Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
PART I
SPEAKING IN TONGUES
10
“MARINA,” FATHER ASKED her Sunday morning at breakfast, “is your beau going to be at church this morning?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t say anything about it yesterday.”
“How was the ballgame?” His question surprised her. He was never interested in what she was doing, unless it involved her school marks. “You weren’t out very long, certainly not enough for a ballgame, much less a picnic.”
“I don’t really know,” Marina admitted low. “I don’t understand the game. And he brought his friend Gene, who doesn’t seem to like anything.” In fact, he seemed downright mad. It had made Dot so uncomfortable, Marina had asked Trey to take her and Dot home, claiming chores she had to do that she’d forgotten about.
“He must be bringing his friend for Dorothy,” Father said approvingly.
“He doesn’t like her.”
“It’s difficult for a man to respect a wild girl like her,” he replied gently. “Perhaps you can suggest she behave more circumspectly.”
Marina almost blurted that when Gene was around, Dot was so circumspect she turned into a shadow of herself. She didn’t flirt, didn’t look him in the eye, barely spoke to him. Gene said little more than Dot did, but—
“He acts as if he’s being paid to round us out.”
“If Trey has to pay someone to put up with Dorothy,” he said, “then he must be serious about courting you. I for one am pleased. And you, Mother?”
“I have my reservations,” Mother said shortly.
As much as Marina was envious of Dot’s ease with boys, she didn’t like this Dot at all. No life, no smiles, no … confidence. Gene sucked out everything that made Dot the girl Marina loved. She was going to have to discuss this with Trey and she didn’t want to. She dreaded it, the way she dreaded any confrontation at all.
But this was a man who was courting her. Would he stop wanting to keep company with her if she confronted him? He was her beau and she wanted to keep him that way.
It had been difficult to remember that at school Thursday and Friday because boys still flocked to Dot while looking right through Marina. Marina didn’t have a boy hanging around her at school being conspicuous about wanting her attention.
I have a beau! she wanted to scream. He’s a man not a boy and he’s MINE!
But neither she nor Dot had said anything about Trey, not to each other, not to anybody else. For one, people would think she was making up wild tales. For two, Trey was a sore point between them and Gene was going to be a bigger one.
After breakfast, Marina put her apron on over her church outfit and did the dishes, her mind in a whirl. She didn’t want to lose Trey, but what if he didn’t like her challenging him about Gene’s presence? On the other hand, she couldn’t ask Dot to tag along on their dates without a fourth because Dot didn’t like any boy enough to do the asking. She wouldn’t put up with his sense of conquest.
If Marina had to choose between Trey and Dot, she’d choose Dot.
Which made Marina very, very sad. Trey was her first beau and though Dot hadn’t ever had a beau, either, it was only because she didn’t want one.
Marina didn’t think Trey would be at church because he’d made it clear he was uncomfortable with her services and didn’t think he needed a preacher at all, except to talk theology with. Marina couldn’t remember the last time a man had come to the parsonage to discuss questions of theology with Father. There were a few women in their congregation who did but that was because, Father said, though their husbands were men of God, they could not satisfy them. The husbands were not to be blamed or judged, as every man had his strengths and weaknesses. A woman ought not be deprived of knowledge just because her husband couldn’t give it to her.
Marina could only hope that someday, Trey would want to discuss theology with Father.
Father left the parsonage about twenty minutes before Marina and Mother did.
“Are the dishes finished, Marina?”
“No, Mother,” she said as she took her apron off and folded it over the chair. “I’ll finish after church.”
“You’ll stay until you finish them,” she retorted.
Marina’s mouth dropped open. “But … ”
“Don’t argue with me. Finish them and don’t be late.”
“Um … all right,” she said weakly at Mother’s back, wondering why Mother had taken that harsh tone with her. And why she’d suddenly wanted the kitchen cleaned completely before church when that was not Marina’s routine. Mother never interfered with Marina’s cleaning routine. But now she had and Marina only had about ten minutes to finish and get to services.
She was surprised when she got to her spot on the pew to see Trey sitting with a Marina-sized space between him and Mother. His legs were crossed and he was fiddling with his fedora, looking around—
“Marina!” he said with a smile and hopped up to offer his hand.
She put hers in his, but was still so confused by Mother’s behavior that her attention was divided. She resisted when Trey tugged on her hand to look down at Mother, who sat stiffly, one leg crossed over the other, staring straight ahead.
“Mother … ”
“Did you finish the kitchen?” she asked tersely.
“Yes.”
Her mouth tightened, but she didn’t respond. Only then did Marina give her attention to Trey, who didn’t seem to have missed that. Oddly enough, he directed Marina to the spot he’d been occupying and sat between her and Mother.
“Mr. Dunham,” Mother snapped. “That is Marina’s seat. If you would be so kind … ?”
“Certainly,” he replied with alacrity, and stood, allowing Marina to slide left.
Marina and Trey had barely situated themselves before the choir and band began the service, but any delight Marina would have felt at Trey’s presence was completely snuffed out by Mother’s completely uncharacteristic behavior.
“Mother,” she whispered, “what have I done?”
“Shush, girl,” she hissed. “Don’t disrespect your father.”
Marina bit her lip and slid down an inch in the pew, folded her hands in her lap, and looked down at them until it was time to rise and praise Jesus.
The service passed in a blur, Marina unable to even enjoy Trey’s beautiful singing voice. First Dot, then Gene, now Mother, getting in the way of her enjoyment of Trey’s company. Perhaps that was why she had to remind herself she had a beau.
Sunday school was just as bad. Marina didn’t dare speak to Trey even though she needed to reassure Trey when he seemed uncomfortable. It had been the same with Dot, getting her used to the Praise the Lord!s and Hallelujah!s and Amen!s, speaking in tongues, demonstrations of the Holy Spirit working in people, and healings. Marina was quite sure Mormon and Methodist services would make her uncomfortable. If only she were allowed to visit and see for herself …
After services, when everyone gathered in Fellowship Hall for cookies and punch, Trey murmured to her, “Why are you unhappy?”
For some reason Marina didn’t know, she told him what had happened this morning and why it was distressing. Then, because he seemed to be sympathetic, she dove into the topic she dreaded.
“Dot is uncomfortable with Gene.”
“I noticed,” he said grimly. “That’s really why you wanted to go home after the third inning, isn’t it?”
Marina flushed a little but nodded. “Well I … I don’t understand baseball, to be honest. There seem to be so many little bitty things about it that I miss and— Well, anyway, I’m worried that she’s not herself around him. She’s usually so peppy.”
“If Dot doesn’t come along, you won’t go on outings with me? Or did I misunderstand?”
“Mayn’t,” she corrected. “Our parents don’t allow us to step out with boys alone. It’s just … I’m the one who usually has the pity date, which is why I don’t understand … ” She trailed off. “She wants me to have my own date who is not interested in her so we can walk out and she won’t have to worry that I’m not having fun. She may not like you, and I really don’t understand why, but she’s willing to come along so I won’t be unhappy.”
He looked surprised.
“But I don’t want to have to worry about her fun, either. So … ” Here came the bad part. “Are you … paying Gene to walk out with her?”
He looked appalled. “He’s a very proper gentleman.”
“That is not the way boys act around Dot, proper or not.”
“He’s not a boy, Marina. He’s a man. Men have different things expected of them. Nobody looks twice at a clumsy boy trying to impress a girl. But when a man, especially one with a respectable, well-paying job, asks a girl to step out, it means something. Now, it is true that I asked Gene if he would be willing to square our party the same way Dot asks her dates for you, but he doesn’t want to give Dot the wrong impression, so he goes too far the other way.”
Marina sighed, understanding completely. “My father says a real man wouldn’t put up with Dot and that he would have to be paid.”
“Even if I were paying him, would it make any difference?”
“Yes,” she said, feeling impatient but hoping she didn’t show it. “Dot is not one to take a boy—man—seriously because she is not serious. She wants to go to college and be independent. A modern woman. So even if he were serious, he’s not going to get anywhere. If you were paying him, he would need to act like he’s happy to be there and entertain Dot. That would be the job he was being paid to do, wouldn’t it?”
Trey pursed his lips. “That is a good point.”
“Maybe you should pay him so he’ll do the job right.”
“Even better point. I like the way you think,” he repeated solemnly.
She smiled a little and ducked her head. She wanted to brush that aside the way she brushed aside why he was interested in her, but the uncommon phrasing made her believe he meant that.
“Now, as for your mother, I expect she’s uncomfortable with her daughter growing up and doesn’t know what to do or how to act. I think you should just be patient with her.”
Marina nodded solemnly. “Yes. Yes, I suppose so.”
“I’ve noticed quite a few people looking at us over here in the corner talking between us. Perhaps it’s time you introduced me?”
Yes. Yes! This handsome, Godfearing man had now come to church with Marina twice and had stayed after for socializing, and everyone wanted to know who he was. Either she had a beau or, more likely, he was a family friend and being polite.
Suddenly, Dot, Mother, and Gene didn’t seem important all.
Homely, meek, and not-very-bright Marina Scarritt had a beau and everyone would know!
10
If you don’t want to wait 2 years to get to the end, you can buy it here.
though Dot hadn’t ever had a beau, either, it was only because she didn’t want one.
She wanted Marina?
That would be an interesting turn.
And we’ll all have to wait and find out.
Trey’s staff does speculate on this.
Reverend Scarritt is such a good man to help those women better understand theology.
Downright longsuffering.
Is the top pic “Marina”?
Yes. After she gets all gussied up and has a reason to smile more.
Very cute. I wondered if we didn’t have a little ugly duckling twist coming up.
Very cute.
Seconded.
I’d go for her.
There were a few women in their congregation who did but that was because, Father said, though their husbands were men of God, they could not satisfy them. The husbands were not to be blamed or judged, as every man had his strengths and weaknesses. A woman ought not be deprived of knowledge just because her husband couldn’t give it to her.
Marina’s dad has side pieces.
😁
And now Marina’s Mom is suffering the same fate. Mom needs some counseling, one on one.
Thanks, Mojeaux. I’m enjoying Trey’s faux attempts at respectability even though his goals are not , at least not at this time.
Thanks, Fourscore! I’m glad you’re liking it.
The photos are such a nice touch.
Well, I have the pictures in my head. I figured you ought to, too. 😉
I have voices but only I can hear them…
I write mine down for people to read.
+1. May as well take advantage of the web format.
Jay Leno on Adam Carolla.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BF8pIMvA8o
Damn the dude is hard. Drove himself home from the hospital, spent a night at home after setting his face on fire, and then drove back to the hospital and checked in the next day. Looks great now.
So…this morning I was drugged and sexually assaulted.
The good news is only one tiny polyp and no more butt stuff for ten years.
Oy. I’m glad it wasn’t worse.
Lucky. I had precancerous polyps, so I have to go back in 3 years.
Hope everything goes better next time.
Was it the Bro?
Thanks for reminding me I’ve got that coming up.
The good news is good.
Good news > bad news.
With my Third Eye I spy seconders. Seconders everywhere.
This game isn’t much fun. You all know who I am talking about. You just have to look in the mirror.
Hey MikeS, Eddie Trunk’s show tonight is all Iron Maiden. Next week is all AC/DC.
Cool! Is that his daily SXM show? He has a few different ones.
It’s his syndicated radio show. You can listen to it online.
Grumble.
The tossing and turning one stupid dream that won’t end portion of the night arrived much earlier than usual. I was so wore out from attending a coworker holiday function that I turned in early but not that early.
Morning, Glibs.
I hate being on other peoples’ schedules.
Good morning, U! (And maybe Scruffy?) Good luck today!🤞🍀
Thanks. The test is at 9. The admission notice says it could be at one of four buildings, and that the room number will say what building it is. Guess what the room number doesn’t say?
Ugh. How far apart are the buildings?
Not sure, I’ve never been to this site before.
This is apparently the first part of the test.😕
And the State failed. Time to clean house and start fresh.
And the State failed
So it is a day that ends in “Y”?
Best wishes on the test.
And a good morning to everyone! I’m out for the gym.
You people disappoint me.
Obligatory: https://youtu.be/d7Aot4Wr-Yo
Well, my sister’s impending retirement has been celebrated, and I think I’ve at least talked her down from going apeshit over gift giving for Christmas this year, pointing out how much retirement accounts have taken a hit lately. (Our other sister is the only one who perpetually needs stuff.)
I guess that’s good.
I think I’d be hard pressed to talk her entirely out of exchanging gifts. She probably should have had a child – she seems to have developed a compulsion to be a caretaker, something I never saw in her when we were much younger. Luckily, Other Sister seems to need a fair amount of caretaking (which I also wouldn’t have foreseen.)
I slept in a little bit today. I set my alarm for 6 to get up and go to the gym. I hit the snooze button when I woke up at 6. The next time I woke up it was 7.
Even though it is really cold out (20-something Fahrenheit) and the Mustang has summer performance tires, I’m going to take the Mustang out for my drive to and from the gym. The roads are clear and dry.
The forecast calls for snow on Sunday with little to no accumulation. I don’t like snow.
Do I recall correctly you had a job interview within the last day or two? If so, I hope it went well!
“I set my alarm for 6 to get up and go to the gym. I hit the snooze button when I woke up at 6.”
I’ve never understood this. When I set the alarm, it’s so I get up no later than the time I set. If you’re not going to get up then, why bother at all with an alarm?
You hit the snooze button because it seems like a good idea at the time.
I have never (intentionally) hit the snooze button.
I do regularly set the alarm to a new time.
to torture yourself?
Mornin folks.
Good morning, Sean! (And RCD!) What cut of cow flesh are you going to commit to flames today?
I’ve got two big strips and a honking big 2 lb flat iron for the weekend. The flat iron was locally raised.
☕😉
The idiots around here cut the flatirons wrong. Instead of removing the layer of connective tissue between the two sheets of usable meat, they cut across both the meat and the connective tissue. It’s the dumbest thing they could do to it. You either have magically shrinking steaks with a seam of connective tissue down the middle, or little strips of stir-fry meat when you trim the rounds down.
😱
https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/husband-of-missing-bucks-county-mom-leads-police-to-human-remains/3447205/
Of course it was the husband.
Local news.
I read that as “Husband of Missing Bucks, County Mom Leads Police to Human Remains”
Meanwhile, in Chicago…
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/holiday-holdup-crews-hitting-chicagoans-in-waves-of-armed-robberies/