Ok for the next two to three weeks there may be barely any chapters. I will try but I have a final in a week, a test, Im going back to my other collage and those classes start. That is all in the next three weeks. I am very sorry if I dont put any chapters up or if I only put up one or two. It is only because I am busy. And I sincerely apologize, but I cannot control the circumastances. OH! and remeber that Hannah is also Gugu. I hope you like the chapter and again I apologize I will send a message to all fans when I write the next chapter.
Chapter 17
A Friend
Gugu
Gugu entered behind the swarm of dress makers. Mrs. Angelica was surrounded by women with big hair, big bodices, and bigger waists. Her ashy skin flaked as one pushed passed her into the room.
“Watch it girl!” The wide lady snapped as she went to the petistol. Gugu nodded in apology knowing her place was always to say, yes mam, no mam, Im sorry mam. It never mattered wither she did anything wrong or not she was always the one at falt. Hannah stood in the back trying to see what they were putting her mistress in, but the wide women continued to obstruct her very dim view. She squinted but still could barely see. Gugu was knew she was going blind, but she was afraid to tell anyone. If she was discovered they would most likely dispose of her services, and more likely her. No one wants a blind slave.
“OW!” Angelica yelped as a woman pocked her with a pin. Gugu wanted to step in and tell them not to hurt her lady, but she knew that would only get her whipped. The dress maker assistant with the only skinny waist apologized as her own master hit her on the head, for the young woman’s clumsiness. White people, tanned people, they all treated each other like the other was a slave. Gugu found that it really didn’t matter the color of your skin only the rank you held. The problem was Africans held the lowest rank in all Europe. She wished for her freedom, and dreamed of her days back in Africa. She heard Angelica let out one of her sad sighs that she had been doing since she arrived at the palace.
“Excuses me Misses but do you want to take a break and finish this’en here fittin later?” She asked concerned. Mistress’s black hair bobbed as she nodded yes. The women helped her get out of all the pins and change. Once they all left Gugu went and took Angelicas right arm examining it closely.
“What are you doing Gugu?” Angelica said looking down at the shorter maid.
“Mam Im making sure they left no mark on yer skin.” She took the other arm and examined it as well.
“Thank you Gugu but I am quite all right, just tired” She sat on the bed and yawned. Gugu rolled her eyes.
“You’ve been sleeping more than any person I’ve met madam” Gugu put her hand over her mouth. Her eyes grew wide cannot believing that she said that out loud. “Please mam don’t let them with me I didn’t mean it!” Gugu’s passion busted forth as she pleaded with her temporary mistress. Gugu was on her knee’s in front of Angelica with a pleading expression on her face. Angelica patted Gugu’s hand reassuringly.
“I wouldn’t tell anyone. You can speak freely here.” Gugu smiled and got up and walked towards the dresser. Her hand searched for the brush trying desperately to find it before Mrs. Angelica noticed. There it was. She sighed with relief and walked over to Angelica and started to brush her hair. “To tell you the truth I barley sleep. . . It is hard to sleep without my husband. I stay up most of the night crying and wishing he was here.” Gugu nodded as she listened.
“I felt de same way when mi and my husband were separated, but at least den I got to have mi son with mi.” Gugu sadly admitted wishing that she had both of them with her.
“You have a son?” Mrs. Grayson asked.
“Yes madam . . . last I saw of hem he was boarding one of hiz majesties ships. He would be twelve now if he iz still breathin.”Despair filled her voice as a tear ran down her cheek. Turning Angelica and looked at Gugu. Her hand wiped away the tear.
“Tell me about your son.” Her mistress said sincerely.
“He looked just like hez father. Tall and strong. He haz my eyes and nose though.” She sighed and tried to look Angelica in the face but was having trouble locating her eyes.
“Gugu how long have you had trouble with your eyes?” Angelica asked. Gugu’s face went white. Her expression turned from a happy memory to the sad reality.
“My vision iz fine my lady. I promise. . .” She lied trying her best to compensate for her inadquisys. Angelica took her hand once more and squeezed it.
“Gugu would you like to be transferred over to me permanently? I can have it arranged. That would mean no more whippings, and no more punishment.” Gugu smiled and nodded.
“That would be fine mam, but how would I hear about mi son?” Angelica looked down as she thought deeply.
“I will ask my father to make an inquiry and then if we find him we will buy him. What about your husband shall I ask my father to inquire about him as well?” Tears streamed from Gugu’s eyes as she shook her head no.
“Hez long dead . Hez masters ship sank and he waz chained. No white man iz goina save a slave.” Gugu tried to hold the rest of her flowing tears back behind her eyes.
“That’s not true. My husband would. He has or had a strong man name George that was an African and he has nothing but the highest respect for George I know it.” The ashy skin of Gugu flaked again as she sat down next to her.
“I wish I could meet him your husband” She said sincerely.
“I do too Gugu I do too.” Gugu’s arm went around Angelica as she started to weep for her Thomas. Gugu buried her own head in Angelica’s shoulder weeping for the family she lost.
YOU ARE READING
Insanity (Watty Awards 2012)
Historical FictionAngelica Ramanos is the daughter of a rich Spanish nobleman. Until she has to choose her family over herself, and throws herself to the mercy of a pirate. All, in all a bad day. But if he was normal that would be different. There is only one word fo...
