Finding You, In Me (BWWM)

Part 2

"Try this one." Tanya handed me a soft white cocktail dress. I was agitated and roaming up and down the bedroom, trying on outfits for the Christmas party ahead. Today, I was going to meet Eric's family and he would be meeting mine. I was glad being back in Ottawa and staying with my sister and mother for the holidays. I needed this. It was even better knowing that Eric's parents were from this city and would be staying here whilst they were visiting. I was shoving my body into the dress, worrying about if it would fit or not. My heart was racing and although I had several hours to go, I was edgy. The last month had been spent on planning this event and I didn't want my nerves to ruin it. My mother couldn't stop talking about meeting the new man in my life and although I knew she wasn't too keen on me dating, she was slowly starting to understand that I was now a woman.

"That's the one, Thandie. Turn around." Tanya was seated on the bed, going through a packet of pretzels. I gave a quick twirl and I heard here snap her fingers.

"You're wearing that dress tonight. Look at all that junk back there - you need to show all that off. Let the Duval's know that their son is well taken care off." She laughed hysterically and I joined into her madness, turning around and trying to see my backside in the full body mirror. The dress hugged my body and defined my curves in a way I hadn't noticed them before. It stopped slightly above my knees and I then thought of Eric's parents and I wondered if this dress was too much. Even for my mother that would be watching me closely. Scrutinising my every move.

"It's too tight, Tanya. I can't wear something like..."

"Please, Thandie. Stop right there." Tanya was frowning and had looked away from me. "Can you just relax. His mother's going to envy you and his father's going to wish he was his son." She looked irritated and I understood her. I looked wonderful and I had to accept that. This was me and I wanted to feel good for myself. They were going to meet, Thandeka today. I wasn't going to hide. Not anymore. After we found my dress, Tanya and I began to sift through clothes for her outfit. She had gained a little weight since I had last seen her and it suited her very well. Her skin was a toasty brown and I loved how warm and soft it looked. It was nice seeing her finally ditch the lace wigs and try something a little different. She wore her own hair that brushed the corners of her collarbones in a wavy shimmer.

"You're being too picky." I finally said, after watching her try on several pairs of pants, dresses and tops.

"Yeah, which is exactly why you'll be wearing that dress today." She made a face at me and I laughed at how silly she was. Tanya continued to reject my suggestions and as we realised that too much time had passed, she settled for a long sleeved red maxi dress, that flowed at her feet. Which was perfect for her long legs. We hung our dresses up and began preparing for the day ahead. We were expecting the Duvals for lunch and I was so nervous I could hardly think. Lunch had to prepared and I was grateful for Tanya's hand with it all. My mother had left early that morning to take care of the ingredients but unfortunately, she went with her best friend who we referred to as Aunty Estelle. At this rate, I knew I wouldn't see my mother anytime soon and this unsettled me as I wanted everything to be perfect for this meeting. It was an arrangement which I had mentally prepared myself for and it had taken weeks to do. Still, the very thought of meeting Eric's parents ate at my heart and I found myself chewing on my bottom lip. A hopeless, pitiful mess.

"Look, mama's meeting her future son in law. She won't miss that for anything."

"It's aunty Estelle; Tanya."

"Yeah and you're her daughter. Get real, Thandie." Tanya was spicing pieces of chicken whilst I prepared to throw the beef onto the grill. My mind was wandering though but I wasn't going to let it. Tanya was right. My mother knew what was planned for the day. She knew that she was going to meet my boyfriend. She knew that I loved him and that he was good to me. She knew about the cultural differences. She knew it all. I focused on making some lovely dishes for Eric and his family and I wanted them to relish in our African cuisine. I had learned, many years ago, from my mother; how to prepare the lovely Jollof rice which crazed many of us. Today, it was on the menu and I was excited for people to delve their senses into all the color that was coming to be. As I tightened my apron around my waist, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I spun around. What did Tanya want, now? But no, it was my mother, smiles and all. She had bags in both hands and I immediately stretched down and took them from her. Tanya rolled into the kitchen with a few more and then I saw Aunty Estelle. As much as I respected her friendship with my mother, this wasn't the time for anything of that sort. Eric would be here with his parents in 3 hours and the food was still in need of being catered to. I greeted Aunty Estelle briefly and trotted back to my station. She followed.