Page 41 of Wings of Ebony
No one, literally no one but Ms. Leola, calls me by my middle name.
“And besides,” she winks, “I knew you’d be back.”
“Y-you did?”
“These old eyes done seen more than you think. Knew you wouldn’t be ’round them magic folks forever.”
I gasp.Did she say magic? So she knew? I thought…
She laughs and wrinkles hug her eyes. “Been waiting on this day, baby. And I been holding on to something to give you!”
My mouth dangles on its hinges.
She chuckles, ushering me toward her house. “But we got time to talk about all that.” She pats my tummy. “Let’s get inside and get y’all something to eat.”
CHAPTER 13
MS. LEOLA WILL STUFFyou if you let her.
I let her.
Not even five minutes after sitting on the couch to finish my plate of greens, oxtails, cornbread, andwayyyytoo much cobbler, Tasha and I wereout.Food coma like a MF. I stretch my sore neck and the spot where Tasha slept beside me is still warm.
Sunlight floods the living room and I tug the drapes closed. But not before taking a quick peek around. Block’s quiet. Must be early. Notifications from Bri flick on my watch screen.
Bri: Trying to get out of here. Something popped up with the parents. Ugh. Be there soon. Sorry!
Bri: Hello?
Bri: You still want me to come, right?
Bri: What time is it there?
Bri: Rue????
Bri: UHH I’m on my way. Hope that’s still ok?? See you soon.
Bacon and Ms. Leola’s fresh biscuits waft through the air.
“Well, good morning,” Ms. Leola says.
“Ah, you ain’t have to make us breakfast,” I say. “Putting us up was enough.”
She laughs. “Girl, sit down so I can fix you a plate.”
My stomach growls and I thank her as I join Tasha at the table.
Me: Passed out. Sorry. Get here as soon as you can.
Bri: Mhmm. Worried sick over here. Setting up my alibi (Luke). Leaving soon.
Tasha burps and I give her the stank eye. Moms taught us table manners; she better act like it.
“Can I get you another plate, baby?” Ms. Leola asks from the kitchen. She’s sweet and moves like someone generations younger.
“I can’t eat another bite, but thank you,” Tasha says.
I scarf down my food in seven point three seconds. And I’m so full, I’ll puke if I move. I’m sure of it. She’s banging around in the kitchen. I tell myself to go help, but my feet straight up ignore me.
