Child of sorrow part 5

[derry-boychild]

Deidre did not love the cauliflower cheese they had for lunch. However at least Norma was having the same. The telephone rang. Aunt Mildred answered it.

Deidre heard.

“Yes I understand….. I will sort that out”

After the call Aunt Mildred talked to Deidre:

“Deidre, you did not do well in your test.”

The 16 year old shook her head.

“Big surprise, so what?”

Her aunt went on:

“So you will be in a different class, third grade.”

Deidre managed a slight laugh.

“Good one, Aunt.”

Her aunt went on:

“This is serious child.”

Deidre stamped her foot.

“This is so unfair. It can’t be right,”

Aunty went on:

“Strictly speaking you should have been put in the Kindergarten class if not pre k.”

She then went on:

“This means we need to go shopping, you will need a junior uniform.”

*****

Mildred had held Deidre’s hand tightly throughout the short bus trip to the Traditional Schools’ uniform shop.

Just in front of them in the line was a little girl that Deidre recognized from the test.

The girl looked about 7 to Deidre. Then she heard the child’s Mom talking:

“Roberta dear, tell the lady how old you are and what grade you will be in and why.”

The child sounded so cute.

“I’m Roberta. I’m 9. I studied and did well in the test. I will be in 5th grade. I do need the senior uniform,”

The lady at the till said:

“I think we will be able to accommodate you, Sarah will take you to that changing room.”

An older lady went with the cute beaming little girl.

Aunt Norma talked to the store clerk

“I am afraid my niece needs the junior uniform.”

The lady at the till looked at the uncomfortable 16 year old. Deidre was still uncomfortable with the camisole instead of a push up bra and super flat shoes. Deidre heard the question:

“What are you 14, going back to 4th grade are you. How does that feel?”

Aunty talked to her

“Deidre tell the lady how old you are and what grade you are going to be in.”

There was silence.

Her aunt repeated the instruction

“Deidre tell her!”

The 16 year old stayed silent. Aunt Mildred whispered.

“One of two things will happen. Either Deidre will curtsy, tell the lady her age and her new grade. She will curtsy and say she was stupid and lazy.

“OR Aunty will tell everyone your age and grade and will tell people that you will be going to the rest room for a soapy mouth and visit over Aunty’s knees”

Deidre looked at her aunty’s face. She did not take any risk. She curtsied and said.

“I was lazy I did badly in my test. I am 16. I am going into 3rd grade. Please can you find a junior uniform “

Moms and little girls looked at Deidre. The ground did not swallow her up.

Deidre allowed the very young sales clerk to measure her. The pale blue and white check jumper dress fitted easily over her camisole. The panties were cream coloured. The pig tailed 16 year old truly looked like she was an 8 year old.

Again Aunt Mildred firmly held her niece’s hand. They got home. Norma and some of her class mates seemed very happy chatting and giggling.

Aunty talked to her daughter:

“Norma, we will be having tea early, Would one of your friends like to help get Deidre ready for bed. She needs to be in bed by 7pm.”

The 16 year old stamped her flat sandaled foot.

“I’m NOT going to bed that early.”

Aunt Mildred talked to her daughter.

“Could you deal with this?”

Norma replied after exchanging a look with her best friend

“Can Harriet help?”

Her mom responded

“Of course dear.”

Then Norma looked at her older but smaller cousin.

“Dee dee, bring Ms Norma the hairbrush.”

[wlb]

Excellent, great atmosphere - nice build-up.....keep up the good work!

[antonias6969]

Derry good night.
I like that part XVI continued Katie's Wet Inglés Summer - derry-j
that would be great....
The characters in this story are formidable. Retomaras would be very interesting that this story and you go on.
You're one of my favorite writers. I miss also roberta_strict and his story. See if you dare to rewrite ...
Encouragement and good job.