An excerpt from "The Circle"

Hello, Faithful Reader :)

I hope this month's edition of the Black Birdseye View finds you well. I've been editing and wanted to share a sneak peek at the novel I wrote. I hope you enjoy 😊

...Mama Annabelle insisted on making everyone's plate. She seemed to love watching her family socialize over a good home-cooked meal. Andre's brothers were much smaller in stature than he was, and they seemed less confident. Andre's Sister, Tory, made it clear that she did not care for Shanty. If looks could kill Shanty, would have been in a nice wooden box underground. Shanty was accustomed to getting this reaction from other women. She attributed it to the fact that she had a strong personality. In her dealings with women, she never could understand why so much hate was displayed to people that the person didn't even know. Shanty could not figure out where Tory's hostility was coming from. She and Tory had barely said hello. 

Shanty's plate was filled. Fried chicken, mixed greens, yams, macaroni and cheese, and deviled eggs…not to mention the cornbread and homemade biscuits on a separate saucer. She had no idea where she would put all the food. She nibbled and nibbled until, before she knew it, she had cleaned the entire plate. It had been a process, but the deed was done. It was the first meal she had eaten since she had gotten the news of her father's death. When she was done eating, she sat back in her chair…out of breath, almost exhausted. 

"Everything was delicious, Mama Annabelle. Thank you?" 

Mama Annabelle looked at Shanty knowingly and replied, 

"You're welcome, baby." 

As Shanty sipped her lemonade, her mind returned to the office and the meeting earlier in the day. Her mind always found its way back to the office. She had so much to do and so many people to contact. She found herself feeling guilty for not being there. Andre, as if a mind reader, said, "Come on back to the world, Ms. Lady. It will keep till the morning." Shanty smiled and did as told. She did not mind helping with the dishes. It was new to her. She had always wanted a Mother who could teach the basic things that most little girls knew…instead, she had a Father who taught her how to run a multi-million-dollar business. Tory watched with disdain and asked, 

"You don't get to the kitchen much, do you?"

Shanty spoke clearly, 

"No. Why?" 

Ignoring the question, Tory asked, 

"What do you do that keeps you from domestic things?" 

The remark was a half question and half sarcasm. Shanty looked up from the dish that she was washing. She could feel the vibes that Tory was giving off. 

"I am The President of Stevens Worldwide," 

Shanty answered with an air of annoyance. Tory looked at Shanty with shock on her face as she nodded her head, saying, 

"Ah yeah? the Stevens Worldwide? I just saw something about that on the news the other day. What was it?" 

The question was posed more to herself than to Shanty. Shanty looked away and hoped Tory would leave the conversation alone—no such luck.

"Oh my God, you are Shanty Stevens! I saw you on the news. That's where I know you from." 

Shanty could see Tory complete the thoughts in her mind. A look of pity formed on her brow and in her eyes, and Shanty stifled the cries that threatened to ensue. 

"I'm sorry about your Daddy. Are you alright?" 

Tory asked, genuinely concerned. 

"Yes, I'm coping," 

Shanty replied less confidently. Suddenly, the air was less thick as the hostile attitude that had plagued Tory throughout the evening faded. They finished washing the dishes in silence. Tory slipped off right before they were done. Shanty was drying her hands when Mama Annabelle came into the kitchen. She approached slowly. 

"Shanty Honey, I just wanted to let you know that we are all pleased to have you here. Tory thought she might have said or done something to upset you. She don't mean no harm baby, she jus real protective of her brothers. Sometime, she comes across a little nasty." 

Shanty quickly told Mama Annabelle that she had had a wonderful time and couldn't remember the last time she had been so comfortable. The two women walked out on the front porch. The sky was that pretty purplish color that it gets right before it gets dark. There was something fresh about the air. Just as she had taken in a deep breath, Andre approached. 

"You ready to go, Ms. Lady?" 

Shanty liked how he acted, as though he had known her forever. It tickled her. "

Yes, Andre, I really should be getting back. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow," 

Shanty said. She said her goodbyes, and Andre walked her to her car. Opening her door, he spoke softly,

"I'm glad you came." "I'm glad I came too," 

She replied. As she backed into the street, Mama Annabelle and Andre stood waving. In the rearview mirror, Shanty saw Andre walking back to the house with his arms around his mother.

Shanty drove home in silence. She felt more peaceful than she had been earlier that day. It was odd coming home and knowing that no one would be there to greet her. Entering the house, she could still see her father in her mind and smell his scent. His presence was so strong it was almost overwhelming. The movers had yet to deliver any of her things. It felt like she was home from school visiting…only her father was gone. As she walked up the stairs, Shanty felt tears in her eyes. She blinked them quickly away. She undressed, showered, and went to bed. Sleep came easy for a change. She contributed it to fresh country air and a full stomach. She arose earlier than usual the following day. The scent of coffee brewing and bacon frying let her know her breakfast was ready. She washed her face, put on her robe and slippers, and made her way to the kitchen.

Mona, the housekeeper, was preparing a breakfast fit for a Queen.

"Hello, Chil," 

Mona spoke with a thick Jamaican accent. 

"Sit chaself down rightchere. I won't hear talk of you not being hungry either." 

Shanty and Mona had always shared a special closeness. Mona, in many ways, was like the mother Shanty never had. Shanty sat and ate the breakfast that had been prepared and placed before her without protest. She had learned years ago not to argue with Mona.  

"I took the liberty of unpacking your tings and running you a hot bath, Miss Shanty. Is there anything else you need?" 

Mona said as she rounded the corner. She was busy clearing the table, and Shanty knew it would be pointless to make any suggestion. She smiled at Mona and bent to gently place a kiss on Mona's old, weathered cheek, 

"No, Ms. Mona, I can't "tink" of a "ting,"

Shanty said softly.... 

I hope you enjoyed it.

Always,

Robin

www.blackbirdseyeviewnew.us