Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine NK Literary Cafe 2018 Mother's Day Issue | Page 72

Tumika Patrice Cain

excerpt from Season of Change
Ella Jean : Some funny talking black woman in all those ‘ spensive clothes was prancing around the room issuing orders like there was no tomorrow . Who died and made her boss ? “ Alicia , dahling , come heah , deah .” It was pretty obvious that whoever she was , she was getting on Alicia ’ s nerves . Saw her take a deep breath ‘ fore answering . “ Yes , Mother . I ’ ll be right there .” She and Avery were in a heated little discussion off in a corner and she was looking perturbed . Could bet anythang it had to do with us being there . “ Mother , Daddy , come meet my future in-laws .” So Miss Thang was the bride ’ s mother . I knew we ’ d never get along . Her and all them fancy jewels . Too bourgie for my taste . “ Mother , Daddy this is Mr . and Mrs . Brooks . Mr . and Mrs . Brooks , these are my parents Edward and Sophia Cantrell .” “ Just call me Ella Jean and him Lester ,” I said . Tried saying it real nice like , but I could tell by the way Lester was squeezing my arm that I was giving Miss High and Mighty Sophia a nasty look . “ Pleased to meet you .” Edward said to us , shaking our hands . Seemed nice to me . More down to earth than that flighty wife of his . Reminded me of my first husband . I hated him instantly . “ Charmed , I ’ m sure .” That was Miss Thang . “ So tell me , Ellie Mae , have you had a chance to get to know our Lissi ?” “ My name is Ella Jean , not Ellie Mae . If you can ’ t remember that , just call me Mrs . Brooks . And to answer your question , this is my first time meetin ’ Alicia .” “ Oh , pardon me . I ’ m no good with names . First time , huh ?” Gave the group of us a peculiar look . Pro ’ bly wondering why we hadn ’ t met ‘ fore now . She didn ’ t have a clue . “ Avery ’ s