𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄

CONTIUNATION

Downstairs, I go to the kitchen and 2 cups of Goldee. I then get 2 coco pops bas, put them on a tray and head to the parlor, where Hudson is sitting watching the ghastly procedures of Rome 2. I set the tray down, and then grabbing the remote, I change the channel to watch 'Honey eyes' , a movie starring Jeiel Damina.

"After Honey eyes, I take the cups, wash them up, and then I go upstairs, leaving Hudson still watching the rolling credits. Next morning.... I am up bright and early at 5:30. I had a long soak. I head to my wardrobe and select a teal caftan top, gathered at the back and dotted with jewels at the front, and heather pumps from Tunisia that my dad got for me. There is a knock on my door. I open it and there stands Hudson in a light blue caftan and sandals.

"Good morning June," says Hudson.

"Hudson, you look old!" I exclaim. "The effects of my mum!" says Hudson turning around. We leave the house. We are early for the morning service, whichdoes not last long. Throughout the service, Hudson and I are quiet. I am surprised that he knows a lot of christian songs.

"Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the Holy one, give thanks, because He's given, Jesus Christ, His Son, and now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done, forus, give thanks.

"On the way home, Hudson and I are silent. summoning up courage, I ruin the silence. "Hudson, you seemed so at home in church, how come you never go to church?" I ask.

"Well, I didn't like going with Joy and Queen and my mom, and if you came you were always so distant. I never really enjoyed church, so I preferred staying away from it. I have a Bible though." Hudson says.

"Okay, Mr. Kindler is coming to give us our tickets and some money, so the house has to look nice." I say matronly.

When we get home, I run upstairs and change quickly into a homely black skirt and a green top. When I go to the kitchen, I mix pancake batter, put 2 pans on fire, add little oil to each of them and begin to fry the pancakes, occasionally flipping them over. "June?" calls Hudson from upstairs.

"What?" I say.

"Someone is at the door. Could you please get it?" he calls. I run to the door, and I open it. It is Mr. Kindler.

"Good morning June, how do you do?" He says, abruptly pushing me and stepping into the parlor.

"Uh, I'm fine?" I say, following him. "Hudson! Mr. Kindler is here!" I shout. "Please, Mr. Kindler, do have a seat. "We both sit down. Soon, Hudson comes in. He and Mr. Kindler exchange pleasantries, then we get down to business.

"June and Hudson, here are your tickets. You are to leave on saturday night." We take the folders. I open my folder and I see a ticket, and 500 dollars, as Grace had promised.

"If that would be all, I would take my leave." Mr. Kindler sees himself out. I go to the kitchen, and I bring out the pancakes. I quickly pour out some juice, apple for me, orange for Hudson.

"Breakfast's ready!" I yell. No answer. "Hudson?" I go to the parlor, where Hudson is lying on the chair, his eyes closed.

"Hudson?" Is this stupid boy dead? No, he's too macho for that. I gently tickle him, quite forgetting that he is not ticklish. I stop and sit on the edge of the chair.

"Suddenly, Hudson grabs me. Squealing, I tumble from the chair. Hudson is holding my hands, tickling me with his hard long fingernails; on my feet.

"Hudson! Stop please!" We play like little kids and end up eating breakfast as lunch and as dinner. After that, I go straight to bed. In bed, Hudson bursts into my room.

"What?" I say.

"I just wanted to say goodnight." He says. He sits on my bed.

"Not while you are sitting on my bed, please. If you want to say goodnight, goodnight; now leave."

"I was lying. I want to gist." Hudson says, creeping closer. I kick him through the cover. He grabs my leg and bites it.

"You know it's wrong to lie.... how did your dad die?" I ask.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Sorry. Was Ruth horrible to you as a kid?

      "Well....."