Work Text:
September 1st, 1934
New Orleans
Tiana let out a big yawn as the morning sunshine bathed her body. She honestly wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but it wasn't possible. One couldn't blame her for bein' exhausted. Her family had spent the entire summer away from New Orleans, takin' a month to get to Maldonia for the Grand Family Reunion. The reunion lasted a month, followed by another month to return home. Life seldom lets folks get the shuteye they need. "Naveen?" she looked baffled to see her husband wasn't in the bedroom.
She relaxed when she heard the shower goin'. She seized her pale green bathrobe before headin' to brew the mornin' coffee. She also checked on her daughter, Jamie, whose alarm clock had yet to go off. Tiana didn't wanna wake her daughter earlier than expected. If anyone should be gettin' extra z's, it should be her six-year-old. She then heard the shower turn off. This was Tiana's usual mornin' routine, a delicate balance of family and work.
"Naveen?" she called out, to which her husband responded, "Yes, Tiana?" Naveen emerged from the shower, thankfully fully clothed. "Please tell me you left me some hot water?"
"Yes, I didn't use all of it. There's plenty for you and Tadpole."
"Great! We both need to look our best today. You've got all those contracts with suppliers to secure. Meanwhile, I gotta drop Jamie off at school. Plus, I promised to see Lottie off at the train station.” As the owner of Tiana's Place, a popular restaurant in town, Tiana had a lot on her plate.
"Is she really goin' to D.C. to raise hell with F. D. Roosevelt? I'm delighted she's found somethin' to do with her life now that she's finally outta the princess phase. It's incredible to see her as a strong young woman fightin' the good fight," Naveen questioned his gorgeous wife, who nodded. Tiana's comment was a playful jab at Lottie's past obsession with fairy tales and her current transformation into a social justice warrior.
"Yep, Lottie has been givin' the country hell since Jamie was born. I wish she hadn't been so naive for so long regardin' how differently we're treated. Lottie ain't blind, just grossly uninformed." Tiana's comment was tinged with pride and frustration at her friend's journey of self-discovery and activism.
"Yes, she was only ignorant of how most of the world works, seein' how her daddy treated you fairly. I hope my sisters only taught her good things about fightin' for rights and takin' on, as you say, 'the man'?"
"Well, your family had a positive influence. Even if your sisters can be a tad overwhelmin', I only wish Jamie could get the type of education in your country. Despite bein' a princess, Jamie remains a person of color who will, unfortunately, be mistreated unless changes come about. Changes her godmother Lottie is hopin' to make happen in her lifetime." Tiana's comment was a reflection of the racial inequalities that persisted, even in their seemingly idyllic world.
Naveen took his wife's hands into his. "Tiana, I promise our daughter will get the best education possible. Mother promised to send a tutor in a few weeks to help with her granddaughter's education."
Tiana couldn't help but wipe a tear away. "My mother-in-law genuinely loves her granddaughter." Tiana's relationship with her mother-in-law had not always been easy, but she had come to appreciate the older woman's love and support.
"Well, family helps family, Tiana. You saw how close my family was when we went to the reunion. So don't fret. I know you still struggle with lettin' others help you. But remember, Tia. You don't have to do everything by yourself. We're stronger together than by ourselves." Tiana, who had always been fiercely independent, had to learn to lean on others after marryin' Naveen.
She kissed him. "Thank you for remindin' me of that, Naveen. Oh, I'll make one more stop after the train station."
"Let me guess, my love. Today's your weekly visit with Ms. Rose?"
"Yep, you remember well. It's incredible how much we've learned about Mama Odie's kinfolk. It's surprisin' to know she has a younger sister who still lives in the Republic of Haiti. Again, she's 204 years old! However, as her niece and Ms. Rose informed us, when you utilize good magic, it extends your life. Not how dark magic steals life from you."
"Well, as I already said, the family looks after the family. Since Mama Odie is Jamie's honorary grandmother, she and the rest of the family deserve to be updated."
Everything went accordin' to plan for the small family. Both Jamie and Lottie got to their destinations safely. Naveen was quite successful when it came to wheeling and dealing. Tiana enjoyed lavender tea with Ms. Rose, who updated her on Mama Odie's family while praisin' Tiana for havin' an all-female staff, which included a deaf waitress! Tiana was proud of her diverse and inclusive team, reflectin' her commitment to equality and opportunity.
It was a testament to Tiana's unwavering determination to challenge stereotypes and fight for a better life. She was ready to move things forward, to break barriers and pave the way for a brighter future. Her resolve was palpable, and she knew she was almost there! By the time her daughter grew up, she would have a better life than her mother's, free from prejudice and inequality!