AllFreeNovel
Share Us
darkened, my labor pains grew longer and with
shorter and shorter intervals. I saw from Mama's face
that she thought something significant was happening
now.
"I'm going to give birth soon, aren't 1, Mama?"
She nodded. "I believe so, honey."
"But it's too soon, isn't it, Mama? I'm barely
eight months."
She nodded, but made no comment. Worry and
concern were etched in the ripples along her forehead
and the darkness that entered her eyes. My heart
pounded. In fact, it had been beating so hard and so
fast for so long, I was worried it would just give out.
These thoughts brought more cold sweats. I squeezed
Mama's hand harder and she tried to keep me calm.
She gave me tablespoons of one of her herbal
medicines that kept me from getting nauseous. Gladys
Tate insisted on knowing what it was, and when
Mama explained it, Gladys insisted she be given
some.
"I want to be sure it's not some Cajun poison
that works on babies," she said.
Mama checked her anger and let her have a
tablespoon. Gladys swallowed it quickly and chased it
down with some ice tea. Then she waited to see what
sort of reaction she would have. When she said
nothing, Mama smirked.
"I guess it ain't poison," Mama said, but Gladys
looked unconvinced.
Suddenly it began to rain, the drops drumming
