The Girl on the Outside by Mildred Pitts; Walter Read Free Book Online

toast.
    She threw out the burnt toast, disgusted with herself. Finally, she asked, “Where’s Mother?”
    â€œShe’s off to bathe in the hot springs today,” her father said, turning the pages of his paper.
    â€œLooks like I’ll have to work today,” Burt said, sliding in in front of his cheese toast and coffee. “Something’s cooking out there and I’m afraid it’s not kosher.”
    â€œThe governor’s speaking to us tonight,” her father said.
    â€œI hope he says something worth listening to,” Sophia said.
    â€œThe only thing I’m waiting to hear is that a restraining order has been issued on that gutless school board,” her father said.
    â€œCould a restraining order keep those Negroes out, Dad?” Sophia asked.
    â€œJudge Pomeroy can keep them out. If he wants to!”
    â€œI doubt if he wants to,” Burt said. “He takes his federal judgeship seriously.”
    â€œHe can be had. We’ll see what the governor says.” Their father took the paper and left the kitchen.
    Sophia sat at the table wondering if her father was right. Could they really call a halt to the integration? She hoped so.
    â€œWhat are you up to today, Soph?” Burt asked.
    â€œI don’t know. I might go ride my horse. Grit is getting so lazy and spoiled.”
    â€œI’m going out toward the stables. If you’re ready in time, I’ll give you a ride. You need a lift?”
    â€œYeah, that’ll be great.”
    â€œOh,” Burt said, “What happened to your chauffeur?”
    â€œWhat chauffeur?”
    â€œArnold,” he said and smiled.
    â€œOh, please!” She felt the flush rising and jumped up from the table. She turned away trying to stop it. “Just don’t mention him to me today, okay?”
    The phone rang. Her heart stood still and her hands went cold. “Get that, Burt,” she said.
    â€œYou get it. It’s for you, I know.”
    â€œPlease, get it.”
    She sat trembling hoping it was, then hoping it was not Arnold. What could she say now if he called and asked her to do something after what she had just said. Would she ever learn to keep her mouth shut and her thoughts to herself?
    â€œFor you,” Burt called.
    She sat still.
    He came into the kitchen. “For you, Sophia.”
    â€œWho is it,” she whispered.
    â€œSome girl. Sounds like Marsha.”
    It was Marsha. “Hi, What’s up?” Sophia asked, feeling both annoyed and relieved. She was a classmate who suggested that Sophia join her and some more of their classmates at the skating rink around six-thirty. They would skate and talk on this last day of summer vacation.
    Sophia agreed. She needed to talk to someone to help her sort out things.

Chapter 6
    Eva woke with a start. Her first thought was that she hadn’t been asleep at all. She was surprised that the sun was high, the room like an oven. Children were playing in the street, neighbors’ pots and pans were clattering. Breakfast was already finished and preparations were underway for the noonday meal. Suddenly Eva remembered last night.
    She jumped out of bed and rushed to the front of the house. The doors were closed, blinds still drawn, but her parents were not around. Her heart pounded. Where could they be?
    A loud knock on the front door alerted her. Her heart seemed to stand still. Then it beat as though it would come through her breast. She could not answer. Again the loud knock.
    â€œYes,” Eva finally said.
    â€œIt’s me, Eva.” Eva recognized the voice of Mr. Charles, her neighbor. “Your daddy asked me t’ keep a eye out. Everything’s all right. I’m right here.”
    â€œDid they go to the store?”
    â€œThey been gone. But everybody on the block’s lookin’ out for y’.”
    â€œThank you, sir,” Eva said through the closed door. She sighed. Why hadn’t her