Page 32 of August Lane

I know, right? Should have been paying closer attention.

Emma:

What was it like, being pregnant at fifteen?

Jojo:

Everybody knew, but they would pretend not to see it. I was this little slip of nothing waddling around with a big belly and they’d only meet my eyes. “Look at those eyes!” they’d say, ’cause light eyes on a Black girl gets everyone excited. For months, I was just a pair of pretty eyes to them because they didn’t want to deal with it. This was mainly church folks. They like to pray with their eyes closed.

Emma:

Do you still go to church?

Jojo:

Not anymore. But I believe in God. You have to. This business is hell.

Emma:

[laughs] That is true.

Jojo:

Amen.

Emma:

Your daughter’s name is August, right?