home or run off with some loser," he muttered, "I
thought maybe if I provided her with a substantial
home, a real family, a chance at some higher
education..."
"She'll come around, Dave. They always do." "I'm not as optimistic about it as you are.
Sarah." He looked at me. "Sorry. Noble. I know she's
not proving to be much of a sister to you or help with
the baby." he added, looking at Baby Celeste. "Look
at the smile on that kid. How can anyone refuse to
take any interest in her? What goes on in that girl's
empty head?"
"You have to relax. Dave. It's not good to go to
bed with so much tension inside," Mama told him. "Yeah, I know."
"Let me fix you something."
She made him a drink that she said would calm
his nerves and help him to sleep. Like everything she
prepared with a purpose, it worked, and soon
afterward he was in bed. resting comfortably. After he
was asleep. Mama came out of the bedroom and down
the stairs. I thought she might be looking for me.
Baby Celeste was asleep and I had gone out to sit on
the porch. I felt that I was guarding the house. She stepped out sat in the chair beside me
without saying anything, and stared into the darkness.
Although she didn't look at me. I felt nervous, even a
little afraid. Was she silent because she was any at
something I had done or said?
"You may wonder," she finally began. "why we
have been alone these past weeks!'
"Alone?"
She turned and looked at me. "Has someone