The Red Kimono: A Novel

61. Terrence

people, but you and I can do something on our own. You know what we’re going to do?” At last the sparkle returned to Jubie’s eyes. “No, what?” “We’re going to have our own celebration by the creek! That’s what we’re going to do. And no matter what all those other people think, we’ll have a great time, even if you are colored and I am Japanese.” CHAPTER 61 Terrence NOVEMBER 17, 1943 Terrence stared at Patty’s letter. God, he couldn’t wait to get out of that miserable cell. Helplessness overwhelmed him and settled heavy as the biscuits and gravy he’d had for breakfast. Dear Terrence, I got a problem, and I need you to tell me what I should do. You see, William and me had gotten to be friends—just friends, cause I know Momma doesn’t think I’m old enough for anything else. I guess that was fine, at least for now, cause it was nice just talking with him. Yeah, I said “it was nice.” Because one day we were walking down the hall, minding our own business, when these bullies grabbed both of William’s arms and pulled him outside. I followed cause I was scared what they might do to him. Anyways, they started punching on him, calling him a nigger-lover. Other kids started coming up and watching, then they started calling him names, too. Poor William. He tried to fight back, but those bullies were a lot bigger. No matter how hard I tried not to cry, I couldn’t help it. And that just made things worse. They started teasing me, too, but that didn’t hurt near as much as seeing what they were doing to William. He didn’t deserve any of that. I begged them to stop, even begged the kids watching to help me make them stop. But they just stood there. Some even laughed. It’s not fair, Terrence. I know how it feels to be called a nigger, but I’m guessing poor William never had to deal with being called names before. 266 JAN MORRILL Terrence stared at his clenched fist. Now, he stays away from me. But I can tell by the look in his eyes, he feels bad about it. I guess I understand. What else can he do? Anyhow, it hasn’t really helped much. Those boys still call him names. I wish you were here, Terrence. What should I do? Love, Patty How could she ask him that question when he was in jail for doing the very same thing those bullies did to William? What was he supposed to tell her? Hehunghisheadinhishands.WhatwouldDaddyhave said? Nothing but a blank, dark space occupied his mind. Then, a memory from a night a long time ago began to creep in—when he’d overheard one of Momma and Daddy’s conversations from their bedroom next to his. Patty wasn’t even born yet, so he couldn’t have been more than four or five when he woke to the sound of muffled voices. He remembered thinking it was strange that they were talking in the middle of the night. He’d known he shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but he pressed his ear to the wall anyway. “John,” Momma said, “what you gonna do about it?” Daddy’s deep voice rumbled on the wall. “Ain’t gonna do nothing, Momma. Ain’t nothing I can do that’s gonna change anything no how.” Momma’s tone got louder and she talked real fast. “But you didn’t mess up that engine. You one of the best mechanics Allen’s Garage ever had. You can’t let Mr. Allen fire you for something you didn’t do—just ’cause you the one who found it broke? You been a good employee for near five years now. You got to stand up for yourself.” Terrence remembered a long silence, when his ears rang with quiet. He’d pressed harder against the wall, straining to hear Daddy’s reply. “You think arguing with Mr. Allen’s gonna get me my job back? ’Course not. Only make matters worse.” Daddy paused. “You know what I am gonna do though?” “What?” “Ain’t got no choice, Momma. Gotta get me a job. I’m gonna join the navy.” “John! You can’t!” “Momma, hush now or you wake Terrence. I done made up my mind, and there ain...