A Life Apart by L. Y. Marlow

Author:L. Y. Marlow [Marlow, L. Y.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-71940-9
Publisher: Crown
Published: 2014-04-22T00:00:00+00:00

30

February 1963

Beatrice slumped at the toilet, her stomach knotted with the same nausea that crept up every morning. She lay on the floor, allowed the cool tiles to steady her before she made her way back to the kitchen and forced down some tea and turpentine, a tasteless concoction her mother had given her as a child. But no tea, no turpentine, none of her mama’s old remedies could ease the sickness that consumed her.

After a time, she took a warm shower and quickly dressed. She was late for Sunday brunch at Mrs. Baker’s house with Nellie’s family. It had been weeks since she’d seen them. Her life had turned into something she could no longer recognize. The thought of carrying a white man’s baby frightened her beyond anything she had ever known.

Before long, the days had drifted into weeks and then months, and now she wore loose-fitting clothes to conceal the small bulge. Even today, she had put on a baggy dress to draw attention away from it. But no sooner had she arrived at Mrs. Baker’s house and took off her coat than Nellie cornered her.

“After carrying three babies, don’t much get by me,” Nellie whispered.

Beatrice turned away, and pulled the china from the cabinet, ignoring Nellie.

“I noticed you ain’t been comin’ round much lately and every time I see you in church, you quick to avoid me. I’m your best friend, Beatrice. Talk to me.”

Beatrice eyed Nellie cautiously. “Wh-What are you talking about?”

“Beatrice, you can’t hide it much longer.”

“Hide what, Nellie? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Beatrice brushed past Nellie to set the table.

Nellie followed her and glanced in the living room at the others, careful to keep her voice low. “I know, Beatrice! So you might as well tell me.”

Beatrice felt the tears, fear welled up inside her. “Oh God, Nellie. What am I gonna do?”

Nellie looked at her. “I’m gonna stop by your place tomorrow after school so we can talk,” she whispered, then went to tend to their supper before anyone else noticed them.

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