Page 19

Chapter Nineteen

I’m so happy to have four more books to read in the series so that I don’t have to go down to the bookstore anytime soon and face Brent. Okay, I could switch back to electronic books or even order paperbacks online, but it’s difficult for me to order from the big nameless people in the clouds when I can support our local community by buying directly from them. Beckett’s is the only bookstore in town, so it’s either that or online.

After my disastrous conversation with Brent, I have a few free days to myself. The girls and I discussed the bookstore exchange via text, and they seem to think it was a good turn of events, but I can’t see it that way. I was very honest about my interest and that I wanted to go to dinner with him, and even after he realized he’d misjudged me, he still didn’t change his mind and say yes. That tells me his newly formed opinion isn’t in my favor.

Plus, I have other things to worry about. Namely, my new volunteer gig. I climb out of my car and approach the big field where it looks like people are already gathering. I’ve got my book in my bag along with a blanket for Latisha and me to sit on.

I find an adult and ask if she works for the library. When she says yes, I introduce myself as the new volunteer and her face lights up with happiness.

“Paige said you might show up. I’m so happy to have you. You can go into the children’s library to fill out the volunteer forms first and then come back out here.”

“Okay.” I look around but don’t see Latisha. After all of this, she better show up.

The forms are easy, and I’m done quickly and head back outside. I hear my name squealed before I even get close. Latisha is sprinting across the grass with her arms spread wide. She barrels into me and gives me the biggest hug I’ve ever had. I hug her back awkwardly, but I’m laughing with pleasure. “Nice to see you too, kid.”

“Tammy said you were here, but I didn’t know if I could believe her. You know how some adults tell you what you want to hear just to shut you up?”

Latisha pauses but starts yammering again before I have a chance to decipher her accent and decide if I agree with her or not.

“It’s quiet reading time, so we can’t talk over there. That’s why I came over here to say hello. If I’d waited, I would have had to just wave. I was too excited to see you. I told my aunt all about you. She’s happy I made a friend, and she was happy you made me do this reading group.”

I laugh. “Who made who do this?”

Latisha dips her head and peeks at me through her lashes.

“Come on, let’s get over there before they won’t let us in.” I grab Latisha’s hand and we walk back to the group.

I wave at the lady, who I guess is Tammy, and pull my blanket out to spread on the grass. Latisha grins like I just handed her an ice cream. As we get settled, I think I understand why. There are kids sitting in beach chairs and sharing blankets or sitting on beach towels. Latisha was one of only a few kids sitting directly on the grass.

We read quietly. At first, it’s hard for me to concentrate on my book. Every noise draws my attention, and with about twenty kids in attendance, there is a lot of fidgeting. But eventually, I relax enough to not have to reread each paragraph to understand it.

Sooner than I expect, Tammy taps me on the shoulder and motions for me to follow her. I smile at Latisha when concern furrows her brow, and whisper, “Almost game time. Why don’t you invite those kids on the grass to share your blanket?”

She grins and gives me a thumbs up.

Tammy and I step away from the group so she can explain how I’ll be helping.

“Because I wasn’t sure if you were coming, there won’t be a ton for you to do today. I picked a game that is easy for a single person to facilitate. But let’s take advantage of that and have you call on the children. Ask their name and their favorite dessert or something, then let them answer the game question. It’ll help both you and Latisha get to know some of the children.”

“Sounds great!” I agreed. Certainly, I can call on children.

When we return to the group, she calls their attention to the front. Books are stored in bags and backpacks, and several of the kids shift to their knees in anticipation.

“Today, we’ll be playing Pass the Perspective,” Tammy announces.

Some of the kids bounce around excitedly and clap at this news.

Tammy holds up the picture book that she’ll be reading. Confused, I scan the audience to see if they are insulted by the fact that she’s reading a book for little kids, but they seem eager to listen. She’s a spirited reader, employing different voices for each character and modulating her voice in dramatic ways that makes her audience laugh. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a picture book read aloud, and I find myself as engaged as the kids.

“Okay.” Tammy slaps the book closed. “Let’s see who has their storytelling caps on today. First, I’d like to hear three different stories about the main character. Who wants to tell us about her? Tell us about her house, what kind of family she has, and what her least favorite dinner food is.”

Several hands shoot into the air so fast that I don’t see who was first, so I can’t call on them in order.

I look to Tammy to see if she’s ready or if she has more to explain. I’m not sure I understand what they’re supposed to do, so it feels like they might be confused too. But there are so many hands waving eagerly in the air, they must know what’s expected of them. Tammy nods encouragingly. I can’t believe how nervous I am. By the knot in my stomach, you’d think I faced ravenous zombies instead of middle schoolers. I sip in a deep breath and smile out at the kids.

“I’ll call on three kids randomly. Before you answer Tammy’s question, first tell me your name and what your favorite thing to do outside is.”

I glance at Tammy to make sure it’s okay that I changed the thing they should tell me, and she gives me a thumbs up. Latisha is one of several kids who don’t have their hands in the air. I can’t blame her for wanting to watch first. I sort of wish I could, too. Those who do have their hands up are squirming or bouncing in place and waving their hands wildly. Unexpected pressure makes me nervous to make a choice. Finally, I pick the girl who looks most eager.

“You with the flamingo shirt. What is your name?”

The girl stands. “I’m Loretta.”

“Hello, Loretta. What is your favorite outdoor activity?”

“I love to swim. ”

A murmur of agreement ripples through the children. “Very good. Now, tell us about Cindy Caterpillar’s life.”

Loretta has clearly done this before because the girl is a pro! She tells the story with emotion and hand gestures; it’s impressive. Her story is about how Cindy Caterpillar was a rich caterpillar who has two bedrooms, one for her caterpillar state and one for her butterfly state, and all the other little caterpillars loved to go to Cindy’s house because she has a garden room bursting with all their favorite flower foods.

The next kid to share his version of Cindy’s life is also a great, confident speaker and excellent storyteller. I worry that it might turn Latisha off from speaking. Luckily, the third kid to share has a disjointed story and she mumbles, making it difficult to hear her. But the group of kids cheer just as enthusiastically when she finishes as they did for the first two.

Tammy then asks for three kids to share what the story would have been like if Cindy’s best friend, Gus Grasshopper, had told it. Again, I’m super impressed by each kid. I don’t think I would have been able to come up with anything at all, but after listening to the three answers, I begin to understand what the goal is.

The last exercise is for three more kids to change the story to an unhappily ever after ending. I laugh when kids talk about spies dropping from the trees and setting off bombs or kidnapping Cindy. One kid gives a surprisingly insightful version of climate change causing the extinction of the garden and all the bugs dying off.

My heart expands a little each time I catch Latisha completely engrossed in the activity. She even whispers back and forth with the two girls who joined her on the blanket. It seems to me they are enjoying each other’s company as well as the stories.

Finally, Tammy thanks everyone for coming, thanks me for volunteering, and invites us all back on Thursday. By that point, several parents or older siblings stand along the outside of the group, waiting to take possession of their children. I smile, thinking of all the times Cisco or Justice collected me and the girls from dance class, ceramics, or whatever class we were taking at the time. Suddenly, it hits me that my parents must have been paying for at least Ava’s admission fees.

I’m distracted from my thoughts when Latisha hops up and runs over to throw her arms around a thirty-something woman the same way she did with me. It must be her aunt. Knowing Latisha’s tragic past, I already have mad respect for the woman, but it makes me like her more to see how happy Latisha is to see her.

Tammy walks up beside me, pulling my attention away. “Thanks for coming today, Sam. I hope you enjoyed yourself.”

“I really did!” I enthuse. “I can’t believe how smart these kids are. What an excellent game that was.”

“I’m glad you liked it. These kids really are an inspiration, aren’t they?”

“Man, they seem smarter than me already, and they're only in middle school.”

Tammy waves a hand at me. “Don’t discount yourself like that. You’re clearly plenty smart. Can I count on you for Thursday?”

“Absolutely.”

“Great. I’ll pick a game that is more interactive for you as well.”

My nerves fire and I grimace. “Just so I don’t have to know any answers. I don’t know anything about books.”

“No, I just mean, it’ll be more physical. Like, you might have to be “It” in a version of Duck, Duck, Goose. Or you might have to move through the group to crown literary royalty. Something more than standing and pointing.”

“Oh, I can handle that. ”

“And, if you stick around,” Tammy says. “You might learn a thing or two about literature before the summer is over.”

“I would love that. See you Thursday.”

I walk over to my blanket to store it and my book in my bag and grin at Latisha who is dragging her aunt across the lawn by the hand.

“Sam! Sam! I want you to meet my aunt.”

I rest the bag on my shoulder and meet them halfway. “Hi, I’m Sam.”

“Hi Sam, I’m Brandy.”

Her hand is warm and soft, and her grip is firm. Even though she’s just wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops, something about her strikes me as a professional woman. Maybe her posture or how she carries herself. I’m glad for Latisha that she has a strong woman in her life after everything she’s been through.

“Thanks for taking Latisha under your wing, like you have.”

I shake my head. “It’s nothing like that. I just can’t stand bullies. I hoped to find a bully-free zone for her.”

“That very next day after I met you,” Latisha says. “I told those boys to leave me alone. And they did! I just stood how you stood, and I said what you said, and they crawled away like theys was scared.”

“Were scared,” Brandy quietly corrects.

“Weres scared,” Latisha restates.

Brandy and I share a quick humor-filled glance before I turn an impressed expression on Latisha. “That’s fantastic, Latisha. I’m so happy to hear that.”

“Latisha hasn’t stopped talking about you since last week. You’re her hero.” Brandy runs her hand down the back of Latisha’s head. The gesture is so loving, I can’t help but like the woman more.

“I’m glad to have made a difference for her. She’s the reason I’m here today, so she’s made a difference for me, too.”

We chat a little longer before Brandy tells Latisha it’s time to go. I watch them walk across the grass before I head in the opposite direction toward my car. All the while, my blood is buzzing. I’ve never made a difference like that before, and it feels pretty darn good.