"Momma said it's bedtime," I said as soon as I had shut the door behind me and Louise. I leaned against the door, hearing the dinner table move, as the boys groaned.
"Is it just me, or is bedtime getting earlier these days?" Yonkers asked no one in particular as they put the mattresses from the corner to various spots on the floor, then proceeded to redress as my older sister turned to face me. "Why did Momma send us to bed this early?"
I locked eyes with her and wanted to say, "Couldn't you tell? Mama and Herbie are in love! They have to prove it sometimes, Louise." But I didn't. I just shrugged and said, "You expect me to know?"
"Well, you were the one who was smiling. You looked like you know."
I sighed. "Maybe she'll tell us tomorrow, Weeze."
She nodded as Yonkers said, "Are you two just gonna stand at the door all night, or are you two going to get some sleep?" He fell back against his mattress. "And turn the light out while you at it, June."
I flipped the switch after Louise had crawled into bed and followed her, shaking my head. I didn't know how they'd be able to sleep through the sound I knew that Momma and Herbie were going to make. "'Night, June," my sister said to me.
"'Night, Louise."
I lay awake staring at the ceiling as I stained my ears to hear the two of them. A minute later, I heard footsteps enter the room across the hall, but why was I hearing only one set? Then it hit me – Herbie was carrying Momma. I smiled as I continued listening. Next thing I heard was a faint, "Damn it, Rose! I said, 'Let me.'" Yep, I thought. That was definitely Herbie. But what are they doing?
I kept listening, hearing moaning – Momma, I had no doubt. I kept catching myself wondering, How are the others sleeping through this? It's too loud. The clearest thing I heard was Momma's scream of ecstasy, even though it was obvious she was using something to stifle it, and I grinned. Why I was grinning, I didn't know, but I did know that Momma and Herbie needed to get married – and soon.
I lay there for another two hours, even though the others – Momma and Herbie included – had been long asleep. I sighed, pushing myself up so I could look at everyone I shared a room with, and said quietly, "How were you sleeping through that?" I fell back against the bed, smiling, turned onto my side, and fell asleep.
