AFTER THE STORM

Shandra goes home that evening and tries to settle down. She calls her employer and boyfriend, Tony, who she’s been dating for the last year and a half even though Tony is a married man. She gets his voicemail and leaves a message saying, “Hi babe. It’s me. I’m sorry I had to step out without seeing you. I had a few errands to run. I’m just calling to confirm our plans for the 4^th. I know you’re probably still at the office so just hit me when you’re leaving.”

She hangs up and starts to eat dinner that she bought. The phone rings.

Thinking it might be Tony, she answers the phone anxiously and says, “Hello… Hello!”

     It turns out to be her Aunt Betty from New Orleans who answers, “Well, aren’t you excited to hear from your old Auntie!”

     Betty Hillman is Shandra’s 66 year old aunt who raised Shandra most of her life after Shandra’s mother died. Betty is Shandra’s father, Luke, oldest sister. She’s very spiritual and has a quick wit.

     Somewhat disappointed that it’s not Tony, Shandra says, “Oh… Hey Aunt Betty it’s you.”

     “Oh course, it’s me baby. Where have you been? You know people gone starta thankin you done forgot where you come from youngin. You just don’t call, visit…”

     Shandra quickly cuts her aunt off before she begins her usual rambling and says, “Auntie! Auntie! Now you know I got nothing but love for my family. I moved to Atlanta to make a better life for myself and yall… You know what? I have to go through this same speech every time I talk to yall. I love you. I do. So tell me what’s up? How have you been?”

     “Oh, I’m doin fine. Just fine baby. You know, I cooked some gumbo. I wish you could taste this right now… Honey, yo aunt still got it, baby! Ha! But look, are you comin to the cook out? You know we aint seen you since ya mamma gave birth to you, so you should come and at least show your face, baby.”

     “Auntie, you are still funny. I would if I didn’t have plans already.”

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