The Manifest

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The decision was already made, it held a weight Eesha couldn't comprehend but could feel. The drive back to Mama's house was too long for her liking, it was spent in awkward silence. Mama did all her best trying to avoid meeting Eesha's gaze while Eesha did just the same. But with every bump and sharp turn, the two found themselves seeing eye to eye through the mirror.

Mama's husband, Dad, kept his cool, whistling and tapping on the steering wheel. He was oblivious to the drama going on between his wife and her adopted daughter. When he finally pulled up in front of the house, Mama was the first to jump out of the car, her pace was fast as she made to the house. Eesha had a feeling she was going to warn her sisters about her arrival.

Eesha's gaze was on the house as she let herself out of the car.

"Eesha, carry that" His hands pointed at the very back, where the boot is underneath. There was a rectangular item, wrapped in brown paper. Eesha instantly knew that it was either a painting or a photograph, a picture nonetheless.

As she did just that, she caught Dad's eyes staring at her in an intense manner. They held a story and this power that made Eesha shiver. She had caught him staring at her like that before, they never last long but they had this effect. It always made her scar twitch.

"Sh-" She cleared her throat, when out of the car. Arms full. "Should I hang it?"

"How do you know it's a painting?" He grins showing his big teeth, it relaxed her to the point of laughing.

"It is always a painting or a picture" She said and he nods, stroking his goatie. For money, Dad worked as a photographer, while occasionally painting for the pure joy of it. Also, in his studio, he sold art supplies.

"Just hang it on the nail".

Before he could start scrutinizing her again, she walked away, the same pace as Mama. As she pushed the grey door inside, Dad drove away, the Honda zooming away like a sport's car.

There was movement behind the door, A slight tug went through Eesha's head as she pushed it. This time she was sure she wasn't controlled by Tïme. It was just the memory that the last time she was at home, coming into the house, she was checking her back, James her boy- ex was with her. Holding her waist.

The sinking feeling of lose settled within the pit of her stomach but she didn't dwell on it as she forced herself to act delighted to be at home and
be with her sisters. The same way they were forcing the smiles back at her. They were lined up in front of her, all five of them, each with the various quality that separated them.

Joy, the eldest had long beautiful box braid on her head, her eyes were sharp and squinted in a glare. Maria's attention was on the book held in her hand, she was facing another direction as she waved, oblivious to life around her.

Happy wore a plain T shirt paired with an artsy Ankara skirt she made herself. Baby's lips were in a tight line and her features stiff, not that she was being rude, she was just quiet. Darling, Maya the last was positively estatic to have her sister back.

She did not wait for Eesha to drop the package before practically throwing herself at Eesha. Almost knocking both her and the painting down. She squealed as she   hugged her. Eesha dropped the painting and held on to her.

"How has school been? How have you been? I missssssss-"

"Eesha mm mm" Maya coughed from how tight Eesha was holding her. When Eesha released her grip, Maya took a long breath in. "Only two days ni"

"Oh... It has actually" It felt longer for Eesha. Two days?

"Did you miss me for this two days?"