Chapter 8

Finally, Wilma stood in front of us. She gave me an angered look then rolled her eyes. Then she quickly hooked her arm with Atlas's and gave him a wide big smile. "Happy birthday, sweetheart!" Atlas shoved her arm away and said, "Thank you, Wilma. Now, what do ya want?" Wilma started to giggle and in a high-pitched girly voice she said, "Oh, Atlas. You need to stop shying away. Let's just go out again. I know you can't resist me." I couldn't help but laugh. This girl looked crazy and desperate. She quickly turned her head towards me and snarled. "Whatchu laughin' at, nigga?" I stopped laughing and raised my eyebrows. "I don't know who your talking to. You need to have manners and I'm not a nigga. My name is Mira." Atlas tried to pull me away but I stood firmly on the ground. Atlas looked at Wilma anger clearly written on his face and said, "Don't call her that! And Mira's right, you do need manners." Wilma chuckled and said, "Come on, Atlas. Don't be like that. You know niggas don't belong like us. Especially her kind. Mixin' and what not." She tried to grab his arm again but this time Atlas caught it and held it firmly. In a deeper, strained voice he said, "I'm. Not. Like. You. There's nothing wrong with black folk. They're just like us. We are both human and shed the same blood and tears. Apparently, you're not human. Just a pig who keep slippin' on mud. Don't you eva and I mean EVA disrespect Mira again, you hear?" Wilma chucked that cup of lemonade my way. My dress got soaked and I was so embarrassed. Then, she chuckled nervously as tears came to her eyes. "Surely, you don't mean that, baby." she said. Atlas took my hand and said, "Every word, Wilma." She stood there dumb folded with her mouth wide open and tears streaming down her face. Even though she was mean to me, I sorta felt bad for her. I felt bad for people that think like her in general. When did it come to the point where race, especially the black one, became a target of hatred. Every kid around us started making fun of Wilma. Atlas smirked and told me to follow him.

We went inside the house. Specifically, to the kitchen. I sat on a high, comfy stool. Everything inside just looked beautiful. The counters were made of night sky marble and the light above me was a mini chandelier that sent streaks of light in every direction. Streaks of hope? The wooden floor and brass chairs gave me a cozy home feel. I looked across the island. Atlas bent down to get a couple of paper towels from the white cabinet. He handed them to me and said, "Im so sorry, Mira. Wilma's just not right in the head." I smile a little and said, "It's ok." But it wasn't. What Wilma said seeped into my heart and I felt hurt. I don't wanna believe her but every time black and white mix there's always trouble. Something has got to give. Atlas read my mind and said, "Pay no attention to people like her. They just ignant' and mad for no reason at all. They can't understand that we all the same." He helped my clean up my dress and held a hand out. I grabbed it as I hopped off the stool. "I bet we can find another dress for you." He grabbed my hand and brought me upstairs to a pink door. "My sister, Seraphine is still in college. You can borrow one of her dresses for now. I'll be waiting outside, okay." Atlas said. I nodded my head and went inside. Once I shut and made sure the door was locked, I took off my shoes and glanced around the room. Trophies, pillows, books, and posters were all over Seraphina's room. Boy, I can't wait to meet his accomplished sister. I wish that I had a sibling sometimes. I opened her closet and spotted a lot of pretty dresses. I picked a simple, blue one hidden in the back. It had a nice soft material. Once I put it on, I glanced in the mirror. I love this dress. Too bad I can't keep it. I slipped on my shoes and headed out the room. Atlas smiled and said, "Let's continue this party at the tree house." "But...isn't everyone gonna wonder where you are?" I asked. "Just let me deal with that." he said. I shrugged my shoulders and followed him to the tree house.

Once we got settled, Atlas opened a secret compartment. he took out a plate of wrapped cookies, cake, and some milk. It wasn't much but it was all delicious. It's weird. We just met but we act like we've known each other our whole lives. After we ate, Atlas decided to open his birthday present. I bought him a watch, some gum, a small notepad, pens, and a small bottle of perfume. He slowly opened his gift and smiled in appreciation. "I really like this gift, Mira. Can you help me put the watch on?" I grinned and helped him put it on his right wrist. It goes perfectly with the suit he's wearing. Eventually we laid down, distance between us of course, and started talking about what school will be like. I already know that students like Wilma will be at every corner so I have to watch my back. I hear Mr. Johnson shout Atlas's name. Atlas jumps up and helps me down the tree house. We both walk back to the backyard. Wilma is nowhere to be seen. Everyone sings Happy Birthday to Atlas. When it's time for the candles, he looks over at me then blows them out. He serves everyone else. When he's done he comes over to me. "What did you wish for?" I asked. He smiled and said, "Wishes don't come true if you say em." I rolled my eyes sarcastically and said, "Right."