Ход королевы
Chapter 2
Nomoretranquilizersforkids.”
“It’smyturn,”saidGladys,behindher.
Bethdidn’tmove.Sheopenedhermouthtospeakbutnothingcameout.
“It’smyturnforvitamins,”Gladyssaid,louder.
***
Therehadbeennightswhenshewassoinvolvedinchessthatshehadsleptwithoutpills.Butthiswasn’toneofthem.Shecouldnotthinkaboutchess.Therewerethreepillsinhertoothbrushholder,andthatwasit.Severaltimesshedecidedtotakeoneofthembutthendecidednotto.
***
“Iheartellyougoingtoexhibityourself,”Jolenesaid.Shegiggled,moretoherselfthantoBeth.“Goingtoplaychessinfrontofpeople.”
“Whotoldyou?”Bethsaid.Theywereinthelockerroomaftervolleyball.Jolene’sbreasts,notthereayearbefore,jiggledunderhergymshirt.
“Child,Ijustknowthings,”Jolenesaid.“Ain’tthatwhereit’slikecheckersbutthepiecesjumparoundcrazy?MyUncleHubertplayedthat.”
“DidMrs.Deardorfftellyou?”
“Nevergonearthatlady.”Jolenesmiledconfidentially.“ItwasFergussen.Hetoldmeyougoingtothehighschooldowntown.Dayaftertomorrow.”
Bethlookedatherincredulously.Thestaffdidn’ttradeconfidenceswiththeorphans.“Fergussen…?”
Joleneleanedoverandspokeseriously.“HeandIbeenfriendlyfromtimetotime.Don’twantyoutalkingaboutit,hear?”
Bethnodded.
Jolenepulledbackandwentondryingherhairwiththewhitegymtowel.Aftervolleyballyoucouldalwaysstretchoutthetime,showeringandgettingdressed,beforegoingtostudyhall.
Beththoughtofsomething.
