Southern Hospitality

Chapter 1

"Evelyn are you sure you can do this on your own?" my mother asked as I was packing my car

"Mom... you taught me how to drive and Tennessee isn't far" I chipped closing the trunk and pulling her into a hug her. My mom wasn't a fan about me going down south but this new job was exciting and I wanted to experience the south. She was raised there and her family still lived there so I wasn't going to be alone 

I'm an only child so leaving Chicago was a lot for my mom.  You could say my life was pretty complete, I am 26 working at a nice corporation downtown with amazing friends and family. Though things were great,  I sometimes feel bored repeating the same life. 

"Just be safe" she said sadly. I kissed her cheek and nodded my head 

 "Gonna leave without saying bye to your old man" I heard my dad yell walking out the house 

"Of course not" I giggled running up to give him a bear hug. 

"Remember Evelyn the south is slower than you think" My mom stated. She would grill me on what not to do in Tennessee and to not adventure out late alone. Being a single black women in America wasn't safe. I understood her wholeheartedly and said my final goodbyes before leaving. 

...

8 hours later I finally arrived in Nashville Tennessee. Driving into the city it was getting dark and people were coming out to have a good time. My grandmother lived outside of the city so taking the next exit I traveled into the woods. I haven't been here since I was in high school most memories were slim 

"Dumb gps... where is the house" I mumbled to myself. I swear I was going in circle trying to find their address and it didn't help that the sun was setting and there are no street lights. 

I saw a police car from my side mirrors following me. I slowly started to panic everything my mother warned me about suffered in my mind and I prayed it wasn't no crazy white man ready to Lynch me. 

I pulled over scared for what would happen. Police killing black people is a normal thing in America and me being alone in the south scared me even more. It was now darker and the officer came to my door asking to roll it down as I did I was faced with a black man. 

I let go of the biggest  breath, "Ma'am are you lost? It's dangerous for people like us to be out this far from the city alone" he said 

"Yes, I'm not from here and was trying to find this address" I showed him my grandmothers house and he nodded his head

"Ahhh, the Braxtons. I know where that is just following me" he said tipping his hat and heading back to the car. I watched him move in front of me and followed behind graceful for the nice officer. 

We drove down the road and made a left then a house came into view and I mentally slapped my face. Instead of turning left I kept going right which made me go in circle. I parked in the drive way and opened my door. The officer was already standing near his car smirking at me. He was a handsome guy and I couldn't help but feel embarrassed by my dumb mistake 

"Thank you so much" I said grabbing my bag from the passenger seat 

"More than welcome. Are you staying long?" he asked. I didn't know how to really answer because he was a total stranger but then again he was an attractive one

"Ummm, moving here actually. New job" I said softly. His smirk turned into a huge grin and he seemed happy from my response 

"Well welcome to Tennesee beautiful" he said taking my hand and kissing it. The gesture was very sweet I wasn't expecting to have a cop flirt with me the first day..

"My name is Walter and if you ever need anything I'm down at the station. I have to go now but I hope to see you again..." he paused waiting for me to give my name 

"Evelyn" I smiled

"Evelyn... a beautiful name for a beautiful women" this man was a flirt. He got back in the car and drove off fast. What a crazy interaction

I walked to the front door and rang the doorbell. Shortly my grandmother opened the door wide and pulled me into a hug "Evelyn! My favorite grandchild" she cheered bringing me in the house 

"Nana what about cousin Amber " I giggled as we walked in the house. My grandmother has lived her since she was a young girl, she had three kids with my mother being the youngest. My aunt Kim was the oldest and had a daughter who was two years ahead of me then there was uncle Hector but he had no kids

"You know that girl is crazy" she joked

"I'm still mad at your mother for keeping you away. She loves to stay in that big stuffy house up in the city with your father! Acting like some uptight rich women" my grandmother ranted

When my parents got together my father was a big time CEO in New York while my mother was a normal working class citizen from the country. Since they've been married she doesn't like to take trips here as she believes the south isn't a place to raise a child and wanted me to have a better life. But I loved my nana and felt there was nothing wrong down here.

"Oh, your aunt Kim is going to be so glad you're here!" she boomed as we made our way to my room. I would be staying here till I found a place probably in the city

"How is she?" I asked. My aunt Kim was like my twin nana always said I looked like her child more than my mothers. Before I moved she was the first I called I knew my mom wouldn't be proud of my decision.  I was nervous about breaking the news to my mom but aunt Kim assisted in breaking the news.  My father was more than excited but it took my mom a few months to get over the fact I was leaving. 

"She's doing great. Her and Amber will be over here tomorrow morning. Get some rest pumpkin" my grandmother smiled leaving me in the guest room. It felt great to be here my father was an only child and his parents lived aboard so it was always just us three all my life but now I'm here creating a new chapter.