“You aren’t helping, George.”
“Neither are you. And we have a guest.”
“Ma, Daddy, speak English,” Sin snaps.
Her mother looks at me. “Why? I’m in my own house. And I don’t want the landlord to hear how shameful my wayward daughters are. He won’t want to marry Mae if he thinks she’s a harlot.”
I burst into laughter and all eyes swivel in my direction. “Actually, I do understand,” I say.
Mrs. Sackey's mouth gapes like a fish before she presses her lips together.
“Ha!” Sin shouts and then covers her mouth to stifle her victory yell when her mother glares at her.
“I didn’t realize. I hope you’re not a gossip.”
“My mother is dead, and I wouldn’t tell my father if I met Jesus himself much less whatever I hear at your dining table.”
“So do you not socialize with any Ghanaians? At all?”
I register the disapproval in her question but let it roll off my back.
“No. Somehow, I’ve got friends from all over. Just none from Ghana.”
“Why is that?”
“Maybe because it’s exhausting having to answer questions like this,” Sin interjects and for a moment, we share a smile.
“It’s okay, Sin.”
Her mother’s head whips in her direction. “Is that what you told him to call you?”
I realize my blunder.
“Yes.”
“Why?
“Because that’s what I like to be called,” Sin pushes back.
“God, how is this my portion?” Her mother lifts her eyes heavenward, her palms pressed together. I bite my cheek to stifle my laugh at her dramatics.
“You want us to live your way more than you want us to be happy,” Mae says with tears in her eyes.
“Of course I don’t. I just know what’s best for you.”
I feel like I’m watching a replay of a conversation with my father and my gut tightens in anticipation of the insults and raised voices that always follow.
Mae shakes her head. “Youthinkyou do. But I’m an adult. I know what I want.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” It’s her father who asks the question, but in my head, I hear my father’s voice speaking the words and I want to tell Mae it’s a trap and that she shouldn’t answer.
“Yes. I don’t want to be alone. I want a family.” Salomé’s honest, clear-eyed response makes my heart kick in my chest.
Sin sighs. “Youhavea family and you’re not alone, Mae.”
“You were gone for a long time, Sin.”
“I know. I wish you’d left, too.”
