Out From This Place by Joyce Hansen

direction.
    Easter understood that. “No, Mistress.” She wondered why the woman was asking her these questions.
    The woman turned to Mr. Reynolds. “These two should come with me. I like to keep sisters and brothers together when possible.”
    Easter’s heart raced. What was this woman talking about? “Suh, I want to know how to—”
    The woman interrupted her again. “How would you like to come north with me and attend our school for colored orphans?”
    Easter frowned as she tried to understand the woman’s speech.
    â€œOh no, Mistress.” She pulled Jason closer to her.
    â€œYou can’t stay here if you have no family to care for you,” Mr. Reynolds said.
    â€œI don’t want to stay here, suh.”
    She realized that they did not understand her. The man waved his hand at them. “Take these two.”
    Worry lines appeared on Easter’s forehead, and her full lips trembled. “No. Don’t take us nowhere, Mistress. Thought we was free now.”
    Mr. Reynolds ran his fingers through his hair. “You’ll go wherever we send you. We can’t have children running wild. You have to go with this lady from the missionary society.”
    â€œI not a child,” Easter protested. She felt the presence of someone behind her. She turned around and stared up at Rayford’s face.
    â€œSir, this is my niece and nephew. I’ll take care of them,” Rayford said.
    The woman addressed him. “You seem intelligent. Don’t you think it’s a wonderful chance for them to learn how to read and write?”
    â€œThey don’t want to go north. I’ll take care of them and teach them how to read and write.”
    The woman looked shocked. “You’re literate?”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” he said.
    She stared at Easter. “Do you want to stay here with your uncle?”
    â€œYes, Mistress. We love him very much,” Easter added for good measure. Jason started to say something, but she clamped her hand over his mouth. She knew that sheshould thank Rayford, but she couldn’t look at him as they walked toward the huts.
    â€œNow you heard the man, Easter. He gave me responsibility for you and Jason, and I say that you and he are going to the field like the rest of us.” He stared at Jason. “I have to get you some work clothes.”
    â€œI could tote water in these clothes,” Jason said, pulling at the ruffles that were hanging off his shirt.
    â€œYou’re too old for toting water. You’re helping Easter and Rose hoe the field.”
    Jason’s bottom lip slid out in a pout. “Missy say I special an’ shouldn’t work in no field.”
    â€œMissy? I don’t see any Missy around here,” Rayford teased. Easter stared at the field, eyes blurred with tears. “No use crying, Easter. This is the way things are,” he said with finality.
    â€œYou tell the lady you teachin’ me how to read and write. You mean that?” she asked, wiping her eyes.
    â€œI’ll teach you—after you finish your task in the field.”
    â€œI learn how to write, then I write myself a pass to leave here.”
    Rayford threw his head back and laughed. “That’s slavery time. You’re free now. Who’re you going to show a pass to? The soldiers? They’re going to stop firing at each other and let you pass with your pass? Mr. Reynolds ain’t paying passes no mind. He’ll send you with some other group of motherless children. Put leaving here out of your mind. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Chapter
Five
    The dream of my life is not yet realized. I do not sit with my children in a home of my own.
    Harriet Jacobs
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
    â€œEaster, let’s go back to Missy,” Jason whined as they neared Rayford’s cabin.
    She snatched what was left of his ruffles, turned him around and spanked him.