The Help

Chapter 6

"What were you doing out there, Noah? Didn't I tell you not to leave the house."

"Oh, Momma. I met the most interesting girl. Her skin was so beautiful and her name is Bilah. She's so funny."

A look of shock settled on his mother's face. "You were out there with a negro?"

"What's a negro?"

"They're people that are different from us. You shouldn't be talking to them at all. They aren't on our level, not even close,"his mother said.

"Aren't we all on the same level, Momma. We're just people,right?"

"No, we aren't. I never want to see you associating with the likes of them. You hear me?"

Noah remained silent.

"You hear me, boy? Answer me!"

He whispered a response. "Yes, Momma."

***************************************************************

The air was crisp, winter already leaving its footprints on the trees and buildings. That morning, Bilah felt lighter, lighter than she had been in a long time. Her mind went through the events of the past week. A huge fight between her mother and her had ensued and Hana had tried to escape, was caught and eventually smuggled out of the state. The thought of never seeing her best friend again saddened her but the fact that she was safe relieved her. Nothing had ever made her feel so conflicted. She sighed and looked down at her portion of the field, going back to work.

Hana's mother had been informed of her daughters whereabouts. She was greatly relieved but desperate to see Hana. The man that came to her had suddenly disappeared. Hana hadn't written. There was no possible way to know where she was.

She sighed again, this time not only because of her exhaustion but also her frustration. With everything. The plantation, her mother, the Johnsons. It was all too much.

As she continued her work, she saw one of the maids coming in her direction. Not sure if it was for them or not, everyone stopped their work. Bilah was surprised when the woman stood in front of her. What had she done? she thought.

"Them Johnsons request to see you, miss. Immediately."

Fear was placed in her heart almost instantly. So many things had gone wrong with the Johnsons that the prospect of death loomed. With a heavy heart she walked, punishments the Johnsons could give her like weighing on her mind.

The atmosphere in the house felt ominous. Fear inducing. It was practically deserted, and the usual hustle and bustle was not present.

"Right this way, miss. The Johnsons would like to see you in the master's study." The maid looked really uncomfortable but orders were orders.

Mahogany doors decorated the entrance. She walked into the room and saw Mr. and Mrs. Johnson sitting on two separate arm-chairs.

"Close the door, negro," Mrs. Johnson instructed.

She closed the door and walked a few steps forward.

"In light of your accusation, we had men carry out a thorough investigation. The accused was found out to be Mayor Abrams son. He admitted that your filthy friend forced herself on him and he had no choice in the matter. You obviously lied, so my husband and I are carefully considering what your punishment should be."

Bilah was shocked and the words she planned to say got stuck in her throat. When she did start to speak, Mrs. Johnson started up again.

"Your accusation could have very much ruined the reputation of our family. You don't seem to understand the fragility of the hierarchy of this community. One mistake-she snapped her fingers-and we could be reduced to scum. Defaced. Shunned. I won't let a stupid, naïve brat like you destroy are family. Do you hear me?". Mrs. Johnson was practically growling at this point.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Since I'm such a nice person I'll give you the liberty of choosing your own punishment. What would it be?"

"Ma'am... I don't-know what to-"

"Don't stutter when I'm present, negro. Speak properly."

Bilah took a deep breath. "Ma'am I really don't know what to say. All I knows is that my friend was touched by that boy. I jus' know it. You ain't telling me nothing else." The look Mrs. Johnson gave her simply said: 'Is she mad?'. Maybe she was.

"How dare you speak to me in such a tone? I've decided, you'll be---"

"Mother?"

The person grabbed the attention of everyone in the room. Mrs. Johnson's face lit up.

"Noah! Oh, you were meant to be home yesterday."

'Noah?' she thought. A line came to mind.

'Will you be my wife, Bilah?'

"What's going on here?" the boy asked.

"Nothing, son. Just punishment for a negro. She was disrespectful."

The boy visibly flinched at the statement. His eyes turned to her, finally acknowledging her presence. He studied her for a few seconds before turning back to his mother.

"Mother, I don't think that's necessary. I've just got home."

"But she was out rightly rude to your father and I. She even went as far as to accuse Jacob of a horrible crime. I'll have her punished. My decision won't be changed."

"Mother, I beg you. Do this for me. I really don't want to witness a death when I'm home. Two weeks is little time and it would be ruined. It could put me off and I'd probably not come back for a while. You wouldn't want that, now, would you?"

"I wouldn't," she said. Her head snapped to where Bilah stood. "This is your final chance. Any shenanigans of this sort and I won't hesitate to have you killed. Get out. Now!!!"

Bilah ran away quickly, not daring to look back.

****************************************************

"What's your name?" someone asked.

She turned to see the boy from earlier. He looked exhausted.

"Thank you, for what you did today. I wouldn't be standing here right now if it wasn't for you," she offered, hoping her thanks would suffice.

The boy shrugged it off, as though it weren't a big deal.

"Forget that. What I want to know is your name."

"What's yours?" she asked.

"Noah. What about you?"

"I ain't telling you! Good day, sir."

His lips tugged upwards.

A/N: I always said I'd never be one to write authors note because frankly I always viewed them as a lot of work. But I've hit 1.11k reads and I can't seem to stop smothering you guys. Like soccer mom level of smothering. Anyways, this is so amazing. I can't even begin to express my gratitude. Like I've said countless times before, I started on this platform hoping to get 30 followers(max) and maybe 200 reads on The Help. But 1.11k? Over 500 votes? This is just too unbelievable. I love every single one of you guys.

P.S: (I know it kinda kills the whole mood I set here, but please don't hesitate to vote and comment.)