Tasha was the most stoic of the women present who represented a sisterhood that the others in the room could never fully be part of or understand no matter how hard they tried. A single tear rolled down her check and she sat very still with perfect posture.  She was filled with pride as a black man became Commander in Chief. Even though she was no longer in the military, Tasha would always be a soldier.  
As she watched the footage on TV, she wished she was out there on the mall with the masses or as part of an honor guard in uniform.  Tasha knew her country was flawed, that she had been discriminated against based on her sexuality and the color of her skin, but she loved her country and believed in its ideals. She had fought for freedom, and paid with her blood, sweat and tears so this moment could come to pass.  

“Why are you crying momma?” Angelica asked. The little girl was definitely confused and on the verge of tears.  They were a having a party for a special man but there were no cupcakes or candles. Nobody was playing with her not even Auntie Alice, and her Momma B and Auntie Kit were crying.   

“I’m so happy, Boo.  Obama is now the President of the United States.  This is a very special day in history.  You’re a lucky girl to have Obama as President.”

“I want Curious George.”

“Not yet, Boo, you need to sit still. This is very important.”

Tina tried to distract Angelica with a bagel, but Angelica pushed it away.

“Cupcake.”

“Angelica it’s breakfast-time. No cupcakes.”

“No, it’s Obama party….”

“You can have orange juice.”  

Tina got up off the couch to get Angelica some juice.  

“We’re recording this, right?”

“Of course and Max promised to make me a DVD.”

The ladies quieted down to listen to Barack’s speech. He began by thanking the crowd.

The enthusiastic crowd chanted back, “Obama! Obama! Obama! Obama!”

The President continued, “My fellow citizens, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.”

“I thank President Bush for his service to our nation…”

Alice and Helena joined in to the chorus of “Boos” coming from the crowd.

“… as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition…

“Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath.

“The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

“So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.”

The women sat in rapt attention, watching the President’s inauguration speech. As they did, Angelica drank her juice and studied the faces of her Mommas and Aunties.

“Yes we can!”  Angie exclaimed remembering the chant they taught her.

“Yes we did!”  Bette hugged her daughter close and kissed her in celebration.

“Yes we can!”

“Yes we did!”  The ladies all cried.  

“Times are tough, but I have hope.  Doesn’t it feel good to have some hope?”  Kit asked.

“It sure does.”  Tina looked from the TV screen to her partner and daughter.  Tears were in here eyes, but she was smiling.

A victory dance parade was started and led by Alice and all the girls joined her in dancing throughout the house.  They ate and danced, listened to the commentators on the news, shared exchanges of political discourse and personal gratitude and reflected on their hopes and dreams for the country.  

To Angelica and Alice’s delight, they finally ate red, white and blue frosted cupcakes – even though it was still breakfast time in California. Alice swayed Tina with a powerful argument about it being lunchtime in Washington, D.C.

Back on the television, Angelica saw the grim looking white man get into the helicopter with his lady.  As he waved she waved back.

“Bye-bye Bushy.”

(the end)