Hillys looking at me like shes trying to figure out what I want to do. I thought Id made it obvious when I stayed in the bathroom for ten minutes.
Your cars not here? I ask the air in front of Stuart.
I dont believe my cousins in a position to drive. William laughs. Everyones quiet again.
I came in a truck, I say. Id hate for you to
Shoot, William says, slapping Stuart on the back. Stuart doesnt mind riding in a truck, do you, buddy?
William, Hilly says, why dont you drive and, Skeeter, you can ride along.
Not me, Im too boozed up myself[89], William says even though he just drove us home.
Finally, I just walk out the door. Stuart follows me, doesnt comment that I didnt park in front of Hillys house or in Hillys driveway. When we get to my truck, we both stop, stare at the fifteen-foot tractor hooked behind my vehicle.
You pulled that thing all by yourself?
I sigh. I guess its because Im a big person and have never felt petite or particularly feminine or girly, but that tractor. It just seems to sum up so much.
That is the funniest damn-looking thing I have ever seen, he says.
I step away from him. Hilly can take you, I say. Hilly will drive you.
He turns and focuses on me for what, Im pretty sure, is the first time all night. After several long moments of standing there being looked at, my eyes fill with tears. Im just so tired.
Ah, shit, he says and his body loosens. Look, I told Hilly I wasnt ready for any damn date.
Dont I say, backing away from him, and I head back to the house.
Sunday morning I get up early, before Hilly and William, before the kids and the church traffic. I drive home with the tractor rumbling behind me. The fertilizer smell gives me a hangover even though I had nothing but water last night.
Id gone back in Hillys house last night, Stuart trailing behind me. Knocking on Hillys bedroom door, I asked William, who already had a mouth full of toothpaste, would he mind driving Stuart home. Id walked upstairs to the guest room before he even answered.
I step over Daddys dogs on the porch, go into my parents house. As soon as I see Mother, I give her a hug. When she tries to let go, I cant let her.
I step over Daddys dogs on the porch, go into my parents house. As soon as I see Mother, I give her a hug. When she tries to let go, I cant let her.
What is it, Skeeter? You didnt catch Hillys stomach bug, did you?
No, Im fine. I wish I could tell her about my night. I feel guilty for not being nicer to her, for not needing her until my own life turns bad. I feel bad for wishing Constantine was here instead.
Mother pats my windblown hair down since it must be adding at least two inches to my height. You sure youre not feeling bad?
Im alright, Mama. I am too tired to resist. I ache like someone kicked me in the stomach. With boots on. It wont go away.
You know, she says, smiling, I think this might be the one for Carlton.
Good, Mama, I say. Im really glad for him.
At eleven oclock the next morning, the phone rings. Luckily, Im in the kitchen and pick it up.
Miss Skeeter?
I stand very still, then look out at Mother examining her checkbook at the dining room table. Pascagoula is pulling a roast out of the oven. I go into the pantry and shut the door.
Aibileen? I whisper.
Shes quiet a second and then she blurts it out. What if what if you dont like what I got to say? I mean, about white peoples.
I I this isnt about my opinion, I say. It doesnt matter how I feel.
But how I know you aint gone get mad, turn around on me[90]?
I dont I guess youll just have to trust me. I hold my breath, hoping, waiting. There is a long pause.
Law have mercy. I reckon Im on do it.
Aibileen. My heart is pounding. You have no idea how much I appreciate
Miss Skeeter, we gone have to be real careful.
We will, I promise.
And you gone have to change my name. Mine, Miss Leefolts, everbodys.
Of course. I shouldve mentioned this. When can we meet? Where can we meet?
Cant do it in the white neighborhood, thats for sure. I guess we gone have to do it over at my house.
Do you know any other maids who might be interested? I ask, even though Missus Stein has only agreed to read one. But I have to be ready, on the slim chance she likes it.
Aibileen is quiet a moment. I guess I could ask Minny. But she aint real keen on talking to white peoples.
Minny? You mean Missus Walters old maid, I say, feeling suddenly how incestuous this is turning. I wouldnt just be peering into Elizabeths life, but Hillys too.
Minny got her some stories. Sho nuff.
Aibileen, I say. Thank you. Oh, thank you.
Yes maam.
I just I have to ask you. What changed your mind?
Aibileen doesnt even pause. Miss Hilly, she says.
I go quiet, thinking of Hillys bathroom plan and accusing the maid of stealing and her talk of diseases. The name comes out flat, bitter as a bad pecan.
Minny
Chapter 10
I walk into work with one thing on my mind. Today is the first day of December and while the rest of the United States is dusting off their manger scenes and pulling out their old stinky stockings, Ive got another man Im waiting on. And its not Santy Claus and its not the Baby Jesus. Its Mister Johnny Foote, Jr., who will learn that Minny Jackson is his maid on Christmas Eve.