Gypsy Moon

Chapter One
July 5th 1995

The wind was warm against her skin as it blew through the oak tree she lay under. She could hear the happy giggles of her sisters as they ran down the hills chasing butterflies. Even though it was the height of summer, the weather was surprisingly cool for July.

Fourth of July was the day before and it heralded fireworks from the city that they watched from the hill where she now lay. Life was perfect there. Her grandmother hummed next to her while she placed each tarot card on the red-and-white-checkered blanket they were on. This was her place, at her grandmother’s farm in Kansas. Nadira felt at peace here, but back in the city of Baltimore the apartment she shared with her mom, stepfather and sister was always filled with chaos.

Her stepfather hit her mother and never missed an opportunity to try to grab her breast or ass since she turned sixteen. She was always scared when her mom was at work he would take the next step and try to do something, and he was so big she knew she could never fight him off. Her grandmother had given her some good news though. She and her younger sisters would be moving in with her by the end of the summer. Her grandmother had won full custody from her mother, and she would no longer have to live in fear or watch the abuse her mother took, refusing to leave.

“I’ve decided, Gran,” Nadira announced.

“What’s that, sugar bear?” Her grandmother used the pet name she grew up hearing and loving.

“I’m never going to fall in love or get married. I’m going to study hard and get good grades and get a scholarship to music school for the piano,” Nadira declared vehemently. “Love hurts. Momma’s bruises prove it. I never want that!”

“Don’t say that, Nadira,” Gran scolded. “What your mom has is not love. It’s cruel and twisted. When love finds you, it makes your heart beat faster, and it feels like your tummy does flip flops. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. I had it with your grandfather.” She watched her grandmother smile wistfully as she remembered. “That was my true love, and yours will find you too.”

“Well I don’t want it,” she said in a huff. “If he comes along, I’ll send him packing.”

Her grandmother laughed. “I’m reading your cards now, sugar bear. There’ll be someone, and you won’t be able to deny him. Strong, and eyes the color of the deep blue sea. He will be dressed neat and standing tall. When he kisses you, you’ll know he’s the one, and he will know it too.”

“I don’t believe that, Gran. I choose to make my own destiny, my own fate.” Nadira glanced up and watched the sky through the trees.

“No matter how much we try to make fate bend to our will, she is her own master.” She saw a strange smile on her grandmother’s lips. “You just watch what happens.”