Page 75 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Eleven

part to a tee. His huge (oversized) Levi’s, his fancy cowboy
boots and a giant Stetson must make him think he’s some kind
of movie-star cowboy. And, just like Archie Bunker, he smokes
a fat, smelly cigar.
What’s even worse, he’s a racist. His real name is not even
Mike; it’s Edgar Dietrich. Apparently, growing up he was
called “Little Mike” because he hung out with one of the black
hired hands on his farm and that guy’s name was Mike. I guess
he thinks that gives him permission to use the term “nigger” for
a person of colour. He doesn’t even care who hears him! Makes
me cringe.
I know I shouldn’t be so nasty but the truth is he is truly a
disgusting man. Period. And every time he comes to our ranch,
he tries so hard to get Billy, Vian and me to like him. Guess
what? It’s not working.
But there is Chinese food to be fetched and so off we go,
Mike and me, just like we’re some normal family grabbing take-
out. I refuse to go into the restaurant with him. I just slouch
down in the car, hoping no one sees me with this dreadful man.
I can’t handle any more humiliation. Everyone knows my dad
just died and my mother already has a boyfriend.
But Mommy is sick and she needs me. So I will do what I
need to do.

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