Harlem

Seven.

"Harlem!"

"What?!" She groaned tiredly, pulling the covers over her head.

"What are you still doing in the bed?" Leona asked, pulling the covers back down, standing beside Harlem's bed.

Opening her eyes, Harlem squinted at her grandmother seeing her wearing a dress and big hat. "Where you going?" Harlem asked.

"We are going to church."

"We?"

"Yes we, you think I'm leaving you in this house by yourself? Get up little girl before we're late."

"I don't have anything to wear for church, we've never went to church before."

"Well find something nice, get up Harlem time is tickin." She spoke, walking out of the room.

"I can never sleep in around here." I sighed, sliding from underneath the covers making my bed.

Opening my closet door I grabbed a pair of black pants and a decent enough shirt that somehow found its way into my pile of clothes.

Grabbing my clothes I brought them into the bathroom with me as I took a long shower. Stepping out I removed the towel from my body drying off.

I stared at my purple bonnet before pulling it off revealing my braids that I definitely need to take down sooner than later.

Grabbing my outfit from the rack I slid on my under clothes before putting on my pants and shirt.

Walking back into my room I tossed my large shirt into the hamper before walking down the stairs.

I stared at my grandmother as she hummed to whatever tune was on my her mind as she finished stirring what was in her crockpot.

"This little girl...Har-" she began to yell my name but stopped once she saw me standing there. "My goodness Harlem! You about gave me a heart attack." She gasped, placing her hand over her fast beating heart.

I remained silent placing both arms out on each side of me. "This good enough?" I asked folding my arms across my chest as I spun around showing her my outfit.

"Yes, Now come on before we're even more late."

Rolling my eyes I followed behind her as she locked the door behind us, slowly going down the stairs.

"Ooh, these old knees can't walk down these stairs like they use to." She said more so to herself as I stood waiting at the passenger door.

"Lord Jesus it's late." She fussed, turning on the car as she looked at the time on the dashboard.

"The church will still be there when we get there." I sighed, looking out the window.

"I don't have time for that smart mouth of yours, uh uh not today." Leona spoke as she pulled off from in front of the house.

"I'm not getting smart I'm just saying it will." I shrugged.

She remained silent turning the volume up as gospel music began to play.