It Ain't Black And White

29

Emily.

I can't keep doing this. two entire months and there hasn't been one change in cora. She hasn't spoke, hasn't smiled, won't socialize no matter what we do. She won't change her clothes although I know she washes them in the shower everyday. My daughter is numb. At this point, I'd prefer to hear her yell but there's nothing.
She has been getting hit at school and won't fight back. James said she will snap, but deep down I don't think she will. This is the way she will stay unless I help her. We had Annette try see her and everyday we were hoping that she would just say one word but we got nothing and gave up. We have locked her room so she'd get out but the only thing she did was make her way out side. She was putting her all into those dance moves, they may not be prim or formal but she looked good doing it.
I can't see her hurting any more. Its destroying James too but He won't change anything. He just keeps Hoping. I only have one idea and I'm hoping it will work.

Cora

Coming back from outside because my room had now been unlocked. I entered my room. Seeing present after present sitting on my desk, I just avoided them. I couldn't care what they are. Two damn months I've have been in this hell. I have refused to wear those stupid clothes in the closet, I refuse to speak to them.
"Cora you need to get changed its your eighteenth and the family is meeting us at the hall" I couldn't give two shits I'm not getting changed. "Now cora" looking at my dad, I kept my arms crossed as I sat in my chair by the window. "You know what, just get in the damn car" rolling my eyes, I stood up and walked out. Getting in the car Amelia spoke "happy eighteenth cora. It's a special day for you" mom had a sad look on her face but at this point I don't care. Two damn months I have been living with this shit. The hits haven't stopped And I have refused to fight back. They keep trying to change me and I won't give in. After a month of Annette coming around they gave up. They keep locking my room after school, but I just go out the back and practice some moves. I have been told it's not acceptable but I don't care. They want to lock me out of my room, that's what's going to happen. I haven't spoke a word to anyone. I refuse.
Arriving at the venue, we all walked in. Seeing an ugly pink banner saying happy eighteenth cora, I internally groaned. I fucking hate pink. My favorite color is bright orange, they'd know that if they knew their daughter.
I have absolutely nothing to do with any of these people. Family and people from school.
Walking straight to a table by the window, I sat down and looked out of it.
Seeing Jake and Corey come join me they both just sat there not saying a word. The only one I have spoke to is Corey and that was when I told him, I don't want to fight back. Which I haven't. My face is covered in marks from those bitches but they don't hurt. I have still been training but obviously not hitting anything.
"Not even a reaction, not a thank you for bringing everyone here for you" looking at my dad, I then looked back out the window "they want to see you cora. Not see you just look out a damn window" getting grabbed on the arm, dad made me stand "you will socialize" "James this isn't a good idea" "nothing is a good idea with her, all we have done is try to help her and she just refuses" dad dragged me across the floor up to my uncle and auntie. "Cora what happened to you?" Turning my head away dad spoke "she has been getting hit at school" "starting fights cora?" putting my head down, dad nudged me but I refuse to say anything. Fuck this shit. "cora stop being rude" "some things have happened to you cora?" I only nodded at uncle Michael "you aren't happy?" I shook my head no "how long haven't you spoke for?" Putting two fingers up uncle took a deep breath "two years" I shook my head "two months?" I nodded "why?" "Because she is being pig headed. We are doing what's right for her" "being hit everyday is not right James. How come you haven't put a stop to this?" "She lets it happen. She refuses to fight back and talk" "what do you mean you aren't doing anything because she allows it. Whether she allows it or not you should put a stop to it. Cora your beautiful face, you have always been a gorgeous woman and well mannered. I'm sorry everything has happened to you" "cora speak" "she says A lot through silence James" "this is ridiculous. Just go sit down and stare out the damn window" looking at uncle Michael he gave a slight nod. Walking back to my table, I sat down just staring out the window. Uncles right, dad hasn't done a damn thing to stop it. "the scar is fading" I nodded at Corey "but that bruising on your cheek, that's only getting worse. When you go back, just smash her" tempting so fucking tempting but I won't. I will just let her continue. Honestly the only thing that has kept me going, is my memories of everyone back home. Putting my hood over my head, I moved closer to the window then rested my head on it.
"Why is she just sitting in the corner?" "Gabriella she doesn't talk anymore" "what has happened to her?" "A lot" "cora look at your face" turning my head to look at Gabriella, I then looked back at window. Well at least those leaves are free. "Who has been doing this to her?" "A girl at school. Cora used to fight back but these days there's nothing. There's like no life in her. She is just doing her school work then sticks to her room" "except when James locks her out of her room to force her out" "what?" I rolled my eyes just listening to them.
"This is not a way to celebrate her eighteenth. She isn't happy. I haven't seen her in two years and even I can tell she's not. Why the hell cant anyone else see it?" "we can but it's not our decision".
Just sitting here for a couple of hours everyone was mingling with each other, while I just wanted to go back to my room.
"Who the hell are you?" "Olive you better get your damn ass up now" turning my head to see ada, amara, Stace and Shania the tears just fell from my eyes "oh don't be doing that" "olive what has happened to you?" I shook my head as Shania pulled me up, pulling me in her arms. "I have missed you girls" "you better be giving ya home girls some love" hugging every single one of them, Shania wiped the tears from my eyes. "Ya boy is going to be angry seeing you this way" "I didn't want to fight back" "you best prepare yourself" seeing junior, Femi, Denzel and Hakim walk over junior spoke "olive what the fuck has happened to you?" I shook my head "I gave up" looking around, I couldn't see Emmanuel anywhere. Shania grinned "he's here and damn girl take ya hood off" removing my hood Shania grinned "you be damn good at those braids now" I laughed as Shania walked around me whistling. "check this home girl out now. She be doing a damn good job" "hot as lava there girl" seeing Emmanuel walk in, I pushed past all of them, making them laugh. Keeping my eyes on his, as I walked towards him, I could see the mixed emotions. His fist was clenched but his eyes showed love and happiness. Jumping in his arms, he held me tight "my olive" "I have missed you" "and you so much" staying in his arms for as long as he held me, I then dropped my legs and stepped back and Emmanuel put his hand gently on my face "they hurt my olive" "a girl at school" I shook my head "I just let her go" "you didn't fight back?" "no" Emmanuel moved in pressing his lips on mine. Entwining our tongues all I could hear was the girls and guys hooting and hollering. "Don't you be hogging my girl I tell ya, she was mine first" pulling away from the kiss. Emmanuel and I both laughed "shes right ya know" Emmanuel smirked "yeah but I'm better" "bullshit you are" "turn around olive" turning around there was anele. "Olive" "momma" she grinned "you be giving me a hug girl" running to her, I wrapped my arms around her.