Any Joe by Maura Lin

Author:Maura Lin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-04-12T13:45:50+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Five

Why had she insisted on going to school today, the very day that Jordan returned to court, the very day of his sentencing? She’d been bolstering herself, preparing for this very October day for weeks. She had wanted to be strong like her mother, to pretend the day was like any other. But her mind kept flashing to the courtroom. She imagines Jordan, standing there, waiting to be cuffed and led away. He had been wrong, done wrong, but she can’t forget her part in it all. Jordan taking advantage, her allowing it, her mom’s obliviousness. It’s hard to concentrate on school, but she almost wishes that she’d gone to her grandparents for a couple days, as her mom had suggested.

But Cherie is in a favorite class at the moment, which makes it easier. She stands between the two other sopranos among the group of fifteen. They often sing madrigals, always in a capella. “Most are jaunty melodies of old,” according to Ms. Petroski, “and usually lighthearted.” Here, there is diversion. Often, the lyrics are nonsense to her, and she tells herself not to think too hard about their meaning. Like the one they sing now: Fine knacks for ladies, cheap, choice, brave and new, good pennyworth’s, but money cannot move. . . The choral director assails the three sopranos, a girl named Meg, her old acquaintance, Connie, and herself, and she cajoles them further to the highest notes with her enthusiasm, her short plump torso bouncing in rhythm to the melody, arms flailing, a smile on her face. It is heartening to see pure joy — Mrs. Petroski in her element. The ditty ends with the harmonious joining of all fifteen singers, sopranos, altos, basses and tenors with the words, “within this pack pins, points, laces and gloves, and diverse toys fitting a country fair.” Cherie leaves the classroom with a grin on her face.

Later, in English class, she sits with her friend, Eric. They’ve been in the routine of sitting and talking together, usually at the rear of the classroom. They discuss serious topics, often about themes and lessons of what they’ve read. Sometimes though, it’ll be pseudo-intellectual stuff, at times as nonsensical as the lyrics she sang this morning. Cherie isn’t sure how else to talk to him, and she senses his caution too. He is not someone who is comfortable with small talk, personal matters, or those relating to life outside English class. But it’s nice having a connection to someone.

Joe sits several rows ahead of her. On occasion, when she meets his eyes, she smiles, tentative and uncertain. He does the same, or he gives her a nod. What does Joe know about her; what does he think about her now? He hasn’t approached her since the day she began Honors English. Is he put off by Eric?

There have been no glances from Joe yet today. She misses talking with him, and is far too wistful, too sentimental about their friendship in primary school. She wishes she could go back to those days.

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