Chapter 9

Early afternoon

Atlas wanted to show me around town. So, we went to an arcade the next day. You already know. Mama was skeptical but Dad calmed her down. I'm scared too but I'm willing to face any challenges ahead. Anyway, the arcade was 5 blocks away from the boutique. The signs in the front made my jaw clench. WHITES ONLY! I gripped Atlas's hand and he gripped mine back. "I'll be right back, Mira." He went inside to talk with the owner. I sat on a bench near by. Soon I heard a bunch of wild boys pulling up in a red corvette. They honked the horn several times. When I looked up, it was those boys. I looked straight at the driver then the rest of 'em in the back. We literally had a staring competition. "What do you want?" I growled. They laughed. "There she go with that boldness. You outta get taught a lesson! Don'tcha think?" I clenched my jaw again and started to explain how segregation has ended. The driver interrupted me and said, "Blablabla! Ain't nobody care 'bout whatchu sayin, girl. A nigga is STILL a nigga. Don't get so haughty just because some laws have changed." Him and his crew started to get out the car and come towards me. I stood up and got in his face. "People like you make me sick." I said. He stared me down and said, "The feeling is mutual." He tried to grab my arm but Atlas gripped it just in time. I jumped by the sudden gesture and turned around. The owner clicked his teeth and told the boys to leave. The boy in my face shoved me aside and said, "This isn't over...Mira." My eyes became filled with rage. How does he know my name? Atlas pulled me back and we watched them leave. I got out of Atlas's grasp and crossed my arms. "Why did you pull me away? I could've taught him another lesson." Atlas smiled and said, "I know." The owner cleared his throat and pointed at the door. I looked up embarrassed. "So, are you two gonna go play or what?" He looked at me keenly then smiled. "Um, yes. We would like to play." I looked at the sign again. He took a deep breath then teared down the sign. "Well, there's no one here so it's all yours for now!" Atlas grinned and we headed inside.

There was a snack bar to the right and arcade games in the center. I didn't know what I would play first. Atlas and I took out our money and traded it in for coins. We each got 50, placed them in small buckets and started to play. We played driving games first. Atlas was really good and beat me two times in a row. I finally won the last round. We went to the recording booth next. We made up this weird song about birds flying in the ocean and fish swimming in the sky. It was so fun. We played a couple more games but then we got tired. The owner said that we could have free snacks since it was just the two of us. I was very grateful and planned on paying back the favor. We ate pizza, cotton candy, pretzels, and ice cream. Later, we drank some soda pop. We finished playing around 4. We thanked the owner then left.

I never thought that moving to the south would be so interesting. I'm taking in the good and the bad. I just hope the future looks brighter. Atlas and I decided to go to the library. Our school assigned us summer work. It wasn't hard just time consuming. You had to get a partner and read a book together. Afterwards, you have to make something that has to do with the book (drawing of characters, model, project) and write a short summary. Atlas and I decided to read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Atlas used his library card to get two copies since I didn't have mine yet.

We decided to take the long way home too. Just to talk about our dreams and aspirations. Atlas told me that he wants to be a teacher. I told him that I wanted to work in the justice system, FBI. He gave me a bright smile and said, "I'm sure you'll make it, Mira. Just keep that attitude." I asked Atlas why he wanted to be a teacher. He looked at me then down on the ground. He shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know. I never really had a younger sibling. I just like the way little kids act, I guess. They're so innocent and playful, ya know." I nodded my head in understanding. I told him that I wanted to become an agent because I love learning about crime and justice. "Real, live action intrigues me. Plus, I want to solve a couple mysteries like the death of Marilyn Monroe and Area 51." Atlas admired my dreams and I admired his. Though mine is a bit dangerous, I'm willing to die to find out the truth. That's just it. The human mind is an enigma that nobody can fully understand. If a killer says they kill for fun, a sane person could never take the time to understand or feel sympathetic. They would have to dig deep into the killer's life to see what led up to his/her conclusion. As Atlas and I are walking, I'm thinking of the challenges we will face. We are two separate paths that happen to always cross. Now, can you tell me why that can't be the case for everyone else. I wish black and white were just colors. Atlas squeezed my hand and agreed with me. Apparently, I had said that last part out loud.

~Outfits from the arcade (pictures are from Google)~

Here's what the arcade looked like:

Hope everyone is doing well!!