As Plain As Black And White

3

I was filled with mixed emotions when it came down to seeing James. I wanted to see his face again but I knew I was in trouble. I hung his clothes on the line and let them air out and quickly made my way back to the house.

"Boy where you been? Get yo ass in the kitchen and help with dinner." Master yelled when I got inside. I wanted to tell him that James wanted to see me but I listened to who ever had more power.

I walked into the kitchen and was greeted by the smell of beef stew. Ms. Debby handed me a bowl and a knife.
"Finish peeling these potatoes please baby." I smile and nod. I was smiling on the outside but on the inside I was a bit disappointed cause I wanted to see why James wanted to see me but I was relieved because I was scared to see what was in store for me.

I proceed to peel the potatoes and I kept thinking about what James had called me up for. Maybe he wants to beat me for reading his notes. Oh I forgot about that. Who thought he was a monster? My insides felt a way that someone would think of him in that way but now that I think of it, he helps in punishing us. He sees us as animals. As trash. As dirt. How can he not be a monster treating another human being less than yourself? Maybe he is a monster.

"Nas you're only on the second potato. You still have 5 more." I was pulled back to reality.

"I'm sorry." I shook my head and chuckled, nervously. I finished feeling the potatoes with a blank mind. I finished and gave it to Ms.Deb.

"Can you help me clean the house?" Camille poked her head in the kitchen. I went to the living area and helped pick up the sofa for her to vacuum the rug. I also dusted the books. I looked around and I picked up a book and began to read it. It was a lot of big words. Words that school never taught me about.
"Boy what are you doing with that?"

"I was just cleaning."

"Put that shit down and get the crate." I wanted to argue but it was no use. I went to the bathroom and got the crate. I came back and laid over the crate. I saw Master take off his belt and the sting on my back quickly came after. I bit my lip. He only got to 5 whips before the chime of the clock sounded.
"Master-" Ms. Debby came out of the kitchen but was interrupted by the sound of the belt. "-uh Dinner."

He smiles and nods. Ms. Deb goes back into the kitchen.

"Get yo ass up and get my family." I stood up in pain. I try to take my shirt back from him and he wouldn't give it back. "What did I say?" He pointed to stairs.

I slowly walked to the stairs and went to the Lady's room who was brushing Paul's hair.
"Where is your shirt nigga?" She was angry.

"Master-" she walked up and slapped my face.

"Who asked you to speak?" I just held my face. "Come on Paul." She opened the door and I watch her out of the room and down the stairs with Paul. I swallowed my tears and walked down to James room. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"James Dinner Time." I said and tried to walk away as fast as I could. The door flaw open and I was pulled inside. My back was pressed against the door and I yelped in pain. James had his hand over my head leaned into me.

"Didn't I say to come back after laundry?"

" I- I just finished."

"It's been 6 hours." I shrug.

"Then what happened to your back?"He looked down and eyed my belly button then slowly made his way back up to my chest, to my collar bone, then my lips, and back up to my eyes. He licked his lips and I did the same. I forgot about my back at the moment and started to feel the same feelings I had before. "Speak Nasir." He said calmly. I found my words when he called me by my name.

"I was whipped by Master."

"Why?" I watched his mouth then looked back up to his eyes.

"Because I was looking at book. I couldn't read it, but I just wanted to see what it would be like." I lied.

"You learned your lesson though right?"

"Yeah." I whispered. I could melt in to him the was so close.

"Good. Next time I say me meet me, that's what I mean." He opens the door for me to leave. "I want you to be here tomorrow at lunch."

I nod and leave the room. I swallow hard and made my way to the bathroom to get rid of the tightness of my pants.