Chapter 3
(One month later)
Marina’s POV
Ha-ha! Hey Edna did you hear about Gina? "Yeah girl I heard Miss Philips catch her cheating on the exam yesterday, she well mad to do da". Uhuh she's always acting like she's the best thing god give to man but she cheating on a test, she could not study like everybody else. Well I may be black and ugly but at least I don’t cheat on test. Every time I pass by her and her followers, she laughing but I bet her ass not laughing now. Ah Ha ha ha ha hah! Edna and I laughed so hard it hurt. "hey Rina how many times do I have to tell yo stop calling yourself ugly, your not ugly your beautiful only you don't see it". Girl please stop talking foolishness anyway I glad this whole high school thing will be over soon. Four weeks left!! You believe that girl? "So Rina what you plan to do after school"? Well I put in for scholarship assistance by the education department but I don’t know if I will get it. You good your parents could pay for your college, but we can’t afford it so I have to find a job. My mother checking something out for me at the small souvenir shop close to her job, so keep your fingers crossed for me." Okay well I will see you next week, you get your dress yet for graduation"? Uh nope, I don’t know how that going to work out girl money running away from us right now. Edna gave me one of her looks and frowned. "Merina don’t tell me you not going to attend the graduation ceremony!"? Girl I don’t know yet." What! Nah nah Rina don’t give me that crap you coming, I don’t know how but you coming". Well I guess we have to wait and see. Anyways Ed’s I gone I have to pass by Ma job to pick up our lunch see you Monday. "Okay girl see you Monday Gods Willing".
I walked through the alley across from the school water leaked out unto the street from one of the stores. Pigeons made nests in the open spaces on the roof of building. Electrical wires hung loose from a electric pole and I wondered how long it had been like that. I reached the end of the ally through back street which was mostly used by local shoppers I cut into a second alley and headed over to Front Street where my mom worked. As usual the street were filled with shoppers going in and out of the various stores. I walked through the crowd and made my way to the restaurant. Danny one of the waiters headed out for a delivery." Hey Rina how you doing"? Hey Danny I good and you?" I there taking life easy your mother’s in the kitchen she waiting for you". Thanks Danny see you later. As I walked in I noticed the place looked packed the staff hurried about attending to the tourist who came to Barefoot for a taste of real Caribbean cuisine. The sweet sound of The St.Maarten Rumba by The Mighty Dow one of our local artist rang throughout the restaurant. I noticed a few customers swaying to the island beat. So I would not be seen I slipped by the side bar and went to the kitchen where Ma spent most of her day. Afternoon Ma," hey Rina you reach? girl I have good news for you". Yeah what? "Mr. Baraati said he will let you work for him at the store isn't that great"! What! You lie! Yesssss! We hugged each other and jumped up and down like we were crazy. So when does he want me to start Ma? "Well he said you can come in tomorrow morning so he can show you your responsibilities at the store". Oh Ma I’m so happy ha ha I can’t wait to tell Edna she going to scream. "Okay I know you excited I am to, but you need to take this food and get out of here because Cara must be home from school already and she is hungry, so go straight home you hear me child"? Yes Ma. "Okay bye we will talk more when I get home and tell Cara make sure she do her homework. Yes Ma I said as I left.
When I got home Cara was on the porch waiting, she looked angry so decided to tease her. Gyal why your face look so? " Man Rina I've been sitting here so long waiting on you and I am hungry to boot". Okay okay I know your hungry let’s go inside and eat. I got inside and placed the container of food on the small table in the kitchen. Go and take off your uniform Cara then wash your hands so we can eat. "Yes Rina" I knew she was hungry so I dished out her food and placed a glass of papaya juice for her on the table.I went into my room and changed out of my uniform and into something more comfortable. I joined Cara at the table and told her about the new development with Mr. Baraati while we ate our lunch.I watched TV on the old couch in the living until Ma got home." Hey peeps I’m back"! Ma came in the door and kicked of her shoes. "Ma! Cara yelled running out of the room and jumping up into her arms. "Whoa child ha ha take it easy it looks like somebody miss mommy today". "How is my baby, and how was school today"? "Good" she said. I could see Ma was tired, and I felt unhappy thinking of how hard she works to take care of Cara and me. I wanted so much to help and soon I would have that chance. Hey Ma how was work? "Well same old same old". Let me go put on the kettle for you Ma so you can take a warm bath. "Great Rina thanks". "And you little Madame it’s time for you to go to bed"." Yesss Ma Cara made her way to the room to get ready for bed. I went outside for some fresh air while Ma took her bath. I took a deep breath inhaling the night’s air, crickets played harmonious tunes to get the attention of their lovers while fireflies danced to the melody. The sky was clear and stars twinkled above my head they looked so close close enough to touch them.The soft breeze felt fresh and inviting I looked out at the ocean it glistened under the nights sky. A new day begins tomorrow and with it a new start. I got the job!
