Teen-Adulthood 101

Chapter Ten

Amanda and I headed to the library to get some books on my research paper and her essay. Then, we went back to my place and started on our work, while listening to the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and eating Lemon Custard ice-cream and veggie sticks.

"I can't believe your Lit teacher was a member of a polygamous cult." Amanda said, writing. "That is freaky!"

Working on my paper, I nodded. "True, but it happens to a lot of people. Especially when men are afraid of a woman being smarter than they are, so they try to find ways to control them."

"I'm just glad our guys aren't like that. I could not handle it!"

We kept doing our schoolwork for a few minutes when Rain and Joni barged in my room.

"See, I told you!" Rain boasted. "Whenever nerd girl is in study mode, she is dead to the world."

Grabbing us, Joni ordered. "Put the school stuff aside and let's go. Woman schooling starts now! So, chop-chop!"

We were taken outside and led to her car when my mom pulled up. So, I got loose from Joni and ran to my mom's van.

"Hey, mom?" I asked. "What brings you here?"

She handed me a shopping bag. "I saw some things on sale you might need, so Happy Monday!"

I looked inside and saw a pair of Nirvana sleep pants and an AC/DC shirt, three journals, and an iPod. "Wow, mom! Thanks a million!"

"No problem, honey! The clothes are maternity wear, the journals are for documenting your pregnancy and baby recording, as well as your lovely literature. The iPod has classical music, rock, and classic rock for you and the baby, so he or she will be well rounded."

"Well, thanks mom!" I squealed. "You are the best!"

She kissed my cheek. "Well, I am glad you think so! I have to go. Laney's taking me out for cocktails!"

"Okay, have fun!"

After my mom left, we left my house in Joni's car and headed to Jocelyn's house in Noxapater.

When we arrived, it was not what I expected. The house was a rundown single wide in the middle of the trailer park and had vines surrounding it. Fortunately, I saw the guys' vehicles parked in front, so it won't be just us with her.

Going inside, we saw the guys watching wrestling, but Ryan and Jake did not look interested.

"Okay, girls!" Joni replied, leading us to the kitchen. "Let's go! Womanhood awaits!"

We sat at the table and Joni gave us some instructions. "Amanda, help Jocelyn with the fish, Haley, make macaroni and cheese, and Rain, make the Cole-slaw."

We immediately started on our tasks and Joni began her lesson.

"Now," she stated, "a married or committed woman should be the delicate flower in the relationship. She is to cook and clean the house, while her man is working to provide a home for her and look her best so she can get what she needs without complication. She should also be ready for him whenever he asks for her, no matter how tired she is, and treat him like a king, no matter how he treats you."

I kept stirring the macaroni. "That's bullshit! I'll do my part while he's working, but I'll look the way I want to look. Also, I want to accomplish my goals and still be a wife and mother and if I am tired, I'm sure he will understand and let me relax. Furthermore, a man should treat his woman like a queen if he wants the same treatment."

"I couldn't have said it better, myself."

We turned around and saw Jana standing in the walkway.