Black Obsidian

Don’t add me to your group text because I will leave the group. Group texts are like the new age chain letters luring you into a never-ending loop of obligation and regret. Ugh! Now, there is only one group text I am willingly apart of and it is worth it because my best friends Nikki and Maya are like my sisters from another mister; there aren’t many moments that go by without them. Seriously, my childhood would have been a total bust without Nikki’s over-the-top personality and Maya’s no-nonsense attitude. Baby, I just let them have the floor most days. Talk about entertaining!

"Girl, WYA?" Nikki is usually the one who gets the group poppin'.

"Working. You know that." I swear this girl is the queen of asking the obvious.

"Are you and Wheezy coming over tonight?" she continues.

"Idk. I'm tired. Not as young as I used to be."

Now I knew this excuse would not get me out of girls' night, but I figured it was worth a try or maybe subconsciously I liked to give them ammunition.

Honestly though, I do have a lot to do tonight so rescheduling wouldn’t be the worse idea since you don’t want to spend time with us anyhow.” Maya chimed in.

"I can't stand either of you. No, really I cannot."

All I can do is roll my eyes and shake my head.

"I’ll see y’all at 6 and try not to blow up my phone today…NIKKI!”

Nikki loves the salsa dancing emoji and she made sure we knew it by filling up our screens.

“At least share some “Restaurant Chronicles” with us today.”

" TTYL.” I chuckle to myself, send a thumbs up, and throw my phone back in my pocket.

"You don't get paid to text." His never changing facial expression always tickled me.

"Order 13 and 21 are up."

Now, Joe Oscar is a tight-lipped ex-military restaurateur who believes in working your ass off and respecting the privacy of others. There weren't many extended conversations between us, but he's always managed to drop gems of wisdom. He is like that favorite uncle who doesn’t say much and still manages to evoke laughter and show care. It's entertaining to drop a line and see if he'll bite.

"Thanks Joe! Any plans for tonight?" I asked with a smirk brewing.

"I plan to mind my business. Table 17 needs you." If a laugh wasn't coming from anywhere else today, I knew I could count on Joe.

Finally, my last 3 tables of the day! It was a great day. It annoys my dad that I still work here but that's okay. He is always annoyed by something though I have learned how to ignore it.

He feels I should be completely focused on school and making worthwhile connections, so I climb the ranks in the corporate rat race. He feels this work is beneath me. He feels that I do not appreciate all the sacrifices he and mom made. He feels I could do so much better.

"Why do you still work at that restaurant? We put money aside so you wouldn’t have to struggle. At least your community work makes sense. You can put that on your resume; make connections, ya know?"

Ahhh, just the thought! Just the thought of his bickering exhausts me. Don't get me wrong; I love my dad and he is a good guy, but geez I don't mind loving him from a distance.

After a week and a half of going from business-to-business trying to convince the hiring manager I was worth taking a chance on, it was Joe who took a chance on me. Even though he knew it was my first job and I still had 3-months until I was 16. I say it was my well outlined speech. He says it was his desperation for help.

This place is more than a job for me though. It became my safe haven. In this homey little hidden gem, I could even experience my "episodes" without feeling like a freak of nature. No let’s be real, some people probably thought, “Oh no, that girl ain’t quite right.” But they never said it to me. Most people chalked it up to anxiety or panic attacks. We all knew it wasn't anxiety but what else could we call it?

"Soon-to-be Mr. & Mrs. Ellington! You are a walking Lifetime love story. How is my favorite couple of all time doing today?" Their grins stretched beyond their ears before catching each other’s gaze and hanging on for dear life. For a year straight April and Carl sat at Table 21, a

two-seater, next to the front window of the restaurant. Recently, Carl proposed to April and her glow, and that huge rock, has us all captivated.

"Before I catch the lovebug I'm going to grab your order." I covered my face to avoid catching this contagious bug. "Be right back." as I turned to check on table 13 April called out,

"Oh, it's too late! You've got it and soon you'll be sitting right here giving it to someone else."

"Ha! Me in love? Yeah right!" It’s slim pickings out here and there is not a prospect in sight. I thought to myself. "Alright now, we have 2 smiley face pancakes with extra chocolate chips, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Biscuits and gravy for the best grandma around and steak and eggs for the most wonderful grandpa. I'll be back to fill up your drinks. Anything else I can get you?" We all scan the table ensuring nothing has been missed. Mr. and Mrs. Washington are an older couple who bring their two young grandchildren, Legend and Legacy, for their favorite smiley face pancakes and hot chocolate every other Sunday.

To be honest, I've lived vicariously through these kids and the Washington's must know it because they faithfully bring me some of Mrs. Washington's homemade pecan pralines and a one of Mr. Washington's magic tricks. They look forward to updates on my tech studies, the progression of my "episodes”, Wheezy's latest IG update, and my non-existent love life. No matter what they leave me with a $13 tip, since they learned that is my favorite number and

their table number. Maybe that is another thing that keeps me here. Here I feel like I am a part of a huge family.

"Everything looks good as usual my dear," the Washington's confirmed.

"Sounds good! I'll be back in a bit to check on you. If you need anything before then you know what to do."

"Just shout!" They all laughed as I headed to table 15 to welcome them and start their orders.

"How is everyone today?" I greeted table 15. As I pulled out my notepad and pen, I felt all eyes on me. I looked up to see three women, with the grace and demeanor of well-seasoned fifty something year olds and the bodies and faces of fresh thirty something year olds, studying me as if they were confirming whatever preconceived notions they walked in here with. They felt familiar. They looked oddly similar. Triplets maybe? Was it odd that I questioned that theory simply because I've never met triplets?

Their skin was of the warmest Mahogany hue. Their eyes were deep and bright. The two women to the right and left donned black locs that fell beyond the seat of their chairs while the woman in the middle wore the coiliest of tresses that stacked on her breasts. The three women adorned their hair with shells and ornaments of gold. They were regal and their presence commanded one to act as so. The silent moment made me uncomfortable, but I did not want to look away. It may have been only a few seconds, but it felt like a few hours that we locked eyes and they seemed to look into depths of me I didn't even know existed.

A breeze came over me and with it came an overwhelming peace. My initially racing heart slowed down to an alarmingly calm rate. It was me and the three women. No one else. They said nothing. Before I knew it an unseen force wrapped me up like a winter quilt and my heart felt the word "trust". "Listen" flooded my ears like a lover blowing a sweet breath.

"We are better now Ami. We are passing through and heard some chatter about this place, so we decided to give it a try. Hopefully, it's worth taking a slight detour." And, like that it was as if I were dropped from the hands of a mountain's peak back into reality almost losing my balance. It was the woman on my right, the tallest one, who broke the ice. Her body was erect, and a genuine light-heartedness illuminated her face.

"How did you know my name?" my heart seemed to pause as I waited for her answer. She and the other ladies laughed and looked in the direction of my right shoulder....where I place my nametag. There was nothing to do but laugh. I felt my shoulders draw down. "Well, in the years I have worked here I haven't had a customer leave without finishing their food and if they did, they were insistent on getting a bag to take with them, but I will let you be the judge?" I shrugged my shoulders in a nonchalant arrogance.

"What do you suggest?" inquired the woman to my left, the shortest one.

It was intriguing to me the woman in the middle, who had an alpha demeanor, never said a word. She never frowned but there was no smile either and she never broke eye contact. She was studying me. She was there, to see me, for a purpose.

"Well, my favorite is the bacon breakfast sandwich with fruit."

"How about you get me the fruit without the sandwich. Watching my waistline, ya know." Her facial expression told me she found herself comical.

"Got it. And for you?" My eyes fixed on the other two ladies waiting for them to spew their orders.

"I am not watching my waistline and would like to try your favorite, as is! And will you add an Oolong Rose tea with that please?” The woman to my right passed me her menu. Folks were always surprised to see our extensive tea list. It was something Joe let me start a few years back when I realized my appreciation for herbal teas.

"Sure thing. And for you?" Eagerly I waited for the woman in the middle to say something. She handed me her menu and I stood there waiting.

"You decide." Her voice was melodious and femininely deep.

"Excuse me?" I could hear how confused I was.

"There comes a point where we all are met with the greatest decision of our lives. You will be met with yours soon. You will have to make an important decision even when things are unclear. A little practice before then will prove a huge help." That was it. That is all she said. What in the hell was I supposed to do with that? I stumbled away to the kitchen baffled by what just happened. What was this woman talking about and did she really expect me to decide what she was going to eat today?

The words "trust" and listen came back to my mind and I just stood there not knowing what to do with anything I just experienced. What important decision did I need to make? She talked to me like we were in some superhero movie. Oh, more like The Matrix. Am I going to have to choose a pill and experience things I never thought I would? Well, that sounds kinda dope. C’mon Ami, this is serious! Who are the ladies? Some interesting characters have come through here many times before but nothing like this.

"Time is money and right now you are wasting both! Let's go Ami!" Joe called out over the sizzling grill.

"Shoot! Okay, mysterious lady you wanted a decision. Here you go!” Hurriedly I punch their orders into the computer, grab ready orders for my other tables, and check on my tables only to head back to an empty table 15. "Are you kidding me?" confusion and irritation took over my face as I looked at a $50 bill that far covered their meals and a tip and under it a perfectly square blank piece of paper. As I retrieve them both I see there is something written in purple ink on the other side of the paper.

"Right Decision"

My body froze as I reminded myself of the order, I just put in. "A bowl of fruit, a bacon breakfast sandwich with a cup of fruit and an Oolong Rose tea, and a hot water with lemon (because she didn't seem like she was there to eat)." How did she know what order I put in? Okay, calm down. Now this….this is anxiety!

"Joe, I’ll be right back." He glanced at me as I rushed to the employee bathroom.

I ran to the bathroom and sent a group text. RESTAURANT CHRONICLES "Table 15. 3 women who looked like African royalty. There one minute. Gone the next. Cryptic messages.

"Wait, what? You gotta tell us now! Girl, are they inviting you to Wakanda? Cause if they are, I am going…Period!" Nikki was all about getting the tea ASAP.

"Wish I could! This is wild. Almost done at work. Will talk soon.”

“Lord have mercy, do I need to be praying? Lol” Maya was always ready to pray for us.

“Yeah, go ahead and talk to Jesus for me because I don’t know what I am dealing with. Lol”

To make this break sound authentic I threw my foot up and flushed the toilet. While I washed my hands, I went ahead and threw some cold water on my face and just looked in the mirror for a moment. My entire life I knew there was something I didn’t know about myself, my life.

Before Joe could yell out for me to hurry up, I rushed out of the bathroom. After closing the Washington’s and the Ellington’s out, I gathered my stuff in preparation to head out for the day.

"Hey Joe, I'm heading out for the day.” Leaning back on the counter I paused for his reply.

“Alright, see ya.” Joe continued to cook.

“I'm off for the next 3 days.” Annoying Joe was probably one of my favorite things to do and it doesn’t matter what he didn’t say, he enjoyed it too.

“Bye.” He was hyper focused on the order in front of him.

“Will you miss me?" My smile brighter than he was comfortable with.

"5 seconds or I'll be interviewing your replacement during the next 3 days.”

“That’s real cold Joe. Real cold.” He continued flipping eggs on the grill, but I caught a glimpse of a smirk. "I'll miss you too Joe! " Joe Oscar was not for the faint of heart and I loved him for it.

I rushed out of there and hopped into my Jeep and began planning my list of things to do before heading to a night with the girls. The hair on my arms began to rise and my chest began to tighten. I gasped for air. "10.....9.....8....7...." Sometimes my episodes feel like they are going to kill me. My heart raced and a sick sense that someone was lurking nearby washed over me. I propped myself up, locked the doors, and canvassed the area. "6...5...4.." There was no one. Maybe I am just tired and it's brining about some paranoia. "Just breathe. 3..2.1." I let out one deep breath, straightened myself up, and headed home.

Seeing that turquoise door always brought me peace. There is something about knowing you have something all your own.

"That's odd. Wheezy isn't scratching at the door and crying." This was our ritual since he was a kitten. I hurried to open the door. " Wheezy! Wheezy Baby, Mama is home. Where are you?" I dropped my bags and checked the dining room where he was often found people watching out the window.

"Wheezy! Where are you?" I called out as I headed to the kitchen. He knew when it was time to eat and would sit at the entry to watch me prepare our meals. Is he okay?

Did I leave the door open before leaving for work and he got out? Is he hurt? He is not hurt. He is okay. Maybe he just doesn’t hear me. He is getting a bit up there in age. He was given to me for my 16th birthday. Honestly, he hasn’t seemed to really age much. He’s always jumping around the house and playing like he is still a kitten. With no Wheezy in sight, I headed to the living room figuring that he would be sitting right there on the couch so deep in sleep that his little paws would be flinching as if he was dreaming.

The hair on my arms and neck began to stand up. As I turned the corner my body froze, and my heart felt as if it were pounding out of my chest. It was table 15.

“What are you doing in my house?" The women stood in my living room in the same order they sat in at the restaurant table however they brought a guest. It was obvious this woman was superior to them. Grandeur, powerful, and abnormally beautiful. She had to be their leader. My favorite chair was the eye-catcher in the room. It was plum and gold. Only I sat there. It made me feel like a queen upon her throne. Now, this woman sat there. She didn’t lean back but sat with her shoulders back and her head held high. Hers like the others only streaks of silver graced hers. Wheezy sat at her feet. Why was Wheezy sitting at her feet? He’s never liked strangers. It took him time to warm up to Nikki and Maya and still he has never sat at their feet. "What are you doing in MY house?" doing my best to sound firm and unafraid. I backed up a few inches to the table that housed my Glock 43. I knew there was no way to pull it out without them knowing. This was not the movies. I went for it anyway.

"There is no need for violence dear. Leave it." The tallest one said with that same light-heartedness on her face and without a move. Why in the hell are you in my house? That is my last time asking." The feeling of needles in my body had been replaced with feeling I was floating or maybe it was protected. I don't know what it was. My hand began to pull the drawer open. Their eyes never broke contact with mine and they had no fear. I could feel it. How did they get in my home and what did they want? What could I possibly have that they wanted?

Sweat began to form all over my body as my eyes jumped from one woman to the next. There was a part of me that thought it was okay to calm down a bit but that must have been the side of me that’s watched way too many horror movies. The other side of me remembered how those movies always end and that is not what I wanted today. Without warning the inside of my body seemed to jerk as if someone had taken control over it. I gasp unable to speak. As hard as I tried, and I did try, I could not keep my grip on the drawer. Before I knew it, the women stood below me. Their heads perched up to keep their eyes in alignment with mine.

"Am I...how am I flying?" Any control I had was gone. My eyes looked around in search of any of this to make sense but none of it did. My thoughts seem to disappear. Even thinking seemed to be out of my control. And, amid this the fact that I was flying was pretty cool, but this was not the time to be amused or to let my guard down. The leader now stood with her hands clasped in front of her. Her head followed my body back down to the ground until we stood toe-to-toe. Out of all the things I could have been thinking about all I could wonder is when did my cat become a traitor and how would I tell Nikki and Maya about this, if

I even made it tonight. Girl shut up! You ain’t going anywhere tonight! Right, right. This is serious. It was a nervous habit. When things get too serious my thoughts become the opposite. It’s been on my to-do list to work on that.

She put each of her hands on either side of my face and the touch caught me by surprise. This is how I always imagined real grandmothers interact with their grandchildren. "Oh child, how they have failed you.” Her look was one of genuine concern and disappointment in someone, but it didn’t seem to be me. “We have trespassed in your home and manipulated your body and all you can think about is your feline friend and a slumber party. This is what happens when my children fail to listen to me. The break the original design of our people causing them to live an unfortunate life as a mere human. It grieves me.“ I had no idea what this woman was talking about, but her voice was like that of an old blues singer or a poet. I had to listen, and I wanted to understand. And did she just read my mind? No. No way. Maybe I accidentally said it and didn’t realize because I was being controlled by some mysterious women and they had me dangling in the air! That could bring on some confusion.

“My dear the future of the world is in jeopardy, and you are the only one who can save it. Let Nikki and Maya know that you will be not be there tonight." My face clenched.

“How do you know Nikki and Maya? Lady, who are you and what do you want from me? Whatever it is, I don’t have it.” Completely unbothered she pulled my phone from my pocket and handed it to me. “Cancel your plans. " She waited as I pulled out my phone. My attitude was surfacing as I realized how disrespected I felt.

“You come into my home, uninvited, control me and make demands? What kind of crap is this?”

“I know this is a lot to take it, but we do not have a lot of time.” She urged. I unlocked my phone and cancelled my plans with the girls and locked it before they could respond.

“Can I at least know the names of the people who are holding me hostage?” There was a moment of silence before she said,

“The more appropriate question is, do you know who you are?”

“Lady, you are pissing me off!”

“My name is Isis. Isis Adula. And you are…” Before she could finish a series of violent kicks on the front door stole our attention. You have got to be kidding me! What is hell is happening now? My eyes widened as my head jerked from the door to the women who did not even flinch. They all looked at me and I knew there was a decision to make but what was it? before I could meditate on it too much the front door swung open, and I knew there were more to my episodes than I could have ever imagined.