“Okay. See you soon, Miss Pearl.” Cali takes a step toward the door. Then whips back around. “I guess we’ve already had our first counseling session.” Her smile tells me it won’t be our last.
“You remember what I told you now.”
“I’ll remember.”
“I got your back.”
I’ve been taking care of these white girls a long time, but there’s something special about Cali. When she smiles, it seems like she’s opening a window, giving me a glimpse inside her heart. I don’t know what’s special yet, but I’m sure I’ll find out. I always do.
***
After Bid Day dinner, once the kitchen is clean, and I’ve got Fee’s meal all wrapped up in a to-go container, I hurry to my closet for my pocketbook. As the evening has worn on, my anger toward her has subsided, but anxiety hastaken its place. Thinking about how weak her voice sounded on the phone has me on the verge of panic. Tears have flooded my eyes and I can’t make them stop.
I see five gifts propped up on my closet door as soon as I round the corner, two wrapped and the other three in gift bags. It’s not unusual, especially with the mamas around. I pull out my key, open the door, and flick on the light. Then I scoop up the gifts, pulling the door shut behind me. Since Aunt Fee’s expecting me, I’ll open them Tuesday. Tomorrow is my first day off in two weeks.
Tap, tap, tap.I think someone’s knocking on the door, but with the loud music it’s hard to tell. Easing it open a crack, I peek one eye out and see it’s that sweet little Cali. She waves, and gives me a timid smile. I don’t want her to see me upset, so I pull a tissue out of the box on the shelf, wipe away my tears before opening the door. “Hello, Cali. I see you found my office.”
“Sarah told me where it was. I just wanted to say good night and thank you again for the pep talk.”
“You’re welcome, baby. You let me know what else I can do for you. You hear?” I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m supposed to be at Aunt Fee’s in twenty minutes. It’ll take me twelve to get over there and my car’s in the satellite parking lot, a quarter mile away.
“I will.” She smiles at me with those pretty blue eyes, then hugs me goodbye.
After watching her take a few steps, I start to shut the door, but she turns around. “Miss Pearl?”
“Yes, baby?”
“Is there something wrong?”
Hearing her words makes me want to cry again, but I bite down on the inside of my cheek to keep from it. “I’m worried about my auntie. She’s like a mother to me.”
“I understand. That’s how I feel about my grandparents.”
“I’m headed to her house now to bring her supper.”
An abrupt look of surprise springs across Cali’s face. “Hang on one second, would you? I’ll be right back.”
Before I can stop her, Cali runs off down the hall. Two minutes later she’s back holding a stuffed orca in her hand, breathing heavily.
“Please give this to Miss Ophelia. And tell her—” She pauses to catch her breath. “The new Alpha Delt pledge class can’t wait to meet her.” When she hands it to me, she beams.
Hesitantly, I take it from her. “Didn’t you receive this today?”
She chews her lip, tilts her head. “Yes, ma’am, but I can get another one.”
“That’s yours. You keep it.” I try handing it back, but she pushes her hand out.
“Honestly. I want her to have it.”
I learned a long time ago, when someone aims to do something nice, it’s important to be gracious. Telling her no might rob her of a blessing. “Thank you, baby. I’ll give it to her. I’m going there now.”
She grins. “And tell her I hope she feels better.”
“That’s mighty sweet of you, Cali. You run on now. You need to be enjoying yourself.”
She hugs me once more, then waves as she’s walking back to the party.
I knew there was something special about that sweet little redheaded girl.
