So Many Agoes

Chapter 2

October 1966

It had been a month since the first time I talked to Emilienne. We'd skirted around each other and given each other soft smiles in the hallways. School had taken off and there was no going back at this point. Football practice was no different and our first away game was three days away.

l had grown accustomed to my classes and now took up goofing off in them, much to the annoyance of my poor teachers. I was planning my 17th birthday party which was less than two weeks away. There were invitations to make and food to decorate. My young heart had felt swamped with all the work but ready to take on the seemingly monstrous challenge. After all, it had to be perfect for Emilienne.

The beautiful girl herself strutted along Hudson St that fine Saturday afternoon, a chill crisp wind in the air and tree leaves had turned luscious amber, red and gold colors. Many raked across the ground, rattling against the stone pavement. I was on my way to the post office, hoping Roger wasn't working that day, to have my invitations sent out. However, as I neared the post office I impulsively darted across the street to join Emilienne.

"Hello!" She looked up surprised but a smile danced on her lips,

"Hi, how are you"

"Why I'm pretty cool, how about yourself?"

"I'm cool thank you" she replied,

"Listen, I'd like to invite you to my birthday party on October 22nd."
She smiled again,

"I'd love to, thank you"

She strutted away leaving me with a stupid grin on my face as I walked back to the post office. Roger's presence didn't even bother me at that point.

The next week flew by, but not fast enough for me. I wanted nothing more than for my 17th birthday to arrive and it was then six days away. My folks and I were headed to church that Sunday morning, a somber morning it was as the next town over, Mayberry had a bombing in a negro church the Sunday evening prior. Twelve people died. Silent protesters had swarmed the streets of our town as well and the only church in town was busier than usual as whites and blacks gathered in the same room.

When I glanced behind me, I spotted Emilienne who stood far back in a black dress with a solemn and saddened look weighing down her features as the packed church worshipped.

This had been a turning point in my view on life. Even though I had fought Roger in the post office that day, I had rather stayed out of the business of other people. But then, I was angry. Angry that such a beautiful young girl would be burdened and hated because of the color of her skin. I suddenly hated Roger, and the bomber. I suddenly wanted to do something about such a dreadful thing. I no longer wanted to stand by and watch others hurt innocent people, I now wanted to change it and the feeling had been painfully overwhelming.

The following week was a blur. I rarely ate, I rarely went to hang out with my buddies. I still wanted to do something with my anger. It was overpowering.

Saturday, the 22nd finally came and even though I had previously been extremely excited to celebrate my birthday, now it seemed as thought it's significance had diminished to something so small the motivation to carry it through had evaporated.