2

3K 43 28
                                        

"If you expect nothing from somebody you are never disappointed"

My persona is far more toned down than how it's been in my youth. I used to be full of energy, but also knowing that there's a time and place for everything. I was taught that the world was black and white, I was my parents pride and joy.

Now the world isn't the simple shades I was presented, but filled with massive amounts of color that flood the earth.

But once Megan walked into my life I was introduced to the harsh reality that is society and how it treats people that aren't white.

I have no idea how we became friends, after we first met that should've been it, aversion should have been the next step. But it all seemed to happen so fast. Mother told me to avoid the "negros" as she called them, whereas my father would curse them out at just the mention of them. He was an officer and always made sure to remind the family that we know our place, and they know theirs.

Their dislike was driven by something that confused me. Completely nothing. They simply hopped on the train in hopes that they will be accepted.

I tried to stay away from black folks since I assumed they were all as horrid as my parents described them. Like I said, everything was quite literally black and white for me.

My parents allowed me to walk to the park near our house as long as I was home before dark. I remember swinging on the swing set one day and seeing her. A young girl. She was avoiding me and the other white mothers at the park and I was too. But once she stood up from her hideaway spot in the bushes to leave she was caught.

A group of kids older than her started to throw rocks and anything else they could find at her. She fell back in pain, but quickly got up and tried to fight back. At eight years old I couldn't quite notice details, but I did see that she was a fighter.

She attempted to run but was restrained by a boy more than a foot taller than her. These boys were only a few years older than us but the girl was tiny. I stared in shock, never taking the time to notice the brutality that happened right before my eyes that used to see the world as perfect.

As much as I tried to avoid them, I would never let anybody suffer willingly. Especially at the age when I never put myself first. In fact, I still don't. I rushed over impulsively, not even knowing what I should say.

That was the first time I relied on my words to work my way out of a situation.

I forced tears to come out of my eyes, and rushed over to tell them my little brother had fallen into the reservoir nearby and was drowning. The older boys smirked at my vulnerability, their toxic masculinity overpowering them as they rushed to the reservoir.

That was also the first time that I realized how much power I had, just because of my skin color. I was still a women however, which drained much of the influence I had. But power is power.

I took the girls hand in mine, running with her so we could get as far away from the park as possible. We didn't even have time to ask for names as we bolted through the streets. I got in a lot of trouble for being home late that night, but I got to meet Meghan. Although I still ponder if that event was a blessing or a curse.

"You're doing it again." A honeyed voice remarked to me, or otherwise known as my Aunt Kristy.

I looked at her, cocking my head to the side in confusion.

"Doing what?" I took my last bite of my crunchy toast with marmalade, feeling confused by the annoyed look on my aunts face.

She laughed that contagious laugh of hers, flashing her matter of fact smile towards me. "Don't play dumb, you're daydreaming again."

meant to be yours | d.wWhere stories live. Discover now