"I'm so glad that you've decided to give our relationship a second chance," my mother gushes as I sit before her in the dimly lit living room. I've decided to make good on my promise with Kwamé, despite the high level of discomfort that I feel when in a room alone with this woman. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKXM0DY9XX
"I don't want to hate you anymore, and I'm trying to be a good example to Kwamé." When her eyebrows come together in confusion, I further explain the situation.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjwo6WvcrF
"I want him to forgive himself."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncWC809gvn
"I wouldn't put much faith into that," she replies warily, as if it is not possible. This concerns me, seeing that she knows him much better than I do. So why would he promise... 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2HfetH8b2
"Why?" I ask her, eager to understand. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTKoSd0vFM
"Because I've been trying to get him to do that for years," she informs me in a grave voice. "He's as stubborn as an ass. Nothing will get him to let that go."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1nOmoQOel
"Well, we made a pact." She looks at me as if the notion of a pact to change his mind is utterly idiotic. "Anyway," I say, changing the subject before I get upset with him, "I'm here now. So how about you elaborate on that tale you were telling me?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkohSHOaKx
Her face shuts down as she desperately tries to hide her emotions. Always hiding something from me. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXPc9kWlWK
"I told you a lot. Honestly, what else could you want to know? And aren't you curious about unlocking your powers?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iBqp9ltqM
No, I'm actually much more concerned with the truth. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGm8X5TQca0
"Stop trying to change the subject," I demand. "I want to know more about this person who wanted me when I was a baby." I almost laugh out loud, remembering the ridiculous, pathetic excuse of an origin story that she fed me the last time we spoke. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2in1Ebza3o
"She's evil and she's in the past." 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNQX7qinWq
Past my ass. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLDEpLhcyw
I stomp my foot on the ground and then throw myself further back into the couch, like a small child. Something caused by me not getting what I want, because I'm so used to getting what I want. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2UeFwzuXq
"Why are you still afraid of her?" I demand. "What is she gonna do? Come and kill you?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ucB9NcWmp
"She might," my mother responds under her breath. I don't think that I was meant to hear that.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3dN4iyDu4
"So she's not in the past, then?" I challenge. I refuse to let this go. I have every right to know the truth. And the way she's contradicting herself means that she's obviously lying about something. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2btTjtXPQi
"Yes, she is. I just don't think—"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzylSI5b7v
"That I'm ready for it?" I ask. I swear, this us getting very old, very quickly. "Because I assure you, I am. I don't think that there's anything that you could tell me—"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqwxsxp0QQ
"She was a River Mumma," my mother rushed out, only to look as if she regrets it right after. Regrets telling me the truth. On the inside, I'm shaking my head. I am surprised (I thought that she would be human), but I'm not freaking out like last time. I'm not surprised that River Mummas exist. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IlSfeuFfw
River Mummas are mythical — well, apparently not so mythical after all — creatures that live in Jamaica's rivers. If I were to compare them to another creature, I'd go with the siren. They often sit on rocks and comb their hair with a golden comb. They say that if you see one, you'll fall into a magical trance and that she'll drag you into the river. Some say that she'll force you to live with her for eternity.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoo5gkxYLM
There is also the legend of a golden table that they can use to lure the greedy.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxgGM77vK4
"The golden table—"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpZ5txnItR
"Isn't a myth. It's real. Is that really the first thought that comes to your mind? I tell you that you were almost abducted by a River Mumma and you ask about a Golden Table?" She's not trying to goad me into asking questions — I know that she doesn't want to talk about this — but I think she's just incapable of keeping her surprise to herself. I'd be surprised, too. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdnveXpIKe
I sit and think of a better question to ask her, but one that she won't refuse to answer. If she does that again I might jump her. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oBAYyqMhx
"Um... if I'm human, how would she have gotten me?" What did she plan on doing? 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLneJ1XbEX8
"Turn you into one." I'm beginning to realise that the answers to a lot of my questions are far simpler than I originally thought. I still have to ask, though. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ID8ZbG4Cb
"And our rivers aren't exactly wide or long," I continue. "They aren't all interconnected either. How come there aren't any news reports of sightings?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKEjjb3h8l
"We have underground rivers. Remember that Black River especially is deep. And they know how to not be seen." That's a good point. "Additionally, they're water spirits. They are connected to the rivers of Jamaica. They can teleport." Still, in such a tiny country, I would have expected someone to have seen one in recent history. I've heard lots of stories about Rolling Calves, but no one has ever told me that they, or someone they know has seen a River Mumma.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmvxRba98i
I sit and think of anything else that I would like to know about in this situation.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQMuXHsszQ
"What deal did you have with her?" This is important. This, I have to know., but I also know that there's a possibility of her clamping up. Therefore, it's no surprise that as soon as the words leave my mouth, her face screws up.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZZnwr0efe
"Uh..."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0OBPpM6fb
"You have to tell me that. It's important." My voice sounds demanding, and I can see that she registers it on her face. She looks at me uncomfortably with the expression of someone who badly wants to shit. I would laugh if I weren't so on edge. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvN4H6RHVD
"It's complicated," she responds lamely. I have to fight myself to not roll my eyes at her. They do move, though, just a tad. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QnvytYMSn
"That's the worst excuse in the history of life. You're starting to sound like Kwamé." When her face stays the same, I decide to let it go. "It's complicated" should probably be the new slogan for my life. Surprisingly, I don't feel like jumping her. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmg0rrhDZT
"So about my abilities," I begin, "what exactly can I do?" I guess it's only fair that we switch to something that she's more comfortable with. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd7tejsHJs
"A lot," she answers, becoming animated, glad to be speaking of something other than her dealings with some water creature. "You must have already figured out that you can manipulate situations."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6JU2Xvgd6
"Yes." Except for my getting sick the last time we met. "I've noticed that since I was a small child. It's worked to my advantage since."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2h53Qo6IsW
"Well, you can manipulate more than that. You can make prophecies, and change them. The future is never set in stone."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDfisS6q5F
Shit. That's a lot of power... the kind of power that I don't know that I want. I don't know if that's good for me — for anyone. That only makes me more interested.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmC6maYnOq
"Kwamé said... that you can move things with your mind."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03ezDLoWAP
"Did he now?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqDvvkQdgI
"It was implied." He didn't actually tell me that, after all. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkaR9p4TpT
She looks off to the side pensively as if trying to decide how to phrase her thoughts.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XqPGomtVC
"I'm completely at one with the universe," she begins, sounding more like a monk than anything else. "When that happens, you can feel everything around you — living and non-living. Then, with time, you can learn to... influence things. Without spells."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPcGbHy10d
"So in order for me to do that—"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLXqqxGx4u
"You must first be at one with the universe," she answers. What the hell is this now? Avatar the Last Airbender? It sounds like something she just made up, pulled out of her ass, and knowing her, she probably did. On top of that, that sounds like a lot of work and effort. In other words, it sounds like something that I probably won't do.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNXCQHsEAA
"I understand if you're reluctant," she tells me, guessing my thoughts correctly, "but it's best if you at least get to understand some of your basic powers better, don't you think?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDLaBPcHsB
I don't know. I honestly don't know how to feel about this. I mean, I'm now interested in learning, but I'm still unsure. It feels partly real, and partly like a scam. Let's say I do this: what if I can't handle the power? Too much power is never a good thing. Or what if I get sucked into some crazy war that's going on among the supernatural? Somehow, I get the feeling that this river mumma isn't done with us yet.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXA8tfPpQi
Isn't done with me yet.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2DcboNKE1
In other words, I need to learn how to defend myself.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeiDaTOTTM
But if that is the case... then I'm going to need Akatua.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IDvJIJsty
I feel so conflicted, a feeling that I am no stranger to, a feeling that I've been drowning in recently. It's probably because decisions and such usually come to me with an unnatural ease, but now I'm struggling to figure my life out.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj6QmSpke3
But shouldn't this, of all things, come naturally? 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0JZQfHuPP
Damnit.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRTrNlZaq1
"Listen. Don't hurt your head about this right now. Just come back when you are ready to learn."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTchmJLUi8
When she says this, I don't feel as conflicted anymore. I start to relax, and all thoughts of this river mumma fly out of my head. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0PoqwUqo7
"Yes. I will," I tell her, feeling myself relax already. See? I tell myself. No need to worry.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBNwD4b1Io
I lean back into the couch and let my mind wonder — not about magic, but about the possibility of finally having a mother — someone who cares for me. Strangely, the thought makes me smile to myself for the first time, resentment taking a back seat. I've always heard the other children at school talk about the wonders of having parents, and the idea never appealed to me. Now, though, it seems rather... intriguing. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk9n9pNeHd
"Nya," she calls, pulling me back to reality. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx293lCtBU
"Yes?" I ask, looking her in the eye. I see my own brown eyes looking back at me, smiling. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvH2NVAbV5
Her face smiles warmly at me. "Thank you for coming."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeXGlS0T0J
It is in this moment that I realise how much this means to her, how unfair, how selfish I was being for letting my feelings get in the way of making the only person on this earth who possibly loves me happy. It's not even as if it's something hard. She just wanted me to give her a chance, and it is in that moment that I feel a guilt like no other bind up in my chest, making me feel sick. Additionally, everything that she's done — that I've hated her for has been in the name of protecting me. Still, I turned her away. I feel tears sting my eyes as I fight to keep them at bay.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhpuXf7nzO
And Kwamé thinks that he is the selfish one.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4PA6XB47h
"You're welcome," I tell her, my voice filled with newfound friendliness, and wobbling slightly because of my guilt. Its not just my voice that has changed; my entire mindset is now different. I will not be selfish anymore. I will give this woman a chance, even if she tells lies of omission in a misguided attempt to protect me.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXGClPf601
"Awe, Nya," she murmurs, "don't cry, hun." She wraps her arms around me and I return the gesture, tears still threatening.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTScrg07Ln
"It's just, you know," I begin,"I'm sorry," I rasp.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1ol8N7gy8
"Your feelings are completely understandable, dear," she reassures me, rubbing my back.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uNnzHMykr
This is another thing that I'm not used to: affection. I've been hugged by people before, but it always felt so... unnatural. Akatua's warm embrace, however, is different. Hugging her feels natural. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAtrEzfU9v
At least something feels natural around her.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0PqBkm09R
When it's over, I pull back and look at her. I have one request, one thing I need to ask of her.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUH9xlZgQy
"Akatua?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKesAV71z7T
"Hmm?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXonJ7PsFK
I chew my bottom lip for a second as my eyes dry, trying to find the best way to word my thoughts.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5m08neext
"When it comes to telling me things," I begin,"if it's absolutely necessary, for example, if this woman — river mumma — is coming back... stuff like that," I clarify as she nods her head, but still, I have to say it out loud.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfscCD80CfH
"Please tell me," I ask as she continues to nod her head solemnly. I'm not even asking her to tell me everything, just the important bits.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6CcYU7StQ
"That's fair," she agrees. "I will try my best to be honest with you about things like that from hear on out."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKiFzT8MxU
"Thank you, Akatua," I say genuinely. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf46nWaX5zS
"You're welcome, Nya," she replies. It is while looking into this woman's face that I think to myself:607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbBPjoTY3V
Hey, I guess family can be fun after all.
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