Chapter 9

After arriving at the Betsie's house I put my belongings in her room and change into my nightwear. I wander downstairs and find Betsie digging around in the fridge. "BOO!" I shout and Betsie squeals. She clutches her chest and shouts "Nora! You scared me!" We both laugh and she explains that she was looking for a snack for us. "I'm in the mood for some ice cream. How about you" she asks. "Of course! That's just what I need after a night like tonight." I reply. Finding some other goodies we make ice cream sundae's and devour them happily.

I help Betsie clean up and we go upstairs to talk. I plop onto the bed, laying on my stomach and Betsie takes a seat beside me. "Well, I wouldn't be worried about Margo, you know Freddie isn't going to let anything happen regarding that" Betsie points out. I nod "Yea, Freddie told me he was going to talk to his parents about her behavior. I don't think I should worry..." Betsie places her hand on my shoulder "Nora, Freddie loves you more than anything you know that." I smile but then my thoughts return to Lon and the supposed wedding. Frowning I say "My concern is, what are we going to do about all of this Lon nonsense!" "Don't worry Nora, we'll think of something. I'll not see you marry that awful knucklehead!" Betsie scowls. 

Standing up Betsie smiles "C'mon now, before I forget! You're birthday present. I hope it's not corny..." Betsie says as she holds out a beautiful porcelain doll. "I wanted to get her for you a long time ago but she's all the way from France, and I had some saving up to do. I hope you still like her." Betsie says uncertainly. "Like her? Oh Betsie, she's gorgeous! I love her! Thank you very much" I reply. I had always wanted a porcelain doll ever since I saw Shirley Temple with one in the picture shows, but Momma always told me it was a waste of money. "It's just not practical Nora" she would tell me. Momma, how could she say those aw- my thoughts are broken by the telephone ringing. 

Betsie reaches over and answers the call "Hello? Oh hey ya, Freddie! Yes, she is right here, one moment." She smiles and hands me the receiver. "Do you want me to step out?" she asks. "No, no that's all right" I answer. "Ok then I'm going to lay down and get some sleep" she mentions. I nod at her and press the receiver against my ear. "Hello, Freddie?" I ask softly. "Nora my sweet! Glad I caught you before you went to bed. I called your house but no one answered. I didn't know you were stayin' at Betsie's tonight or I would have called there" he chuckles. "Well, that's a long story, might we discuss it tomorrow?" I suggest. "Oh of course! How about I come pick you up in the morning? I've got somewhere special I'd like to take you" he offers. I grin and tell him that, that sounds wonderful. 

The next morning I tell Betsie about my date with Freddie. "I hope you didn't have plans for us today" I apologize to her. "Actually quite the opposite. I told Grandpa that I would go with him to bingo at the center. I've also got to do the shopping so it's great that you have plans. I mean, I would have invited you along but I am pretty sure you will have more fun with Freddie" she laughs. "Oh great! Well I'm not sure what all he has planned but maybe we can catch up later?" I ask. She nods and tells me that she'll leave a key in the flower pot outside if I am home before them. The door bell rings and I answer it. Handsome Freddie Warner stands in front of me and smiles "Good morning beautiful! Are you ready to go?" he greets. I blush slightly and reply "Hiya yes, I'm ready" 

As Freddie and I get seated in the car and begin our drive I tell him about everything. Lon, the wedding and Momma's harsh words. Freddie shakes his head in disbelief. "Darling she can't make you marry him. I don't blame you for staying with Betsie. We will figure this out" he says looking very concerned. "I have a special day planned for us and if it's possible I would hope I can take your mind off all of this" he smiles. "Thank you sweetie, I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time. I'm not going to think about any of that right now, it's just you and me!" I tell him happily. He takes my hand in his and gently squeezes "Wonderful, because we've arrived" he reveals. I clap my hands together as I realize where we are, the carnival!

Freddie purchases our tickets and we make our way over to the skating area. "This is wonderful Freddie! I haven't been skating in so long" I exclaim. We rent some shoes and lace them up to skate. As we skate around hand in hand all of the drama from last night seems so far away. Spinning around in a circle holding each others hands we laugh and go faster and faster. Until, whoops! "Oof!" I shout and I tumble backwards. "Oh good heavens! Nora, are you ok!?" Freddie blurts out. He lifts me to my feet and I tell him I'm just fine. We laugh and he suggests that we get something to eat and play a few games. Spending the afternoon at the carnival is just what I needed to take my mind off everything. Freddie even gets me a delicious cotton candy. "I'm glad you're having a good time Nora, but I have another surprise for you" he tells me. "Aren't you going to tell me where we're heading next?" I pry. "Ah, ah, ah!" he smirks waving his finger at me. "If I tell you that, then it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" 

We drive for a few hours, chatting and laughing. "Wow, where are we?" I ask, "I've never been way out here." Freddie points to the horizon "If you look way out there, over by those mountains, you'll have a clue" he hints. "Isn't the country side beautiful sunflower? I used to come out here with my grandparents. Remember me telling you about it?" I think for a minute and then answer "Oh yes! I remember now you would drive out to the countryside and spend part of the summer with them at the beach. The, beach!? You're taking me to the beach!" I shout excitedly. I had never been to the sea before and had always wanted to go, and now here I am actually going. "Nora I would do anything for you" Freddie says as he kisses my hand.

"I packed us a picnic. I wasn't sure if we would be hungry or not." Freddie says. "That was sweet of you. I could eat something" I reply. "Well hey, great! I brought all kinds of things to eat. I brought you're favorite, watermelon!" he says excitedly. "Oh gosh Freddie this is so romantic! A picnic by the sea, it's like a dream" "I'm so glad you're enjoying it sweetheart. Today has been alot of fun. I always feel so happy when you're by my side" he tells me sweetly. "C'mon I wanna show you something" he continues and takes me by the hand. 

We walk out to the edge of the mountain and look out at the water. "What a beautiful lighthouse" I point out. "Yea it's a nice one. We used to visit the little old lady that lived there, but she's been gone awhile now. Not sure who owns it now. Later we can go down to the beach if you like. I picked out a swim suit for you for today and I hope you like it. But, before all of that I just want to tell you I talked with my parents last night about Margo. They just want me to be happy and not have to worry about money, but they agree that you are who will bring me joy. Now, I know you've been having a rough time lately and I know that there are things in life you are unsure about but I hope you are sure about me. For me, you are everything, my first waking thought and the last thing on my mind at night" I blush intensely and reply "Freddie you know I feel the same way. You have been there for me through so much. I love you dearly."

"Sunflower, I want to spend every day making you happy, and seeing that beautiful smile of yours. I want to take your mind away from your troubles and be there for you through everything" Freddie says as his voice shakes a little. Then, would you believe it he slowly takes a knee and opens a little black box with a gorgeous diamond ring in it. As the ring glistens in the light of the evening sun he says "Nora my darling, will you make me the happiest man and be my wife?" Utterly stunned I cover my mouth with my hands. I am completely lost for words from shock, I'm so happy I could cry. Finding my words again I reply in a shaky, but happy whisper "Oh Freddie...of course I will!" Freddie grins from ear to ear and places the dazzling ring onto my quite shaky hand. I stare at it, as it gleams. "Freddie, it's beautiful!" I tell him. I look up from my diamond companion and see Freddie has tears in his eyes. "Oh darling what is it?" I ask him, concerned. He kisses me passionately and he holds me close. He softly whispers in my ear "It's just that you've already made me the happiest man in the world."

"If you're still up for it, we can go down to the shore" he suggests. "Absolutely, that sounds swell" I beam. After we get changed we walk down to the beach just as the sun is setting. The rest of the evening is a blur as we take a swim and look for seashells. "My fiancé and I..." I think to myself. Freddie looks into my eyes as the shimmering sun kisses the gentle waves of the ocean, this wonderful moment is immaculate.

Chapter 8

As Freddie and I smile at each other he asks if I would like to rejoin the party. I agree and he takes me by the hand. "It's just been a screwy party! I can't believe Lon and Margo....what nerve! Margo Pierce, why I oughta...." I trail off still furious with her. "She's only doing it because of my parents, plus you know she's jealous of you" Freddie says. I blush "Honestly though what's she got to be jealous of?" I inquire. Freddie stops and gently presses his finger against my lips and says softly "Everything." I smile brightly and grip his hand snugly. "Ok how's about we celebrate this birthday of mine!" I say cheerfully.

"There she is! The birthday girl! Young lady, don't you think it's about time you open your gifts?" Mr. Linder asks with a smile. I nod eagerly and grin. "All right! All right, everybody! Let's gather 'round so Miss Nora here can open up her presents!" Mr. Linder announces. 

Everyone takes a seat around the fire pit in the back yard, and I begin to open up the gifts one at a time. Mr. Linder got me a few of my favorite books. Mary Parker gave me some splendid hair pins, and Charles Abbington gave me a bit of rouge. Alice Jenson and Tommy Wilson both gave me a bit of chocolate and my favorite candies. Momma had given me a book called "The Etiquette of A Young Woman". There was only one gift left to open and everyone had given a gift except Betsie and Freddie (they wanted to give me their gifts later). "Who is this from?" I asked. No one seemed to know so I shrugged and opened the little envelope attached to the gift. 

As I open the envelope and read over the scrap of paper, my eyes grow wide with excitement as I realize who this gift is from!

"It's from Papa!" I exclaim excitedly. Momma looks surprised as well, and everyone tells me to hurry and open it. Wrapped in beautiful paper is a wooden box, and inside I find a shiny ring. Sterling silver surrounds a gorgeous emerald stone, with smaller emerald stones on either side. Engraved inside the ring an inscription reads "Sweet Sixteen" 

I beam and place the ring on my left middle finger, gazing at its' beauty. Betsie leans over and comments on how sparkly it is, and everyone else wants to see the dazzling gift. Everyone, except Momma who looks completely enraged. She stands and comes storming over to me pulling me away from the party. She points at me angrily "What kind of gift is that!? That is not a proper gift for a girl! I'll see your guests off, the party is over!"

I burst into tears and run to the front living room. Betsie and Freddie join me almost immediately. Freddie runs his fingers through his hair and says in a stunned manner "She's lost it, she has! Gee whiz can you believe it!" Betsie places her arm around me and says "Don't listen to that miserable shrew Nora, you know she's not right!" I stand there with my face in my hands trying my best to compose myself.

Freddie leans over and tells Betsie something, but I'm too upset to hear what was said. Betsie takes a seat on the sofa. "C'mon I think it's time I gave you my gift" Freddie says leading me out to the front porch. "Now dry those eyes, darling. I've got something special for you" he continues as he hands me a small gift. A little velvet box, and inside the most beautiful cameo I've ever seen. It's complete with a soft silk ribbon in my favorite color! "I-I'm speechless, Freddie!" I finally say. He grins and takes the necklace from the box and places it on my neck. "Suits you" he tells me.

"Freddie you're amazing!" I shout as I wrap my arms around him lovingly and we share a passionate kiss. "I'm a lucky fellow indeed! Why, you're the amazing one Nora. I hope I can always keep a smile on that beautiful face of yours" he flirts. "You always do, darling!" I reply with a huge smile. "I'll need to be getting home sweetheart. I need to speak to my parents about earlier. I'm going to tell them about the unacceptable behavior of Margo and how it has to stop" he explained. "If he gets mad and chases you, just run. You know he's no match for you with his bad leg and all" I chuckle. Freddie's father had been sent home from the war after a catastrophic knee injury and had been a complete grouch to Freddie ever since. Freddie laughs heartily. Gosh I love his laugh, and such a dazzling smile. He kisses my forehead and is off.

Back inside Betsie gasps and shouts "Oh my goodness! It, it is stunning! And, your favorite color! Gosh!" I eye her carefully, then reply "You knew about it, didn't you?" Betsie giggles "Yea.. I was with him when he picked it out. It is very pretty though." I smile as I gaze at the cameo in the wall mirror. Just then Momma comes tearing through the dining room and into the living room reeking of alcohol. "Give it to me! Give me the ring!" she yells. She grabs the ring, snatching it off my finger forcefully. Betsie looks on in horror but Momma looks sharply at her "This is no concern of yours!" then turns to me "Nora, whatever you did to make your father give you this ring is disgraceful!" she shrieks. "But Momma, I didn't do anything" I explain. 

"Don't you 'but Momma' me! I have had it with your horrid behavior, sass-mouthing and improper attitude! Now the Buchanan's and I have come to an agreement, and thankfully a gentlemen of stature has agree to take you as his wife. You're not to see that pathetic Freddie Warner anymore, you are to be wed to Lon Buchanan come the end of the month. That's that, and there is nothing more to be said, everything has been arranged. She glances at the ring my ring in her hand and makes a tight fist around it. "As for this, I will be keeping it. What a terrible gift for a father to give his daughter. I never receive such gifts from him, how dare you take away the only person I have in this world. Everything was perfect until you came along you wretched girl. We were happy and in love, we traveled, we lived. But, when he saw you I knew he'd never be the same. I knew that his sweet little princess would be his top priority. 

It was clear Momma wasn't dealing with Papa's absence well at all. How could she blame me for such things! I always knew Momma didn't care for me but I never thought she could say such cruel things to her own daughter! I had always tried my best to win her affection but she remained distant, this was the last straw for me. I was completely flabbergasted! "Momma, you're drunk again! How could you say such things! I am your daughter, you're own flesh and blood! I have tried my hardest over the years to do everything you ask of me, with love and kindness. Why do you hate me so! Why! All I ever wanted was for you to love me!" I shout.

Momma brushes off a bit of dust on her sleeve and replies solemnly "I didn't mean it Nora, I am just lost without your father here. I'm sorry I lost my temper with you but concerning the ring and Lon Buchanan my feelings remain the same." I shake my head with tears streaming down my cheeks. "No Momma, no....you can't just take things like that back. I know that is how you really feel about me!" I reply hiccuping from the sobs. Betsie steps over and takes my hand and tells Momma, "Mrs. Bracford, I think Nora should stay at my house for a little while." Momma throws her hands up in the air, pours another martini, and exits the room in anger. Betsie wipes my tears and holds me close "There now Nora, everything is going to be all right. She's sick, don't you listen to her, do you hear? Let's pack up your things, you're coming to stay with me for awhile." I nod and we get to packing my belongings.

On our way out Betsie and I see Momma standing in the doorway of her bedroom, drink in hand, with a sour look upon her face. "Momma I'm sorry I just can't stay here right now, I'm going to stay at Betsie's. I don't know when I will be back, but I think some time apart might help us" I explain. "You'll just leave me here to rot then? And, how will this look to society? she asks sternly. "You did this Momma, you chose for it to be this way. I only offered love and friendship and you treated me like dirt. I'm 16 now and of legal age to live on my own, and marry who I so chose!" I retort. Momma takes a drink and swallows hard, glaring at me.  "Just so you know, that probably isn't helping matters" I mention as I glance at the drink in her hand. "Good-bye Mother, just know that I love you, and only tried to be the daughter you expected me to be" I tell her. With that Betsie and I grab my bags and start down the stairs, as Momma turns and slams her door. 

Chapter 7

Friday November 3rd, 1944
The morning of my party was very busy indeed. Betsie had stayed over and helped get some things ready. The florists were arriving early and Momma wanted the house cleaned from top to bottom. Betsie and I had stayed up late into the night giggling about all the festivities to come and we weren't ready to wake up when we heard the doorbell buzzing. "Are the florists here already?" I groaned as I smacked Betsie with a pillow. "This is your wake up call" I said. 

With a quiet knock on the door, Momma poked her head into my bedroom. "Alright you two, it's time to get up. There are things to be done! I've seen the florist in, and they are getting the preparations ready for this evening" she states as she sits a bucket of water and mop down and walks out of the room. Betsie rolls her eyes and whispers "What ever is the matter with her, it's your birthday!" I nod and look down at my hands. "Now you just stop it, you here? Don't let her take away from your happy day!" Betsie tells me. 

Momma suffered greatly from postpartum depression when I was born, and had convinced herself that Papa no longer cared about her as much as before, now that his little daughter was here. She had always resented me, but until Papa left it was never too bad, of course now that he's been gone every thing between us has just gone downhill. "You don't even deserve a party, but how would that look you know? I do my best to raise a presentable daughter. You're just bound and determined to ruin my good name with that Freddie Warner!" Momma had shouted at me in one of our arguments. Betsie hugs me tight and says "Don't you worry about a thing now. I'm gonna do most of that cleaning for you!" 

Finally the chores were done after almost all day of working at it. Sweet Betsie ended up doing most of it, she wouldn't let me do much of anything, kept telling me today is my day.  After we both got cleaned up we realized it was time to get ready for the party. "Gosh is it already 5pm!?" I exclaim, "We had better start getting dressed!" Betsie gets ready and helps me with my make up. "You're gonna knock the socks off Freddie with this outfit Nora!" she smiles. "I'm gonna get downstairs and make sure everything is ready and I'll come tell you when it's time to come down, ok?" she explains.

I could hear the chatter of party guests in the back yard and was tempted to peek out the window, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise. Betsie bursts into my room all smiles. "Wow! There are lots of people here, and Freddie has been dying to see you! Ready to go to your sweet sixteen?" she asks. Smiling big I reply "You betcha!", and we go downstairs. Betsie opens the back door and shouts "Alright now everyone, the lady of the hour, the birthday girl herself, Miss Nora Bracford!" I hear everyone cheering and clapping but the only thing I notice is Freddie standing at the bottom of the stairs, looking amazed. I grin and feel my cheeks go red. 

Freddie reaches his hand out and I place mine into his. "Well my word, aren't you the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on" he says in a soft voice. "Oh, Freddie..." I reply trailing off glancing shyly at my feet. He gently takes my chin in his fingers and tilts my head up to look at him. "Let's get you something to drink, there's some soda over by the food" he suggests. "That sounds good" I reply. 

Sipping my drink I turn to look at the party. Twinkling strands of lights surround the party area and tables of food and drink are over flowing with tasty treats. Flowers are placed here and there, and the band is playing a fast jive. The party is a huge turn out, and a lot of people I know have showed up. Alice Jenson, Mary Parker, Charles Abbington...and almost everyone from our class at school was here. A lot of the neighbors, and Momma's friends are here as well. The best part is, no Margo Pierce. 

I whisper to Freddie maybe she decided not to come after all." Freddie nods and replies "Let's hope so, meanwhile I think I hear the jitterbug!" I laugh and we trot to the middle of the floor to dance. 

I feel someone grab my arm and I stop dancing. Turning I see Betsie, who is looking very irritated indeed. "I'll give you one guess who is here..." she states and gives her head a nod toward the tables. Betsie leans over to me and says in a hushed voice "..and she's all done up like she's the Queen a' England."

Margo Evelyn Pierce was standing there in my back yard, at my sweet sixteen, slathered in jewels and a very risque outfit, with her group of socialites close behind. Everyone at the party seemed to notice her arrival and worked their way over to speak with her.

Mr. Linder approached us requesting to borrow Freddie for a few minutes. "Sorry Nora dear but I need some help with these lights that have fallen down. I'll have him back in a jiffy" he explained and the two took off. I started toward Margo, but Betsie stopped me. "Don't worry, I'll speak to her" Betsie huffed and walked over to where Margo was. 

I didn't get to see what happened because the moment I was alone a boy from school named Lon Buchanan took my hand and kissed it. "Thought I never get a moment to talk with you" he said. Oh brother, Lon Buchanan...while a very handsome boy he was seriously lacking in the intelligence department. Maybe he should pay more attention in school instead of sports! "Say, I think they're needing some glasses over at the tables. I could help you get some more" he offers. I agree and we go into the kitchen.

"I'm really happy to see everyone, it's been a great party" I say making chit chat as I sit some glasses out onto the counter. "Yea, you're not so bad yourself baby" Lon says as he grabs my arm and forces a kiss on me. I try pull away from him and turn my head away , but he puts his arms around me and continues to try and kiss me. "Aw, what's the matter doll don't you want a real man" he says slyly. "Didn't your mother tell you? Our parents have arranged for us to be together. You're mine!" he grins with a twisted smile still grabbing my arm. "Stop it, Lon! I'll never be your doll!" I shout as I get an arm free and slap him across the cheek. "You little brat! You'll pay for that!" he says angrily as he raises a hand to strike me. 

Freddie appears out of nowhere and seizes Lon by the forearm twisting it firmly. "You lay one hand on her and I'll see that your hands are permanently detached from your arms you greaseball. Now scram!" Freddie growls. Lon snatches his hand away from Freddie's grip. "Yea?" Lon taunts and takes a swing at Freddie. Just in time Freddie ducks then lands a punch right on Lon's nose. Lon grabs his bleeding nose and yells "You're gonna get it Warner!" as he storms out of the house to his car. "Are you ok darlin'?" Freddie asks soothingly, "Did he hurt you?" I shake my head no and reply "I'm alright." He gently wraps his arms around me and I lean against him and try not to cry.

After I calm down a bit we rejoin the party. I tell Freddie that I'm going to find Betsie and tell her what happened. "Alright, I have something I need to take care of anyhow" he replies and wanders off. "That dirty scoundrel!" Betsie gasps after I tell her what happened. "Do you think it's true what he said about our parents arranging us to be together?" I ask. "Gee I certainly hope not" Betsie says in an unsettled manner. "I'm still a little shaken up" I tell her. She gives me a concerned look and hugs me. "Maybe you oughta find Freddie. I want you to be able to have a good party still" she says calmly. I tell her that's a good idea and I'll be back when I find Freddie.

I ask around to see if anyone has seen Freddie. Tommy Wilson mentions that he saw him over by the side of the house. I thank him and take off that way. As I approach the corner of the house I hear Freddie's voice and...Margo Pierce's voice too!? "Freddie baby you know she's never gonna be anybody special. Why just look at me, I've made tons of money modeling. I could make you a respectable man, like your mother wants. No more supply store measly paychecks" she tells him seductively. I see Freddie try to back away from Margo, but has trapped himself between the house and Margo. She seizes the opportunity pressing against him and kissing him intensely. 

Freddie lightly pushes her away from him and sternly says, "Margo I've told you no a hundred times! Now leave it! I told your mother it's not going to happen, my heart belongs to Nora. Now I came over here to talk to you, to tell you that what ever this is you feel for me has got to stop. I'll not have it. I'm with Nora, understand?" Margo rolls her eyes "Fine, be that way! I can't believe you would rather have that bug-eyed betty than this town's top socialite! You're making a big mistake! No one rejects Margo E. Pierce!" she squawks. She shoves him with both hands and struts off.

I walk over to Freddie who is looking quite upset. "Sorry you had to see that. She's been pestering me for a bit now. I didn't think she'd try an' kiss me though, that was the last straw. My parents seem to think she's our ticket to more stable finances and have been pushing her to win my affections" he explains shaking his head in frustration. "I love you sunflower, I want you to know that. She can try all she likes but my heart belongs to you." he says affectionately. I know that darling and I love you as well. I just can't believe her!" I shout bursting into tears. "This is the worst birthday ever. Sweet Sixteen, what baloney!" 

Freddie gives a small chuckle and holds me close and jokes "Hell of a party, eh?" I begin to laugh at all the nonsense of the evening and am just glad I have Freddie and Betsie here. "Well, it's sure one we won't be forgetting!" I giggle. "What do ya say we get in there and try to have some fun? There's still plenty of party left. Besides you haven't even opened your birthday presents yet" he says. I smile and tell him "You always know how to lift my spirits." Freddie kisses me sweetly and we go back to my bash to try to enjoy the rest of the evening. 

Chapter 6

November 1, 1944

For the past four years I have been neglecting my journal because I've been putting it all in letters to Papa. Momma found out I haven't been keeping my journal up and scolded me. "You'll want to remember these things when you're older" she says. So, here I am starting up my journal again. I suppose the biggest news currently is that my 16th birthday is in a few days and I'm so very excited. Sweet sixteen. They say it's the best of birthdays. 

Bright morning sun shines happily into my room and I awake with a smile. "Betsie will be here soon" I think to myself. We were going into town to try on dresses for my sweet sixteen. I wanted to look my very best on such a special birthday. I wasn't sure if getting a new dress was alright by Momma, but she said that I needed to show everyone what a fine young lady I'd become. "Surely there'll be suitors" she expressed. Momma doesn't see Freddie as a fit beau even though we've been going steady now for almost 2 years. Maybe one day she'll see him for more than just a stock boy at the supply store. 

After dressing and pinning up my hair, I stroll downstairs and have some breakfast with Momma. "Now you'll pick out something presentable and modest, I'm sure. Why your party is the talk of the town, everyone talking about it!" she states. I reply, "Momma I don't even know that many people, I just want a nice party with my closest friends." Momma scoffs "Nonsense, you're a proper young lady now and we need to present you as such." She dabbed her mouth with the corner of her napkin and continued, "There's even talk of Miss Margo Pierce attending as well."

Waving her hand as if to shoo a fly she goes on, "Now, before you start in, let me just say that as a lady we have certain duties to get along respectfully with other ladies of this town. Miss Margo has become one of the top socialites in town and it would do you good to get in with that crowd." My jaw drops to the floor and I blink several times trying to gather my thoughts "M-Momma....how can you let her come?!" I question. "Now young lady I will not have you raise your voice to me. There's nothing to be discussed. You may pick out a suitable dress of your choice for your party, and you will be the well-mannered polite young woman you're expected to be." I gruffly answer with a "Yes Ma'am", and ask to be excused.

"How could she allow this", I think to myself as I take a seat on the living room sofa. Momma was always going back and forth with me about these types of things. It was almost as though she wanted to be close with me but whenever she felt she was getting too emotional she would put up a wall. "She just wants me to be one of those uppity snobs so I can marry well", I think. "I don't care if Freddie works at the supply store, he loves me and I love him!" I sigh heavily in aggravation and decide to read until Betsie arrives.

I hear the bell ring and close my book, jumping to my feet excitedly. "Betsie! Betsie, your here!" I shout gladly. Betsie giggles and says "Ta da! Sorry I'm a bit late...it was Grandfather again." she trails off. Poor Mrs. Linder had taken her leave about three months ago and dear Mr. Linder still had very blue days regarding it. Betsie always knew how to cheer him up though. "How is he now?" I ask. "Oh he's quite alright now" she replied and explained that the neighbor Mr. Whitman had come calling for a visit. "Mr. Whitman will keep him busy with chess games and talk of baseball all day" she laughed. "Well let's go then!" I smile. 

"I just can't wait to see what they have! At school the other day Mary Parker told me there's an especially beautiful dress at Ms. Lorraine's Boutique, and we can always check at Sears. They always have great stuff" Betsie says eagerly. "Oh wow, let's go to Ms. Lorraine's first then, ok?" I suggest. Betsie nods and Momma drops us off at the shop. "Now you two, I'll be back in 3 hrs to pick you up. Got some shopping of my own to do" Momma states. 

The bells hanging on the door to Ms. Lorraine's shop, chime as we enter. "Oh, good morning girls! What's all the buzz about?" Ms. Lorraine greets. "Well, wouldn't you know it Miss Nora here's gonna be 16 come this Friday! We're having a party and we've just got to find us something spiffy to wear. After all a girl only turns 16 once you know" Betsie explains. I smile brightly and Ms Lorraine replies "Oh my! Well of course! I've just the thing, just a moment." She scurries off to the back as Betsie and I begin to browse the shop.

"Ok ladies I've hung up some lovely party dresses for you in the fitting rooms. Help yourself and let me know if you need anything" Ms. Lorraine smiles. Back in the fitting rooms Betsie and I begin to try on dresses. "Tell me when you're ready she calls from behind the curtain. "Ok, I'm ready" I reply back to her. We both open the curtains to reveal our outfits and Betsie bursts out laughing at herself "I don't think this is the one." The dress she had on was really not her style and didn't suit her at all. "Nor mine!" I laugh along, as my outfit too, looked like something an old fuddy-duddy would wear. "Let's try another" she suggests.

"What do ya think?" Betsie asks peeking her head out of the curtain and stepping out into the hall. "Oh Betsie, that's beautiful!" I exclaim. She smiles big and says "Aces! I think I'll get it. Now what to do about you. It's got to be the best dress, this is your night we're talking about." I nod and sigh. "Now, don't flip your wig" she continues, "We'll find you something!" I put my hands on my hips and reply "Easy for you to say! With your figure everything fits. I just..don't have the means to fill the dress out" I groan. Betsie laughs and tells me I'm being silly. "How's about this one?" she holds up a pink colored dress, and I slip into it.

Tilting her head side to side Betsie wonders aloud "I just...don't know." The dress I had on wasn't too bad but it really didn't say birthday girl. "It's a maybe, yea?" I ask. She nods, a little disappointed. "Nora!" Ms. Lorraine calls as she pops around the corner. "Do I have a surprise for you! Mr. Hatsfield just delivered a new shipment in and looky what I found. What do you think?" she says franctically. "Oh my word..." Betsie says breathlessly. My eyes light up as I grab the dress and try it on. Opening the curtain of the fitting room I hear the gasps of Betsie and Ms. Lorraine. "It's swell!" I beam. Ms. Lorraine boxes up our dresses and we pay. "You girls have fun now! Oh, and Happy Birthday to ya Nora dear!" she says. We both grin and thank her before going outside to wait for Momma.

Outside we discuss the party and how Margo Pierce is probably going to show up. "I just can't believe it! She doesn't even like us, why would she want to come?" Betsie asks. "I know, I feel the same way, but Momma said it's just part of being lady-like to others in the community" I reply grimly. Just then a horn honks and Momma pulls up. "You're late" she huffs, "I was waiting at Neilson's Supply for almost 20 minutes." I give Betsie a look of confusion and she shrugs. I don't remember Momma saying for us to meet her there. That's been the trouble with Momma since Papa left, she's a mess and has become bitter over the years. We apologize anyway and climb into the car.