Page 22 of In Her Own Way
Shanice took a step and then another. She walked straight to Miss Rikki, who folded her in her arms and cried so hard that everyone else let loose.
“I did it, Miss Riri,” Shanice said, her voice muffled in Miss Rikki’s blouse.
“You sure did, kid,” Miss Rikki said and kissed the crown of Shanice’s head. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”
Everylittlein the group gasped, including Shanice.
“Miss Riri,” Shanice scolded. “Language.”
Miss Rikki chuckled which helped blow out the tension the entire group had been holding.
“She’s got a ten-minute window,” Miss Marta said. “Let her come to you. We’re still learning.”
And with that, Shanice walked down the receiving line of people as if she were the queen of the coffee shop. And, yes, indeed, she was.
When Shanice got to Jessica, she said, “I told you it was a big day.”
Jessica couldn’t help it. She hugged the brave young woman in front of her and said, “I just met you, but I can see what a strong and determined young woman you are. Miss Marta is lucky to have you.”
“She sure is,” Shanice said, making the people around her laugh.
Madison said, “I’ve never seen you this tall, Shanice.” That too made the group laugh.
Shanice tired quickly after unveiling her new prosthetics and sat back down in her chair.
“That was a real privilege,” Jessica said out loud to no one in particular.
“It was,” Mistress Rowena said. “And I got it on video.”
Madison said, “Will you send that to—”
“Of course, I will,” Mistress Rowena interrupted. “Just because she lost her mind and moved to Indian-fucking-apolis, doesn’t mean she isn’t part of this community.”
“Roger that, Ma’am,” Madison said, eyes obviously wide at the use of the f-bomb. She skipped away to visit someone else.
Miss Rowena turned to speak with her submissive, leaving Jessica alone. She made small talk with some of the people there, and then Miss Marta came over.
“I’m glad you were here for this,” Miss Marta said.
“Oh, my God, Ma’am. I feel so honored. So privileged. I’m so happy for her and you.”
“You still have my number?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Jessica said.
“Good, don’t be a stranger. And that one,” Miss Marta pointed to Shanice, “couldn’t stop talking about you last night.”
Jessica’s eyes grew wide. Uh oh.
“No, no, no,” Miss Marta said with a laugh. “Good things. All good things. She has an innate radar that can sense good people.”
“I…” Jessica didn’t know what to say.
“I have to get back,” Miss Marta said. “We’ll see you again, yes?”
“Uh, yes,” Jessica said. “I live in Denton Heights now.”
“Ahh, even better.” Miss Marta turned and was swallowed up by well-wishers.
