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Chapter 3: Rebirth. Time in Grenada is coming to a close for these ladies of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, but not before partaking in Jab Jab, a traditional event. The vibes seem good, but people are starting to see some cracks in Kelli and Brit‘s friendship. Are they fighting over glam, or is it a jealousy issue?
After an emotional evening for Shamea, the ladies decided to go all out for a fun night chock-full of drinking, twerking, and dancing. Everyone was able to set aside any differences to just have a good time. Angela and Drew try to dissect Brit’s over-the-top behavior toward Shamea and realize that Brit’s working hard for some spotlight.
When it comes to Brit and her friendship with Kelli, something seems… off. As Brit was attacked the night before for her donation (or lack thereof), Kelli sat by quietly and even added in her opinion. Odd move on Kelli’s part, but it seems as though the duo is not as close as they once were.
Shamea checks in on her daughter, Shiloh, and her mom reports that she has been fever-free so far for the day. Shamea continues to worry about Shiloh because when she gets sick, it can land her in the hospital, and negligent childcare cannot occur.
Cynthia, Porsha, and Phaedra unpack the night before. They chat about shot o’clock, but Phaedra feels like Angela gives off “school teacher vibes.” When it comes to the Brit situation, Phaedra is not surprised that she did not donate more. According to Phaedra, having a Rolls-Royce is “the African starter kit,” and everyone has one of those in Atlanta. She talks about Scam-Lanta, and Porsha wonders why Brit behaved like a dog with a bone.
On a different note, Phaedra also noticed weird energy between Kelli and Brit. It turns out that Phaedra has some tea, and it all stems from Kelli’s glam. You see, Kelli allowed Brit to use her glam team, but she never intended to have Brit take them on full time. Porsha points out that Kelli WAS very quiet while the group was ganging up on Brit, plus Kelli DID hold Brit accountable for her lousy donation. All signs are pointing to trouble with their friendship. Is it jealousy?
Kelli and Brit have a chance to catch up. Kelli talks about her upcoming call with her attorney to prepare custody matters and the division of assets and property. Her issues seem stressful, but Brit is also going through some things. She shares how she felt mixed emotions and felt hurt that Kelli let Shamea rip her a new one about the donation ordeal.
Kelli just feels like because Brit CAN give more, she should. Brit gets defensive and points out that Kelli uses her glam squad as a shield, but Kelli feels like Brit just wants her entourage. Brit evidently posted an entire meeting with Kelli’s glam squad behind her back. It’s bad when once friends are arguing over GLAM.
When Kelli and Shamea show up in their matching poolside gear, Angela muses that she can’t wait to see Brit’s face when she realizes she has been left out. After last night, the energy should keep going, and Drew wants to make a pact to end all of the fighting. Phaedra rolls up just as the minister of tourism arrives, making all of the ladies go gaga.
Brit finally arrives just in time for shot o’clock, and they learn a little more about the upcoming Jab Jab that they will be attending. Jab Jab is an experience of liberation, where people paint themselves in oil and wear horns, chains, and whips to represent slavery. Jab Jab is a celebration of freedom and identity. The women are pumped to be a part of it.
Before Kelli is off to “get a divorce,” according to Phaedra, she talks to Drew, and they realize that they share the same wedding anniversary. This is symbolic considering both of their marriages are crumbling, and they are both getting a divorce. Drew explains she wanted to do a vow renewal with Ralph and that she never thought she would end up in this position.
While Kelli excuses herself to talk to her attorney, we learn that her ex is not making anything easy on her. Kelli is doing her best to hide the drama from her kids, but the sooner this court date happens, the better, as it will all be finalized then.
Porsha pulls through as the friend Shamea needs by giving her a photoshoot. She introduces Shamea as the Queen of Kenya and parades Shamea out in her hat that she has planned on debuting. Shamea needs this moment more than her after all she has been through, and she could stand this good time.
Shamea’s luggage has finally arrived, and it’s just in time for Jab Jab. Because Jab Jab usually takes place at 5 a.m., the group was able to rearrange some things and have the celebration begin at night. People are everywhere, drenched in black oil. As liberated people, they are celebrating and dancing. They head up to the truck and continue the party. Phaedra yells out, “I’m a Christian” as one of the dancers grinds up on her. It is a party and everyone enjoys themselves.
The aftermath of Jab Jab can be found all over the hotel. The ladies are stuck packing up to head home, but not before powwowing. Brit explains that she was the quickest one to wash her oil off and she has even helped Phaedra — yes, in allll the spots.
During their final meal, Kelli talks about not being ready to deal with her reality back at home. When she was on the phone with her attorney, her crystal actually broke completely in half. According to Google, a broken crystal symbolizes the end of a relationship. This timing is not lost on Kelli, as this divorce is weighing on her heavily. She decides to throw the crystal into the ocean before leaving to get rid of the bad energy before getting back home.
However, just a mere 72 hours later in Atlanta, the rebirth they spoke of, the sisterhood they fought for… well, that all goes out the window. Kelli’s still not divorced, her ex is in jail, she doesn’t talk to Brit anymore, oh, and Phaedra’s got tea about a cheating husband. So much for rebirth…
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RHOA RECAP?
