Chapter 14

I saw his nice red car parked in the driveway. As I entered the house, I heard silence then a gunshot and I heard two screams in unison. What was going on? I grabbed a long umbrella near by and slowly inched towards the living room. I hopped in but noticed nothing dangerous. At least, not in reality. I saw Atlas and my mom have a look of fear in their eyes as they were watching some scary movie on TV. I pressed my lips together then said, "Really?" They both jumped at the sound of my voice and I rolled my eyes then said, "Chickens!" Mama said, "I aint no chicken, Mira. Watch it!" Atlas just cleared his throat and acted perfectly fine. I personally enjoy scary movies. Once you get over the fact that it's NOT real no matter how realistic it looks, you can actually enjoy it. I find it thrilling at how it gets the adrenaline pumping. Anyways, I went to the kitchen to eat some grapes. Atlas came a minute later with something behind his back. "I hope you didn't mind me buying this for ya" he said. Atlas placed the box in front of me on the table. I opened it slowly and saw clear stilettos inside. I let out a girly scream then cleared my throat. "This is just what I needed! How'd you get back so quick from the mall though?" I asked. He chuckled and said, "Unlike you girls, I don't spend hours buying things. I went according to plan and got what you wanted us to get. Anyways, try it on!" I strapped them in and started to walk like a model across the kitchen and into the living room for Mama to see. I blocked the television just so she could look at me. She glared at me then said, "OKAY MIRA! It looks nice. Now get outta the way and let me watch I Love Lucy!" I slumped then stomped out dramatically. As I walked back to the kitchen, I started to slip and I thought I was gonna hit the ground. I felt strong hands on my waist catch me. My eyes were closed so I opened them slowly and saw Atlas staring right back at me. He smirked then inched his face closer to mine. I did the same but flicked his forehead right before it happened. I stood up straight, took off the heels, and put them in the box. Atlas looked confused for a second so he tried again. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and pulled me towards him. I kissed him back real quick then said, "Not here, idiot!" He chuckled and said, "I don't think your mother has a problem with me so why not?" "Ahem."

We both heard a deep voice say. I jumped and turned to see Dad. My soul jumped out and was digging a grave already. However, Dad just chuckled and said, "You guys best be careful now. We don't want babies poppin' outta no where!" We both blushed so hard then Atlas walked back to the living room. "Really dad?" I said. He had a serious look for a second and said, "You better NOT be pregnant." I blushed again and said, "DAD!" He laughed then started eating the meal mom had left for him. I went to the living room and started watching I Love Lucy with Mama and Atlas.

During the night as we were all watching a movie, I heard a gunshot. It sounded very real. I heard men shouting. Dad was closest to the window. "GET DOWN!" he shouted. we all ducked for cover. CRASH! Rocks started to crack every window in sight. I looked up a bit and saw someone in a KKK costume come up. He lit a match and threw it in. Our whole place was up in flames before I knew it. One of the matches caught on to Mama's dress and we all helped her put it out. The KKK men left laughing hysterically and shouting, "YOU BETTER LEAVE NIGGERS!" We all escaped with our lives. However, dad went back to go get a couple of important stuff before the fire got worse. Then, we all watched our house burn completely to the ground. Mama and I cried. Atlas put a hand on my shoulder. Dad hugged us all and said, "New things are comin'. This is okay." I looked at Dad and took his grip off of me. I ran to a distance near a tree and cried. How can he say that at a time like this? OUR HOUSE JUST BURNED DOWN. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of the hate. I'm sick of the verbal abuse. Why does are skin color matter so much to people like those men. I cried even more. Atlas came by my side and knew what to do. He said nothing but opened his arms out for comfort. This was what I needed now. I accepted and cried in his arms.

I cried for my family. I cried for myself. Most of all, I cried for all the black lives taken by this unreasonable hate. It's like a virus that just won't go away. Eventually the fire department came and Atlas walked me back to Mama and Dad. Word must spread around town quick because Atlas's parents came to us in a hurry. They checked to make sure Atlas was alright then they offered their place of residence. Dad said no at first but Mr. Johnson wasn't taking no for an answer. "Michael, for once just accept this hand out. Remember Redburn? I owe you partner." Dad clenched his jaw and gave him a look then they hugged. Luckily, Dad had the car keys in his pocket. We started walking to the car but I noticed Mama looked numb. Dad put his hands around her again but it seemed like she's had it too. Dad got into the car with her and told me to give Mama some space. I rode with the Johnson's. As we pulled up to their house I looked up in the sky thinking. I know that everything happens for a reason and I try not to question Him but...why now?