Love Or Liberation

Chapter 17

Elaine and Betsy walked across the street from the Barnard campus. They could see that the walkway around the sundial was crowded, so they walked further south and entered near the South Field West. They avoided getting caught up in the crowd as Betsy promised Elaine they would.

The president of the Columbia chapter of SDS was talking to the crowd from the center of the walkway, but Elaine and Betsy couldn't hear what he said. His speech was punctuated with roars from the crowd. Some of the demonstrators held placards protesting the war and racism.

"Wow," Betsy said. "All these people really agree with SDS."

"I guess so," Elaine didn't really like being near a noisy crowd. She was nervous that it would turn into a violent mob. There was no sense of decorum, and no authority maintaining order.

Betsy said, "I was going to meet my boyfriend, but he is one of the organizers of the event. He's probably up at the front. I'll never get to him there."

Someone tapped Elaine on the shoulder.

"Hey! It's you, Elaine," Benjamin said. "I didn't think I'd be able to find you."

Elaine introduced Betsy to Benjamin.

"Betsy is the one who told me about SDS."

Betsy said, "I don't go to the meetings because I have a class on Tuesday nights, but my boyfriend tells me all about them."

"Oh, that's why I didn't see you before now."

Elaine tried not to shiver. It was chilly and breezy. She was wearing her usual black wool skirt and sweater with black stockings and flats. She wished she had worn a coat.

"Are you cold?" Benjamin asked. "Do you want to wear my jacket?"

"That's okay. Maybe if we walk around I'll get warmer."

Betsy said, "I'd like to see what is going on all around the crowd."

Benjamin said, "I don't know if that is such a good idea. There are counter-protesters in front of the Low Building. There's a rumor that the counter-demonstrators want to physically fight, or did want to. They are greatly outnumbered now."

Betsy said, "There are counter-demonstrations in front of the Low Building? Then I really want to see what the situation is. You don't think they'll attack me, do you? Maybe I could find my boyfriend up there, too."

"They are intimidating, but no, I guess they wouldn't attack you."

Elaine said, "I'd like to see what's going on all around the campus, too, as long as we can keep a distance from the crowd."

Benjamin said, "Okay, just be careful. We can walk around outside of the campus to get to Low from further north. We don't want to try to push our way through the crowd."