THE SPACE BETWEEN US

*8 years old Selena’s POV* It was raining. I tugged at Mama’s hand, trying to wiggle free so I could splash in the puddles. “Lena, NO!” “Mom, pleeease! I wanna playyyyy!” “No. Stop it. I won’t say it again.” My shoulders dropped. “Okayyy… sorry, Ma.” She stopped walking and squatted down until we were eye to eye. Her work badge was still clipped to her shirt. “Selena, I’m sorry, but you can’t play. You’ll catch a cold. I need to get to work on time, okay, Liana?” “Okay, Ma…” I dragged the word out. Then, quieter: “Ma?” “Yes, my love?” “Why do you call me Liana?” “You’ll know soon, my love.” I stared into her eyes — deep black, nothing like my honey-brown ones — and wondered if I’d ever get an answer that wasn’t “soon.” “Did Dad call me Liana?” I asked it quiet, as if I whispered too loud Mama would get upset. “Yes. Yes, he did.” Little Selena’s eyes lit up with that spark kids get when they hear their dad’s name. “We’re almost there, love,” Mama said, tugging her forward as Selena tried to sneak her hand out from under the umbrella. Then they rounded the last curve to the mansion. A car sped past. All Selena remembered was Mama’s grip loosening, finger by finger, until Mama hit the ground. The rain she’d begged to play in felt like it was weeping with her. “Ma, Ma, Ma, please wake up.” Blood pooled under her, mixing with the rain. Selena ran into the mansion screaming for help, but it was too late. The sirens sounded like a funeral song, and they were singing it just for her. “Mo—Mom—please—don’t leave me.” “Ma… Ma…” *PRESENT DAY - 10 years later* ~Selena’s POV~ Beep. Beep. Beep. “Another nightmare.” She sighed, slapping the alarm before it could drag her through the end of it. She got up and fiddled with the key on her necklace — the only thing Mama left her. She stayed in the shower for an hour and a half, letting the water drown out the world waiting outside. She pulled her hair into a ponytail, then put on the black collared checkered shirt and skirt. The short sleeves did nothing to hide her chest, and the skirt clung to her waist and hips. She felt exposed, but it was the uniform. They all had to wear it. She owed the Davenports a lot. They gave her a home when no one else would. Even though Mama had been a maid here too. “I love you, Mum,” she whispered, looking at Mama’s photo. Straight black hair, pale skin. Nothing like Selena’s frizzy curls and chocolate skin. “Time for another day."