Mister Night - Chapter 191

“What? It’s only a big deal if you decide to make it one.” he defended and I was baffled.

“Hold on. So you mean to tell me that our kids were defending themselves from racists and you don’t understand why it had to become physical? You cant just simply walk away from something like that Shiwoo. Racism is no joke.”

“Yeah I know that it is not a joke, but come on. There is no reason to get physically over a word.”

“Its a derogatory word Shiwoo! They were degrading our children for being mixed! What about this don’t you get!? It’s not just some word, and the twins, nor any body for that matter should not have to just walk away and deal with it. Look I know that you will never understand what it’s like being black, especially in Asia, but the kids and I do, and it is not easy.”

“You’re right I will never understand what it is like being black, but come on. People call Asians slurs as well so let’s forget. My people knows just as well as you people do about prejudice.” he said trying to make a point, but he only just made it worse.

” ‘You people’? Did you just refer to us black people as ‘you people’? Wow. Okay. I am going to make dinner, then I’m going to take a shower and sleep with Adriel tonight. You know since she is one of those, ‘you people’.”

“Oh come on Atalia you know that that is not what I meant. Atalia? Atalia!?” he called out, but I washed my hands from him and ignored him and just carried on with dinner.

He left after a few minutes of trying t get me to talk to him which was good for I was very close at chucking the knife at his face.

I was still mad at him for what he said earlier, and I had come to the realization that not because he married a black woman and have mixed kids doesn’t mean that he is woke and I take the blame for that.

I guess I should include him in the next black history class, maybe then he will understand why we cant just walk away from being called a slur.

“Adriel” I called out for I haven’t seen or heard from her since got home, and she came crawling out her room.

“Hey mom.”

“Aww hey baby. You okay?” I asked hugging her and she nodded, “oh okay, well dinner is almost done so you can just go call your brother and sister please.

“Oh did dad bring Aria home?” she asked and I froze.

“Oh no. We forgot your sister.”

“Oh shi-”

“Nope. No cursing.” I said cutting her off and I dropped everything that I was doing and grabbed my car keys, “Adriel could finish cooking for me please or go ask your dad?”

“Sure thing. I’ll go ask him.”

“Okay. I’ll be back soon.” I said grabbing his jacket and ran out the door and down the steps praying that she was there waiting and didn’t try to take the bus like last time.

She luckily was there waiting as she sat on a bench in the on the lawn reading her book with her earphones in.

I let a sigh of relief when I saw her there sitting alone, and I slowly walked up to her twisting my fingers a little scarred that she would be mad.

“Hey pumpkin, sorry I’m late.” I said rubbing her back, and she took her earphones out and closed her book.

“Mother, fancy seeing you here.”

“Aww come on baby I’m sorry. I’m a terrible mom I know, but I promise you that it wont ever happen again. Forgive me?” I asked smiling nervously and she sighed.

“That’s what you said last time.”

“I know baby, but this time I’ll do better. I promise. Give mommy a hug?” after a few seconds of me pouting and outstretching my arms she finally gave in and walked into my hug, “that’s my girl.”

“Whatever. I hope that in the time you forgot about me you were making dinner.”

“I was. In fact, I was almost done when Adriel reminded me of you. Things were pretty hectic at home.” I said and she rose that little curious brow of hers just like her dad always did.

“Hectic? How?”

“You brother and sister got into a fight today because a guy kept touching your sister and he called her the slur today so I removed them from the school, but your dad was mad and wanted to kill them, then I told him what happened and he completed ignored the slur part brushing it off and I got mad about it and he referred to black people as ‘you people’ so I got mad and now we are here. Seatbelt.”

“Dang.” she said and I nodded.

“Dang indeed.”

“So dad really said that huh? Not gonna lie, I feel disappointed. To think that marrying a black woman would have him being woke.”

“Girl that’s exactly what I said. I kind feel like it’s my fault for not educating him though.” I sighed and she shook her head no.

“Oh no no girl it’s not your fault. He married a black woman as has three black kids. If he hadn’t seen the need to be educated by now then that’s on him. I mean look at you. You learned his language and his customs and culture and traditions and you taught them to us. He should do the same with our without you.”

“You’re right. When did you get so wise? It seemed like only yesterday I was changing your diaper and feeding you in the middle of the night.”

“Yeah that’s how it goes.” she said nodding slowly, “people grow and change mom, and so did I. I am almost 13. I am practically and adult.” she said and I sighed.

“Yeah you’re right. Babies aren’t staying babies anymore. Uhh I need a drink.”

“Tell me about it. Soju tonight?” she asked hopefully.

“Ha ha nice try. You are not drinking until the you are 18 in international age.”

“Aww dang. Was worth the try though.” she said and I laughed.

Oh Aria, what was I going to do with you?