The whole kitchen smelled like burnt coffee grounds since Daddy ruined the coffee this morning. I wrinkled my nose while I ate my Sugar Crisps. Higgie threw his bowl of oatmeal on the floor.
Daddy told Higgie he was done with breakfast. “But don’t you move from that seat!”
Higgie whined, “Why can’t I get down?” His hair was sticking up in the back, and pieces of oatmeal were stuck all over his neck. I tried smoothing down his hair, but he pushed my hands away.
“Because I have to get this cleaned up before you track it all over the house.” Daddy wiped oatmeal from the floor with one of Mama’s fancy dish towels while Higgie pouted.
When Mama waddled into the kitchen, I waited for the yelling. It’s a good thing she was too distracted to see what Daddy was doing with the fancy dish towel. She put on her oven mitts and took the coffee cake out of the stove, setting it on the counter to cool. Daddy tossed the towel toward the sink, then settled in at the kitchen table with his own bowl of Sugar Crisps and the newspaper.
Mama came over and touched my head. “Your hair sure looks nice, Freedom.”
I blushed. “I did it myself.”
She went to the drawer by the phone and handed me a package.
Higgie tugged on Mama’s housecoat. “Where’s my present?”
Mama bent slowly and kissed him. “Go find your Bible, Higgie.” He scampered from the room.
Inside the package, I found a new pair of white gloves.
I smiled. “Thank you, Mama.”
I knew better than to try them on while I was eating. I drank the milk from my cereal bowl and went to rinse it out. Mama leaned into the counter and rubbed at her lower back. She sighed.
“Are you all right, Mama?” I asked.
“I’m fine. I’m probably too big to fit in my church dress, that’s all.” She wrapped a piece of coffee cake in a clean dish towel and told me to take it over to Mrs. Zierk. “Don’t diddle dawdle. Just take it over and come back so we can get to the service on time for once. And don’t you dare get dirty.”
Mama poured herself a glass of milk and went to her room to dress. My smile disappeared. I had planned on being ladylike all day long. She never trusts me. I sneaked a look at Daddy. He winked at me over the sports page. He looked so handsome in his blue suit. His eyes were clear and bright.
He hasn’t been drinking at all since Halloween night.
I kissed Daddy on the cheek. His aftershave was musky under my lips. I put my arms around his neck and whispered, “Can I sit by you in church today?”
“Does that mean you’ve truly forgiven me?” he asked.
“Yes, Daddy, I have.”
“I’m trying real hard, Freedom.”
“I know.”
“I’ve gone to three meetings this week.”
“I’m glad.” I didn’t know what else to say.
He rubbed his chin. “Well, you’d better get over there with that coffee cake before she has to tell you again.”
I put on my coat over my church outfit. The sleeves were getting too short.
He winked again as I shut the back door. I avoided the muddy parts of the yard all the way over to Mrs. Zierk’s house. I knocked on her door and waited. She didn’t come right away, so I peeked in the window.
Mrs. Zierk was standing in the living room in front of the mirror. She looked dressed up, and she was pinning a hat to her hair.
I knocked again.
This time she answered. “Good morning, Freedom.”
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“I was thinking I might go to church with your family this morning. To say thank you to the good Lord for giving me a few more days on this wretched Earth.”
She put the coffee cake in the bread box. My mouth hung open while she pulled on her gloves. Mrs. Zierk never goes to church. And I mean never.
She slipped into some sturdy black shoes. “Close your mouth, Freedom. Now, where’s my purse?”
I pointed to the big black pocketbook on her kitchen counter.
“Aha!” She looped the straps around her wrist. “Do you think your parents would mind if I rode in your car?”
“I guess not.”
We walked back to my house in silence. I hid a smile behind my hand. If I planned it right, there’d be at least two whole people sitting between Higgie and me at church. Then I wouldn’t have any trouble during the service.
Mama was standing on the porch. I could tell she wanted to start in on me for dawdling. But instead she smiled at Mrs. Zierk. “Henrietta, don’t you look lovely this morning. Where are you off to?”
When Mrs. Zierk asked if she could come to church with us, Mama’s chest puffed out with pride, like God was going to save us a spot in heaven just because Mrs. Zierk asked to ride in our new old car.
“Why, of course we have room for you.”
Higgie came bouncing out of the house and nearly knocked us over. Mama put out her hands to hold him back. She yelled over her shoulder, “Homer, get in the car!” Mama licked her fingers and smoothed down Higgie’s cowlick. “Come on, Freedom. You, too.”
There was a scraping sound when Mrs. Zierk climbed into the backseat. I wondered if the new old car could hold all of us. I hopped in next to her and pulled the door shut.
The DeSoto still smelled, but Mrs. Zierk didn’t seem to mind. “What’s your pastor’s name again?” she asked.
Mama got settled in the front and said, “Pastor Davis.” Her belly almost touched the glove box. Higgie was squished in the middle of the front seat. He fiddled with the radio until Mama stopped him.
Mrs. Zierk said, “Didn’t his wife run off last year?”
That’s all it took for Mama to start gossiping. “Why, yes, she did....”
The engine roared. I waited for Daddy to say “We’re off like a turd of hurdles,” but he couldn’t get a word in edgewise. He had the biggest grin on his face while he pulled out of the driveway.
We were too late for Bible school, but I got to sit between Daddy and Mrs. Zierk during the service. Mama sat next to Mrs. Zierk. Higgie was all the way on the other side of Mama. Mrs. Zierk mumbled along with the singing portion and put a whopping five dollars in the collection plate. I got to put in a nickel. I didn’t get into trouble once, but Higgie got tapped twice by the thimble.
After church Mrs. Zierk said hello to everyone she knew while we waited by the car.
Daddy was hungry, and Mama was getting a headache.
“Where is that woman?” Daddy asked.
I saw Mrs. Zierk making her way through a group of people. “Here she comes.”
“Don’t point, Freedom Jane,” Mama said.
The car doors squeaked open, and we all got in. “Well, do you have plans for lunch?” Mrs. Zierk asked.
“I’ve got two pounds of ground beef thawing in the sink,” Mama said. “At sixty-one cents a pound, there’s no need to waste it.”
“I thought it would be nice to go out for lunch,” Mrs. Zierk said. I saw Mama holding her breath until Mrs. Zierk added, “My treat.”
“That would be real nice,” Daddy replied before Mama could say no.
I’d never been to a restaurant in my whole life! I mean, I’ve had a grilled cheese or a chocolate malted at the counter at Woolworth’s, but Mama and Daddy never take us out.
The grown-ups decided on the diner on Third Street.
As soon as we sat down in the red Naugahyde booth, Higgie announced, “My mama’s got a baby in that big, fat belly!”
I snickered behind my glossy menu.
Mama shushed him, and Mrs. Zierk said, “It’s not nice to discuss that in mixed company, Higginbotham.”
The waitress put a glass of water and some silverware in front of each of us.
Higgie said, “I have to go potty.”
Daddy took him by the hand and led him away.
Mrs. Zierk turned to me. “You must be getting excited about the marble-shooting thingamajig next weekend.” She leaned in close. “Sho
oting marbles with a pack of boys seems like a fun challenge for a girl your age. I just know you’ll win the grand prize. Isn’t it a hundred dollars?” Her eyes sparkled. She knew darn well about my struggles with Mama over marbles.
I realized what she was doing. I took a deep breath and played along. “Mama hasn’t actually decided if I’m allowed to enter.”
Mama looked up from her menu. “I told you, Freedom. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
Mrs. Zierk turned to Mama. “Why not?”
She had Mama in the hot seat.
“It’s just that...” Mama paused. “Well, honestly, Henrietta, it’s not right to encourage competition between girls and boys.”
“Pish posh!” Mrs. Zierk said. “That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever heard. You should let her enter, Wilhelmina. It will be good for her.”
I burst out, “Girls can do anything boys can do!”
Mrs. Zierk sat back and smiled. “It’s settled. Freedom will be in the competition!”
I waited for Mama to argue.
“I’m always proud of you, Freedom.” Mama sighed. “I suppose you could enter. Just this once.”
I squealed and hugged my mother with all my might. “Oh, Mama, I’ll make you even prouder. I promise.”
“Don’t go spilling your water, Freedom Jane!” I let go of her, and she reached for my wobbly glass.
Daddy came back with Higgie. “What are you ladies talking about?”
“Oh, nothing,” Mama said.
Higgie and I shared a plate of spaghetti. I ate two pieces of garlic toast and a salad with Italian dressing. Everyone had a chocolate sundae with a cherry on top for dessert—even Mama. The whole time, I marveled at how sneaky Mrs. Zierk got Mama to change her mind.
Right before bed, Mama gave me back my marble pouch. I took the pouch from her and stuffed it under my pillow. “How come you’re letting me enter?”
She smoothed my curls. “Seems it’s not up to me to stop you. You won’t give up until you try.”
I fell asleep with a smile on my face.
Chapter Seventeen
How You Play the Game
NOVEMBER 14, 1959
It was the most wonderful day for an Autumn Jubilee! An overnight snow had melted, and the golden sun peeked through the billowy clouds. We were standing on Capital Avenue, watching the Jubilee festivities. Higgie was up on Daddy’s shoulders while I held Daddy’s warm hand. Mama sat in a lawn chair in between Uncle Mort and Aunt Janie. Aunt Janie looked glamorous in a fur coat and dark sunglasses.
The air smelled of fresh popcorn and apple cider.
Uncle Mort was drinking something from a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag. He took a big swig.
I held my breath when he offered a sip to Daddy. Mama frowned.
“Naw, I’m saving myself for a root beer,” Daddy said.
Mama smiled. I let out my breath.
She’d allowed me to wear my jeans, and I had rolled each leg up to my ankle. “Just for the competition,” Mama said. I had my marble pouch in my coat pocket and could barely wait until noon.
The Jubilee always opens with a parade, and it started right on time.
The Jubilee Princess led the way in a pink-and-white Skyliner convertible. Her two ladies-in-waiting wore matching pink chiffon dresses, and they all waved from their pink tissue-flowered chariot. I coveted one of those dresses. I couldn’t help it.
Higgie was wearing his cowboy hat and spurs. He made shooting noises and pointed at people with his finger. Daddy had bought him a rubber band gun from a street vendor, but Higgie ran out of rubber bands in about five minutes.
“Need more,” he whined. But Mama said no. Then she put the gun in her purse.
Mrs. Zierk walked by. She was wearing a fancy velvet hat and her Sunday best. When she saw our family, she stopped to say hello.
“It’s nice to see you out and about,” said Mama. “Why don’t you join us here on the curb?”
Mrs. Zierk said, “If I sit down, I might not be able to get up again.” She tipped her hat. “See you over at the park, Freedom.” She looked hard at Higgie. “Higginbotham.”
Mrs. Zierk walked away, nodding at people as she went, including my teacher. Mrs. Thompson was holding a man’s hand. I didn’t even know she had three little girls, but there was her family, perched on the sidelines like us.
The war veterans marched by, and Higgie cheered like crazy. Horses pranced with their long manes and swishy tails. I wished I could ride one of them sidesaddle like Dale Evans on TV. But I have to say, the horses were a bit smelly, and I was glad when they passed. Colorful clowns strolled by. And a juggler. Some dogs were dressed like clowns, too.
Mama said, “Aren’t they precious?”
Nancy waved at me from across the street. She was with her mama, who was looking well. I was glad to see that Mrs. Brown was feeling better, but I couldn’t go over to say hi. Mama was too scared I’d get lost in the crowd. Besides, the first of the floats was already in sight.
Daddy put Higgie down. “You’re getting heavy, son. Now, hold your sister’s hand and don’t run off.”
My brother’s hand was sticky, so I dropped it the minute Daddy looked away. “Here they come, Higgie!” I pointed down the street.
Each parade float was more elaborate than the last. Teenagers on top threw candy, and all the kids went scrambling for it. I sprinted to the middle of the street and scooped some up.
Mama yelled, “Don’t get run over!”
I came back to the curb with two rolls of Smarties and a grape lollipop. I gave Higgie the lollipop and tucked the Smarties in my pocket for later.
The high school band stopped and marched in place while they played “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” I felt so proud. When they got to the part about me, I belted out the words: “Let freedom ring!”
The band marched on, and I waved as the last of the parade went by.
I should have known the day was too good to be true.
Mama peered down at me and asked, “Where’s Higgie? You were supposed to be watching him.”
Daddy said, “That rascal must have run off.”
Mama gasped.
Aunt Janie patted her arm. “Oh, I’m sure he’s close by.”
But I knew better. I’ve seen how much trouble Higgie can get into in five minutes.
The street was emptying out. All of the other families were headed over to the park with their picnic baskets.
Mama cried, “I hope he isn’t playing near the falls like last time!”
I shuddered. The “terrible incident.”
We’d gone to Tautphaus Park last Fourth of July for a family picnic. Daddy had made boats out of newspaper for us to float down Snake River and over the falls. Higgie had wanted to keep his boat, but I’d launched it anyway. And when he reached for the boat, he fell in.
Headfirst.
Daddy snatched him up right away, but it scared Mama silly. I couldn’t believe the size of the crowd that gathered that day. We were practically famous. Nothing that exciting ever happens in Idaho Falls.
And that is why we can’t ever go near Snake River by ourselves.
Higgie wouldn’t dare go near the falls again. Would he?
Suddenly, I had an idea. “I’ll bet he’s at the duck pond!”
Higgie loves the duck pond. Daddy takes us there to feed the ducks and geese from a loaf of day-old bread.
Mama wrung her hands. Daddy said, “Maybe you’re right, Freedom. Let’s go have a look-see.”
Aunt Janie said, “Shouldn’t we call someone?”
“We’ll find him,” Uncle Mort replied.
Mama was pale. I knew she was worried out of her mind. Why did I let go of his hand?
Daddy took Mama’s arm. “It’s going to be all right, Willie.”
We all walked over together. My eyes scanned the pond. I saw a family sitting on a blanket. There was a couple walking hand in hand. Two geese waddled by.
Mama had to sit down because she f
elt faint.
And there Higgie was—fast asleep on a bench!
“Good thinking, Freedom,” Uncle Mort said. He took off his hat and wiped his forehead with his hankie. I patted his arm, even though he smelled like beer.
Higgie looked like a dirty angel, all curled up in a ball, with his thumb hanging out of his mouth. I almost wanted to hug him. Mama grabbed him so hard, she could have crushed him. She didn’t seem to care that his pants were wet and his feet were muddy.
He rubbed his eyes. “I fell asleep.”
“Shush now.” She cuddled him the best she could around her baby belly.
“Freedom?” she shouted.
I jumped.
Mama looked at her watch and stood up quickly. “We’ve got to get over to the marble competition!”
The competition area was all the way over by the playground. I could see people gathering at the judges’ table. We’d almost missed it!
Aunt Janie took Higgie from Mama. “I’ll take Higginbotham home.”
Mama told him to be good. Then she nodded at me. “Let’s go.”
Daddy asked me, “Are you ready to become the Marble Queen?”
I patted the coat pocket that held my marble pouch. “I’m ready!”
We hurried over to the judges’ table, where I filled out a late entry form. Daddy paid the fee with two wrinkled dollar bills from his wallet. “I’ve been saving up. You can pay me back when you win this thing, Freedom.”
Of course, I was the only girl in line. I saw the Meanie brothers and Anthony, but there was no sign of Daniel. I was disappointed for some reason.
Mama leaned over and whispered, “Are you sure you want to do this, Freedom?”
I met her eyes and bobbed my head. “More than anything.”
She smiled a mysterious smile. “All righty then. Go show the boys in this town a thing or two about marble shooting.”
There were two official rings, and only sixteen of us had shown up to play. I guess marble shooting isn’t as popular as it used to be.
The Marble Queen Page 11
