Page 32 of August Lane
I know, right? Should have been paying closer attention.
Emma:
What was it like, being pregnant at fifteen?
Jojo:
Everybody knew, but they would pretend not to see it. I was this little slip of nothing waddling around with a big belly and they’d only meet my eyes. “Look at those eyes!” they’d say, ’cause light eyes on a Black girl gets everyone excited. For months, I was just a pair of pretty eyes to them because they didn’t want to deal with it. This was mainly church folks. They like to pray with their eyes closed.
Emma:
Do you still go to church?
Jojo:
Not anymore. But I believe in God. You have to. This business is hell.
Emma:
[laughs] That is true.
Jojo:
Amen.
Emma:
Your daughter’s name is August, right?
