The Principal's Girl (GxG)

28.

India

Imani and I were still nervous because we were unsure if we could date. I peeked in the study. Both her parents were sitting in silence reading books.

Then Imani stepped on my foot "Ow Imani." She moved her leg and whispered, "Sorry."

I then heard her fathers voice, "Imani and India. Stop eavesdropping and come in here." We both sighed and went in.

Imani was hiding behind me. "What do you want." Her mother said, putting down her book.

"What you said yesterday was...um-can we date?" She rubbed her eyes

"I strongly suggest that you two don't date." Imani peeped out, "Suggest?"

She nodded "Apparently Imani dislikes when I make decisions for her so from now on I will only make suggestions. I do not want you to date as I feel that it's the worse decision Imani could make right now but if she chooses to not listen that is on her." I feel like there's a catch.

Her mother then continued "I will accept India into the family but she must become successful. If she does not then that will lie on Imani's shoulders for the rest of her life."

Wow that last part is intense.

I looked at Imani "Are you willing to take that chance."

"What do you want to be when you grow up." Imani asked. I smiled "An anesthesiologist like my mom"

Imani looked at her mother and Naomi said, "Do you trust that she'll get that done." Imani nodded and Naomi, in the softest possible voice, said "Then you can date."

I was trying really hard to contain my excitement. "Imani I'll take you for ice cream now."

Naomi sighed, "Are you five Imani?" But she really wanted ice cream. "Get me a vanilla cone with extra sprinkles," said Imani's dad.

He then added, "My wife won't mind going with you two to get it." She glared at him before standing up, "Fine."

We left and on the walk to the ice cream parlor I saw people staring at us. We got there and they both silently looked at the ice cream options.

"You both are actually much more alike than you'd like to admit." They both looked at me and Imani looked offended.

"Yet we're nothing alike. I was raised just like her and we're two different people." I smiled softly.

"Naomi you do realize that Imani might have your mannerisms and drive but she is still has traits of her father that makes her different." She let out a sigh, "I see."

Imani cut in and said "I want vanilla with extra sprinkles." Her mother then said, "I want the same."

I chuckled. I got her mother's, hers, and her father's ice cream. And I got some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. We went to the house and we all joined in the living room to eat.

"India, about your mother." I looked up quickly and her mom said "What was she really like?"

I took a deep breath "I think I have a video...my aunt made it for me."

I connected my phone to the television. I found the video and played it.

My mother was sitting in a chair. She had her hat on and I walked into the frame and said, "So...mom refuses to take off her hat because her hair is falling out."

She folded her arms "I'm not taking the hat off, I look like your Barbie dolls."

I chuckled and so did Imani.

"Who are you going to show this video to?" My mother asked. I shrugged and she smirked "You're going to show your girlfriend this aren't you?"

Imani smiled softly.

In the video I said, "I'm not fit for a relationship, you know that." My mother disagreed, "Your player lifestyle is leaving with me. You need a strong woman by your side."

My mother then looked at the camera and said, "Hello whoever is watching this. I bet you're dating my daughter. I'm glad we both see that I know more than her, even in death."

Imani giggled and I rolled my eyes.

My mother then said "I bet you're a beautiful woman. I also bet that you're of Asian descent." Imani's eyes widened and so did mine.

I forgot she said that. Naomi then said "Why did your mother suspect that you'd date a Asian woman."

I cleared my throat "She may have found some...magazines in my room every now and then but I truly don't care about ethnicity or race or any...of that stuff."

We went back to the video and I pulled my mom's food tray over. My mom shook her head "I'm only eating ice cream."

I smiled softly and I heard myself say, "You can't eat ice cream every day mom." My mom folded her arms, "I'm dying, go get me my chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream."

I had stood up and grabbed the camera. I then heard "I love you India." My eyes teared and I could see myself smile in the video, "I love you too mom."

Before the video could go on I paused it, "I'm sorry. You guys can keep watching I just...I need a minute."

I left the room and eventually Imani came out with me. "You don't have to be here Imani."

She rubbed my back "Just following your mom's request...and being that strong woman by your side." I rested my head on her shoulder and she hugged me.

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Have you ever experienced loss in your family?