The Soul Is Speaking

Chapter 1: Flashback

 I remember looking outside the window as I sit at my desk. The teacher ranting as usual and the thought of why my life being this way occurs in my mind. Ever since I was a little girl I was taught how women should be. The American dream of something I was not included in. My parents thought this was how a household should be. A woman in the kitchen cleaning and cooking. While a man is out there working for the sake of his family. Not to mention my family are strong Christians. No shame on the Christians I praise how they push others into greatness. Especially in a world like this.

While I was sat there thinking about how to be a woman only at the age of 16.  My friend pokes me to get my attention. I looked at her and said, "exactly why are you ruining my thoughts". She smiled cockily "well, as usual, you think you're in some movie or book and be telling your life story". I raised my eyebrow at her and rolled my eyes "okay so, I like to think that I am. It makes my life seem more interesting". I remember she laughed a little too loud making the teacher pause. "Chike and Nya do you have something more important than what I'm teaching". We apologized but like most teachers, they have to continue. "Chike tell me something, when did World War 2 happen". I looked at Nya as she shrugs and I said: "well in 1939". The teacher paused then continued with class.

Once the bell runged everyone was happy to hurry and leave out of history. It was also my last period of that day. I sighed saying "well wasn't that close" I quickly turn to Nya as she started looking at me saying "Don't you ever wonder why we always learn about European history and never ours". I look at her in confusion, then deny what she says. "No, I don't besides we did learn about our history. Our ancestors came from Africa by being enslaved and then boom slavery then poof segregation then POW! Us now." She looks at me with a concerned look and says "yeah, but what about before slavery like in Africa". I thought about it for a second and laugh at her than respond"um who cares were in the future not the past". She smiles for a bit "well you're right. Oh, there goes your mom". I look outside the window then proceeded to head that way to the car. Nya wave bye and I simply nod and continue to walk to my mom's car.

Once I got in the car. I began to get on my phone and scroll through Instagram. My mother pulls off from school. "So, Chi how was school" I look up from my phone then decided to just ask. "mom, what happened before slavery". My mom looks at me with a confused look and said "well...um I don't exactly know. I thought they taught you that already." She stops at a red light then looks at me saying "why did you ask me and not your teacher". I shrug, "well mom you're mom's side of the family is from Ghana. So I assumed you would know". The light turns green and mom pulls off a bit faster than usual. "You know, I haven't associated with my mother in years especially after changing my beliefs". I look down and said, "yeah, I know...I'm sorry". She pulls up to the house saying "just please...let's not ever bring this up again".

I felt bad for bringing it up. I didn't think she would react in that kind of manner. Even though she held her composure, I can tell she was hurt at the fact that she hasn't spoken to my grandma in years. Ever since my mom married my dad she distances herself from her mother. My mom claims that she was doing witchcraft and that this was against what God wanted. I never spoke or ever seen my grandma I just know she still alive and lives in the south. I got out of the car and headed upstairs thinking harder than ever. Once I made it upstairs and walk in my bedroom. I instantly relax, but quickly got up to get my laptop. "hmm.. I wonder what google has to say for this" I type in google then type in 'the true history of African-Americans before slavery'. A lot of things pop up but something that did interest me was how Africa was the start of humanity. Just before I was going to look deeper into it, my notification goes off. I look at my phone and see my Instagram is going off. I ignored it and just continue my research things I found out was shocking enough but would never be enough.