each other as if they were always the best of friends all
the way to Fred’s Soda Parlor.
“Wait right here,” Hailey told Ava.
She disappeared inside the glass door of the
parlor; there were neon lights above the door and two
large windows to both sides. Ava nervously sat on one
of the French black iron chairs placed in front of one of
the parlor windows. She took a deep breath and looked
around her; the parlor was attached side-by-side to a
general store on the right and a records store on the
left. Hailey pushed the door open with her back carrying
two strawberry milkshakes in her hands, both with
whipped cream piled high and a bright red cherry.
“Here you go, I hope you like strawberry. I told
the lady at the counter I was taking one to my mom,”
Hailey said.
“I’m surprised they gave it to you, if they seen
us come together,” Ava said sliding the milkshake closer
on the clean glass table surface. They both sat across
from each other contentedly slurping their creamy
drinks. Suddenly, Ava paused and slouched down in her
chair. “Uh oh, here comes Mr. Filcher,” she whispered.
Hailey looked back and saw a tall older man, he wore a
light blue plaid shirt that seemed faded with age and
khaki brown pants that of about the same age as the
shirt. He was the town’s judge and a very staunch man,
with a very staunch face, which was considerably wrinkled from his constant frown. He stopped abruptly at
their table.
“What do you two think you’re doing here? I
know you,” he pointed to Hailey, “You’re that Wilson
girl with those radical parents of yours.”
“My name’s Hailey, sir, and we’re just having
milkshakes,” Hailey snapped.
“Not with her you’re not,” he interrupted, now
pointing at Ava, “Go home! This is Pamplemousse and
there’ll be none of that here.” Ava and Hailey got up
and started for home. Hailey was now turning bright
red.
“That makes me so mad,” she exclaimed.
“I told you,” Ava reassured her, “That’s just how
it is, there’s nothing we can do about it.”
“Yes there is,” Hailey said, “we can show him
and everyone else that they’re wrong. I’ve seen my parents do it, they’re called um…civil rights activists.”
“But how do we do that,” Ava asked curiously.
They stopped and Hailey laid in the grass, underneath a
large oak tree, pondering. Ava sat down next to her and
hugged her knees.
“I got it!” Hailey shrieked and whispered her
plan into Ava’s ear.
“That sounds great,” Ava said, “but, I don’t
know if we should.”
“Don’t worry, everything will go great,” Hailey
comforted her. They stood up, hugged each other, and
parted ways.
That night, Ava’s father was tucking her in bed.
She looked up at her father’s sturdy face and looked in
his strong eyes in dim light of her dark blue lamp.
Daddy, if you believe that something is wrong,
should you do something about it even if it’s dangerous?” Ava asked her father trying not to let him know
what she and Hailey were planning.
“Well darling it depends on what it is sometimes, but most of the time I would say yes. Especially if
it’s for the good of everyone, not just you,” he answered. He looked as if he wondered what she was referring to, but didn’t ask. He softly kissed her on the
forehead. “Sweet dreams darling, I love you much,” he
said tenderly.
“I love you too daddy,” she replied. He
turned off the light and walked out her bedroom door.
She turned over on her side and closed her eyes in deep
thought.
The next week, after school, Hailey had brought
a chestnut brown briefcase and was ready and eager to
commence their plan. With a simple anxious smile to
one another they walked from school to the middle of
town without saying a word. They came to a large white
marble fountain and sat on the ledge of the fountain.
Hailey opened her briefcase and pulled out a chess
board and chess pieces. They set up the board and began to play. Meanwhile, somewhat of a crowd began to
form around them. People began to whisper words of
disapproval and astonishment to each other, some even
pointed at them.
Mr. Filcher finally stepped
through the crowd, “You two again? Go home Hailey
Wilson!” He snarled. “Do you like chess Mr. Filcher?”
Hailey asked.
He looked at her with confusion and answered,
“What?” Ava smiled and looked at Hailey.
“This is ironic don't you think?” She said. Hailey
continued, looking at Mr. Filcher, “Mr. Filcher, there are
white and black pieces on this board, but that doesn't
matter because once the game is all over, they bo Ѡ