Neighborhood Blackout

Sunnyside, Georgia. A town of around 3000 people. A quiet community with the traditional white picket fences, manicured lawns and porch swings. Everyone has that thick southern drawl and everyone knows everyone. Alicia and Michael are living their best lives. He is successful in his career and that allows Alicia to be a homemaker. Their 2 kids, Madison and Murphy are off at college so now Alicia has plenty of free time. She keeps herself busy at home. Cleaning, cooking, gardening, laying by the pool and going to the gym. The couple often do dinners and drinks and attend functions at the country club that they are members of. Michael is an avid golfer when not conducting business at the office. They are both very active in their church. They have a happy marriage and are pleased with where they are in life. The same can be said for everyone in town and especially in their neighborhood. Life is good. The men work and play golf and the women all stay home and take care of their men. Its truly the American dream.

It’s Friday evening and some of the couples in the neighborhood are getting together for dinner at Alicia and Michael’s house. Brittany and her husband Ryan, Nicole and her husband Adam, Grace and her husband Cody have all gathered for a night of drinks and grilling. The men all work in the city and the ladies are all stay at home wives and mothers. As the men all gather around the grill having a few drinks the ladies are sitting on the patio having a few bottles of wine and catching up on the weeks gossip.

“I’m really gonna miss Whitney and Jon. I hate that they had to move away.” Alicia says to the group. “It’s crazy that he got offered a new job in Europe!” Nicole adds. “Wonder who will move into their house?” Brittany wonders. “I just hope it’s not some colored family!” Grace hisses. “Amen to that!” all the wives agree as the wine has clearly taken hold of their senses. “Can’t have those people around here. Just won’t be good at all!” Alicia says as she pours another glass. The steaks finally come off the grill and everyone sits down to eat. “So I hear someone already bought Jon’s house” Adam says. “Apparently he’s some big shot professor from California that’s been hired up at Tech.” he continues. “Professor? Professor of what?” Grace asks. “Chemistry is what I was told” Cody says as he chews his food. Chit chat continues into the wee hours of the night and around midnight everyone has been over served and decides it’s time to stumble their way home.

Saturday morning arrives and Alicia is sitting on her front porch, hungover, having her morning coffee. Down the street she sees a moving truck in the cul de sac. “Oh!! The new neighbors must be here already!” She says as she sips from her mug. She picks up her phone and calls her best friend Brittany and tells her about the truck. The ladies decide to get themselves made up and go introduce themselves to the new family.