Jamaka Mistaka - a closed thread

[Lady_Kit]

Norma stepped from the small plane directly onto the tarmac of the Free Jamkan Peoples International Airport. The name, when read from the impressive sign at the edge of the runway sounded grand, but the sign was, as it turned out, the most prestigious part of the airport complex. The terminal was a wooden framed structure with tin walls and a roof that had clearly seen better days. The smiling local who flagged the plane into position on landing, also offloaded the cargo, collected money and dispensed tickets for the departing passengers. It was an efficient system as island things went. Norma didn’t know this at the time, of course. She had only arrived. The only thing that Norma knew was that the purchase of Caribbean property would take her as far from her New York life as Cleveland was from L.A. and that was exactly what she had in mind. She had left a rent controlled flat, a predictable job and a two-timing fiancé behind.

This was the first day of the rest of her life and she’d dressed for the occasion. She wore a two-piece suit in a vivid shade of raspberry; a color that brightened the east coast pallor that was normal in New York in January. Her blonde hair hung down her back in a smooth tail, simple and elegant. Bright blue eyes were hidden behind dark glasses, but the happy smile was visible for everyone to see, and her smile was contagious. Even the busy airport worker paused to grin at the lovely lady. His smile broadened when she removed her short jacket and revealed a matching halter that seemed molded over her full breasts. She was of an average height, only 5’6”, but more than one man had claimed that most of that height was leg, one had declared that what Norma had were “gams” like the glamour stars of old Hollywood. Norma had liked the comparison and let it influence her to wear short skirts, like the flirty one she had on today.

She stood watching the crowds thin until there was no one left but the airport worker and a single figure by the gate. Norma approached and read the sign he held in front of his chest.

[color=dark-blue]“Missy Norma Welcom to De Carneval"[/color]

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OOC: Norma Lawrence, late of New York City where she lived the life of an upwardly mobile female executive. In the 10 years she’d been with Snively, Weasel & Grubb she had closed more hotel and resort transfers than any other agent, secured investment property on three continents, and saw to it that the real estate portion of the corporate portfolio showed a steadily increasing profit. People said she was a genius for picking the right property, in the right location and at the right time. It was just too bad her genius didn’t extend to men. After her last disastrous relationship she had decided to withdraw from the “Big Apple” and find a simpler way of life. The life of a hotelier in the Caribbean appealed. When the “Resort for Sale” ad had come across her desk one Friday afternoon, she pounced on it. By Monday evening she had spoken to the realtor representing the property owner and was booked on the Thursday flight to Jamaka. On Sunday she was ready to make a deal. After several hours of negotiations and page after page of closure documents she was the proud owner of Club Carnival. The first adults only resort on the lovely island of Jamaka. That was weeks ago, since then she'd been cutting all her ties with the City and either moving, selling or storing all her worldly goods. This was the first trip back since the papers were signed.

Norma thought the hard part was over. She couldn’t have been more wrong.

A Caribbean adventure about the fictional island of Jamaka to share with the lovely Chanaud, who makes my temperature rise to equatorial levels. Read along and enjoy.

 

[chanaud]

Jamika Roberts

With one hand shadowing her eyes, Jamika stood at the water’s edge and stared out into the open sea. The turquoise water was calm, barely attempting to form a wave at the break of the sandbar. She just stared. Stared into emptiness. The laughter behind her at the Club Carnival carried westerly towards her, Jamika and the sea, but was quickly lost, just as they paid no heed to Jamika’s statuesque stance. For they were used to her and her unusual practices. It was well known all over the Jamaka Island that she was able to read the winds and the clouds. After all, she was the local ‘doctor’. Just like her mother, her grandmother, her grandmother’s mother, and her mother before her. Though they hold no degree, and were barely educated beyond secondary school (Xena was the first to finish high school), they held her at the highest degree on Jamaka Island. And with that came with respect. After all, who would want to risk a curse upon them or their loved ones.

A tiny wisp of wind came out of nowhere, and blew her skirt like a flag. Jamika looked up towards the direction and saw a dark cloud shadowing far north of the island. The crease left of her mouth deepened into a frown. Something dark was looming ahead. Despite the heat, Jamika’s body shuddered, chasing the chill away. Jamika knew it was much more than that. The island was in danger. What type of danger or the degree of it, Jamika didn’t know. She just knew the tide will be changing soon. And it had to do with the new inhabitant, the owner of Club Carnival. Missus Norma, the old owner, Ralph had called her.

“Missus Jamika! Missus Jamika!”

A small brown hand tugged at her skirt. She turned and smiled at the large innocent eyes. Her mother didn’t dare interrupt Jamika, so she had sent the child.

“Yes, Shiro?” For the first time that day, she smiled revealing perfectly white teeth surrounded by natural coral lips.

“Mama says the kitchen needin help and Missus Sharle isa leavin.”

She ignored the last statement. Sharle threatened to quit every other morning right on schedule. Instead she picked up a pink shell and held it up in the air. Eight tiny legs raced manically in the air. “What shall we do with him?” She asked, her green translucent eyes twinkled with mischief.

“I know, I know!” The child’s brown curls jumped up and down. “We should hide him in Sharle’s apron!”

Jamika gasped mockingly. “Why you are the devil’s child! What will Sharle ever do when she finds this poor creature?”

The child slapped her mouth suppressing a giggle.

“Come. We shall find out.”

They strolled hand in hand. Jamika’s tanned tone paled compared to the child’s own island color.

Yet when Jamika entered Club Carnival’s grounds, she couldn’t help looking back at the sky. The same cloud haven’t’ moved a bit. It just sat brewing….


OOC: A hundred years and generations ago, a beautiful young slave named Jamika casted a spell on the great British trader, Peter Alexander Smith the Fourth making him fall in love with her. Not only did he take her virginity, he married her and lost his life because of it. Story has it, the slave’s mother was also in love with him and trapped him to his death upon news of her daugher. But not before, Jamika became pregnant and the island was christened Jamika by Peter and his country, England. The slave and child ran away and lived in a cave on the far south of the island casting spells on whomever dared to come near her or her daughter, Jamika. That child grew and fell in love with another white trader. With each generation, the same green eyes had been passed on with the gift of creating love and death and everything in between.

Until it reached Jamika. She was the first to lose the gift. But no one knows. Not even her mother. She’s had been able to contain the façade of maintaining the great powers that have been famous for generations by just using good ole common sense. But the islanders don’t know that. They expect her to protect the island from all evil.

Jamika Roberts is tall standing at 5’9”. Her lithe body has surprised the strongest of men when tested. She is single, and well respected. A little too well respected for no man dares to court her for she doesn’t speak like an islander and the women keeps their distance for she was many shades darker than them. Only the children dare to approach her. Or maybe, only the children are whom Jamika dare to be herself .

 

[Lady_Kit]

Edward, the Club Carnival employee who collected her from the airport said little during the ride to the resort. She did learn that he was the younger brother of Sharle, and that his family had been on Jamaka since “de good Lord hisself done made da world.”

Additional attempts at conversation were met with mumbled replies and she was finally left with nothing to occupy her attention but the terrain over which they traveled. But the magnificence of the scenery deserved her undivided attention in any case. She felt her breath catch more than once as they traversed the narrow and winding island roads climbing ever higher from the flat costal areas to the foothills that surrounded the interior. The drive to the resort was considerable since it was located on the opposite side of the island from the airport, but every moment was a feast for the eyes. As they drove up one side of Peak Paradise, the mountain that was central to the island Norma began to truly relax. As they neared the top of the mountain Norma saw a sign indicating a lookout.

Edward, can we see the resort from that lookout?

“Yes, Missus. Dat be de place of de Watchmen. You can see de whole island from there. You want to see?”

Oh, yes, please Edward. Lets stop for a moment.

Norma sat in silence as Edward climbed from the car and came round to open her door. She acknowledged his courtesy before moving to the path leading to the lookout. Her flat sandals made little sound as she moved along the sand covered ground and there was a feeling of reverence about the area that discouraged her from speaking. Norma and Edward stepped from the path into a clearing on the mountainside and the world seemed to open up at their feet.

The island was laid out for her like a collection of gems on a bed of blue velvet. The emerald tones of the forest gave way to a band of brightly colored homes that were topped with tile roofs and separated the green of the trees from the blue of the ocean.

She frowned slightly as she watched a small squall move across the waves out to sea. The darkness of the clouds seemed an ominous blot on the otherwise sunny view before her. She was determined to be positive, though, and when a warm gentle rain began to fall she easily dismissed the darkness and smiled at the feel of the water on her skin.

Norma turned to Edward, intending to ask him to point out Club Carnival, then stopped and instead pointed to a phenomenon showing in the distance. A double rainbow was visible above the island; one end of the arch firmly anchored on the sandy coastline and the other reaching out over the open ocean. As she looked closely at the beach where the rainbows began she thought that the structures looked familiar, it was the resort! Without thinking she laid her hand on the dark skinned man standing at her side.

Look Edward, the rainbows end at Club Carnival! How wonderful. Its almost as if…

“…the island is welcoming me home.” she finished silently. Norma stopped speaking, feeling embarrassed by this unusual show of emotion. She never got emotional, but today, for some reason, the sights and smells of this place had changed that.

Edward, who was not as slow as most people seemed to think, saw the emotion on his employers face, and said what Norma could not.

“It’s a good ooman Missus…Jamaka say welcome home. Now, we best go fore Sharle be cross wit us.”

Norma watched him move back up the path and was grateful for a moment to compose herself before returning to the car. She brushed the rain off her face and if some of the moisture was salty she told herself that it wasn’t tears, it was just salt in the air.

The rest of the ride was uneventful but Norma found Edward more talkative than he had been before their stop and he regaled her with tales of island folk and the local legends; including the local wise woman, Jamika.

Within moments of leaving the cool air of the mountain they returned to the heat of the beachside and soon pulled into the parking lot of the resort. Curious faces looked at Norma, some seemed welcoming, other cautious, and one, held no expression at all. It was that face that drew her gaze.

Green eyes met blue and Norma felt her mouth open in shock at the contact. This, most assuredly was Jamika. The moment of silence was quickly broken by the voices of the staff welcoming her to the resort and Norma looked away from the green eyes to answer a question. When she turned back the woman was gone, as if by magic.

 

[chanaud]

Lightning struck instantly as blue met green. Instant numbness took hold of Jamika, paralyzing her every pore. She didn’t notice though. She was too entranced with the vivid blueness that took a strange hold of her—body and soul. Only when the new Missus unlocked her trance did Jamika felt able to move. Upon release, she found herself trembling and perspiring.

Jamika back slowly like an animal backing from its hunter until she felt the soft sand of familiarity under her bare feet. Only then did she feel safe enough to turn and run like an animal from danger. Bright hibiscus reds and oranges along with dark green seagrapes were a blur. She ran and ran until her legs tired and gave. She tumbled onto the soft sand and laid there, allowing her breath to catch up. After a long while, her breathing finally returned to normal did Jamika attempt to rose.

Slowly she stood and looked around. She was on the far north side of the island. That same dark cloud was still hovering nearby. Upon closer inspection, Jamika saw the clouds expanding and contracting slowly, patiently building a great force. Jamika shuddered as a flash of blue crossed across the sky. She blinked. And blinked again. The blue was gone. Did she imagine it? Or does this new Missus cast a spell on her? Again Jamika felt the same clamminess, only this time was different. Her body was vibrating. And she didn’t know how to control it.

She wandered slowly back to Club Carnival. Her employees were used to her frequent disappearance, but she suppose the American wasn’t. Besides she had work to do. She’s sure her new boss would like am evaluation of each employee, and most of all, the books had to be shown.

Jamika wondered, "Should she show the new missus both sets?"

No. Not until she's sure the new boss is a permanent fixture. Then she laughed. Of course, she won't. She probably bought the hotel on a whim. They always do.

Three months is all I give her, she mused silently. She will see to that. Then an idea flashed in her head, bringing a wide smile. She will start a pool with the others. They will be sure to have a good laugh about this. As soon as the they see the backside of her silk fines and gold spun hair.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Norma had little time to wonder about the whereabouts of Jamika for the balance of the day. She knew the woman was somewhere on the resort property, but in the initial excitement there was no opportunity for the two of them to meet. She did receive word through Sharle, Edwards’ taciturn sister, that Jamika would see her in the managers’ office first thing in the morning. Norma got directions to the office and agreed that she would be there at the appointed time. She found it interesting that she had been summoned by one of the employees, instead of the other way around; after all, she did own the property, and technically Jamika worked for her. Norma hadn’t spent years in a mans world without learning a thing or two about power struggles though, and the comments that she heard from the rest of the staff told her that if push came to shove Jamika would come out on top, at least where loyalty of the staff was concerned.

Hours after her arrival the little owners bungalow that came with the property seemed like heaven on earth to Normas tired eyes. Set far back from the beach in a small jungle of hibiscus and bougainvillea it was the perfect size for one person. The gaily-painted front door opened to a bright area that combined kitchen, dining and living space in one large room. The adjoining bedroom was furnished with a chest, a large bed covered with a white spread, and vanity all carved from local hardwoods. The bath was tiled, and boasted a standard tub but no shower. When she asked about adding this amenity the young housekeeper who had escorted her to the bungalow directed Norma to a narrow door in the corner of the room. She had taken it to be a linen closet, and so was astonished to discover that it led to an outdoor shower well hidden among colorful flowers and deep green leaves.

As much as she wanted to enjoy the comforts of her new home, particularly the soft and inviting bed, Norma knew that it was important to be visible to the staff and guests. So, instead of a nap, she took a quick shower, feeling invigorated by the cool water and the chance to bathe beneath the open sky. She pulled her hair back into its customary smooth style, then, deciding that the new Norma would be more relaxed, let it fall over her shoulders and back instead. After giving a nod to makeup, she pulled a white sundress from her luggage, added a simple gold necklace, hoop earrings, and low sandals to her outfit and was ready to go.

The path to the dining room was clearly marked and Norma soon found herself in the noisy open-air restaurant. Things seemed to be under control as guests enjoyed the island cuisine and friendly service of the smiling waitresses. Norma was on her way to check out the bar when a blood curdling shriek sounded from the kitchen and a small child ran from the double doors and directly into her path. Huge brown eyes peered anxiously from beneath a mass of curls and a small hand grasped Normas and pulled her toward the lobby doors.

“Run!” yelled the child in a voice that held a mixture of laughter and mock fear. Without hesitation Norma stepped out of her sandals, snatched them up and let the little girl drag her into the twilight. When they reached the shoreline she called a halt to their flight and dropped to the warm dry sand, pulling the child down beside her.

While their breathing settled the two unlikely companions watched as the sun dropped into the ocean and stars began to glow in the night sky.

Mind telling me who we’re running from?

“Mamma,” came the short reply.

Ah, and why is Mamma chasing us?

The child giggled, then grew serious.

“Mammas not chasin you, Missus, shes chasin me cause I is a debil child! You jus needed to run.”

Norma felt a bit confused by the conversation thus far, but children often had that effect on her so she plowed on, hoping that understanding would soon come.

And why does Mamma think you’re a devil child?

The small face looked down to where tiny brown toes were burrowing in the soft sand.

“Crabs, Missus, is all cause of de crabs.”

 

[chanaud]

Jamaka strolled back slowly along the water’s edge. She was sure there was some form of emergency at Club Carnival, there always was. But she wasn’t in a hurry. She was on island time. And besides, the club has a new owner now. And it will give her a taste of hotel management.

But she was wrong. The new Missus Norma wasn’t caught in a frenzy at the Club. No, she was at a distance laughing with what seems like….. SHIRO!

She bolted, kicking back soft sand.

“Shiro!” She yelled out, and grabbed the skinny arm. “Yah don’t be botherin’ da Missus.”

Open mouthed, the child looked up in protest. “Wha da ya say to da Missus Norma?”

“She’s really not a bother. In fact..” Norma started.

“Ah sorry, Missus Norma. It won’t be happenin’ agin.” Without waiting for an answer, she turned dragging the protesting child.

Norma found herself alone and stunned. She stared at the fading figures and heard Jamaka’s harsh tones. Her accent disappeared! She was talking just like Norma.

Once again, Jamaka found herself breathless and shaking. People from all sides were calling for her. Ignoring them, she pushed Shiro into the kitchen and left the Club unnoticed. She had to get away. And there was just one place on the island that no one dared to go near. It was her seclusion, her solitude, her home away from home.

 

[shereads]

------------> bump! <--------------

Writer faster, Kit & Chanaud. I've been waiting for ages to see where this story is going.

 

[Lady_Kit]

For several minutes Norma watched the spot where Jamika and Shiro disappeared. She finally had to acknowledge that neither was going to return to the lonely stretch of beach where she sat. Though she hated to admit it, she was hurt by the behavior of the island woman. Norma had known that she would have to prove herself to these people; knew that she wouldn’t immediately be accepted, but Jamikas snub had wounded her none-the-less. Norma was a native New Yorker, and no matter what the Bureau of Tourism tried to say in their ads, it could still be an unfriendly city. She was used to rude cabbies and haughty waiters; upper class matrons who thought that there was no life outside Manhattan, and that anyone not born into one of “The” families wasn’t worth their time. She just hadn’t expected that kind of treatment on this sunny Caribbean island. For some reason that she couldn’t identify, Jamikas slight was particularly painful.

The sky had lost all of the light and color from the sun. More stars than she had ever seen sparkled in the black velvet sky and a full moon touched the tips of the waves with silver. Norma stood up and began to wander along the beach. She hoped that a walk in the moonlight would clear her head, and renew her spirit. If she had given it any thought Norma might have been afraid of the isolation on the quiet beach, but she was too deep in reflection of the day’s events to even consider that there might be some danger in the night.

Norma had no idea how long she had walked before she realized that the lights of the Club buildings were lost to her sight. She felt no fear, knowing that all she had to do to return home was to turn, put the water on her left hand and retrace her steps, so she reasoned that she might as well continue for a little longer. Besides, she hadn’t come up with a plan for dealing with Jamika.

Around a small headland, past a large rock formation Norma moved silently in the night. The water lapped at her bare feet, she’d left her sandals back by the club grounds, and she let herself imagine that she was the only person on the island in this perfect night. Abruptly that fantasy was shattered; on a crescent shaped stretch of beach stood a woman. Her arms were lifted up to the rising moon, and her melodic voice carried strange words over the waves to the spot where Norma stood. The woman was a dark silhouette against the white sand. Her skin was bare to the night and her long hair blew like a flag in the gentle breeze. She looked like an island legend come to life, something so ethereal and precious that Norma was afraid to breathe lest she break the magic of the moment. How long she stood there Norma was never able to say; time stopped while she was held captive by the beauty of this Island Goddess. The mysterious woman finally lowered her arms and turned to look squarely at Norma. The spell was broken, but for Norma the mystery had only deepened. The woman facing her was none other than Jamika.

 

[chanaud]

Jamika Roberts

They stood face to face, neither daring to move. The wind blew northerly, whipping silken blonde hair around Norma’s perfectly framed face. The white gauzed dress pressed against her skin, silhouetting her luscious body. Norma was what Jamika had imagined Venus De Milo to look like in real life, but Norma being more beautiful.

“Hello..” Jamika heard the goddess greet her.

Jamika turned, ignoring Norma. She walked towards the water and continued walking until the top of her head disappeared. Then within a blink of an eye,
Norma saw a mermaid jump up and dive into the dark sea.

Expecting Jamika to come up for air soon, Norma waited until she was sure Jamika was safe. Long moments passed and the ripples smoothed into glass. Norma started to worry. Where is she? She wondered how long it has been. Her wrist was bare, since she had thrown away her watch before she boarded the plane to the island. Another long moment passed. Panic set in. Should she call for help or dive in herself? Can she save Jamika herself?

Right when Norma made the decision to dive in, Jamaka emerged, dripping wet and shivering. Water beads sparkled silver against her light toffee skin. Norma moaned in relief.

“I was starting to worry about you!” Surprisingly her voice was calm.

With her dress plastered to her long, lithe body, Jamika awarded her with a smile. Then she shuddered. Instantly gooses bumps coated her salty skin, and her nipples were sharp points. A worried look crossed Norma’s face.

“You’re cold. Let’s warm you with a cup of tea.”

With that, her arms folded around Jamika and they walked slowly like that until they reached Norma’s cottage.

 

[Lady_Kit]

There was an odd quality to the air as they walked from the shore back to Norma’s cottage. It was anticipation, a collective holding of breath, as if the island itself waited for something to happen. Jamika said nothing as they moved over the soft sand. Occasionally she gave a slight shiver, and Norma pulled her closer, trying to use her own body heat to warm the soaking wet woman. Oddly, Jamikas skin didn’t feel cool, on the contrary only the colorful dress was actually cold, the womans skin felt hot, as if she’d been in the sun for hours. Norma worried that she might be getting a fever.

We’ll be there soon, and I’ll get you that tea. Won’t be long.

“Idiot!” she scolded herself, of course Jamika knows it won’t be long. She probably knows this island better than anyone, certainly better than some city girl who just got off the plane today.

Here we are.

The fact that they stood before the owners cottage was evidence of the fact that they had arrived. Norma felt like a gauche fool before Jamikas calm demeanor. She was almost afraid to open her mouth again lest she continue to babble, but it seemed that she couldn’t help herself.

Come in, let me get you a towel and then I’ll put the kettle on for tea.

Norma ignored the fact that her own clothing was soaked and plastered to her body like a second skin. She just hurried to the bathroom and returned with a large towel and a terry cloth robe. Jamika stood just inside the door, dripping saltwater onto the tiles, and looking around with interest but without comment. Norma offered the towel, which Jamika took and applied to her dark hair, wringing saltwater from the shining mass and finger combing as she went. The robe was dropped onto a nearby chair as Norma went into the kitchen and busied herself with the kettle.

I don’t mean to be rude, but…What were you doing out there tonight?

 

[chanaud]

“I’s swimming.” Jamika answered with a slow, dimwitted smile.

Norma stood for a moment and studied her companion. Somehow Jamika’s knowing green eyes told another story, but she’ll let it pass. She’s on island time now, Jamika’s turf, and she had to learn how to play her game.

“I have to admit, you gave me a fright out there. I thought for sure, I would have to dive in and save you..”

Jamika’s smile grew wider. The thought of her perfectly coiffed boss dressed in New York’s finest linen diving in the ocean conjured a ridiculous image, one that would be the laughingstock for the whole island. Next time, she mused quietly, I will be sure to stay underwater longer.

Norma’s head tilted, questioning Jamika’s sudden amusement. Like a naughty child caught with her hand in the cookie jar, Jamika spine stiffened and looked away immediately, searching for a distraction.

“What about that tea?” She asked, hoping for the moment to pass and forgetting her island accent.

“Tea! Yes, I did promise you tea, didn’t I?” Norma turned quickly and scampered off towards the direction of her simple rustic kitchen.

Leaning against the doorjamb, Jamika watched Norma with complete and utter fascination. She had never met nor come this close to anyone like her before. Norma seemed to be busy doing three or four things at once. Her mind seemed to be a constant whirlwind as she managed to ramble on about herself while opening every cabinet door in search for the necessary settings. With each passing moment, Jamika found herself feeling inferior and less of a woman as this sophisticated city woman bustled through her kitchen with grace and sophisticated poise.

“Why don’t you have a seat? I apologize for not having any scones to serve with this tea. Perhaps, next time?” She apologized profusely at what she thought was a social disgrace. She set an antique bamboo tray down with porcelain tea set sketched with tiny black roses. A single orange hibiscus and a plate of perfectly sliced mangoes accompanied the sweet dark tea. Stunned, Jamika was speechless. How did she ever manage this in such a short amount of time? And what the hell are scones? She frowned at her naiveté. And her frown deepened even more when she looked across and noticed her boss’ perfect poise. Not only did Norma sit perfectly like a true lady, she did it with such natural ease. One long shapely leg over the other, and a red paper napkin stretched out on her white linen clad lap. As of on cue, a soft breeze entered through an open window and across her porcelain skin. Unconsciously, Norma looked up and welcomed it. She was beyond beautiful, Jamika thought as her throat tightened. More beautiful than anyone she’s seen before, including the women in the fashion magazines.

Jamika found herself mimicking her boss. As soon as she reached out for a piece of mango, it fell on her lap and bounced to the floor. Embarassed, Jamika pushed her chair back, creating a loud screech as the chair legs scraped across the wooden floors. She grimaced and was relieved her face was hidden under the table. But before she was able to pick up her spilled mango, Norma’s
smiling face popped under the table and grabbed the spilled mess with her napkin.

“Don’t worry about it, I can wipe it up later.” Norma said, blowing a wave of fresh mint and spice into Jamika’s flushed face. The mint should have offered a bit of soothness to her scorching face, but it had the opposite effect. She found herself blushing even further, as if she could possibly can. She jerked her head upwards and banged her head against the solid wood.

Tears sprung into her eyes immediately. Not from the throbbing pain already forming in the back of her head, but from her clumsiness and everything else she wasn’t. As much as Jamika tried to mimic her new boss, she knew she couldn’t come close. It wasn’t just her tangled curly mess springing out in all directions, or the fact that her skin was covered with salt. Nor the fact her drying clothes felt stiff and heavy with the ocean, nor the fact that she sat stiff and straight as if a cardboard was glued to her back. No, it was because she was an island girl. Born to run wild and barefoot in the sand, and to swim naked with the dolphins. She was born to catch fish with her bare hands, and to eat fruit unsliced and unclean straight from the vine. As hard as she tried, she could never be like Norma. Jamika sighed with resignation as she grabbed her mug a little too forcefully, spilling a few scalding drops on her fingers.

 

[Lady_Kit]

Oh, dear, have you burned yourself? Let me see.

Norma reached for Jamikas hand and took it gently in her own. She felt an immediate warmth and a strange tingling sensation. She turned the delicate hand over in her own, looking for any sign of blistering from the splash of tea.

“Tis nothing, Missy Norma. I’s just clumsy. Its best I go now…thank you for the tea.”

Norma watched with dismay as Jamika prepared to leave. What had she done? Or had she done too much? Social skills were so ingrained in her that she’d behaved as if she were still greeting friends in her Manhattan apartment and besides, Jamika made her nervous.

Jamika seemed so much a part of the island; her eyes the green color of the ocean and so obviously in her element beneath the Caribbean sky and along the blue waters. The island woman was all the things Norma wanted to be, and knew she could never learn to become.

She was utterly charmed and completely mystified by her guest. Jamika seemed a mass of contradictions, like the island, Norma thought; modern and timeless; simple and more complicated than the Burroughs of New York. She was lovely too, a water nymph called up from the sea and now poised and ready for flight. Norma as nervous in the presence of such a natural beauty, and she felt gauche in her linens and make up.

How would she ever fit in here? Would this woman help her?

Jamika, please, don’t go. Tell me about the island. I want to learn about my new home.

 

[Lady_Kit]

a hopeful bump

OOC: Chanaud, it's snowing in Ohio, can I lure you back to the islands?