"Scout! Scout, get over here now!"
It was half past noon, and while I was on my way home for lunch, I found Jem in the front yard, hunched over and peering into the window with silent fascination and awe. It took me a minute to realize that he was the one calling me, and I supposed it was due to the fact that my reflection could clearly be seen through the glass. 'Curious' was the one word that defined my manner at the moment, and I desperately wanted to know why my brother was acting so strange. Taking my place beside him, I dropped to my knees, squirming in the cool grass below me. Auntie would have something to say about that, no doubt, when she saw the green stains on my skin. Old lady'll probably make a bath and wash my hair too. My eyes squinted in the sunlight and I found it somewhat hard to see into the house. Jem pulled away from the glass and turned to look at me, chuckling a bit, at the image of me with my nose scrunched up against the window.
"No wonder you drive Auntie mad." I ignored his immature snickering, but backed away hurriedly. I don't know why though.
"All right then, maybe you can tell me why we're doing this in the first place?"
"I thought I saw someone."
"Well, good golly Jem, sound the alarm."
"You know what I mean............I thought I saw Mrs. Harrison."
A small smile spread onto my face and I knew if I uttered a word, he wouldn't neglect to kill me. The reason for this, simply, is that if Mrs. Harrison were to be here, Kate MUST be nearby. And until a second later, we found out how nearby she really had been.
"Well what on earth would have the Finch children on their knees trying to spy on their own house."
The voice was a bit high-pitched, and although I couldn't rightly comprehend whom it belonged too, I was sure of the fact that it was made to mock Aunt Alexandra. Startled, we spun around, only to find Kate herself, hands on hips and sporting a grin so crazy, it made me do the same. Jem, poor boy that he is, was at a loss for words, looking as if he had been caught in some guilty violation. Finally, Kate's grin turned to a laugh, at the sight of his expression. We both stood up, and I ran to give her a hug, accidentally placing my brother in a rather disagreeable position.
It was certain he had no idea whether to wave, shake hands or hug, all of which puzzled him, as the first was to stand-offish, the second too formal, and the third...........well my bet was that he didn't have the guts. I was right. He simply said "hi". 'Way to show enthusiasm,' I thought. It wasn't long before Atticus and co. walked out on the porch to find us sitting in the grass, even though I was the only one with grass-stains............Auntie looked reasonably pained at that.
Once the hugs and kisses were over, a general discussion over what events had occurred in the past six months and it wasn't until today's date was said that I realized it was in fact, a while away from summer, when they should have been here. I bit my lip, thoroughly enjoying their company, but praying that the only reason they showed up now was not because they had canceled plans for summer. It would be too dull without them.
My questions quickly subsided, however, when Atticus announced they'd be spending the Christmas season with us, and, to my utter shock and the reasoning for the yelling out of "hallelujah", we were NOT scheduled for a visit to Finch's landing. I swear I even saw Jem grin. This was not to last though, as Auntie, being the warm-hearted person that she is, informed us that the family would be coming here.........as well as a few respectable townspeople and "close" friends. When Auntie proclaimed the last part, I knew I had never seen nor heard of any of the people she would be inviting. Go figure. Jem, now fully recovered from the surprise, took it upon himself to ask whether or not he and I could stay home from school for the rest of today.........something I never thought I would ever hear him say. Atticus placed a worn hand to his chin, stroking it thoughtfully, while glancing at Aunt Alexandra, a sure sign that it was in full consideration.
"All right, I suppose a few hours won't be too much damage."
Auntie pursed her lips. Oh well, it's not as if this is the first time she's ever disapproved of anything we've done. She ran her arm through Mrs. Harrison's, taking her through the house and up the stairs while Atticus picked up a few suitcases, motioning for Jem to grab the rest. Kate slung an arm over my shoulder (she wouldn't have if her mother and Auntie were still inside), and said:
"So Scout, what's been going on since I left?"
"Not much, its just Maycomb. A new family moved in though, the Parkers or something like that, but they stay secluded mosta the time." Kate frowned at this, and gave me a curious look. She hadn't been here a longtime or nothin', but she knew it was peculiar to live in this kinda society and not act like the true southerners.........'cept the Radley's maybe.
"They're well-to-do folks, own an oil mill or something nearby and their kids go to a boarding school in the next town. Jem and I can't figure out why they'd move here.........maybe the house belonged to someone in their family and they don't wanna sell it."
Kate blushed at the mention of Jem's name and I made a mental note to remind him of it later. "Well just hope I don't have to meet them." She said this rather maliciously, and I must have looked inquisitive, for she went on. "Mama has it in mind to find me a husband as soon as I graduate. Can you believe it? I'll be eighteen and tied down already." She scowled, "That's probably why we came. Your aunt must have heard about the Parkers and sent word."
"Aunty wouldn't do that. She probably has you in mind for Jem!"
Kate laughed bitterly. "No, she I'm sure she has one of the Parker girls in mind for him. Double acquaintances with money...................sounds perfectly dreadful."
"Jem wouldn't do that either. Aunty may have an influence on him 'bout she can't force him to marry some stuck up little Parker.
"I don't know Scout, I don't know."
"Well, just try to avoid the matter altogether, and it'll be fine. Besides, you're only fifteen, you got three years at least."
She shook her head.
"I'm almost sixteen now, and if mama had her way, I'll spend the next two years being courted."
"Oh."
I'd forgotten her birthday was coming up; a week after Jem's if I remember correctly. She rubbed her forehead gingerly.
"Let's talk about something else, this is getting too depressing."
"All right. You want to get some ice cream? A new shoppe jus' opened up a few weeks ago, and its pretty good stuff."
"Sounds swell."
A new voice came into the conversation:
"Don't use slang dear, it isn't becoming at all."
I whirled around for the second time today, but I was now facing Mrs. Harrison.
"Yes mama."
"Now, what sounds GOOD?" She greatly emphasized the last word of that statement, which I found unnecessary, as did Kate.
"Ice cream."
Mrs. Harrison smiled a warm smile, and for a moment I couldn't believe she was the kind of woman to sell off her daughter for a place in society. Maybe I was right, maybe I was wrong, and I supposed I'd just have to wait.
"Mmm, it does sound ideal. Do you mind if I come as well?"
"That'd be lovely." I said that, which surprised both Kate and myself. Mrs. Harrison took no notice. Kate spoke up.
"Should I ask everyone else?"
"Certainly, although I doubt Atticus will join us. He'll probably head back the courthouse."
"He already left," said Jem from his spot by the door, his hair brushed and hands clean, which were previously dirty from football. His eyes lingered on Kate until Aunty, who suddenly appeared from the sidewalk with Miss Maudie in tow, cleared her throat vigorously.
"Let's all go," she said, her nose twitching. And so we marched down the street, two old women, one middle-aged, two young girls, and one boy.........er, young man. The older women strayed in front as we three made our way into the town square, which, surprisingly, was actually more shaped like a pentagon. The five sides were separated into different sections: homes, supplies, food stores, working places and the school, and clothing. In the center was a worn gazebo, surrounded by benches, trees, and flower patches.
"Quite picturesque," as Mrs. Harrison called it. I simply nodded my head, wondering what the fancy word meant. In any matter, I could tell she was pleased with it, even though it hadn't changed since she was last here. It was all going fine, until Kate spotted a head coming out of Margie's Antiques. Rosie. Kate had never seen her before, but the red hair, scattered freckles, and frumpy blue sweater, which she wore at least 5 days out of a week, gave her away in a flash. Jem groaned, making her smile. Rosie, still a ways away, waved frantically. I did the same, but with a large amount of composure. I heard Aunty click her tongue, and even Miss Maudie looked a tad bit pained. Mrs. Harrison was left out in the cold. The next few moments were amazing, although I had seen it before; it never ceased to entertain me. If Aunt Alexandra despised Rosie you would have never known; she was smiles and pleasing countenance.
"Why don't you look lovely today Miss Taylor. Allow me to introduce my good friend and her daughter. Mrs. Margaret Harrison, Kate Harrison, meet Miss Rose Taylor."
Rosie shook their hands politely, glancing in Jem's direction when shaking Kate's, but remained nice.
"Well it sure is a pleasure to meet ya'll. And please, call me Rosie."
Mrs. Harrison took over. "Well then Rosie, where are you off to?"
"Oh, I'm just headin' home, Mama needed something from the pharmacy over yonder. Where're you headed?"
"Larson's Ice Cream Parlor."
"My stars, that's sounds swel.........good!"
Aunty merely nodded, so did Jem, who was growing rather uncomfortable, like something was itching him. Kate simply rubbed the palms of her hands, believing my description of Rosie to be right on track.
"Well, I 'spose I best be going now. It was nice meeting you two."
Kate smiled, "Same to you, Rosie." and Mrs. Harrison did the same. As we neared the corner, I ran ahead, wanting the chance to open the door and the bell above to jingle. I dunno why, but I've always loved it.............and the fact that Aunty disapproved made it all the more worthwhile! Jem and Kate were next to arrive, and the three of us grabbed a booth closest to the window; I wanted to show my friend off. Luckily for us, the shop only consisted of three seats per table/booth, and we were given the time to ourselves for a while.
Kate blew a piece of auburn hair out her eyes and smiled.
"So that's the infamous Rosie?"
She was looking at Jem the whole time, and smiled even wider when he made a face.
"The one and only." He muttered.
An uncomfortable silence filled the air until; finally, a waiter came over asking for our order.
That night after dinner we all sat around in the living room, with Jem and I sprawled out on the floor---he was reading one of those football magazines, while I was quite content with Little Women (I felt a strong attachment to the character of Jo). Atticus sat reading the paper in his large armchair by the chessboard, while Aunty and Mrs. Harrison were on the couch, knitting scarves. Kate sat on the window seat, staring out at the dark sky that consumed Macomb. A warm blanket was wrapped around her shoulders and one hand was pressed firmly on her forehead. I noticed that Jem would occasionally look up at her, but dive right back into his reading the next second.
The fire roared next to me, and I shifted away from the dancing flames.
"When's everybody comin' for Christmas?" I asked suddenly. Truth be told, I didn't like the silence; at least not when there's six people in the room with perfectly good voices.
"About the twenty-second, I should think," said Atticus, although he didn't bother to put his paper down.
"More like the twentieth," said Aunt Alexandra no less than a second later. I saw Jem roll his eyes from under his magazine.
"Well," I started again, "Who's comin'? Francis Hancock?" I must have spoken my cousin's name with too much sarcasm, for Aunty glared at me through her sharp spectacles that she hated so much. I guess Atticus was right about the cursed left eye of the Finch's.
"He will indeed," she answered stiffly, not forgetting the winter were I left my mark. "As well as a few of your cousins from Birmingham, and Uncle Jimmy. The rest haven't responded yet. And of course we'll be having a party here, for all the townsfolk that I've invited."
At that moment I knew that I had probably never even heard of most of the folks that Aunty was about to list off, save for Misses Maudie, Rachel, and Stephanie. I was mostly right. I heard a few more names mentioned that I recognized: Avery, Deas, Tate, the late Mayor's wife, and Cousin Lily Brooke. The names rattled on and I soon felt tired. Then the name Parker was mentioned. Kate's head snapped up in a jiffy. She cast a weary glance in my direction, and a scowl in her mother's.
"The Parker's? You mean the new neighbors who don't talk to nobody?"
"Anybody." My father corrected my grammar, folding down the paper. "And yes, Scout, she does."
"It's common courtesy to do so, Jean Louise," Aunty murmured.
'Hang common courtesy,' I thought. Within minuets of another uncomfortable silence, Atticus stretched his long legs and said he was done for the night.
"'Night," Jem muttered, and I realized it was the first time he'd spoken since we all gathered in the room. The rest of us echoed him in a polite way.
Aunty retired to her room and Mrs. Harrison---excuse me, Aunt Meg, as we were instructed to call her---left us as well. She was sleeping in Jem's room while Jem slept on the couch. I though he was gallant for giving it up, like one of those true "Southern Gentlemen". Well, only one child of breeding would have to do for this family, for I would not do it. Perhaps Jem could marry a Southern Belle and produce proper southern children and we would not be a disgrace after all. Jem had the best chance out of us anyway. He was the only one of us that Aunty thought would amount to something. I suppose she figured I'd leave Maycomb the first chance I got and never return------or maybe she simply hoped that.
Kate yawned and sat down on the carpet next to me, fingering the edge of the rug a few inches away. She had a faraway look her eyes, the very same look that I've seen on Jem from to time. The three of us stayed silent and motionless for a minute. Jem got up and walked towards the linen closet.........I could hear him rummaging through piles of blankets and pillows.
"Tired Scout?" asked Kate. I shook my head, but the fact that I yawned a second later betrayed me. She smiled and pulled blanket off around her shoulders, folding three times and laying it across the arm of the couch. She stood up and reached out her arms, which I grasped. After hoisting me up she led the way to the stairs.
"Goodnight Jem," she called softly.
"'Night Kate, 'night Scout."
I lingered on the stairs a moment longer, trying to hide behind the banister. As my brother neared the couch, he dumped the linens the pillows on the couch, and picked up the light yellow blanket. Tugging it tightly around himself he lied down and went to sleep.
I smiled secretively and scampered up the steps.
