THE HOMEPLACE

by Gilbert, Morris

  “Yes, sir, it sure is.”

  Langley looked down at Lanie. “I hear you’re quite a scholar, young lady.”

  “She sure is, Dad.” Roger Langley said. He grinned. “She’s the smartest kid in school.”

  “Now, Roger,” Mr. Langley said, “I’d never forgive you if you let a freshman beat you, but I hope you win the freshman award, young lady.”

  They all walked in, and Roger rushed off to put on his robe. The Freemans took their seats, and Lanie had a hard time sitting still. Some of her classmates came over to whisper that she was sure to win, but their confidence did not calm her.

  Finally the graduating seniors marched in wearing bright red gowns and mortarboards. The ceremony commenced with songs and speeches that seemed to go on forever before the principal, Silas Pringle, said, “We are now going to have the awards for the various classes. The winner of each class will receive a monetary award and a cup. The first award is for the freshman class.” He looked down at the paper in his hand and then smiled and hesitated for a moment.

  Lanie was clenching her hands tightly together.

  Mr. Pringle looked out at the audience. “And the winner is—Lanie Belle Freeman!”

  Applause broke out, and Lanie could hardly breathe for a moment. She felt her dad’s hand on her back patting her and he said, “Get up, honey. Go get that award.”

  Lanie got out of the seat and walked down the center aisle. The walk seemed like a hundred miles, and when she took the small cup and the check from Mr. Pringle, he said, “Say a few words, Lanie.”

  Lanie turned around and almost had difficulty speaking. “I want to thank my parents, who helped me, and my teachers, who helped me too. Thank you very much.”

  She went back and took her seat. Cody grabbed at the cup, and she let him have it. He read the inscription: “‘Prize Scholar, Freshman Class.’” Davis and Maeva pulled at the cup then, and Lanie felt her father’s hand on her neck, squeezing it gently, and heard him say, “I’m so proud of you I could bust, and your mama will be too!”

  The awards for the other classes—sophomore, junior, and senior—were given out. Roger Langley was the senior class winner.

  Then it was time for the big moment. “And now, the grand award for the best scholar at William McKinley High School for the year 1928. This award is based on two things. One is grade-point average, and the other is character. The faculty of William McKinley High School recognizes that both of these are important.” He took the envelope from the school coach, opened it, and said, “No one except the faculty knows who the winner is, not even I.” He pulled out a slip of paper. For a moment he seemed stunned, and then he looked out over the audience. “And the winner is Lanie Belle Freeman of the freshman class!”

  There were two kinds of cries then, cries of disappointment from the losers and cries of excitement from the freshman class, and it was Maeva who yelled, “That’s the way to go, Lanie!” her voice rising above the applause.

  Once again Lanie’s legs barely carried her up to the stage to receive the reward. She shook Mr. Pringle’s hand, took the big cup in her left hand and held the check in her right. She knew she was expected to make some sort of speech. “I’ve already said how much I owe to my family and to my teachers. I don’t think I can say anything more than that, but I want to thank especially Miss Dunsmore, who encouraged me every day of the school year. The other teachers, too, have been so good to me.” Tears came to her eyes and she choked up. “Thank you.” She looked out at the audience and her eyes fell on Mr. Langley, who was pale and obviously angry. For some reason this frightened her. She had to walk past the seniors who were lined up on the stage, and suddenly someone was standing in front of her. Roger Langley was smiling at her and he put out his hand. “Congratulations, Lanie. You deserve it.”

  A round of applause went up as Roger made his gracious acknowledgment, and Lanie whispered, “Thank you, Roger,” and went back to her seat.

  The rest of the evening passed in a blur. The seniors received their diplomas, and Lanie remained stunned by her achievement. As the family filed out, they saw Mr. Langley, his face drawn tight into a scowl, talking to Roger. Maeva whispered, “Look, Old Man Langley doesn’t like it that you beat his boy. He looks mad as a hornet.”

  “I wish he wouldn’t be that way,” Lanie said. She walked out with her family and tried to put Mr. Langley out of her mind. She focused instead on Roger, who brought her a warm feeling. It must have hurt him to lose to a girl, and a freshman at that, but he had been so sweet.

  C H A P T E R 6

  Ten more minutes until closing, Effie Johnson thought as she looked out the window of her office. She thought about how she and her sister would spend the next day at the county fair and sighed. Effie didn’t particularly enjoy going to the fair, but Cora loved their Independence Day tradition. Effie had to admit that she took secret joy in the fact that Cora always took awards in the baked and canned goods competitions she entered. She has more ribbons than we do customers!

  Once again Effie sighed. I hope we still own the bank next year. Effie was fifty-five years old and had never married. Over the years she had plenty of suitors, but none that could reach the standard her father had encouraged her to set for herself. “Better to not be married than to be in a bad marriage,” he always told Effie. Unfortunately, he died young. With a heart already weakened by rheumatic fever, his wife’s death in childbirth was too much for his frail body.

  Effie moved to the window and caught a reflection of herself. She took no pride in her appearance, and as she stood there, bitter memories overcame her. She remembered the one man she had loved—Harold Simms. She was delirious with joy until she learned from a distant relative how Harold bragged that he was only after her money. When she confronted him, he shouted, “You think any man would marry you except for money?” He struck her in the face. A few days later he left town. Effie’s face healed, but her spirit was broken and she swore off men.

  Effie caught sight of Forrest hurrying across the street toward the bank. She liked his family. She stepped back from the window, checked her hair and dress in a mirror, and sat down at her desk, as if she were terribly busy.

  “Howdy, Miss Johnson!” Forrest said as he entered the office.

  Effie stood and nodded a greeting as he walked over to her desk.

  “Have a seat, Brother Freeman. Can I get you a glass of sweet tea?”

  “Miss Johnson, I’d like a glass, but I promised Elizabeth and the kids I’d be home right soon.”

  Effie smiled, “I understand.” She sat down in her chair and motioned to Forrest to sit down. “When’s that baby due?”

  “’Bout another month. Elizabeth’s had a mighty hard time. Between the swelling and the headaches and . . .”

  “And what?”

  “And the bleeding.”

  “Oh my.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Sometimes it’s right heavy. But the doc says there’s nothing to do but pray about it and keep her at bed rest as much as possible.”

  “Well, Brother Freeman, rest assured that you and your family have been and will be in our prayers.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Elizabeth and me both need your prayers. I’ve been working mighty hard to get some money put aside, but it’s not easy with Langley.”

  “What’s the matter with Mr. Langley?” Effie considered it her business to know of matters involving the bank’s board chairman.

  Forrest seemed to weigh his response. “Well . . . I don’t really know where to begin, but to be frank, Langley is making my life miserable.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Well, I just wanted to bring by this month’s payment.” Forrest pulled a wad of bills from his pocket.

  Effie counted the money and wrote a receipt for Forrest. “Brother Freeman, I must be careful what I say.” Effie lowered her voice so For-rest had to lean in to hear her. “Let me warn you. Don’t fail in your payments. Don’t even miss one! Mr. Langle
y is a proud and arrogant man, and he cannot bear to be crossed. Even though he attends the Presbyterian Church, it doesn’t seem to make any difference.”

  “I can make the payments, Miss Johnson, and I will!” Forrest quickly stood, walked to the door, and then left the bank. Effie slowly shook her head as her eyes filled with tears. I wish I had never made that loan to Forrest. I may end up being responsible for his downfall.

  As Forrest approached his house, he heard a voice shouting at him from across the street. “Hey, Freeman!”

  Deoin Jinks stepped off his porch and walked toward him. “Glad I caught you, Forrest. Me and Agnes are taking the kids to the county fair tomorrow. There are going to be some new rides, and the city is putting on a spectacular fireworks display. Me and the missus would love to take your kids with us, if that would be okay with you.”

  Forrest liked Deoin, but he was never one to be a burden to others. “I appreciate your invitation, Deoin, but it might be better for the children to be with their mama.”

  Deoin threw his head back in laughter. “Forrest, you old hardhead! You know your kids would love to go to the fair. Max and Cody enjoy the rides and the girls get pleasure from the crafts and cooking, and since we’re already planning on going, it’ll be no trouble at all.”

  Forrest wasn’t sure how to respond. Before he could say another word, Deoin said, “Besides, Forrest, I cut the fair manager’s hair, and he gives me a handful of free passes. If you don’t let me take your kids, then those passes are just going to go to waste. A good Christian man like you wouldn’t want me to squander a gift, would you?”

  Now it was Forrest’s turn to smile. The barber had him. “Well, Deoin, I suspect the children would enjoy the day, and I sure wouldn’t mind some quiet time with Elizabeth. Are you sure it’s no trouble?”

  Deoin smiled. “Trouble? You kiddin’ me? Agnes and I love your kids like they were our own. It’ll be a great day. How about you send the kids over to our house just after lunch, and we’ll have them home after the fireworks.”

  “You’re a good friend, Deoin. Thanks.”

  Deoin lowered his head. “Forrest, the folks at our church have been praying for you and Elizabeth. We know the pregnancy has been real hard on Elizabeth and you, and I just want you to know we’re praying.”

  Forrest could only whisper “Thanks,” then quickly turned and walked toward his home.

  As they approached the fairgrounds, the children’s excitement grew. By the time Deoin parked his Oldsmobile, they were bubbling with anticipation. The boys wanted to run ahead, but Deoin made them walk. As they approached the gate, he said, “Come here, kids, and listen up.” As the children gathered around him, he dispensed their marching orders. “We’ll meet back at the gate right after the fireworks. When that last firework goes off, you each best be heading right for this exit gate. Okay?” The children all nodded their heads. “Davis, you’re in charge of Cody and Max. Your job is to be with them at all times and to keep them out of trouble. All right?”

  Davis nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  “Lanie, I want you to be in charge of the girls.”

  “Why not me, Pa?” complained Alice.

  “’Cause Lanie is the oldest.”

  “But only by three hours,” Alice protested.

  Deoin smiled. “Okay, Alice, you and Lanie will be in charge of Maeva. You all stick together at all times. I don’t want you separating for any reason. Understood?”

  The three girls nodded. “Now, let me give you the passes for the admission. I also want you to have some money for rides and food. We’re going to have a swell time today. That’s for sure!”

  Lanie looked up at Deoin. “Mr. Jinks, that’s real kind of you, but I’ve got some money for the rides for our family.”

  “You sure, Lanie? I know things have been a bit tight for you all.”

  “I’m sure, Mr. Jinks, but I sure do appreciate the kind thought!” Then Lanie reached into her pocket and pulled out four five-dollar bills, handed one to each of her siblings and kept one for herself. “You all be careful how you spend your money now, you hear?”

  Davis whispered a series of questions to her in rapid sequence. “Lanie, did Pa give you that money? Where’d he get it? He’s having trouble making the payments as it is! Maybe we best not use it for this.”

  “You just hush up, Davis Freeman. This is my money from the school contest, and I want to share it with each of you.” She smiled at him and said, “It’s my gift and there are no strings attached. You just have a good time, you hear?”

  Davis gave her a hug. “Come on, you guys! Whoopee!”

  Lanie smiled as the boys ran off. She, Maeva, and Alice had plenty to explore, and there was no reason to have any old boys around to bother them.

  The afternoon was glorious. First the girls attended the 4-H exhibits. Lanie enjoyed petting the lambs, while Alice liked the crafts. Maeva’s eyes grew big as sunflowers when she saw the giant vegetables that had been grown in the county. The girls ate cotton candy and caramel popcorn as they wandered through the livestock sheds. The large work horses were Lanie’s favorites, the other girls enjoyed the cattle.

  After a dinner of hamburgers and fried potatoes, the girls splurged on ice cream with chocolate sauce before skipping to the carnival rides. Lanie rode the Ferris wheel three times. Each time she reached the top, she would look as far as she could see and imagine she was a bird. She loved the feeling of freedom. One day I’ll be able to fly away from this old town. I’ll be free! Then the rapid trip down made her gasp and squeal.

  Maeva and Alice both loved the carousel. They pretended to be maids in distress as they rode their horses at a rapid clip, trying to escape the desperados chasing them on horseback. True, the bandits and villains looked remarkably like their brothers! Lanie rode in a carriage on the carousel, imagining her knight in white armor riding up to ask for her hand in marriage. Of course she imagined playing very hard to get!

  While the boys went to compete for prizes at the carnival booths, the girls settled onto a small patch of grass to listen to the barbershop quartet contest. The songs about motherhood, home, Dixie, automobiles, boys and girls, and courtship all made her feel good. She loved all the Tin Pan Alley greats such as Harry von Tilzer, George M. Cohan, Gus Edwards, Ernest Ball, Al Piantadosi, and Irving Berlin. Lanie joined the crowd in clapping as another four men with handlebar moustaches, wearing striped vests, began singing a cappella. Lanie closed her eyes and hummed as the group sang her favorite song in nearly perfect harmony:

  Let me call you Sweetheart,

  I’m in love with you.

  Let me hear you whisper that you love me too.

  Keep the love light glowing in your eyes so true,

  Let me call you Sweetheart,

  I’m in love with you!

  Before they knew it, the sun began to set. The girls made one last stop at the candy booth and purchased a small bag of salt-water taffy to enjoy while they waited for the fireworks, sitting on a patch of cool green grass, laughing and telling stories.

  Lanie had not had so much fun in a long time. She was so stuffed she didn’t think she would ever be able to eat again. She lay back on the cool grass and looked up at the clear blue sky. She took in a slow deep breath, closed her eyes, and smiled. This was about as perfect a day as she could imagine!

  On the way home, Mr. and Mrs. Jinks sat in the front seat of their Oldsmobile touring car, and the children crowded onto the large overstuffed back seat. While the boys talked over an idea they had hatched to build an even more elaborate tree house in the woods near their home, Alice, Lanie, and Maeva sang songs in the round:

  Row, row, row your boat,

  Gently down the stream,

  Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,

  Life is but a dream.

  After each verse the girls would giggle and laugh while their brothers scowled at them.

  “You boys are far too serious,” scolded Alice.

  Cody glared at them.
“You girls are just plain silly. We’re planning a fantastic tree fort and don’t have no time for dumb ol’ songs. We’ve got more important things to do.”

  Lanie countered with, “Your forts will rot someday, but music lasts forever. The Bible says that we’re going to sing and worship in glory right beside the angels. It doesn’t say anything about building forts.”

  “Oh yeah?” Max said. “Well Jesus said, ‘And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.’ So while you girls are wasting your time singing, me and Cody are gonna be making a tree house where we can have some peace.”

  “Oh no!” Maeva cried.

  Lanie turned to see what Maeva was looking at.

  “Lanie, look—the doctor’s car is at our house! And there’s Pastor William’s car and Sister Myrtle’s car. Lanie, what’s happening?”

  A sudden fear gripped Lanie, and she could not say a word. Deoin pulled into his driveway, but Maeva and Lanie leaped out before he could bring the car to a complete stop. They crossed the street and the yard and burst in the front door of their house. They ran to the parlor, and Lanie saw their pastor, Brother Prince, and his wife, Ellen, sitting on one sofa. Sister Myrtle and her husband, Charlie, were on another sofa. Standing in the corner of the parlor was Madison Jones, the black pastor, and his wife, Ethel. The others stood when the children entered the room.

  “What’s wrong, Brother Prince?” Lanie asked. The pastor tried to smile, but it was not a good smile.

  Max and Cody burst through the door and stopped. “What’s the matter?” Max blurted out. “Is Mama sick?”

  Lanie glared at him.

  Pastor William bent down on one knee. “Kids, the baby decided she was going to come early.”

  “She?” Cody asked.

  “Yep, she. A little girl came into the world this afternoon. She’s beautiful and Doc Givens says that she’s as healthy as can be.”