Unmasking

1. Beginnings

What was happening with this year?

Like seriously who was playing Plague Inc. in Area 51?!

Nina didn't expect to be stuck in the US. She finally got the internship of her dreams, flown to the country exited, unable to wait and see how her beloved hotel chain worked. But as always things had to turn out differently.

The epidemic started and while she was busy, she didn't manage to book a flight back home. Now she was staying with relatives in New Jersey so it wasn't that bad, but she didn't plan for this to happen. Soon the hotel closed and now she felt she not only had nothing to do, but was also imposing her family (no matter what they said).

And then... Am innocent man of color cruelly died from the hand of cops. Again. And it broke her heart. How could anyone call it the land of the free? She got scared, very scared, but she was also raging deep inside. She was already worried about her family and friends on a daily basis, worried someone would assault them only because of the pigmentation of their skin. She couldn't understand why she (who couldn't have paler skin) was safer than her sister. Why did a simple genetic combination give her more chances for a peaceful life?! It made her anxious and she didn't know what to do, how to help without burning some people on the stake.

And then the protests began. The moment she learned about it her passive aggressive mode turned on. She would join in, she would would stand her ground and she would help no matter what. Determination and adrenaline flooded her body. Yes, the moment protests would start she wanted to be on the front line. She'd swallow that need for bloody vengeance, keep it peaceful but never back down. Not until things changes. Maybe she wasn't meant to go back home for that reason.

That being said she took precautions. She knew things could get violent, apparently the land of the free had an aggressive government and things could go South quickly. That's why she had thanked her cousin about a million time when he borrowed her his helmet and motorcycle jacket that protected the spine. She didn't care it would be hot, she would just sit down and protest calmly anyway so the extra layers would be just fine.

"JUSTICE FOR EVERYONE" Screamed someone in the crowed and Nina couldn't help but smile softly, her helmet in her hand. "BLACK LIVE MATTER!" Added someone else and the people joined in as the marched forward. She had joined with her small stick banner, her hands raised in a fist.

Still she was easily distracted. She had a habit of trying to help everyone around her. If she saw someone that was a little pale or who seemed dizzy she couldn't help but head over to that person. That person being a petite woman with long curly black hair at the moment.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asked offering her a hand to help her out of the crowd.

"Hey... it's the heat I can't take it" Replied the woman reaching for the offered hand and Nina smiled lightly through her mask. She wished the woman could see it. She led her away and into the pavement and into some shade.

"Here" She took a bottle of water out of her backpack. Of course she took some additional ones. Small but this way she fit more, she could share. That was her caring part showing. "If you don't feel well maybe you should head back? We need everyone to join in, if we all get exhausted so fast no one will be left at the end" She spoke as woman took the water and drank it all in one go. She then looked at Nina with her dark brown eyes and smiled lightly.

"I get what you mean, but I still want to stay. I might move a bit to the back where there is space thought" She nodded. "What's your name?" She asked looking up at the blond.

"Noemie" Nina replied. It wasn't really a lie, that was her second name. She just wouldn't feel comfortable telling a stranger her first one.

"Naomi. I guess our names are pretty similar" Chuckled the woman with a small nod. "Anyway, thanks for the water. I feel better already." Nina smiled lightly. Thank god. "I hope we see each other again!" Waved the stranger as she walked away.

"Take care!" Smiled Nina before turning around and moving back into the front line.

She did think about that woman all through the protest. The blond actually did think about anyone else she met during the day. The woman wanted to stand her ground so bad, but she knew she needed all the help she could get. Nina hoped that helping others would unsure they could make changes swiftly. Because those changes should have happened a long time ago. Now was the time.

Nina came back home late. She spoke with her relatives they laughed softly, bringing each other comfort. You couldn't ask for a better Aunt and Uncle that greeted you with a smile and with a cousin that was like an older brother to her. She didn't know what she would do if they weren't here with her.

Before sleep Nina checked the news and paled lightly. Of course this had to happen. Violence and theft started. She bit her lip, this wasn't supposed to be like this, even thought she knew it would happen sooner or later. She'll hold that helmet a little tighter the next day.

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So... Well that's a start. And some of Nina thoughts are mine. I am from a mixed color family. My biological mother is dark skinned and so is my sister while my father, brother and I are pale. And sometimes I wish I could exchange pigmentation with them. They are wholesome and beautiful and it hurts when anyone insults them because they are darker. Makes me want to rip that person apart (I twice got into a fist fight because of that ) or at least be the one to take the insults. Because I know they are beautiful and I don't want them to doubt that even for a second.

Anyway have a good day/night and please take care!