Prejudice and Pride

Getting To Know You

Maisie spread her quilt she under her new favorite spot that was shaded by a large oak tree. Tucking her feet underneath her, careful not to expose any knee, she took an apple out of her bag and leaned back against the trunk. Though her father had insisted she was taking general courses, Maisie was bound and determined to see the bachelor's degree program through. Though most of her classes were standard, she had managed to get into the Beginning Literacy class. It was imperative for her intended major. Most of her peers couldn't wait to leave the books behind and get back to their social activities but Maisie could barely peel her eyes away from her studies. It was a both a welcome distraction and exciting path to a new career field. Though her mother had done a good job of home schooling the girls, books like this broke down how to teach literacy to students.

She had poured her attention back into schoolwork following the unexpected meeting with the Hullender family. It had unnerved her and even worse, there was no one to talk to about it. Her father, the mastermind of the plan, had already made his mind up. And even for the most part she felt like she could go to her mother, when important decisions like these were made, Rebecca was obedient and in agreement with the reverend, no matter what. Hattie was so excited, all she could talk about was the wedding and babies. The only person who could possibly be a voice of reason or have an objective opinion was Lottie. It was at these times, she missed her older sister the most.

Leaving the church that fateful Sunday, Maisie had resolved herself to the fact that she would have time on her side. It was the beginning of the courtship and those things took time for people to get to know one another. It wasn't like she was engaged yet or anything. And besides, if Urijah turned out not to be a good match, they could always end things before they went further. Courtships were serious but not set in stone and she was banking on that. The families on the other hand, were ten steps ahead. That had been proven when her family had invited Urijah over for dinner a week after they met. The courtship seemed to be in full swing whether Maisie was on board or not.

"Hey."

Maisie didn't even bother to look up at first. She hadn't made any friends on campus and no one bothered to talk to her. She assumed the greeting had been meant for someone else.

"Hey...hello, up here," the voice called out again.

Maisie looked up and saw a smiling, familiar face.

"Kai?"

"You remembered. I remember you, too. Maisie, not Maci," she grinned.

"Yeah."

"Mind if I sit?"

Maisie felt a mild rush of excitement flow through her. It was nice to have someone acknowledge her presence, much less want to actually sit and have lunch with her.

"Um...sure," she moved her things around.

"Nice blanket."

"It's a quilt. I made it myself."

Kai looked surprised.

"Really? Wow, was it hard?"

"Nah. I like to quilt, knit, sew...all of it. I've been doing it forever."

"Well, I'm super impressed. This is really cool."

"Thank you."

Kai pulled out a bag of baked chips and began munching in an awkward silence that lasted for a few long and painful minutes.

"Look, I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I guess that was kind of bold of me to plop down and interrupt you while you were studying. I can just go," she stood and gathered her things to leave.