Passin' by Karen E. Quinones Miller

Author:Karen E. Quinones Miller [Miller, Karen E. Quinones]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Urban, FIC044000, Contemporary Women, Fiction
ISBN: 9780446511612
Google: AokvC8r8GtEC
Amazon: B0013DH2CW
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2008-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Rachel called her early the next morning. “Mother told me what happened. I apologize.”

“No need to, your mother was right. I was out of line,” Nikkie said sullenly.

“Well, yes,” Rachel said, pausing, “but I don’t think she should have asked you to leave. She’s just very sensitive, you know.”

“So let me ask you something,” Nikkie said, suddenly and inexplicably angry. “You’re going to tell me that you never use that word? I’ve heard you use it myself, you know.”

“Oh no, you haven’t. Granted, you’ve heard Cindy use the word, and I didn’t tell her she was wrong to do so, but even Cindy certainly wouldn’t have used it in that kind of social setting,” Rachel said in an annoyed tone.

“I didn’t realize that there was a time and a place to call people ‘niggers.’ ” Nikkie exploded. “And let me tell you something else—”

“Oh, Nikkie, I didn’t call to argue. Perhaps I should ring you back in a few days?”

The exasperation in Rachel’s voice only fueled Nikkie’s anger. “Who said anything about arguing? I’m not arguing, Rachel! I’m just saying—” But before she could say anything else, the line went dead. Nikkie stared at the phone a moment, then slammed it down on the receiver. She reached over to the nightstand and picked up her emery board.

There were things in her life she’d felt guilty about, ashamed about even. Everyone had those things in their life. But for the first time she was actually ashamed of herself. Or was it of the persona that she had taken on? Or was there a difference? She wasn’t sure anymore. She did know one thing; she was losing it. In fact, she might have already lost.

She picked the telephone back up.

“Mama? It’s me, Nikkie.”

“Baby! What are you doing up so early on a Sunday morning? Finally found a church up there you like?”

“No, I’m still looking.” Nikkie felt a swift pang of guilt. She’d been raised in the church and had promised her mother she’d join one as soon as she got to New York, but she’d never seemed to get around to it.

“Well, I thought about not going myself, today. My old bones are acting up,” Rina said in a distracted voice. “I don’t know if I have arthritis or rheumatism. Don’t matter. My bones be aching sometimes. But bones or no bones, I’m gonna go worship the Lord. It’s good to hear your voice, sweetie. You okay? How’s the city treating you? You doing okay on that job of yours?”

Nikkie smiled. “I’m doing fine, Mama. And the job is going good. I’m just a little homesick is all.”

“Well, now why don’t you just come on home for a little bit? Take a long weekend and spend some time with your mama. You know I miss you.”

“I miss you, too, Mama. And, God, I miss your cooking. I haven’t had a good meal since I’ve been up here.”

“Um-mm-mm. Well, I guess it would be mean for me to tell you that I’ve got Sunday dinner all cooked up and ready to eat later this evening.

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