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Freeborn: Chapters 4-6

The Decks and the Road

book 1- Freeborn


Chapter 4

Dr. Kat Shepherd- I got the text from my sister late on a Friday night.  We hadn’t spoken much in recent months.  We always seemed to go a distance between calls.  It wasn’t because I led a busy life, but because we led such different lives.  She was older, and my progress had become offensive to her.  I wanted her to do better.  We all wanted her to do better, but something great pulled her to see her life in a simplistic way.  Anyway, the text was simple.  It read, “You’re going to meet someone.  Put aside everything you think you know.”  I didn’t respond.  She never needed my feedback, and besides, it got me all in my veins.   I was useless.  Almost instantaneously hope raised its head.  That was the thing about hope— it’s light-hearted that way.  Naturally, my mind wandered, but not too far.  My heart wasn’t as light-hearted, and I didn’t let it go off all alone.  I kept my heart close to me.  It was the thing I didn’t recommend, but it worked for me.  Besides, I was somewhat distracted by my newest assignment.  It had been in limbo for more than a year.  I’d only gotten two names, and I was waiting for the third.  Everything always began with three names.  I could feel something telling me this time it would be a little different, but I didn’t know if I could trust it.  After all, since the beginning, it had always been done this way.  These changes kept me on my toes; kept me asking questions and waiting for answers, but it was all the more exciting.  I kept thinking about the card I’d been prompted to leave behind at this major party I attended just over two years ago now.  It was an unlikely invite.  Mr. Simpleton had passed on his invite to me plus one.  I was dating Richard at the time.  I thought we would stick out, but our attire hid us well.  I gave away a few cards that night, but I only left one purple card behind.  The nudge and the invite together made me think something powerful would come of it, but up until now, it hadn’t found its way back to me. 


Chapter 5


Kayla- I wasn’t sure if I would get a call, or if I would just hear about it in some off-beat way, but the call came.  I had stayed away from the issue.  It represented three elephants that I didn’t feel big enough to confront all at once.  When I heard Taye’s voice it took me back to the place and time of our last conversation.  Now given the circumstances, it meant nothing.  His voice was stern, and I couldn’t figure out if he was angry or just grieving.  I also didn’t know if he knew who I was.  It seemed obvious, but it remained unspoken.  I appreciated the call, and I extended my sympathies.  I did ask how Kaylin was holding up.  His answer startled me, “Like a giant.”  I thought about his answer for days.  It was quite the spade; pointed and piercing.  It felt as though it was asking me to see myself smaller, but I couldn’t.  I’d fought too hard for the height I had, but I did take note of Kaylin’s height.  I was happy to know she could handle it, and I hoped it was her height he was looking at and not a wall she built.  I thought a lot about her, and I wanted to help, but I wasn’t sure I was conditioned to help.  After all, I’d never confronted my father, and had never made peace with my mother.  What did I really have to offer that anyone else couldn’t?  Instead, I thought, “If Nora was right, it will be revealed.” 


Chapter 6


Jennifer- I left as Camie.  I returned as Jennifer.  It felt good to be back, but I was not happy about the road that had led me back.  It was a hurtful road.  Yes, there had been joyful stretches, but those last few miles, I didn’t enjoy.  Nevertheless, I was more bountiful than when I’d left Miami.  Lily and Hannah were both treasures to me, but the latch to my chest remained broken for a while.  Hannah was a little distant at first.  Perhaps she thought she’d caused it all.  I was sure to tell her different, but I understood time would be needed.  Anyway, I didn’t let my pain get in the way of the beauty I could see in front of me.  I’d always known how to hold a picture in mind, and so I did.  I wasn’t sure if it was working, but then Derek called to let me know he’d come.  I knew I wasn’t ready, but the last time I wasn’t ready, something magical happened.  So, I carried on, but we talked.  In fact, there was a lot of this happening.  I’d begun speaking with my mother who had been in prison since I was fourteen.  I don’t know why but my soul resurrected her.  It was tough to admit, but I’d almost forgotten about her.  I think it was the grace I’d received that opened my eyes up to her.  We’d tried to speak on the phone at first, but there were so many dead ends, and we couldn’t seem to get anywhere.  So, I began to write her.  I was surprised at how we’d both began to blossom.  At first, I just thought to reach out to her.  I had no expectations, but she spoke to me as if she knew me.  I mean I guess she remembered me.  I remember her too, but not like she does me.  Funny, sometimes I think she has a pretty good handle on more than the past.  And she’s funny.  That I certainly don’t remember.  I guess my grandmother was always more up front, but it’s been a joy to know that she was always paying attention.  I thought she would be certain to ask me why I’d never even visited her, but she continues to pass on that card.  The only time her voice ever seemed to change was when I mentioned my sister, and she found ways to let me know, to keep the focus on us— that was in the beginning; when I was trying to find my way around the conversation.  Now, I’m happy to keep the focus on us. 



Freeborn, a novel
Freeborn

© Grace Call Communications, LLC

Copyright © 2017 by Natisha Renee Williams
All rights reserved

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