Mahogany (Episode 4)


© Nichel Anderson
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After a few hours, I still couldn’t believe she was here. I finally stopped rubbing my hands on my dress. The soft feel of the fabric no longer soothed my nerves. I knew once my grandmother finished being polite to Josie, my nana would have a series of questions for me. She is the mother of my mama, Bertha. My nana lives in Harlem with my grandfather and she is the binding force that keeps us together.

Josie finally decide to leave us in the den and continue chastising Nate and his friends. Nana immediately turned back to me and smiled. Her long salt-pepper like hair was pulled up in a round bun. Her creamy brown complexion showed no major aging but her eyes spoke of years of wisdom. She had a full figure but still, as lovely as a basket of flowers, my grandfather would whisper to me when he's watching her cooking in the kitchen. She was the one that gave me the nickname: Jewels.

She was the one that always made me see the big picture when I was so determined that I was right from the beginning. She was the one that mended the fences of the family when they were broken. She was the one that everyone respected and loved. Her name is Elizabeth Washington; she radiates pride from being part Indian and of Negro decent. Nana's love of her heritage was embedded strong in her heart and soul as a mahogany statue.

"Come on now. Let me squeeze you one more time, I miss ya.”

I quickly went to my nana because I was at the breaking point of crying.

"I miss you, nana.”

We hugged each other before sitting down.

"How long are you staying?”

She was quiet as she fixed a stray piece of my hair not giving me any eye contact.

"As long as you need me.”

She smiled at me and I immediately dropped my fake mask. I lost it. I buried my face in her bosom and cried, like when I was three years old falling down the stairs at my mother and father’s home. She stroked my head and began to rock me back and forth as the torment of my misery from down under came rushing up like a waterfall.


Meanwhile in Harlem…at the Harlem Dancing School…

Nami was gathering her garments into her bag for the first day of auditions. She dreamed of this moment to be in the Tolles Overseas Productions. She was excited. She felt so alive, having this chance to showcase her talent. She looked in the mirror one last time and smooth her hands across her cheeks. Nami blinked her eyelashes to expose her gorgeous dark eyes. Her caramel complexion sparkled against her attire. She smiled and her appearance matched perfectly with her confident feeling.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

18.   Nov 24, 2001 6:25 AM
In response to message posted by ladybaa:

Hi Ladybaa!

Thank you for your comments. Now you are really making me smile thi ...


-- posted by Nichel


17.   Nov 22, 2001 12:24 PM
In response to message posted by pudden83:

Nichel,

Wow, what a great story you have written, I am really enjoying your sa ...


-- posted by ladybaa


16.   Sep 27, 2001 6:19 PM
In response to message posted by teecoope:

Hi Tee!

Girl I am so happy that you enjoyed Episdoe 4! Thanks for coming by to ...


-- posted by Nichel


15.   Sep 27, 2001 6:16 PM
In response to message posted by Sunbear:

Hi Tom!

Thanks for stopping by to read up on the lastest Episode 4...I am so gl ...


-- posted by Nichel


14.   Sep 27, 2001 6:10 PM
In response to message posted by Renie_Burghardt:

Hey Renie! I'm glad you stopped by to check out Episode 4 (and the twists ...


-- posted by Nichel





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