The Skin I'm In

Asia
Asia had always wanted to travel. She figured she could kill two birds with one stone by becoming a flight attendant. Even when she became pregnant, she didn't let that alter her plans. She had been looking forward to becoming a mother. Right up to the moment the doctor said, "congratulations...it's a girl." Asia couldn't have been more disappointed. She adored her cousin Lonnie's little boy and couldn't wait to have one of her own. But God had chosen to curse her with a daughter instead. As far as Asia was concerned, that was the beginning of the end.

Imani
Imani didn't know who was more excited, her or her children. They could hardly wait to get to Aunt Lonnie's house for the party. It had been so long since the whole family had gotten together. Imani couldn't wait to see everyone. Well, everyone except her mother. She and her mother Asia had never gotten along. The woman never had anything nice to say to her. After twenty-nine years Imani had learned to accept things for what they were. But now Asia was doing the same thing to Imani's daughter Bidjan. And she would be damned if she would allow her mother to hurt her daughter the way she had hurt her.

Lonnie
Lonnie loved to entertain. Her grandson's birthday was the perfect reason to have a party. She smiled to herself, thinking that today was going to be a good day. She intended to hold on to that thought and ignore the nagging feeling in the back of her mind that something bad was about to happen. Lonnie loved her family. But like all families, they had their share of issues. And Lonnie knew the shit was going to hit the fan soon. She just prayed it would not be today.