The Amistad – Spring 2007 - COAS - Howard University

The Amistad – Spring 2007FICTION“Hey everybody this is my girlfriend Diane. Diane this is my family, this is Uncle Boogie, my motherAnnette and her husband Joe.” They all greeted her with a smile and a handshake with the exception of AuntieEssie, who gave her another evil look, then she spoke.“Don’t speak to her, she one of dem uppity young Northern girls.” Before Brandon could speak inDiane’s defense, Uncle Boogie hissed at his sister.“Woman shut that noise up you talkin’! You don’t even know her like that.” Annette and Joe began tolaugh at the older two because they knew another argument can occur within seconds. Instead Essie used herhand and shooed him away as if he was a fly. After a few moments of chit chatter Audrey screamed in thekitchen.“Hey one of y’all heathens come help me get this melon in the house.” Uncle Boogie eagerly removedhimself from the table, wanting to get the first piece when it was time to be cut. Seconds later Audrey came intothe kitchen and she immediately dropped the two bags that she carried.“My baby is home. Come here baby and give me some love. My baby. Ohh I’m so happy!” She walkedover to him as fast as possible but her limp slowed her a little. Brandon and his Granny embraced each other fora long time. He wanted to smell her rosy smelling body spray she’d been using since he could remember. Shepatted his back moved him from her body, smiled at him and brought him back for another hug. She thennoticed another person was in the room and not apart of the family. She nearly pushed Brandon out the way tolook at Diane. She finally spoke.“Now I know you ain't brought that heifer from up North here with ya. Tell me that ain’t her Brandon.”He looked at his Granny; the words that he didn’t speak let her know the answer. The room became quiet for along thirty seconds until she looked at Diane with disgust.“Look here lil' girl. I don’t like ya. So don’t try and be my friend. My name is Mrs. Stokes to you andkeep yo talk with me short and to the point.” She spoke her peace, leaving the rest of the room to pick at herwords. Diane’s face was blank, not knowing if she should be mad and angry or hurt and cry.“I told ya’ll she was uppity.” Auntie Essie said matter of factly.“Didn’t I tell you to hush all that nonsense you be talkin’?” Uncle Boogie said.Diane and Joe continued to sit in the kitchen, while Brandon and Annette went to see about Audrey, whohad left and went to sit in the rarely used living room, which was sealed shut with plastic coverings. As theymade there way to the room she started talking before they even reached her.“Look, don’t go tryna to convince me otherwise. Brandon I don’t know why you brought that storebought girl up here with ya anyhow.” Annette jumped in.“Momma can you treat that girl better, she’s a guest in yo’ house.” Audrey looked at her daughter andshe used her right hand for leverage when she lifted herself from the couch and she looked directly untilAnnette’s eyes.-- 37 --