I had my first Thanksgiving. I had my first Christmas. They were moments that were different than anything I’d ever felt.
I even started putting up posters on my wall. I had some clothes on each shelf in my closet and books were lined up on my desk.
I turned fifteen that June. Time passed. Seasons passed.
I turned sixteen the following June.
Hugs from Miss Dixie came easily. I even wanted them.
Prince became my friend. He was taking classes at the community college, but still came home every night. He taught me how to use the computer, and we played video games together.
Rico went back to his parents, and we missed his stomping through the house.
Little Mae made me laugh more than once a day. I’d watch her play Barbies, and she’d make up the wildest stories.
Annabelle was growing up. I held her hand a little longer every night at the dinner table, and my insides hurt when she’d walk through the house in her underpants and a T-shirt. Miss Dixie would fuss at her. Then Annabelle would always give me a smile as she’d head up the stairs to put on more clothes.
But I never acted on her smile. I couldn’t. We lived in the same house. This was her home. It was my home too.