Page 63 of Rewind

Mary threw her head back and laughed.

Amina wondered if the woman had lost her mind.

“There it is. That spark I was looking for. I was beginning to think you were a shrinking violet who can’t handle adversity. Ethan needs a woman who can challenge him. I was worried at first, but I can see that you will stand up for yourself as well. I love my son but my objective isn’t to stand in your way. I just want to be assured that he’ll be happy with you in the long run. And I think he will be.”

Amina released the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “Thank you. It means a lot to hear you say that. I thought you didn’t like me.”

“I like you just fine, Amina. I apologize if I made you nervous. As for you being black, it’s not a matter of your race. Yes, it would have made me more comfortable if Ethan brought home a woman more familiar with our culture but that kind of thing can be learned. What you can’t force is feelings and I know the two of you feel strongly for each other. You’re a brave womanto stand up to me. Where I come from it’s the duty of the child to respect the wishes of the parents. But sometimes traditions aren’t always in the best interest of the people involved when the world is ever evolving.”

“That makes sense.”

Mary reached across the table and took Amina’s hands in hers. “I would be very proud to call you daughter.”

A tear slid down Amina’s cheeks. “I appreciate you saying that. I wish you could have met my grandmother as well. I think the two of you would have gotten along.”

Mary nodded with a smile. “If she was as sweet as you, I know I would have. And I’m sure she and your father would be very proud of you.”

“Thank you for mentioning my father. I may not have met him, but my grandmother shared pictures of him and told me so much about him, I feel like I did.”

“And you think it’s important to know about a parent even if they weren’t in your life? I don’t mean to bring up painful memories if this is the case, but have you ever been in contact with your mother?”

Amina shook her head. “I think about her often. Wondering how she’s doing and if she’s still alive. That kind of thing. I haven’t seen her since I was young and I don’t remember what she looks like anymore but if she ever reappeared in my life, I’d want to get to know her. I don’t think I would want to have a relationship outside of learning more about my history, but I believe a sit down is important. I think it’s a good thing that people know where they came from.”

“Hmm.” Mary pulled her hand away and stood up. “I think we should probably get that cake now.”

Amina wasn’t sure what she’d said to make the mood shift but she didn’t get a chance to dwell on the matter for long because Ethan entered the kitchen.

“Hey ladies, is everything okay in here?”

Amina walked over to Ethan and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Everything is perfect. Me and your mother were just having a chat.”

He raised a brow. “Oh yeah? Are you good?”

She stood on the tips of her toes to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Yes, no need to worry.”

Mary pulled out a beautiful cake with whipped cream frosting and decorated with strawberries from the refrigerator. “Okay, break it up you love birds. Time to eat cake,” Mary declared.

Amina gave Ethan one final squeeze before letting go. Meeting Ethan’s mother had gone better than she anticipated, and it felt good to know she had Mary’s support.

But reasons she couldn’t explain, she had an impending sense of doom she couldn’t shake.

Chapter

Twenty-Two

“That’s it Amina. Up high! Now low.” Ethan blocked Amina’s blows with his punch mitts.

She tossed her fists repeatedly, using more force each time. Sweat dripped down her face but she kept going. Ethan was impressed by her stamina but he was starting to run out of breath.

“Amina, your form is perfect, but make sure to keep your eyes focused on my center. That way you can read the motions of my body better. Like this.” He threw out his left fist, but Amina successfully ducked and threw a right hook which he barely managed to block.

“Whoa, that nearly took my head off.” He laughed.

Amina threw another punch. This time, Ethan didn’t dodge quick enough, and the blow caught him right on the forehead.

Ethan stumbled backward with a groan, clutching his head. “Shit!”

Amina’s eyes widened and she let out a terrified gasp. “Oh my god Ethan! I’m so sorry!”

---