Page 79

He had to nod, to admit she was right, take it up

to her."

"No. Noble can do it Besides, she might not

open the door for you. She's in a funk. She's actually

just embarrassed and feeling very guilty, and the sight

of you only reminds her of her own failing." "You're probably right about that, Sarah. Your

mother is much wiser than I am. Noble. Maybe. she

does get good advice from a higher source."

Mama smiled and then looked firmly at me. I

didn't want to have anything to do with Betsy. but I

took the plate upstairs and knocked on her door. "I have some food for you." I said when she

didn't respond.

I expected she wouldn't answer and I would just

turn and bring the food downstairs, but to my surprise,

she opened the door abruptly. She was standing there

in her bra and panties.

"You're just gloating, aren't you? You and your

mommy," she accused. I shook my head. "No, of

course not. by should we gloat?"

"That's all right. I've got a big surprise for all of

you." She turned back to her closet. She plucked a

blouse off the rack and slipped it on, turning to smile

at me as she buttoned up. ''You like watching a girl

get dressed?"

"I came up here to give you this." I nodded at

the plate. "Do you want it or not?"

She looked at the food. "I'm sick of the food

your mother makes. Nothing is normal. I bet you've never had a piece of pizza." She turned and found a

pair of jeans to put on.

"So you don't want it?" I asked, tired of her