“We’ve missed you around here. How are things going?”
“As well as can be expected, I suppose. I knew I’d miss her, but it’s harder than I thought. That ol’ stubborn woman. I could wring her neck.”
A smile sneaks up on Mama Carla’s lips.
“But it’s too late now,” I say. Then we have us a good laugh. At the stubborn woman’s expense. My anger has waned in the last few days. Now I’m just dealing with the unbearable pain of missing her sweet face.
Once we’ve calmed down, Mama Carla says, “You probably haven’t had a chance to enroll in school yet, have you?”
“Not yet. But after what Mrs. Whitmore said, I’m more convinced than ever I need to do it.”
Mama Carla leans in toward me. “Mrs.Whitmore?”
“I thought I told you. She said I can’t call her Miss Lilith anymore.”
“What?”
“Didn’t I fill you in on that conversation we had? When I told her I wanted to apply for your job?”
“Bid Day was so hectic with Miss Ophelia out sick; we didn’t get a chance to talk.” She pulls her legs up underneath her. “Butshetold me. Asked me tokeep my opinions about my successor to myself. I’m so sorry, Pearl. I feel responsible for putting you in this position. I thought it was a no-brainer. I still do.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought.” I go ahead and tell her what’s been on my mind. “When I looked out and saw her seated next to you at Fee’s service, a thought crossed my mind. Maybe she’s had a change of heart?”
Mama Carla snickers. “I think the roof would have to cave in on this House for that to happen. But I suppose anything’s possible.”
“Even so, I’ve decided to bring it up to her one more time.” I’ve been mulling this over every day now since Fee died. I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t give it one more shot. If Mrs. Whitmore still tells me no I’ll move on, but I’ll go down trying.
“I think you should,” Mama Carla says, patting her thighs. “Just prepare yourself. I’d hate for you to be disappointed again.”
“Mama Carla. I’m a strong woman. Don’t you know that by now?” I laugh and think about how strong I am in all kinds of ways. Except my emotions over Aunt Fee dying. In that I’ve been anything but strong.
“You know I do.”
“If that lady can’t see I’m the right person for the job, that’s her problem, but I owe it to myself to have one more conversation with her.”
“Absolutely you do. And I’m behind you one thousand percent.”
“For no other reason than progress. If I’m not qualified that’s one thing, but it’s not supposed to be about my skin color. That I know.”
Mama Carla agrees by vigorously nodding her head. “I know that, and I’m betting the girls do also. I don’t care if there’s not another African American House Director in the entire South; it’s high time that changed. Not only are you qualified; you’re a good fit. It’s as much about that as anything. Everyone already knows and loves you.”
“Thank you, Mama Carla. Do you know when she’ll be here in Oxford again?”
“Sometime today. She’s gotan interview,” Mama Carla says with finger quotes.
“I guess today’s my day, then. When exactly are you leaving? Still thinking December?”
“If it weren’t for my grandchildren you know I’d finish out the school year.” She squeezes her eyes shut. “It’s terrible timing with Ophelia’s passing. I’m so sorry.”
“No need to be sorry. You’re doing the right thing.”
“I’m doing what’s right for me. Now you do the same. Lilith Whitmore has no idea who she’s up against.” She tilts her head back, chuckles.
“You know what Fee called her, don’t you?”
“No. Tell me.”
“The Whitlessshe-devil.”
