Mama, I want to come home
by Lady V
So many times I was ready to leave home and venture out on my own. Now, as I look back on the life I’m living; mama, I want to come home.
“Sam, let’s go! It’s time for church.”
Trying to ignore the sounds of my mother, I cover my head with my pillow and hope she stops calling my name. Boy, was I wrong. Coming up the stairs frantically, I pray she passes by my room and go on to church without me. Busting in the door, she snatches the pillow and covers off me. The look on her face is telling me this is not the time to argue with her.
“Ain’t no sinners in this house. If you can party all night with the devil, you can party for God. Now get up, and get yourself together young lady. It’s time for church. If I have to come back in here, it’s going to be hell to pay.”
Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, I knew I bet not test the waters. Gradually getting up, I can feel every bit of last night. Tasha’s party was off the chain. Who would’ve thought, it was going to be poppin like that? It was definitely a night I will never forget. If my mama only knew what happened last night, she would be praying and dashing holy water everywhere.
Finally dressed and heading downstairs, I hear her in the kitchen having another cup of her morning coffee.
“Good morning mama.”
Looking at me with that discouraged look, she sips on her coffee and says “Good morning Sam. Glad to see you could join us for church. Pastor Johnson will be glad to see you; especially since you’ve been dodging church these past few weeks like the plague.”
Ignoring her sarcasm, I find something to coat this hangover. Feeding this hangover makes me feel better and now I am ready to go to church with the other hypocrites.
On the way to church mama sings her favorite Gospels and pray. I sit on the passenger side and text Tasha about the party last night. Talking about the party, I am ready for the next party. If this party was live, I know the next one will be lit. Tasha and I continue texting until we arrive at the church.
“Have fun with the rest of the hypocrites. Don’t go up in flames when you enter the church. Lol (smiley face, smiley face, smiley face).”
Tasha is crazy, but I love her to death.
Standing outside the church, I think about what Tasha said. I say a small prayer, and ask God for his grace so I don’t burst in flames. Seeing me laughing my mother turns and gives me that look. I straighten up, and follow her inside. Speaking to everyone and listening to everyone ask where I’ve been, is starting to get on my last nerve. I find a seat and wait for church to start. Looking around the church, she makes sure I’m not sitting in the back. Waiting for her to tell me to come on, she never does. I can’t begin to tell you the relief I’m feeling. Listening to the choir, I forgot how good they are. Starting to feel the spirit in the house of God, I can’t wait to hear the message God had delivered to Pastor Johnson.
After an amazing service, I am ready to eat and take a nap. Tonight, I have plans with the finest man in the city. I hope tonight goes as well as last night. Having great conversation with Jermaine, I’m ready to see what he has to offer.
Mama believes in having Sunday Dinner. She says this is the only time family gets to be together, and make new memories. I enjoy Sunday dinner, but I am ready for everyone to leave. Having two older siblings, and me being the youngest I always have to prove myself. I understand she wants me to be the best, but I will never be my brother or my sister. They have families of their own with successful careers, and I’m not even in school. Let them tell it, I am the problem child. I just don’t want to follow their path. I want to live my own life and be who I am. Why do I have to be like them?
Waking up from a long nap, I noticed I have several missed calls and texts. Checking my messages and returning my calls, I agree to meet Jermaine in an hour. Finding something sexy to put on, I gather my things and head out the door. On the way out the door, mama is sitting in her favorite chair watching the ten o’clock news. Hoping she doesn’t see me, I tip toe towards the door.