Fire from the Rock by Sharon Draper Page B

still covering the deeper cuts on his arms. “So how was school today?”
    Sylvia took a deep breath. “Same as usual. Except Reggie sat with me at lunch. He asked about you—said he’d back you up next time. That makes me real nervous, Gary.”
    â€œHe understands the real deal,” Gary said, nodding with approval. He gazed out of the darkened window.
    â€œReggie also asked me to go to a basketball game, and—”
    â€œHa! I told you he was sweet on you! Watch yourself. I know how bad boys can be when they like a girl,” Gary warned.
    â€œUh, thanks, but Reggie’s not like that. Besides, I don’t think I have to worry as long as we’re just sharing hot dogs at a game. There was one more thing, though.” She hesitated. How am I gonna tell him?
    â€œWhat? Miss Washington decided you should be on the debate team? You can’t say no to that woman, you know.”
    â€œI know. But it wasn’t the debate team.” Sylvia paused, knew she was about to hurt him deeply, then she said slowly, “She wants me to be on the list of kids who might integrate Central High School.” Sylvia felt miserable.
    â€œThat’s great news!” Gary said as he got up to give Sylvia a hug. “We can go together, and I’ll be there to protect you!”
    It was even harder than she thought it would be. “Uh, I don’t think they included your name, Gary. They’re afraid you might be too outspoken or violent”
    â€œViolent? Me?” Gary was predictably enraged. “Only if somebody starts it first. I don’t let anybody push me around!”
    â€œI think they know that,” Sylvia said quietly. “I’m sorry, Gary. I didn’t want this.”
    â€œIt’s not fair,” Gary growled. “I really did.”
    She left his room, knowing he was the brave one, the bold one.
    It was all she could think about as she helped her mother prepare the evening meal, and, although she opened her mouth to bring up the subject a couple of times, she simply didn’t have the nerve to do it at dinner. Donna Jean chattered about the latest Archie comic book, unaware of the tension. Gary ate in silence.
    After dinner Miss Washington didn’t call—she showed up at their house. Sylvia was sitting on the sofa with Donna Jean, watching The Dinah Shore Show on TV. Gary was sitting in his father’s favorite chair, still being spoiled by their mother. He refused to make eye contact with Sylvia.
    The doorbell rang, and, since everyone in the family had been a bit jumpy lately, they turned off the television and waited for Mr. Patterson to answer it. Miss Ethel Washington filled the room with her authority. Sylvia jumped off the sofa, offered her seat to the teacher, and moved to a hassock where she waited for the firestorm that was sure to come.
    â€œSo glad to see you, Miss Ethel,” Sylvia’s mother said as she took Miss Washington’s coat and hat. “How’s your mother doing these days?”
    â€œOh, she’s doing fair for an old lady—she keeps me hopping, that’s for sure.” Miss Washington chuckled. As she shifted her ample weight on the sofa, the plastic creaked.
    â€œWould you like a slice of apple pie and a little tea?” Mrs. Patterson asked, heading to the kitchen even before Miss Washington had a chance to answer.
    â€œYou know you make the best pie in the county, Leola. I’d be much obliged.”
    Mr. Patterson asked his wife for a slice of pie for himself, and spoke to Miss Washington warmly. “So glad to see you, Sister Ethel. So what brings you out on such a cold evening?” he asked as he took a bite of pie.
    â€œWell, I wanted to check on young Gary here, and to tell the truth, I just had a craving for Leola’s apple pie, so I figured I would just drop by,” Miss Washington replied. Why is it that grown-ups take a million years to get to their point,