Be long gone

Chapter eight

                                               

 "You're watching TV tonight Zendaya" Tasha announced

"But mum, I have to read" She whined

"Have you read the story of someone who reads a lot and eventually runs mad?" She inquired

"No"

"Because you're going to be the first victim" She declared

"Mum!" Zendaya screamed

"It's the truth. Ask your dad" She declared

"Your mum is right dear" Tom affirmed

"I'll join you when I'm done reading" Zendaya added.

Tasha shook her head in disbelief

"Why am I Black?" Mackenzie asked

Her question changed everyone's mood and facial expression.

"What?" Tasha and Tom screamed in unison

"Why that question?" Tom asked

Kenzie gives no reply but keeps twirling her hair. She does this when she's frustrated

"What's going on Kenzie?" Tasha asked with concern

"Something happened in class today. I was told to speak on the Slave trade and I don't know..............." She said bursting into tears

Tasha stood removing the apron and dropping the bowl of whisked eggs

"Zen, take over," She said

"Sure and take care Kenzie," She said on her way to the kitchen

"What's going on?" Tasha enquired squatting in front of her daughter

Tom, on the other hand, is frozen with a puzzled expression written all over his face

"Peter got me angry. I wanted to speak back but I really couldn't find the words. He spoke rudely in my face, he insulted me because I'm Black" She stated amidst tears.

Tasha hugged her s tears also formed in her own eyes

"We're getting to her school tomorrow" Tom pronounced

"Enough with the tears Kenzie. It's okay" Tasha stated pacifying her

Tom cleaned Kenzie's face with his hands and stated "Whoever did this to will get punished huh?"

"Okay" She replied

"You know what? Go join your sister in the kitchen, she's making pancakes" Tasha appended

"Thanks, guys" Kenzie appreciated

"Anytime dear" Tom responded

"Get your sister something to eat Zendaya: Tasha ordered

Kenzie left leaving Tom and Tasha in the living room

"Thank God there's a wall between the kitchen and the living room, we need to talk," Tasha told her husband

"I'm all ears," Tom said holding his ears

"I'm serious," Tasha said hitting him

"Sorry, what's up?" He questioned

"I'm broken. As a mum, seeing my daughter cry because of what's not her fault is painful. Was moving the wrong decision?" Tasha stated

"First of all, I can't stand seeing tears in your eyes. Secondly, what makes you talk this way? We discussed this in Chicago" Tom answered

" I know," Tasha said wiping her eyes

"But back in Chicago, our kids didn't experience racism. I don't want them exposed to things like this, it'll hurt them. I can't see them hurt" Tasha explained

"I understand what you mean. I say we exercise patience. We teach them to be patient and also to adapt to what life brings. We're their templates, they'll do what we do." Tom declared

"Okay, okay. we're going to Kenzie's school tomorrow" Tom said

"Sure," Tom said hugging his wife

************************************************

"Dinner is served," Zendaya said dropping the plate full of pancakes

"Thanks," Tasha said

On days Tasha is feeling frustrated, angry or a couple of negative emotions, she takes her hair into a ponytail. She believes that having your hair down enhances one's beauty.

" Wear your hair down mum, I don't like seeing you this way" Kenzie stated

"I'll do that when I'm going to work tomorrow" She responded

"I don't know why your mum believes in things like this," Tom said causing Kenzie to laugh

"I'm glad you're happy dear" Tasha stated

"Sorry about today" She added

"I'm fine now" Kenzie appended

"I've changed my mind, I'm watching the movie" Zendaya declared

"Finally, nerd" Kenzie stated stressing the word 'nerd'.

"Pass the ketchup Kenzie please " Zendaya declared making everyone to stare at her

"What?? ketchup and pancakes?" Mackenzie queried

"What's wrong with that?" Zendaya asked puzzled

"You're weird, my daughter" Tasha commented

"Mum" She screamed

"Your mum is right. Who takes pancake and ketchup" Tom added

"I dare to be different" Zendaya pronounced

"Did we really come out of the same womb?" Mackenzie asked her mum

"Of course, you did" She replied

"Just give it to her" Tom stated

Kenzie obeyed and handed it to her

"I can't believe this" Tasha appended

"Who needs ketchup?" Questioned Zendaya raising the bottle up

"Don't you dare" Kenzie responded

"That's enough," Tom said

After dinner

"I want to dye my hair pink mum. Can I?" Kenzie asked

"Why?"

"I love pink" She responded

"I don't think it'll suit your skin color. If it does, you can do that" Tasha stated

"I'm sure it will" Kenzie added

"I wasn't done, you can dye your hair as far as you pass your exams" Tasha pronounced

"Mum," She said pouting

"I love your hair the way it's Black" Zendaya added

"Nobody asked for your opinion weirdo" She snapped

"I'm sorry, fashion queen' Zen apologized

"Switch on the TV, let's get started" Tom ordered