Chapter 8: You Think You're Grown

"We have plenty of those. Actually, there's a tail fin and chrome with low miles on it. Why don't we take a look."

They walk to the west-east side of the car lot. When they get there Kathy sees a 1958 forest green tailfin coupe with chrome trim and a white leather top.

 "I'd like to test drive it, but first I want to see what's going on under the hood and hear how it runs," Kathy says looking over at the car salesman.

 "Yes ma'am. I'll be right back with the keys." the car salesman says happily before walking away.

 Kathy takes a few minutes and walks around examining the vehicle. She finds no dents or scratches. When he hands Kathy the keys she gets in. She pulls the latch for the hood and goes to open it. Satisfied with the part's condition Kathy sees the fluid levels are at their recommended levels and closes the hood. She starts the engine and revs it up. She then takes a moment to look around the cabin.

The seats are white leather with forest green stitching that shows the James Cars branding in cursive. She checks the radio and sees that it works just fine. She hands the car salesman her driver's license. She buckles up and leaves the parking lot. As she drives down the street she smiles happily. Twenty minutes later she returns to the dealership. She parks the car and turns off the engine.

She removes the key and exits the car. She hands the key to the car salesman.

"I want to buy it. How much are you willing to sell it for?"

"It's been here for a month so how about fifteen hundred."

Kathy looks back at the car smiling and then looks back at him.

"You have yourself a deal."

They then return to the building. The building has several offices with a restroom and break room for employees. The walls are gray and the floor is white tile. They then walk to his desk. It is gray with a brown cushion chair behind it. The customer's chairs are gray cushions with chrome handles. After preparing the paperwork he places it in front of Kathy.

"So, with tax, title, and license fees it comes out to eighteen hundred dollars."

Kathy removes her backpack and sets it in the neighboring chair. She pulls out her money counts eighteen hundred exactly and places it on the desk. The car salesman looks at her speechless as she puts the remainder of her cash back in her wallet.

The car salesman then starts counting the money.

"Is there a problem?"  

"Not at all. I'm just surprised that a girl your age can purchase a car in cash."

"Nothing but hard work and sacrifice went into earning that money. After getting my driver's license I thought why not reward myself."

The car salesman then hands her back her license and she puts it back in her wallet. He then hands her the car keys.

"The title and license plates will be here within thirty days or less. I hope you enjoy your new vehicle."

Kathy then stands to her feet.

"I will. Thank you for such great customer service." Kathy says shaking his hand.

"You're welcome and if you know of anyone who needs a car please refer them."

 Kathy then shakes his hand.

"I will."

 Kathy then walks out to the parking lot and gets in her car and starts the engine. When she arrives, she parks on the opposite side of the street. She goes upstairs and places her key in the lock and turns the key. She inhales heavily before going inside. She locks the door and heads to her bedroom. She puts her keys inside the front pocket of her backpack and gets changed.

She puts on a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and white slippers and heads upstairs to the kitchen. When she gets there, she sees Letha and Galleria standing at the island counter. Letha is smoking a cigarette. She's wearing an incensed expression while Galleria is smiling devilishly.

"Where the hell were you half-breed?" Letha asks coldly as smoke leaves her mouth.

"I went to a car dealership and bought myself a car."

"You think you're grown. Who said you could buy a car?!"

"No disrespect Mother but I'm sixteen years old and I have an unrestricted driver's license. Besides you let Galleria start driving at fourteen and she still hasn't attained her license."

Galleria's smile instantly dissolves.

Letha comes from around the counter and over to Kathy. She looks her in her eyes before slapping her. Kathy looks back at her with tears brimming on her lower eyelids.

"This isn't about Galleria; this is about you. You had no right to go and buy a car. You are not an adult and as such I will be taking it from you and giving it to Galleria."

Kathy looks at her with fire.

"No, you won't. That is my car and no one will be driving it except for me."

This earns her a punch to the face. Kathy falls to the floor and looks up at her mother holding her throbbing left cheek.

"Get dinner started." Letha orders before walking passed her.

 When Kathy gets to her feet she looks Galleria in her eyes.

 "Do you realize how much easier your life would be if you would just do as she says," Galleria says walking towards Kathy and shoving her.

Kathy goes to the refrigerator and takes out a pack of drumsticks. She places it in the sink and goes and grabs some seasoning. She then goes to the pantry and grabs a bag of sweet potatoes, a box of macaroni and cheese, a box of cornbread, and canola oil. She places the items on the island counter goes back to the refrigerator and grabs some eggs and collard greens. She sets it on the island counter and goes and grabs a skillet, a cooking sheet, and a pie pan. She sets them all on the stove. She pours some oil into the skillet and set it on the front burner and turns it on.

She walks to the sink and opens the package of drumsticks. She turns on the faucet and wash her hands. She then starts trimming the fat off the chicken. As she does, she starts crying.

Dante returns home and heads inside. He goes to the living room where his mother is sitting on the couch knitting a red and white blanket.

"Hey," Dante says dryly getting Grace's attention.

"Hey sweetheart, what's the matter?" Grace asks setting her blanket and red knitting needle beside her.

"I got suspended from school for the next two days."

Graces gets to her feet and walks over to him.

"What happened?" Grace asks softly searching her son's eyes.

"I was attacked by a group of boys in the restroom. They lied to Principal Sumpter and he told me that I triggered my attack because of how I was dressed." Dante explains tearfully.

"Salvatore!"

Moments later Salvatore enters the parlor room.

"Dante was suspended for being attacked by some boys today."

Salvatore then looks over at his son.

"Dante, what happened?" Salvatore asks placing his hands on his son's shoulders.

"I was in the bathroom and some football players came into the bathroom and attacked me. I held my own against them. But according to the bruises, Principal Sumpter believes that I incited the attack. So, because of that, I was suspended for two days."

"This will not stand! I'm going to speak with Principal Sumpter."

Salvatore then walks away.

"Daddy you don't have to fight for me."

 Salvatore stops mid-step and looks back at him.

"The hell I don't! You are my son and you were viciously and intentionally assaulted for portraying someone and being different. Those are two very valid reasons to fight for you!" Salvatore retorts before going upstairs.

"Mother I'm worried about what Daddy is going to do."

 Grace embraces him and places her chin on top of his head.

"There's no need. Your father is only doing what any father would do." Grace says confidently looking out the window as Dante cries.

Tiffany is it Veronica's Dress Empire. The store is a white building with the name written in red cursive on top. The inside has white walls with red baseboards. There are mannequins throughout the store. The registers are near the entrance. Tiffany is near the back of the store looking at a strapless sapphire blue evening gown. She is wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and black tennis shoes. Her wallet is in her back pocket.

She walks around with her right index finger under her chin.

"I may just buy this one, but then again I like this one too," Tiffany says looking at a purple off-the-shoulder evening gown with a slit going up the left leg.

"I'll take the purple one shit. Fuck that normal shit."

Tiffany walks to the dress rack and finds the gown. When she does it is covered in a zipped clothes bag. She grabs the hanger and takes it to the register. She places the dress on the counter. The cashier has pale skin with brown eyes. She has a slender build with short brown hair. She is wearing a red polo shirt with white slacks and red tennis shoes. Her face is void of makeup.

"So, what's the occasion?" the cashier asks in a North Carolinian accent ringing up the dress.

"The homecoming dance is this upcoming Saturday. I looked in here three months ago and I saw this dress. I was hoping it'd still be here and thank God it still is." Tiffany says fishing in her back pocket for her wallet.

"Well, homecoming is like sophomore prom. Then you have junior prom then senior prom. It's like each year you always want to outdo yourself. Your total will be seventy-five dollars and fifty cents."

Tiffany opens her black leather wallet and tenders the due amount. After printing the receipt, the cashier hands Tiffany her receipt and her dress.

"Thank you for shopping at Veronica's Dress Empire. I hope you have fun at your homecoming dance."

"You're welcome and I will."

Tiffany puts her wallet in her back pocket and leaves the store. She gets in her mother's car and lays the dress across the backseat. She starts the engine and heads home.

Galleria is sitting in the living room with Letha looking at a television game show.

 "Principal Sumpter suspended Natalee for two days."

"What for?"

 "She wrote a message on the girl's restroom sink mirror in her own blood. Then Kathy called herself trying to humiliate me in front of everyone while defending her."

 Letha sucks her teeth and looks at the television nodding her head.

"Alright. I'll go and take care of them." Letha says before getting up and leaving.

Galleria smiles evilly leaning back and crossing her arms.

Kathy is in the kitchen cleaning her cooking dishes when Letha enters. She walks over to Kathy grabs her hair and forces her head into the water.  After a few moments, she lifts her head and turns her around before releasing her. Kathy coughs trying to catch her breath.

"So, you want to humiliate my daughter while defending that damn girl?!"

"I didn't put my hands on her. All I did was warn her not to harm my younger sisters or she would deal with me."

Letha punches Kathy in her stomach. While Kathy is doubled over Letha slaps her to the floor and looks at her while she's in the fetal position crying.

"You have no authority to discipline my daughter or any of the other ones for that matter. Now get your sorry ass up and finish making this poison you call supper!" Letha barks before leaving the kitchen.

Kathy slowly sits upright before standing to her feet and returning to the sink. She continues sobbing while washing the dishes.

Letha goes to her bedroom closet. She opens the door and turns on the light. She grabs a large brown paper bag from the shelf and walks to the bed. She sets the bag down and starts rummaging through several belts. She pulls out a black leather belt with silver spikes. She smiles excitedly before leaving and heading down the hallway. When she arrives, she sees Natalee sitting on Lynn's bed.

 "Stand up and strip down to your undergarments!"

Natalee conforms and undresses. Natalee is wearing a cream-colored brassiere with matching panties. She looks Letha in her eyes fearfully trembling.

 Letha has the belt wrapped around her right fist with the spikes outward.

 "So, you want to be a nasty little cunt and write messages on restroom mirrors in your own blood huh?!" Letha asks outraged before slapping Natalee to the floor.

 She pulls her right arm back and strikes Natalee across her back.

 "I didn't do it." Natalee cries as tears start to stream down her face.

 "Yes you did and I'm going to beat you into confession!" Letha yells as she continues beating her.

 After long blood scars form on her back. With every strike, Natalee screams in agony.

 "I didn't do it Mother I swear."

 Kathy hears Natalee's cries and runs upstairs to her bedroom. She rushes over to Natalee and covers her. Natalee enters the fetal position while Kathy takes the strikes. Before long Kathy grits her teeth and stands up grabbing the belt shocking Letha.

 "Natalee did nothing wrong. I could hear her cries and screams from the kitchen. Galleria is a liar and instigator." Kathy says angrily before releasing the leather strap.

 "Didn't you get enough in the kitchen?!"

 "She's my sister and even though she doesn't like me it's my job to protect her."

Tears are now streaming down her face.

 "The worst mistake of my life was giving birth to you. Supper had better be ready within the next hour."

Letha then peers down at her trembling daughter smirking before leaving.

 Kathy turns around and helps Natalee to her feet.

 "You misunderstood me, Kathy. I don't dislike you. I do like you, it's just something's wrong with me in my head. I hear different voices and they all tell me to do evil things."

Kathy quickly embraces her which she slowly returns. As they hug Bossier and Lynn are standing in the doorway.

 "I heard what happened from the hall bathroom. I felt your pain Natalee." Lynn says before she locks eyes with Kathy.

 "We're here if you need us, Nat," Bossier says before she and Lynn walk over and embrace Natalee.

 Kathy joins in and when they separate soft sobs and sniffing are heard.

 "Come with me. I have something I want to show you guys." Kathy says looking between her sisters.

 "What is it?" Bossier asks.

 "You'll see. Meet me on the porch in ten minutes."

 Natalee grabs her clothes and heads to the bathroom. Bossier and Lynn look at her sadly before sitting on Lynn's bed.

 "Where did you go when we came upstairs?" Lynn asks.

 "I used mother's bathroom. I know she hates it when we use it but nature called." Bossier exaggerates making Lynn laugh.

"Well, she'll get over it," Lynn says coolly as Natalee returns.

"Let's go see what Kathy wants to show us," Natalee says.

The three sisters head downstairs and out onto the porch. A few moments later Kathy comes out onto the porch and the younger St. James girls head follow after Kathy. They cross the street where they come upon Kathy's car.

"Whose car is this?" Bossier asks looking at Kathy.

"Mine. That's where I went after we came home." Kathy says happily looking at the vehicle.

 "So will we be riding to school?" Lynn asks with her hands resting on her hips.

"Only when it rains, we oversleep or you guys want to go somewhere."

"That is if Mother lets you out of the house," Bossier says getting Kathy's attention.

"I may be responsible but I'm still a teenager. I still want to have fun while I'm young."

Bossier nods her head while curling her lips.

"Can you believe that when I told Mother I bought this car she said she was going to take it and give it to Galleria?"

"Wow. She is really diabolical. What did you say?" Bossier asks.

 "I told her no one was driving my car except for me."

Her sisters look at her shocked.

"You said that to her?!" Lynn asks shocked and proud.

 "Yes, I did. I've been working for my freedom since I was eleven years old. I'll be damned if I let anyone take it away, especially her." Kathy says seriously looking up at the sky.

"I'm so proud of you Kat. You're slowly finding your voice." Bossier says tearfully smiling at her.

"As long as she's alive she will try to ruin my life. Enough about her, let's get back inside. I'm sure she thinks we've snuck off somewhere." Kathy says.

The four sisters head back inside.

Tiffany is sitting on her bed working on her math homework when George knocks on her door.

"Hey, Tiff," George says warmly.

Tiffany smiles in response.

"Hey Pops. How was work today?"

"Same thing different day, may I come in?" George asks with his hands in his pockets.

"Yes sir."

George enters and walks to her bed and sits at the foot of her bed.

"How was your day?"

"It was good, nothing new to tell. However, after school, I went to Veronica's Dress Empire and bought my homecoming dress."

George covers his mouth speechless.

"What's the matter?"

"It's just I never thought I'd see the day you'd wear a dress again. You haven't worn a since your grandmother's funeral ten years ago. It's a nice change of pace."

"The only reason I'm going is because Kathy and I've always gone to school dances since we became friends. I feel like I'd be letting her down if I didn't go. Besides, I want to prove to everyone that a girl can go to a dance without a date."

 George nods his head.

"Well, I want you to know that I support you one hundred percent."

George places his right hand on her left shoulder.

"I appreciate it. I love you Pa."

"I love you too Tiff."

George then leans down and kisses her forehead.

 When he leaves Tiffany resumes doing her homework.

Salvatore gets out of his candy apple red convertible with chrome trim. He heads inside and goes to the administration office. When the receptionist meets his gaze a shiver rushes down his spine.

"How can I help you?" the receptionist asks shakily.

"I'm Salvatore McFarlin Dante McFarlin's father. I need to speak with Principal Sumpter immediately!"

The receptionist picks up the telephone. After two rings the line picks up.

"This is Principal Sumpter."

"You have a Salvatore McFarlin here to see you."

Silence soon follows.

"Send him back."

"You can head back sir."

Salvatore makes a beeline for his office. When he arrives, he stares Principal Sumpter down enraged with gritted teeth and clenched fists.