Appalachian Daughter

by Mary Salyers

  “I know this is a surprise for you, Maggie, but I’ve been talking to Uncle Ed about you for a couple of years, hoping he could find a place for you in his firm. He had to go to Knoxville for a conference and thought this was a good time to meet you. You don’t have to agree to anything today. He just wants to get to know you a little and give you some time to be thinking about his offer.”

  “That’s right, Maggie.” Mr. Erickson smoothed back his hair. “Diane has bragged about her star pupil for years. I was willing to hire you sight unseen, but since I was making this trip, I thought stopping here would not only give me a chance to actually meet you, but I’d get to visit with my favorite niece as well.” He smiled at Miss Erickson.

  After a moment of awkward silence, Maggie realized they were waiting for a response from her. “This is such a surprise, I don’t know what to say. I wouldn’t have been able to do so well except for Miss Erickson. She has given me so much extra help and encouragement.” Maggie turned toward Miss Erickson. “Thank you so much.”

  Miss Erickson patted Maggie’s arm. “I know you probably have a thousand questions, such as housing, transportation, learning to get around in a big city, to name a few. But don’t worry about any of that. I’ll go with you to Cincinnati, help you find a place to stay, and get you situated. You probably want to talk this over with your family, too.”

  Maggie sighed, dreading that ordeal. “Yes, of course.”

  Mr. Erickson began asking her questions about school, her family, her work at the café, and soon they chatted comfortably. Finally, after nearly an hour, Mr. Erickson looked at his watch and turned to his niece. “Diane, I hate to end this pleasant interview, but we must be on our way if we’re going to get that steak dinner tonight.”

  “You’re right.” Miss Erickson stood up. “Maggie, thanks for stopping by. You don’t need to give us an answer today. We can talk some more next week. If you want me to, I’ll talk with your parents. I think this would be a perfect opportunity for you. I hope you will decide to accept.”

  “Thanks, Miss Erickson. I appreciate your making this opportunity for me.” Maggie shook hands with Mr. Erickson again. “Thank you, sir, for the offer. I certainly will give it serious thought.”

  They gathered their belongings and all walked down the hall together. “Can we drop you off?” Mr. Erickson offered. “Looks like it might rain.” When they stopped at the café, Mr. Erickson got out and held the door for her. Maggie stepped from the shiny new Cadillac like some celebrity.

  * * *

  A few weeks later, Miss Erickson came to visit Maggie’s parents on a Sunday afternoon. Just as Maggie had predicted, Corie Mae sat straight in her chair with her lips pursed. When Miss Erickson finished her explanation of the job offer in Cincinnati, Corie Mae stood up.

  “Thanks for coming, Miss. But Maggie ain’t going nowhere to work for another lawyer. You know what happened to her last summer. She ain’t going to have that happen again.” She started to walk toward the kitchen.

  Ray went to her and gently took her arm. “Now wait a minute, Corie Mae. Let’s talk about this some more.”

  “I ain’t got nothing else to say. She ain’t going. That’s it.” But she let herself be led back to her chair. Maggie had found out on Christmas Day that her mother was expecting again. She’s always more cantankerous when she’s pregnant. As Corie Mae listened without saying anything while Miss Erickson explained how she would personally escort Maggie to Cincinnati and help her find a place to live, her nose lifted higher and her glare became more vicious. “She ain’t going.”

  No amount of persuasion could crack her defiant objections. Maggie noticed her father had not said anything. He’s going to let me handle this battle on my own. Finally, Maggie rose from her chair and stood about three feet in front of her mother. “Mama, I’m eighteen years old. I can make my own decision. I’d hoped you would be proud that I had worked so hard to deserve this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’d like to go with your blessing, but I am going and you can’t stop me.”

  Corie Mae stood up and raised her hand as if she would slap Maggie, but glanced at Miss Erickson and lowered her hand. “Okay, Miss Smarty, maybe I can’t stop you from going, but I can tell you not to come back.” She took a step closer to Maggie. “I’ve knowed you was going to leave ever since you got in high school and got them highfaluting ideas in your head. So just go off up there and learn them big city ways, but don’t never come back here.” She marched into the kitchen.

  Maggie turned to her father. “Daddy, I hope you’re glad I can do this.” Ray stood up and put his arms around her.

  “I’ve always been proud of you, Sunshine. I will miss you, and I’m a little worried about you being in that big city without any friends or family around. But I think you’ve made the right decision. I’ll be glad to see you any time you can come back.”

  Still holding Maggie, he turned to face Miss Erickson, who had tears in her eyes. “Ma’am, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for my daughter. It makes it easier to let her go when we know you’ll help her get there and get settled in. We will always be beholden to you for...for everything.”

  Miss Erickson took a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped her eyes. “Mr. Martin, I think you have to give yourself some credit. You’ve given Maggie lots of encouragement. She has so much respect for you. I think if you had objected, she might not have made this decision.”

  Ray gave Maggie’s shoulder a squeeze and then shook hands with Miss Erickson. “Thanks for coming.”

  Maggie walked Miss Erickson down the steps to her car and watched as she turned around and headed back toward the highway. Sadie, who was now an old beagle, came and licked her hand. “Thanks, Sadie, I needed that.”

  * * *

  The last weeks of the senior year went by swiftly. Maggie did not go to Washington, D.C, with the Senior Class. She had enough money in her savings account to pay for the trip, but she thought she needed to save her money to help get a place to live in Cincinnati. She enjoyed the Junior-Senior banquet. She wore the dress she had planned to wear the year before but didn’t because of JD’s funeral. Eddie was a real gentleman, dressed in a new suit he had bought to wear to graduation. He brought her a corsage, and they laughed as he tried to pin it to her light blue gown.

  It pleased Maggie when Mary Ann’s date asked Eddie if they could double with them to go to the banquet. Afterwards, they all piled into Eddie’s car and drove to Oak Ridge to get dessert. As they sat at the table, Mary Ann apologized to Maggie for breaking up their friendship. “I just don’t know what got into me. I lost my head. You were right to tell me I was out of line. So I’m hoping we can be friends again.”

  Maggie nodded. “I have missed doing stuff with you lately. Maybe next week we can get together after school for some catching up.”

  About three weeks before graduation, Mr. Adkins called Maggie into his office. “I’m proud to tell you that you are the Valedictorian of the class. So you need to start working on your speech.”

  “My speech?”

  “Yes, the Valedictorian always gives an address on behalf of the class.”

  “Oh, my. I’ll be so nervous I won’t be able to say anything.”

  “It’s not so hard. Miss Margaret will help you write it and then help you practice.”

  “Oh, no. Can’t someone else make the speech?”

  “That’s your job, Maggie, and I know you will do it well. Why don’t you go talk with Miss Margaret now?”

  For the next two weeks, Maggie spent every free minute working on the speech. She rewrote it many times. Each time she would take it to Miss Margaret, who would make some suggestions, and Maggie would go back to the typing room to revise it again. Finally, Miss Margaret announced, “It’s perfect!”

  The next Sunday when the family gathered for dinner at Grandma Campbell’s table, Maggie announced that she was giving the graduation speech. “I want all of you to be there–Grandma, Grandpa, and all my family.
” Maggie looked around the table at her parents, her brothers and sisters, and her aunts.

  “Why, congratulations, Maggie.” Aunt Lillian began clapping her hands and everyone else joined in, except Corie Mae. “Hooray for Maggie!”

  “Graduation is May 22 at seven o’clock in the school gym. That’s Thursday of next week. Reverend and Mrs. Lewis have offered to give rides so all of you can go.” Maggie looked pointedly at her mother who immediately shifted her eyes and began clearing the dirty dishes from the table. “I need all of you to be there so I won’t be so scared.”

  Grandma walked around the table and stood behind Maggie. She gave her a kiss on the cheek. “You’re the first one in our family to graduate from high school, Maggie. We’re all very proud, and you can count on us being there.”

  Corie Mae picked up a stack of plates. “I ain’t going.” She turned her back and marched into the kitchen. Maggie hung her head.

  Aunt Lillian picked up a stack of plates and followed Corie Mae into the kitchen. Maggie could hear them arguing. “You should be proud of her. Why don’t you go?”

  “Maggie ain’t interested in what I think She don’t care nothing about this family. If she did she’d not be aiming to leave as soon as school’s out.”

  “Maggie has told me how much she wishes you would come. I know it would please her so much if you would change your mind.”

  “I ain’t going. So just stop talking about It.”

  Dear Bud,

  I need a friend. Will you come to Graduation on May 22. I’m giving the Valedictorian speech. Need your moral support.

  Maggie

  On the last day of classes, Betty Lou, who was finishing her sophomore year, met Maggie in the hallway. “This package came for you yesterday. It’s from Bud. I thought you’d want to have it right away.” She handed Maggie a small package. “Hurry. Open it. I want to see what it is.”

  While Maggie read the note, Betty Lou opened the jeweler’s box. “Oh my gosh! It’s a gold watch! Just look at it.” She put it on and held her arm up in front of her eyes. “Oooh I like it.”

  “Okay, sister, give it up. Let me see it.” While Maggie admired the watch, Betty Lou grabbed the note and read. “Oh, wow! He says he will come to your graduation. Do you think he’s broke up with that girl?”

  “No, Silly, he is coming as a good friend.”

  Betty Lou grabbed Maggie’s arm and admired the watch some more. “I wish I had a good friend like that.”

  “If you do, you will be a lucky girl.” The bell rang and the girls hurried off in opposite directions.

  The big night finally arrived. Maggie sat on the platform with the various dignitaries and participants staring out into the filled-to-capacity gym. Her blue graduation gown covered her new yellow dotted Swiss dress. She wore nylon stockings and the first pair of high heels she had ever owned.

  The crowd had filled all the chairs on the gym floor and many people sat in the bleachers. Maggie searched the crowd hoping to find her family. Finally, she saw her Grandpa Campbell about halfway back. Grandma sat beside him and the rest of the family sat in the row behind them. Hoping against hope that Corie Mae had changed her mind at the last minute, Maggie squinted against the bright lights and looked carefully, but she was not there. I know Bud is here somewhere, but she could not find him in the crowd either.

  The band played a couple of numbers and three of the classmates sang a song. Mr. Deerman, the school superintendent, made a few remarks, and finally Mr. Adkins introduced her. She rose to walk to the podium and was startled by the roar of applause. Her classmates all stood cheering for her. I simply cannot start crying.

  Her knees felt weak and her voice came out in a little squeak. She had to clear her throat and start over again. “Mr. Deerman, Mr. Adkins, members of the faculty, graduating seniors, families of the graduates and friends.” Fortunately, she had memorized the speech, because her tear-filled eyes could not read the words. She swallowed. “Thank you for coming tonight to honor us as we finish this important phase of our growing up. We give special thanks to our parents, family members and friends who have supported us, encouraged us, and without whose help we would not be here.” Maggie looked up from her script, but caught her breath in a sob when she remembered her mother had not come.

  She looked down at her script, but couldn’t find her place, and she couldn’t remember what came next. On the verge of panic, she happened to look toward the bleachers on her right and suddenly her eyes focused on Bud. He’s here! She swallowed again and gave her head a little shake, which caused her mortar board to slide down over her eyes. Her classmates began to laugh and applaud. Instantly, her panic passed. She straightened her hat, stood straighter, and resumed her remarks.

  The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Somehow she had marched across the stage to shake hands with Mr. Deerman and receive her diploma. When the graduates marched out for the recessional, Bud waited for her at the back of the gym.

  “Ah, Maggie. What an excellent speech. I’m proud of you.” He gave her a hug. “I thought you were about to lose it for a minute, but you handled it like a pro.”

  “Thanks, Bud. Thank you for coming. I’ll never forget what a great friend you are.” She held up her left arm so the sleeve of her gown fell back to reveal her watch. “Thanks for the gift. I will treasure it always.” Her voice choked up, but the tears didn’t overflow.

  “I hope every time you check the time you’ll think of old Bud, your best friend forever.”

  Bud walked with her to turn in her graduation garb. Maggie exchanged lots of hugs and best wished with classmates–even shed a few tears. Then they met Maggie’s family in the parking lot.

  Junior, dressed in a new white shirt, grabbed Bud’s hand. “Hi, Bud. I didn’t know you’d be here.” Maggie noticed that all the boys had on new white shirts. Mama must care a little bit if she made sure the boys had new shirts.

  Bud shook hands with Grandpa and Ray and greeted all the family members. “It’s good to see all of you. Didn’t Maggie do a great job?”

  Reverend and Mrs. Lewis came and added their congratulations and the family began getting into the various cars to go home. Bud held Maggie’s hand and walked over to the truck where Ray helped the children load up. “Mr. Martin, if it’s okay with you, I’ll bring Maggie home.”

  “That’s fine. Just take good care of her. She’s the first graduate in this family, and we don’t want nothing to happen to her!” Ray winked at Maggie and she saw that twinkle in his eyes.

  * * *

  Maggie spent the next few days moving all her clothes and odds and ends from Aunt Lillian’s apartment, sorting through all her belongings, deciding what to give to her sisters and what to take with her. Aunt Opal came over on Sunday afternoon with two large boxes. Uncle Thomas had sent money and told her exactly what to buy for Maggie’s graduation present. The younger children crowded around and exclaimed when Maggie opened the boxes to reveal two pieces of matching luggage.

  “Thank you, Aunt Opal.” Maggie gave her a hug. “I thought I would take my clothes to Cincinnati in boxes. Now I can go in style. We’ll leave early Wednesday morning. I hope everyone will come to see me off.” Corie Mae watched from the kitchen door, but said nothing.

  The day arrived. Miss Erickson drove up in her Chevrolet with Miss Margaret. “I thought we’d like some company on the trip.” They loaded Maggie’s bags into the trunk. All the family gathered around. Maggie hugged each of her brothers and sisters. She hugged Ray, who held her for a long moment. “I love you, Sunshine. Don’t stay away too long.”

  Maggie looked around. “Where’s Mama? Isn’t she even going to tell me goodbye?”

  “Nah, she’s hoeing in the garden,” Stuart said as he handed Maggie a little wooden whistle he had made. “If you get lonesome, play this and think about us.”

  After saying goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Opal and Kenny, Maggie finally opened the door to the back seat. “Well, I guess it’s time to go.” Ma
ggie turned in the seat so she could see out the back window as they pulled away. Tears rolled down her face. She watched as her family stood in the middle of the road waving. In the instant before the trees hid the house, Maggie saw her mother standing on the front porch, fanning herself with her straw hat. It almost looks like she’s waving.

  Maggie wiped the tears from her eyes and slid down into the seat facing forward. She reached into her pocket and withdrew the heart-shaped necklace. The early morning sun, peeping through the trees, momentarily touched the stones, flashing a bright reflection throughout the car.

  .

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Mary Jane Salyers grew up in East Tennessee during the 1940s and 1950s, the period covered by this novel. She taught in secondary schools and colleges during her teaching career. She has three daughters, and now lives in North Carolina with her husband Bill Salyers.

  You can visit her web page at

  http://wwwmjsalyers.wordpress.com/