Trouble's Child by Mildred Pitts; Walter

being alone. Hadn’t Titay set her apart?
    The stillness in her house was more than she could stand. She felt trapped in her grandmother’s silence.
    If only she had made friends with someone. Had not been so busy and neglected Ocie. What would the women think if they knew she had been on that boat before? She thought of Hal.… What if they ran him away from the island because of her?
    She lay on her bed, restless, remembering the ugly confrontation with Cora. “But I did what I had t’ do,” she said aloud. Suddenly she felt a calming sense of peace and fell asleep.
    She awoke when Titay knocked on her door. “Dress yuhself and come heah,” Titay said.
    Evening had come. Martha was surprised to see Hal sitting with Titay in the front of the house. She felt embarrassed and ashamed. How long had he been there? What had he told Titay?
    Suddenly she wanted to flee—never to see him again. She buried her face in her hands and shook with sobs.
    â€œMartha,” Hal cried, moving toward her.
    Titay stepped between them. “Yuh done done nuff harm.”
    â€œI don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hal said.
    â€œYou been heah long nuff t’ know our way. We don’t go t’ the well less we ready t’ drink.”
    Martha burned with shame and Hal said, “We did nothing to be ashamed of.”
    â€œYou was lone on that boat. In the eyes o’ our people that’s nuff.” Titay looked at Hal and her voice sizzled in almost a whisper. “You done shamed the Dumas name. Disgraced us on this island. Now you be a decent man. Marry er n save her honor.
    Hal sighed, jammed his hands deep into his pockets, lowered his head and hunched his shoulders. “I care for Martha. But I had assumed all along that she was at least nineteen. Martha’s considered a kid where I come from. I’m a bit old for Martha. When Martha was born, I was already seven.”
    â€œI don’t care!” Titay said. “When she be twenty-five and you be thirty-two, won’t make no diffunce.”
    â€œWell, I guess we can get married.”
    â€œNo!” Martha screamed. “No, no, I’ll not marry im; I ain’t marryin nobody. I’m leavin this place.” Again she broke into tears.
    Titay took Martha in her arms. “Hush,” she said. “Hush up and come t’ yo senses.”

TWELVE
    The Island was divided. Each eye and each ear was an antenna that picked up every gesture, every word. Rumors raced back and forth between those who supported Cora and those who supported Titay. There was agreement on only one thing: Martha had denied their way.
    The church bell sounded for the evening services. Martha did not want to go, yet she dared not stay away. When she and Titay arrived at the church, the people had already gathered. The women greeted Titay, but none greeted Martha. Ocie, now only weeks away from labor, barely nodded to Titay before she and her mother joined Cora.
    Martha and Titay sat together. Titay joined in the singing and clapping while Martha sat subdued, her bandaged hands in her lap.
    Finally it was time for the testimonials and prayers for the sinful. One by one women and men rose to ask for prayers for forgiveness and for strength so that they would sin no more. Martha was there in body, but her mind was far away.
    â€œThere is a sister in our midst tnight who’s sinned,” the prayer leader said. “Her sin can be fogived. She can be cleansed in the blood and made white as driven snow. She need only come, confess, repent and cast erself on the altar.”
    Martha sat still with the amens and hallelujahs all around her. Suddenly she knew it was she who was being asked to repent. She stiffened, the rising anger trying to find space inside her.
    â€œShe know who she is. Come, come, sister buke the devil and deem yuhself.”
    Martha felt crowded with guilt and shame, and for a moment she wanted to