The Brooch

Monday's Comin

Maple's heart dropped when she heard her mama at her door...

She knew it was time to face the lion's roar. Taking a deep breath in, she slowly and skittishly walked to the door. She could feel her heartbeat with every step. This was new territory for her, seeing as she hardly ever got into trouble. Well, big trouble that is. She had two older sisters to always take the brunt of that heat. And always learned her lessons from them in what not to do. But this time, she knew she this was all on her. And she was all on her own. And it was her turn to face the fire...

With her heart now pounding out of her chest, she took a deep breath in as she grudgingly opened the door...

"Mumma?" She said with a crack of a voice. She tried her best not tremble as she backed away.

Maple nervously walked over to her window seat and sat down.

"Whut you doin in here baby?" Mama Woods said closing the door behind.

Maple suddenly gulped at the sound of the twist of the knob. She somewhat jumped when she heard the complexly door shut. And she knew now it was just her and her Mama.... alone in that room. She thought..."this is it."

"Did you hear me, Maple? What are you doin?"

"Waitin.... And lookin."

"Whut you lookin at?" Mama Woods asked standing behind her nervous daughter.

"That there tree in our backyard." She said pointing out her window.

"Why?"

"I was lookin at the branches. I was tryin to find just the right one. The thickest." She said. "Annelle always said if Mumma comes uh callin, prepare yo self and pick the thickest branch from the tree. She said that way they don't sting so bad as the tiny ones. Those can take your breath away. And you won't be able to sit down for a month of Sundays. So, here I been... I been starin at that there branch." She said pointing at thickest she could find. "I feel it's the proper size for my circumstance. Seeing as I feel I didn't do much wrong! I mean I know I snuck out and all. But I had a good reason!" Maple said trying to defend her actions. "But I no that ain't no good reason or excuse for whut I've done. Especially on the Lawd's day. So do as you will Mumma! I'm prepared! My soul is willin. My spirit is ready... My body is ready... And my butt, is ready." Maple regretfully replied. "Naw, ain't no use in me arguin, since I know it's comin. I'll just bend over and let you do the discipline. So do what you must Mumma."

Maple walked over to her bed. She leaned over, she put her butt in the air and in her mama's face and took a deep breath in and closed her eyes.

"Maple, suga..." Mama Woods said standing over her daughter. "I swear you are my most dramatic child I ever helped give breath to." She said looking down at her anticipating daughter.

"Mumma just get it over with." Maple skittishly pleaded. "I can't take this suspense! Just go get the switch. I won't move. I promise. I'll wait right here. All I ask is you get the one I pointed to you is all."

"Baby__"

"Don't talk anymore Mumma... just do it!" She said cringing and squirming.

"Oh hush up all that noise ! Stop that squirmin! And sit up young lady." Mama Woods said trying her best to refrain from a sudden burst of laughter. She felt it was sad, at the same time she was undeniably amused at her daughter's willingness and nerves.

"No Mumma... naw I know__"

"Child... I didn't come here to tan yo hide!

"You just sayin that to catch me off guard and give me the element of surprise! And then BAM! Whop! Before I can even blink my eyes! You"ll let me have it when I least expect. I see you! And you see I'm prepared!"