister."
"You mean step-sister," I corrected.
"Same thing!" She gritted out.
"Look. Let's just talk when you're not acting like folks from the 60s and more like a 21st-century African girl," I gasped at her statement. She stormed back into the restaurant. Just then my mother and Emily emerged. I swallowed and looked down.
"We're going home now," my Mother sternly declared.
♡´･ᴗ･`♡♡´･ᴗ･`♡
We walked home from the restaurant in silence. I walked ahead, while Emily and my Mother walked arm in arm. Their arms joined at the elbows. None of us uttered a word. I could cut the tension in the atmosphere with a knife. I bet my Mother wants to just throw me away and keep only Emily as a daughter. Because this isn't my first rodeo, I always gave her something to worry about. As we were about to walk onto our driveway. My Mother stopped by the Bakery. She squats beside a man leaning on the wall, and as usual, she greeted Kola. I don't know much about him. Yet, I know he's a homeless man that sits by the bakery. Nevertheless, he looked normal to me.
"How are you today Kola? Have you eaten?" I liked how she would ask and not just assume he has.
"Here's a really good chicken soup from Gabby's," She stood and held Emily by the elbows again, "have a great night," even though he always ignored her. She doesn't. It was a question none of us ever asked. My Mother unlocked the door and we piled into the house. Instead of waiting to take the heat first, I hurried towards my room.
"Stop right there Ladonna." Her voice was controlled. It's like she was holding back from smacking me across the face.
"I just thought.."
"Who said you could think? Hmm? Don't. Donna, for goodness sake, when will you stop causing problems .."
"It was hardly any problem Maa! I was just late for class that's all."
"That's all?" Her eyes are wide. "You know why I drop you, girls early? so you wouldn't be late, yet you managed to achieve the one thing I hate."
"It wasn't deliberate.."
"Don't talk back when I'm talking or else you'll get a good beating for it," she fumed. Her eyes were blazing with fire, hot enough to burn me alive. I bowed my head.
"I'm sorry Maa," I murmured.
"For what exactly?"
"I'm sorry that I was late and that I didn't tell you," I meekly confessed, because I knew she needed me to acknowledge my faults. She massaged her temples and sighed.
"Go get some sleep. Both of you. We'll talk tomorrow. I'll find a suitable punishment then," She rubbed her temples.
"Maa I promise to not repeat the same mistake," I pleaded. She glared at me.
"Begging won't get you out of a punishment Donna," She gritted out. Just go to your room." Emily walked closer and hugged her tight.
"Goodnight Maa," she mumbled. She then made her way toward our room. And I followed suit. I fell on my bed with a loud thud. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight. Emily busied herself with changing out of her clothes. Five minutes Later, she turned out the lights and lay on her bed on the other side of the room. She was facing me, her hands tucked underneath her face. "Donna?"
"Mmm?"
"Why do you think Mama Gabby's getting married again?" The question was so out of context with what I was expecting. If something like what happened today happened last year, she would say words like 'don't make Maa upset again Donna, its not good for her' then I would feel like a bad daughter even when I portrayed I didn't care. But today? Today was different. A good kind of different. I would hate - to visit what took place today.
"Donna? Are you asleep?"
"Uhh..no..I don't know why. But, didn't she say she finds joy with him? I think That's a good enough reason right?"
"I guess it's a good enough reason to get married. Have you asked Gina how she feels about it?" I sighed heavily.
"She's ecstatic," I stated.
"How do you know that? I'm quite sure I sensed something off between you two earlier," I sighed at her words. The sound of the ceiling fan might have blocked out my response. However, I'm sure I said something along these lines. "I know this. Because I know I would be ecstatic too." Before the darkness took me.