Ebony's Journey, Macarevhic's Story

Chapter 10 (Macarevhic)

I wash up the dishes front tonight's dinner. My grandmother is sitting in the living room, watching games shows. She gives her occasional cheer or clap her hands for her favorite contestant. Mom retreats to her bedroom, she's probably studying for one of her exams.

Ebony flashes into my mind and a smile creeps on my face. I can't get the girl out of my head. As long as she's with Arod there's no chance for me. I finish up cleaning the kitchen. I grab my car keys, on my way out. I yell. "Abuela, I'm gone. I'll be back at 11:00." I close and lock the door behind me. I drive to "My Black Freedom." My one place to get way from my troubles.

I park in the parking lot and walk in to be greeted by the smell of coffee and cinnamon buns, my favorite scent. I take a seat to see a young girl on stage reciting a poem. I recognize she's' a regular. I can never think of her name.

"If I wasn't black would I have the trouble that I have now? If I wasn't black would I have to fear for my life everyday? If I wasn't black would I have to prove myself all the time? My skin color is a part of me, but it's not all of me. I am more than the stereotype that society has plague upon my black community. I am a strong black woman."

We all snap for her poem. After two more people read their poems, I get up to get me a coffee and a cinnamon bun. "Hey Macarevhic baby!" greets Trudy. She's a forty-one year old woman. Trudy has known me for a long time, she's the one who introduced me to "My Black Freedom." She's has big eyes, and a big bright smile. She is dark skinned, and with a scar on her right cheek. She used to be abused by her husband. I think that's why I feel a connection to her.

"Trudy, you know I had to come get me a cinnamon bun and some coffee." I tell her, slightly leaning on the granite counter. Trudy hand bakes the cinnamon buns, and they taste like heaven. Fresh and hot and melt in you mouth. "Okay, is that all? " she asks. I rub my forearm. "Yes ma'm." "Okay that'll be 3.81." I hand her the money. "I'll just be a minute honey." I see Jada walking towards me, wearing tighter clothes thank usual. "Macarevhic what's up?" she greets me. She's standing a little too close for my liking.

Her top is a little too low cut. "Umm nothing just getting a cinnamon bun and some coffee." I tell her. "Oh so maybe we can sit and talk for minute." she says suggestively, touching my hand. "Not tonight Jada." I dismiss her. She sucks her teeth.

"What the heck Macarevhic you too good to give any of us girl any play. You use to when you use to run the streets. Now you wanna be Mr. Goody-Two shoes! Or maybe you just turned a little sweet." I know what she's suggesting. "Jada that's enough." I tell her firmly. But the look in my eyes were saying back the h*** up away from me.

"I don't think I'm too good for you or any other girl around here. I just don't want no kids or STD's." Her mouth drops open and she walks away. "You aright honey." Trudy asks holding my cinnamon bun and coffee. "Yeah."

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