Free Shadows of St. Louis by Leslie Dubois Page B

brother."
    "Have you ever considered how he feels? Have you ever thought about what makes him happy?"
    He sighed, "You don't understand — "
    "No, you don't understand. I know it seems strange to you to love someone more than yourself, to love them more than life itself. I know it's something you can't fathom. But thankfully, some people are not like you."
    She looked down and pulled a small notebook out of the pocket of her apron. "Read this. Maybe it will help you understand your brother better." She placed it on the counter and then retreated into the kitchen.
    John picked up the notebook and thumbed through it. It was just a bunch of ridiculous poems. He stuffed it in his pocket and headed out the door all the time thinking there had to be another way to keep Henry away from the Negro.
               
     
     
     

Indecent Proposal
     
    Henry absentmindedly pushed potatoes around his plate at dinner. He did his best to suppress his happiness over his feelings for Emma.  Happiness was not a common emotion in the Miller family and it would have been an obvious giveaway as to his predicament. He also tried to ignore the penetrating glares from his brother John. He hoped that his brother believed his deception. Henry had assured him repeatedly that he would not pursue Emma Lynn. He hoped it was enough.
    "So can you bring someone with you to this dinner on Saturday night?" John asked suddenly.
    Henry looked up and stared at his brother weighing his question. What did he mean 'bring someone?' Did John want to come as well? Or was he referring to someone as in a female?
    "What do you mean?" Henry asked.
    John cleared his throat as he said, "Margaret from next door is about your age. I'm sure she would love to accompany you."
    Now it was Henry's turn to glare at his brother. "It's really short notice. I'm sure Margaret has plans."
    Mrs. Miller stared back and forth between her two youngest sons. She must have noticed the iciness of Henry's response. "What is the matter with you two? Did you have a fight?"
    "I don't know, Henry. Did we?"
    Henry didn't respond.
    "I just think it's about time our Henry started showing an interest in women," John said to his mother. "So how about it Henry? Are there any young ladies that have caught your eye?"
    Never in his life had Henry wanted to hurt his brother as much as he did in that second. What was he supposed to say? He couldn't tell his family the truth and he wasn't very skilled at lying.
    Thankfully, he didn't need to respond as the sound of the doorbell caught everyone's attention.
    "I'll get it!" Willie called, running to the door. The rest of the Miller family followed, all curious to know who would be calling during dinner.
    When Willie opened the door, Henry's heart almost stopped. "Rebecca Jane? What are you doing here?"
    Mrs. Miller pinched her son. " Henry, that is no way to speak to a guest. Rebecca Jane, do come in," she said, adding a hint of an accent, which was her best imitation of a rich person.
    "I'm so sorry for interrupting your dinner," Rebecca Jane said upon entering. "I was wondering if I could speak to Henry for a moment."
    Rebecca Jane stood in the middle of the small living room surrounded by Henry's three brothers and his parents. All were stunned into silence as to why Rebecca Jane Goodwin would want to speak to him.
    Henry felt slightly victorious over John. His parents already thought he was interested in Rebecca Jane due to the dinner invitation. With this visit, they might actually believe the feelings were returned.
    After the confused silence in the room became embarrassingly long, Rebecca Jane finally said, "Maybe we could go for a walk?"
    "Oh, yes, of course," Henry said, grabbing his hat off the couch.
     
    ***
     
    "I don't believe we've ever had a real conversation before," Rebecca Jane began as they made a left onto Duncan Ave.
    "We spoke once. Last month when you wanted to change the milk order."
    "Right. Exactly. I don't exactly want to