Kalico 2: Hypnotized & Naked in Hope Springs

Kalico: Suppertime Conversation: Mantrap Johnson

Kalico: Wednesday evening, Johnson Farmhouse

David had cut the grass beside the road from Johnson Farmhouse gate to our cattleguard near the high school. This left tall grass growing up close beside Johnson Road for at least the next mile beyond our house down toward Wallflower's home.

After our impulsive hug and kiss goodbye at Granny's gate, Flower took off down the path, disappearing behind the wall of Johnson grass. She didn't seem nearly as surprised as I had been about our display of affection. In fact, I almost thought she was expecting my hug. At least, I am sure she was pleased.

I turned toward Granny's house, hoping no one saw me making a public display of affection with another girl.

Supper was nearly ready, I could smell it when I walked into the house, but Mom sent me back outside to her car, to bring in all the packages from the (Faded Sign) Department Store. Mom had picked them up from the store on the way home after work. I halfway expected Mom would make a big fuss about the total cost, but she said not a word.

Mom did, however, ask if I had purchased any casual clothes, something to wear besides school uniforms. Skirts, blouses, anything to make me look more like a girl. Or, she mentioned, I might have found some farm clothes, bib coveralls, heavier long sleeve shirts, heavy socks and hiking or work boots. Or even western style riding boots? This is West Texas if I haven't noticed.

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CULTURAL NOTE: Western style riding boots are a Texas fashion icon known to the rest of the world as Cowboy Boots.

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Farm clothes hadn't crossed my mind, I don't know why.

And, oh, yeah, there's supposed to be a winter coat/raincoat sort of thing that goes with the uniform, did I get one of those? It won't always be hot, dry August this school year, don't I know? Well, yes I knew that but, also yes I forgot to buy a coat or jacket. I'll go back to that store again tomorrow, or at least soon. 

Also, Mom congratulated me for remembering to buy the shoulder patches for all those blazers that will look so handsome on me come next Tuesday. Do I plan to sew them on myself? 

"Shoulder patches? I don't remember shoulder patches," I replied, realizing I had done something wrong.

"I didn't think so," Mom said with cheerful sarcasm (that's where I get it), "So, I bought some for you and took them upstairs to Shorty the Tailor. He promised to have at least one ready by Friday for everyone. Everyone is swamping him with work in the last few days. Your blazers are with Shorty, except one. I brought the rest of your uniform parts home, and the one jacket without patches. I want to see this stuff on you right away. You can't wear that blaze to school until without its patches."

Madison's school clothes were still in the hands of Shorty the Tailor for alterations, therefore mine were the first of the new school duds to make it inside the house.

Mom also insisted that I set aside a few moments right after supper to model some of the garments. My modeling had to fit in a narrow time frame because (surprise!) Mom has a meeting to go to.

"Wednesday night prayer meeting at the Methodist or Baptist church?" I asked, sarcastically.

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CULTURAL NOTE: Church activities, including Wednesday night prayer meetings are such a fact of life in west Texas towns that other activities are rarely scheduled for Wednesday evenings. City councils, school boards and most school activities are likely to take place at any time except Wednesday evenings, or all day Sunday.