Page 295 of Invisible Bars
“See, I told y’all that wasn’t incense I smelled earlier. Somebody out here steaming up the block with sour intentions; it’s almost tangible!”
Laughter erupted from every corner of the tent, creating a joyful and chaotic symphony of voices.
I shook my head and bit back a grin, feeling the familiar flutter of another tic cross my shoulder.
I didn’t say it aloud, but I did smell something. It was faint—yet undeniably funky. I chose to keep that observation to myself and instead enjoyed the revelry as they continued to guess and laugh.
Mama Rose wiped away a tear of laughter from her eye, clearly having a wonderful time.
“Baby, we need to bottle you up and bring you to our family reunions. You’re a natural entertainer!” one of the ladies commented, her laugh bubbling up before Mama Rose threw her a serious side-eye.
“In no way am I mocking your condition,” she quickly clarified, wagging a finger like she knew how it might’vesounded. “I’m just saying, you’ve got that kind of spirit that keeps folks laughing even when they wanna cry.”
Mama Rose’s sternness melted into something softer, her lips curving into a small, satisfied smile.
“Well t-thank you. And I’ll be delighted,” I said.
“Well, baby, we’re going to get back to this game now,” Mama Rose announced. “But you let me know ifanybodygives you any problems. You know I still keep a blade tucked in my bra and a scripture in my purse, just in case!” she winked, with a mischievous grin spread across her face.
“Both loaded, huh?” I smiled.
“Baby, I’m a spiritual weapon,” Mama Rose stated proudly. “Auntie of warfare.”
I laughed harder than I meant to.
Renee approached us, stuffing a mini cupcake in her mouth, then she plopped down in the chair next to Mama Rose.
“Mmm… this chair is sturdy, but it still don’t beat that rich deacon’s lap.”
Mama Rose just shook her head. “You’ll sit on anything with a retirement plan.”
“And I’d sitprettierif I had Naji’s little snatched-up middle. Look at her—don’t she look like she wear coconut oil and mind her business?”
I smiled, half-flattered, half-hoping nobody looked too closely at my sweating forehead. “I try,” I said.
“Well,you’re succeeding, gorgeous,” Renee complimented, patting my back like she’d raised me. “But if I catch you minding too much business, hand me your secrets and your waistline.”
Mama Rose raised her eyebrow. “You can have her waist and you’re not getting her peace.”
Renee playfully rolled her eyes. “I don’t want her peace, Ma; I want her power and a sundress that’ll hurt feelings.”
The two of them were a mess, and I adored them.
I was halfway through laughing at something Mama Rose said when a tall figure started weaving through the crowd. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place him. His walk was cautious, like freedom still felt new on his skin.
Then my eyes shifted to Ms. Shirley. The spatula slipped from her hand, clattering onto the table.
My own hand flew up over my mouth as the realization hit me.
That’s her son.
“Lord have mercy…” she whispered, before her voice broke. “Baby? Is that really you?”
“Yeah, Ma. It’s me,” he said, pulling her into a tight hug.
She sobbed against his chest, rocking him like he was still her little boy.
When she finally leaned back, tears streaked her face.
