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