Page 20 of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Book
Darlene lay there, prepared to test Beverly’s resolve. But Beverly’s resolve appeared to be superhuman. She launched into a routine of show tunes, country songs, and stupid jokes that lasted until Darlene appeared at the front door ten minutes later.
“I was in the shower,” Darlene said by way of explanation.
Beverly gave her a once-over. Darlene was still in the clothes she’d worn to tryouts. “We announced the new varsity squad. Why weren’t you there?”
“Didn’t think I stood much of a chance. We both know how things work around here. There are people who matter in Troy, and I’m not one of them.”
Beverly didn’t even try to deny it. “What if I told you I was planning to change things?”
Darlene snorted. “Then I’d wish you the best of luck.”
“You don’t think I can do it?” Beverly appeared more than willing to accept any challenge. Darlene had known who she was since grade school, but her assumptions about the girl were, one by one, proving to be incorrect.
“I suppose if anyone can, it’s you,” Darlene told her. “Where are you planning to start?”
“I’m going to start by giving the last spot on the squad to the person who deserves it the most.” Beverly seemed to wait for an answer that wasn’t coming. “In case you’re wondering, that would be you.”
The panic surged, leaving Darlene lightheaded and sweating. “Thanks,” she managed. “But I don’t have time for cheerleading this year.”
“I know you were raped at the lake this summer,” Beverly blurted out. “I heard yesterday from a girl at church. I looked all over for you today.”
Darlene wasn’t sure what to say. The bluntness of the wordrapehad caught her off guard. There was an honesty to it. It seemed like people in Troy were always trying to pretty things up. People weren’t mentally ill, they weretouched. They didn’t die, theywent to a better place.They stepped politely around uncomfortable subjects—and the people who inspired them. “I was drinking that night.”
“What difference does that make?” Beverly demanded.
“It makes a lot of difference to a lot of people,” Darlene told her.
Beverly shook her head emphatically. “Not to me,” she said. “Not to God.”
“Well then, it’s too bad neither of you is my mama.”
Darlene hadn’t cried since the night she’d come home from the party. She hadn’t even considered it. But Beverly threw her arms around her and squeezed Darlene until the tears came out, bringing something that almost felt like relief.
“If you want to go to the police, I’ll go with you,” Beverly said when she finally pulled back. Her eyes were wet with tears, too. “I know there’s at least one witness. There could be more. You’d have a strong case.”
“Do you even know who I am?” Darlene gestured to the run-down trailer behind her. “Do you see where I live? Do you know who my motheris? Or how many times she’s been arrested? Do you think for one second they’ll ever believe me?”
Beverly hung her head. “No,” she said. “I suppose not.”
“When bad things happen to girls like me, we’re expected to tuck our tail between our legs and slink away.”
Beverly looked up. “Then don’t.”
“Don’t?”
“Don’t slink away and give them the satisfaction. Be there in front of them. Make them look at you. If not every day, then at least every Friday night.”
The horror of the thought left Darlene weak in the knees.
“Don’t let this fucking town win,” Beverly said, and Darlene marveled at how dainty she made the wordfuckingsound. “Do not let it stop you from being the person you’re meant to be.”
“What if the boys tell everyone? What if they do it again? What if all the parents find out?”
“It will be okay because you aren’t alone anymore. You have nine sisters now, and whatever happens, we will be right there by your side.”
No one else had ever gone out of their way for Darlene. She didn’t know how much to believe. “Really?”
“Really,” Beverly said, as though there were no other answer. She hugged Darlene again. “But I do need to ask you for one teensy little favor.”
