"You have to be very careful, April," she followed, "Urban kids are a lot more sophisticated when it comes to taking advantage of people."
"He wasn't taking advantage of me. He didn't ask me to take him home."
"Oh!" Celia said, raising her eyebrows. "What's this boy's name?"
I looked away. The two of them were sitting there cross- examining me like detectives at a murder scene.
"The last time you were in a car with a boy, you got yourself into a lot of trouble. April," Brenda reminded me.
"This wasn't like that."
"I hope not."
"So, what's his name?" Celia pursued.
"Why? What difference does it make?"
"April," Brenda snapped. "Don't be so insolent."
"His name is Peter Smoke."
"Peter Smoke?" Celia smiled. "Are you serious?"
"He's a full-blooded Cherokee Indian living with his aunt here."
"Is he in your class?" she asked.
"No. He's a senior. He's the assistant chess instructor and the regional chess champion," I said. "That's how we met."
Celia raised her eyebrows again. "Oh, he's not a jock; he's a thinker, a Native American thinker."
"Don't tease her." Brenda said. "I don't want her to think we're trivializing anything. Just be careful," she reminded me. "People take advantage of someone new, especially a young girl with her own car."
"It's just human nature," Celia agreed. "You have a big, generous heart, and you're searching desperately now for some iota of happiness."
"I'm not that desperate," I fired back at her.
"We're just trying to look out for you. April. Don't be so antagonistic," Brenda chastised.
I sighed deeply.
"We don't mean to be intrusive or bossy. We're just concerned for you," Celia added. "Neither of us wants to see you unhappy."
"Okay. I'm sorry.', Did you call Uncle Palaver and tell him where we are and how to reach us?" I quickly asked Brenda as she started to turn away.
"Yes. I did."
"Where was he?"
"He was in Beaumont. Texas, and on his way to New Orleans.'"
"How's Destiny?" I asked.
She shook her head. "How should I know? Why?"
"I just wondered," I said, smiling to myself. Uncle Palaver had not told her about Destiny. He had confided in me only. It made me feel special.