Zaria

lily

Zaria's Pov

her eyes were bluer than the sky.
her ringlets were a golden blonde.
her lips were pink and thin.
they loved her.

my eyes are reddish brown like mahogany wood.
my plain brown curls were frizzy, wild, and tight. they didn't shine and glisten.
my lips are plump and dark.
but i loved me.

I saw her flounce in. the night when i asked for a job before they screamed we don't serve, hire, or like niggers around here. i exited but not before seeing her. she frowned sympathetically at me on my way out.

her pink lips curved downwards and made my heart flutter.
she was so beautiful.
i remember before she would run away with me from the other kids
as soon as we were out of sight she'd kiss my forehead
one day she told me, "please call me lily."

i smiled and nodded.
i didn't understand back then but I didn't care.
I loved lily.
but times passed by fast
she went to the white school.
i went to the blacks.

the next time i saw her she had grown her hair out.
she smiled and whispered poetry in my ear full of secrets.
that I promised not to tell.
she kissed my forehead and would run before anyone noticed we were gone.

two months ago my momma came up to me.
remember that Lucas boy?
I just nodded.
I heard he goes by Lily now..even wants to be a girl.
I nodded again.

lily was always a girl.
she told me that day back in kindergarten when she saved me from the crowd.