Love, Emily.

Chapter 2:

2nd June 1958,

Dear Papa, 

I really needed you tonight, Papa. Today, God hasn't treated me well. Somethin' went down at The Norman's this mornin'.

I rose at 4:30am, like any normal day. Mumma was already up. Washing up our old rags. You know how she is. She likes to make sure we be lookin' our best for the white folk. I got dressed in my work clothes and gave Mumma a kiss on the way out. I began to walk to the bus stop to meet my friend Palmendia. I don't think you ever met her. She's a pretty girl. Her hair drapes down to her waist with every piece twisting and twirling around each other. Her hair is as dark and rich as her skin. She has got nicer hair than me Papa. My hair frizzes outta control even on a chilly evenin'. Anyhow, when i finally met her, we hoped onto the rusty; ancient bus in front of us. It crocked as we wondered down the aisle to find a seat. We sat talkin' all through the bus journey. I told her about Lucas. How he shook my hand rather than a condescending "nice to meet ya nigger." The bus filled with the intense summer heat. My brow started sweatin' like after a hard days work. It was so hot that I was actually grateful to get to the Norman's place. 

I jumped off the bus and waved goodbye to Palmendia. She worked with another white family down the street. They seemed nicer than the Norman's though. I wandered slowly up to the house. Their yard is always flooded with bright; beautiful flowers. Sabrina tries real hard to make it look presentable. It is a pleasant sight, I must admit. As i came closer to the front door, I noticed Lucas was sittin', readin' on the porch. Rocking back and forward on his chair whilst staring intently at his book. 

"Good book?" I asked. He jumped at the sound of my voice. He looked up and chuckled at me.

"Yeah! You ever read it?" He said pleasantly, still chuckling under his breath. 

"I haven't read a book since I was four when ma Daddy read me to sleep" I joked. He looked almost stunned at the thought that I had never read a book. Did he think Negro's could afford good literature? We wish.

"Really? I feel for ya Emily. Do you want to borrow somethin'?" 

"No, that'll be quite alright Sir. They're your books." He smiled at his feet to my response. He chuckled to himself once again.

"Follow me, Emily."  He turned and opened the front door. I walked to him quickly, in order to catch up with him. Eventually, he brought me to his family library. "take your pick!" He said, gesturing me to the book shelves. There was so many books Papa. More than I even knew existed. I ran my fingers over threw the books on the shelves. Feeling the rough hard-back binders of the books. I turned back and smiled at Lucas.  He smiled back at me. I forgot about his charmin' smile. My heart skipped a beat when I saw it once again. Then, at that moment. I knew somethin' was wrong. I immediately grabbed my basket and rushed out the library. I heard him calling for me as I ran downstairs. Sabrina was there at the bottom of the stairs. Tappin' her foot. 

"Why do I not have any breakfast, Emily?" she said with an arrogant tone to her voice.

"Because you ain't got off your arse to make it yourself?" I wondered to myself. She glared at me, awaitin' my response. "Sorry Mrs Sabrina. Lucas wanted my help with somethin'. I'll fix you up somethin' now" I replied before running into the kitchen. 

Later that day, I was playin' with lil Darcy in her bedroom. I was playin' with her stuffed animals, just foolin' around. Then, I heard a chuckle from outside the bedroom. I turned to the doorway to see Lucas. He was stood, leaning on the door frame with a nonchalant look on his face. I just grinned at him. I turned to continue playin' with Darcy. I could feel Lucas walking towards me as the floorboards jolted underneath me. He sat next to me and Darcy and grabbed the grey; plush teddy bear in front of him. A smile grew on Darcy's face as her uncle danced and kissed a stuffed bear. I started laughin' like crazy Papa! All three of us were cackling! Lucas placed his hand on my arm affectionately. My body clenched as his hand hit my arm. I turned and he caught my gaze. His ocean blue eyes staring intently into my dark brown eyes. We both smiled at each other but, my body still clenched. I didn't know what to do with myself as, I admired his gaze. But, before i could move an inch, i felt another presence in the room. 

"Am I interuptin' anything here?" Sabrina said sternly. Her voice sounded harsh yet, confused. My body clenched even tighter to the sound of her voice. I stood up as quickly as I could and moved away from Lucas. 

"No Mam. Just playin' with Darcy here" I stuttered. My heart began to beat rapidly. Felt like a constant drumming inside of me. 

"Can I see you outside please, Emily?" She asked pleasantly. The kindness in her voice made me fear what was to come. She is never kind to me. I nodded and rushed out into the hallway. I stood opposite to Sabrina, my heart still racing. I tried to avoid eye contact but, her eagle eyes glared right through me like I was her prey or somethin'. She looked at me, up and down. I began to feel very self conscious, more than I ever had before.  She could feel how tense I was. "Why are so up-tight, Emily? Everything is fine. I just wanted to talk to you!" The pleasant tone still in her voice. I still stood, my body tense, despite her attempt to reasure me. We stood in an awkward silence. Neither of us lookin' or speakin' to each other. That was when my heart stopped. She raised her hand and swung it towards my dark-skinned face. My face moved quickly in attempt to avoid the hit. But, it didn't.  A sharp sting ran through my face. A crimson flood appeared on my cheek. I looked up at Sabrina, ready to hit her back but, instead I saw her smile. She was proud of herself. Proud that she hit another woman in the face, for no good reason. 

Love, Emily.