Against society [AMBW]

1.Orientals

W1-Sunday

Edited-30/09/20

"Oriental bastards!"

"Don't mind them." My mother waves off my father's sudden outburst.

Eruptions of laughter leave their lips, as they bash Asians once again, for the nth time this week. For me, this is not an unusual position to be in, nor is it a comfortable one. Sandwiched between my parents at the dinner table whilst they degrade the race they share a country with. The motive behind this discrimination between both races doesn't make sense to me. However, who am I to know?

I'm just yet another black girl, who's supposed to be blinded to society's systems.

"Chai! Imagine if this here, our daughter, married an Oriental!" My father hysterically slaps his hands together, slamming his back onto the dining room chair.

"I wouldn't know what to say. Na wa for her oh!" My mother joins in, left hand on table, other with a toothpick in grip.

"I would pray every day, til the day I die! Wow!" On the last word, my father bangs his fist on the glass dining table, causing the glasses to rattle a little.

I listen to their conversation, showing no emotion as per usual. My hands play with each other, with my eyes attached to the grand clock waiting, and waiting for the hand to strike o'clock.

"By the grace of God, Satan shall not take over and let her fall into the trap of the wicked!" My father bellows, following his statement with cackles of laugher.

"Thank you." I bow my head at both of my parents with a half smile, so that I'm not attacked for looking too morose. The distance between my chair and the table increases, my legs hit the floor as I stand, adjusting my clothes.

"Ah Ah! Where are you going?" My father says with his dying laughter intertwined.

"School starts tomorrow. I should really get as much sleep as possible." My pitch increases, exposing my 'happiness' and 'excitement' for school. If I don't show some form of determination, father won't be proud of me.

"You're excited, hey?" Mother questions with a bright smile she too only has on display when father is around.

"Yes, ma." I return her smile, still standing.

"Alright then, you can go." My father shoos me off with his right hand.

"Sleep well, Faviola." My mother flashes me a real smile, not one of her fake ones, but a real one.

"Thank you, Ma. Thank you, sir."

With that, I take myself to the glass staircase. My hand connects with the silver railing, gliding it across whilst dragging my body up the stairs.

School starts tomorrow. Boredom starts tomorrow. A year I really don't need to take.

Once I enter my room, the clock reads 9:48pm and I plan on sleeping at just past 10, so that I'm not waking up late for the first day.

To burn time, I dial Mel's number.

"Hey?" She whispers into the phone.

"Why are you so quiet?" I copy her by whispering.

"I'm just- it doesn't matter, but what's up?" She hesitates.

"Do you think Orientals and Blacks should marry?"

"Well- I don't kn- Why are you asking me this?"

"Mel, just please answer." I beg, knowing well I won't be able to sleep without knowing an answer from another perspective. Mel's been my day one, so if I can rely on anyone it's her. I can tell her anything and she won't judge me... well not unless I'm acting dumb. That's when she knows what to say and how to humble me... if that's the saying.