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"Don't," she said, snapping the word like a whip over my head. "Don't think, Things are taking place that are beyond your control, and mine for that matter."

"What things?" She didn't reply.

"Mama, what things?"

She looked away and then turned slowly back to me. "I was right about Baby Celeste. I even underestimated her. She has been chosen. What we have done for her is wonderful. You have, to this point, been a great help, been of great assistance. Do nothing to ruin that now. Noble. Nothing, do you understand?"

I started to shake my head and stopped. It was better to nod, to agree.

"Will Dave get better soon?" I asked. "It's not up to us."

"Who is it up to, then?"

She glared back at me. "Don't be insolent. Noble. I don't like it, and it does

n't sound like you." she added, the threat so heavy. I nearly choked up.

"Aren't you worried about him?" I dared to pursue.

She took a step toward me, steely eyed. "I am worried only about Baby Celeste, and you should be. too."

"I worry about her...

"I mean solely her. Everything else will take care of itself or be taken care of. Noble."

What did that mean? Be taken care of? She saw the question in my face and I knew it annoyed her.

"There was one thing that Betsy said about you that I agree with," she continued, her voice suddenly more pleasant.

"What's that?"

"I want you to go get your driver's license. I know you know how to drive. Noble. but I am inclined to have you rim errands for me in the future, the near future. It will be of some help for you to be capable of doing that."

I know I had my mouth open because she immediately said I would catch flies if I continued to sit there staring up at her like that.

"Okay. Mama, Sure," I said, trying not to sound too excited. "When?"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? But isn't this something that has to be done by appointment?"

"Your appointment has been made. You will take the driving test at two P.M. I'll bring you there myself," she said, then turned and walked away.

Been made? How long had she been planning this? Why had she waited until now to tell me? Why hadn't she let me practice more? Was it something she had still been debating and had only decided this very moment? What made her decide? It was so confusing. but I was too happy to utter a single complaint. Instead. I went out to our car and practiced parallel parking in our driveway. I could easily pass the written part of the test concerning all the driving rules and laws.

My mind was a jumbled mess that night, torn between the excitement of being able to drive myself and go places whenever I wanted, and the situation developing rapidly with Dave. While I was tossing and turning about all this. I suddenly became suspicious of Mama's real intentions. I had grown too fond of Dave to let him wallow in any sort of agony. He should at least take better care of his health. I thought.

But what more could I really do? Mama was right about my face: it told all, and I was never any good at keeping something secret from her long. The spirits that passed through my thoughts and saw everything in my head passed along and into hers as well. Spies were everywhere, even while I slept, even listening to and looking at my dreams.

In the morning Dave was excited for me when Mama told him what we were going to do that afternoon. He was still not feeling up to going into the store and decided he needed a day or so more of rest. I shifted my eyes from him quickly so Mama couldn't accuse me of anything, but he caught my look despite that and then declared that if he wasn't appreciably better in twenty-four to thirty-six hours, he would go see his doctor.

"Not that you're not doing everything you can for me. Sarah," he added quickly. "I appreciate and truly believe in your remedies. I might have something that really does require an antibiotic though."

She shook her head. "Do what you think you should." she said, making it sound like a personal affront to her and her reputation.

"We'll set," he said.

It sounded too much like surrender to me and it amazed me. His love for Mama was greater than his concern for himself. He worried more about hurting her feelings than improving his health. I glanced at her and thought maybe Betsy was right. Maybe Mama did have the power to put a spell over someone.