Because We Are Read Free Page A

her.
    â€œFurthermore,” her father said, “even if money were available, it would be foolish to start her in private school in her senior year. I’ll take care of her debut, and if she graduates, then I’ll see to it that she goes to college.”
    If she graduates . Emma heard little more. She knew she had to face the consequences of being transferred and make the most of it.

Three
    The car horn sounded again. Mama’s patience was already thin this early in the morning. If only there was another way to get to Manning, Emma thought. With no direct public transportation from Brandon Heights to school, Emma’s mother delivered her every morning before work and picked her up after school on the way home.
    The horn blasted. Emma grabbed her books, dashed out, and climbed into the backseat.
    â€œGet up front,” her mother said.
    â€œMama, its too uncomfortable up there. You have the seat right up to the dash. I can’t help it if I have Daddy’s long legs.”
    â€œAnd his bad disposition? I see why you’re making me late. All that makeup. Wipe it off.”
    â€œAw, Mama, you should see what the other girls wear!”
    â€œYou don’t need all that stuff on you.”
    â€œIf I take off any of it, I’ll feel naked.”
    â€œLook at your eyes. Girl, you’ll blind yourself.”
    Emma let out a deep sigh, trying to control the rising anger. What was wrong with her mother? Lately she’s treating me like a ten-year-old, Emma thought, and here I am going to be eighteen soon.
    â€œCome on, wipe it off!”
    â€œThought you were in such a hurry.” Emma squeezed in up front and flipped down the visor to look into the mirror. “Go on! Start the car. I’ll do it.”
    She removed some of the makeup, and tried to tuck her long legs more comfortably into the small space. She looked out at the fast-receding palm trees and wished she was heading for Marlborough. There she had friends to share all her moods, especially Marvin. But she didn’t want to think about Marvin. She thought of Allan Page Davis, the one steady friend she had gained at Manning. For two weeks now she and Allan together had waited each morning for the crowd to arrive.
    Her mother looked at her and smiled. “You look much better, fresh and pretty. Too bad soft lovely skin is wasted on silly girls who don’t know how to appreciate it.”
    Are all mamas like her? Emma wondered. She never finds anything pleasant to say any more. Can’t she see how cramped up I am? No, she has to check me out. She sighed and looked at her mother. The round face with smooth dark skin, resigned in a kind of sadness, was beautiful. But she’s so tense, Emma thought. “Ma,” Emma asked, “why you worry so much?”
    â€œHa!” It sounded as though her mother had been waiting for the question. “When you’re a woman, you’ll understand.”
    â€œI am a woman.”
    â€œUh-huh.…” Her mother kept her eyes straight ahead. The sadness on her face deepened.
    Emma shifted on the seat. Why can’t she give Daddy up? she thought.
    The car pulled alongside the curb in front of the school. Taking her time, Emma unfolded herself out of the car and reached into the back for her things.
    â€œEmma, please …”
    â€œâ€¦ don’t keep me waiting after school.” Emma finished the sentence.
    â€œYou’re so smart. See if you’re smart enough to keep out of trouble. You’re here by the grace of God and my goodness. Not many mothers would drive way over here every morning before work. Remember that.”
    â€œYes, Ma, I’ll remember.”
    She walked toward the auditorium steps, knowing that her lips were pouting. Allan Page was waiting. How glad she was that he was somewhat shy, not aggressive like Marvin. He always seemed to know when she had gone the rounds with her mother and needed time to erase the frown