“Others? You have powers? Are you voodoo?”
“Shush! Don’t say them words out loud, ‘ya hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Honey, listen to me. This is a cruel life for a negro. It don’t matter if you’re from Africa, the Caribbean, Haiti, or anywhere else in the world. They see us all the same. But hear me, baby,” she said, whispering low in his ear. “One day, you will be free.”
“I don’t see how,” he said, slowly rising from the table.
Every move caused him agony and pain. Each breath sent shivers up his spine, making him regret being alive. He knew that he could try to run, but he’d be chased down by the dogs or worse, the boss himself. He seemed to enjoy causing pain to anyone who didn’t comply with his wishes.
“I know it’s hard. Just keep hopin’.”
But Grover didn’t see the reason for hoping. He didn’t see any rainbows at the end of the trail. He didn’t see anything changing his circumstances. He was smart. Too smart, at least according to the boss. He’d read more books than most white men his age and had knowledge of things that others did not. He’d seen things others had not.
None of it mattered. It actually played against him. Every night, he prayed that someone would try to find him. Perhaps his parents would send someone to search for him. Perhaps one of their many contacts in Europe or the Caribbean.
All he could do was wait and pray that he’d survive.
Stepping toward the door, he turned to the old woman and nodded his thanks. Slowly, he made his way to the shack he shared with five other single men.
“That boy’s not gonna make it,” said the old man standing beside his wife.
“I know. I see it every night in my dreams. But one day, he’ll change the world for us.”
“How’s he gonna do that? He’ll be dead before you and me,” laughed the old man. He turned from his wife and went to the front porch, hoping to cool off in the evening shade. She just stared at him, then whispered to herself.
“I don’t know. I just know he’s gonna do something amazing.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“How are you today, Mama Irene?” asked Angel, climbing the tree to speak with her face-to-face.
“I’m fine, baby. Just fine. I got me lots of padding up here to sleep well, and the cool breeze from the river is nice. Besides, Matthew comes and sits with me at night, and Ruby sits with me during the day. I ain’t lonely, that’s for sure.”
“Mama Irene, Snow and his men attempted to burn the tree down last night. It’s a good thing we had someone here, or you could have been hurt.”
“Oh, he wasn’t gonna get to me,” she laughed. Angel just stared at her. “I know y’all think I’m crazy, Angel baby. But I’m as sane as anyone here.”
“That doesn’t really bring me comfort,” he smirked. “Listen, Mama Irene. I’ve known you for what seems like my whole life. When my mother passed, you were the one who gave me comfort. You and my Mary. You’ve always been my ‘other’ mother. If anything were to happen to you, I won’t be responsible for what I do.”
“That’s why I’m not worried,” she smiled, touching his cheek. “I know you and all my boys, and my girls, will make sure Snow and his men stay away. Plus, Grover has been keepin’ me company as well. That boy is so sad, it tears at my soul.”
“Is there anything we can do for him?” asked Angel.
“I think we’re doin’ it. Until Snow is gone, he’ll be tortured about his past.”
“Mama? You up there?” called Gabriel.
“She’s up here,” smirked Angel, looking down through the tree limbs. “I’ll come down so you can come up.” Angelkissed her cheek, handing her a basket with some extra food and supplies. As he stepped onto terra firma, Gabriel made his way up the tree like a spider monkey.
“Hi, Mama,” he grinned, kissing his mother’s cheek. “Are you okay?”
“I’m okay, baby. How are you?”
“I’m trying to figure all this out, Mama. Please tell me it’s not time yet. It can’t be time. I’m not ready.”
“Gabriel,” she smiled. “Your daddy and I won’t know when it’s time. But you’re ready. All of you are ready. You, Claudette, Gaspar, as much as he avoids it. All of you are ready. We can’t live forever, son.”
