Trouble's Child Read Free Page A

down a smooth, endless road without a single curve. She looked up at Titay and said, “I’m ready t’ go, Granma, when you ready.” Then she leaned her head on Titay’s knee and listened to the laughter.

THREE
    The Gulf was calm, and the murmur of the waves seemed to be whispering a blessing on the day of Ocie’s wedding. Martha slept late. When she awoke, the sun was hot in a cloudless sky.
    She lay in bed wondering how she would fill her days now. She wouldn’t have Ocie. With Tee in her life, Ocie would have much more in common with the married women.
    Oh, if only she could leave this place. She wished she had talked more to the teacher, had tried to create some plans. But going to high school would mean being away from home for months. Suddenly she recalled that snake sliding off into the brush. Who’d look after Granma? Wish I had a big family .
    Martha had never known her mother. Her father, Titay’s youngest son, had drowned in the Gulf before she was five years old. He was now only a faint memory. Then she thought, There’s Beau and gittin married . But she quickly put that out of her mind.
    If only there was someone who understood her. She was only fourteen, and her life was already over. Silly! There was still a lot to do. There was the fishing festival only two months away. Who’s gon lead em dancin down t’ the sea? Titay, probly. Hard t’ blieve Granma so old. She’s led that dancin since I can member .
    The church bell rang.
    Martha was still in bed when Titay called, “You ready in there?”
    â€œI’m comin, but you go on, Granma.” She was glad now that she had decided to wear the pale blue voile dress that had belonged to her mother. Though the sheer cotton was more than fourteen years old, it was still lovely and fitted her just right. She wished she had a wide, soft straw hat like the one the teacher wore in the sun. Titay’s parasol would have to do.
    The green of the trees was deep and solid and shining under the brilliant silver sky. Stepping lively on the trail, Martha admired her tall lean shadow, sheltered by the small parasol. As she walked along enjoying the sounds and fervor of her island, she forgot that moments before she had thought her life over.
    Near Ocie’s house Martha’s excitement increased. All of Ocie’s family were getting in line for the wedding march to the church. Suddenly Martha wished she had gone earlier to see if her friend needed anything: something borrowed, maybe. Then she saw Ocie with her father. Ocie looked nervous, but pretty.
    From a distance Martha watched the march begin, knowing she had plenty of time. Ocie and her family would take the long route to the church that passed many houses. Anyone unable to attend the ceremony could see the bride and wish her happiness.
    The church was already crowded when Martha arrived. Titay was in a place right down front. With a magnolia blossom in her hair, she looked prouder than the parents. After all, she had delivered both Tee and Ocie, which gave her special claim. Martha was happy there was still a seat in the back pew.
    Soon the bridal party arrived. Ocie walked through the church followed by all of her family. She no longer looked nervous. Now she was beaming. Smiling shyly at Tee as he waited with his family behind him, she leaned toward him and lost her balance. Tee caught her and hugged her close. There were sounds of appreciation for the beauty of the scene.
    â€œWho gi’e this woman in marriage?” The preacher’s voice boomed. The ceremony was underway.
    There was a long silence. Ocie’s father had tears in his eyes. What he thinkin? Ocie was his only daughter and she was young. Just fifteen.
    When Ocie’s father couldn’t speak, her mother spoke up and said, “I do.”
    Suddenly Martha could not hold back her tears. Who would answer for her? I ain’t got nobody but Titay. We can’t even make