Summary
Mrs. Fabiyi's House
In this captivating tale, we delve into the unlikely camaraderie between the narrator, Seth Michelin, a resident of Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, and his schoolmate, the spirited Samona Gemini. Both eleven and entrenched in fifth grade adventures, Seth's roots trace back to Haiti, while Samona is nurtured by her mother, a poetic soul and undercover journalist for a notorious magazine. After introducing how their paths intertwined two years prior, the narrative swiftly propels us into their first escapade. It all unfolds, as recounted by Seth, "last Wednesday," when Samona breathlessly approached him on the sidewalk, urging him to accompany her to the enigmatic Mrs. Fabiyi's abode. This peculiar Nigerian woman, infamous for dousing them with cold soup the previous Halloween, had been absent for over a week. Samona, under the guise of concern for Mrs. Fabiyi's well-being, admits her true motive—her cat has wandered there, and she wishes to ensure its safety. In a bid to entice Seth, she dangles the promise of unraveling the mystery of Mrs. Fabiyi's house, a feat that would surely crown them as "the coolest kids in the fifth grade."
Armed with food for Mrs. Fabiyi, they venture to her home, only to find it eerily vacant. As they traverse a shadowy, abandoned corridor, a secret panel slides open, revealing the eccentric elderly woman brandishing a stick. Samona hastily explains that they brought provisions should she be unwell, which elicits a chuckle from Mrs. Fabiyi. She clarifies that she had merely been visiting her sister in Nigeria, and the soup incident was harmless Halloween mischief. Inviting them inside, they marvel at her home adorned with African art and delight in spotting Samona's cat frolicking with Mrs. Fabiyi's own feline. As the second chapter concludes, Samona leaves Seth astounded with her declaration to compete in the Little Miss Dorchester pageant.
The Wake
Returning from the eccentric encounter at Mrs. Fabiyi's, Seth stumbles upon an unusual scene at home—a quiet gathering of his aunts and uncles in his parents' dimly lit living room. An aunt who never drinks, sips from a glass; an uncle known for his laughter is somber; and a devout aunt is deep in prayer. A wave of anxiety washes over Seth until he learns of the passing of his grandmother's sister, Matant Margaret, a distant relative he barely knew. Life carries on for his siblings, Jean-Claude and Chantal, particularly Chantal, who bemoans missing a date with her boyfriend Jerome due to the wake. However, Seth's grandmother, engulfed in grief, retreats to her bed. Seth is baffled by the depth of sorrow and unfamiliar with the concept of a wake, knowing only that it means missing school.
The following day, Samona regales Seth and his cousin Enrie with a tale of her brothers attending a wake for their Aunt Delia the previous year. When Seth points out Aunt Delia's continued existence, Samona passionately claims their fervent prayers resurrected her. Though skeptical, Seth remains vigilant at the wake, anticipating Matant Margaret might similarly stir and greet everyone.
During the wake, Seth observes relatives arriving from far and wide, their reverence for Matant Margaret touching him with a newfound sadness. The day after the funeral, he visits Samona's bustling household with leftover food, reflecting on the chaotic dynamic within the Gemini home. Discussing his observations with his father, he receives a gentle lesson: "Different doesn't mean bad. It just means different."
Jerome
The following Sunday unfolds with the familiar sound of discord between Seth's siblings. Jean-Claude is perturbed by Chantal's clandestine meetings with Jerome, without parental consent. Chantal resents being pigeonholed into traditional female...
(This entire section contains 1088 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
roles, yearning for more than cooking, cleaning, and a career in nursing—a mindset Jean-Claude attributes to Jerome's influence. Storming out, Jean-Claude warns, "I could kill Jerome for all of the trouble he's making for her," announcing his intention to meet Reggie, a notorious gang member. Once free from taking his grandmother to church, Seth slips away to the Gemini family's Baptist church, seeking help from Samona's older brother Anthony to track down Reggie.
Anthony drives Seth and Samona to a possible hideout, instructing them to remain in the car. However, upon spotting Reggie passing by, they chase after him. Samona's call prompts Reggie to turn, a gun in hand, yet Anthony intervenes before disaster strikes. Reggie reveals Jean-Claude's visit, having since moved on to the 7-Eleven where Jerome works.
Jean-Claude lingers outside the store, confessing to his companions that he arrived with the intention of confronting Jerome. Yet, when faced with the moment, he found himself unable to proceed. Despite his restraint, guilt gnaws at him for even entertaining the thought. Upon returning home, Chantal declares she will inform their parents about her relationship with Jerome and share her aspirations for the future.
The Beauty Contest
Seth announces to his family that Samona intends to participate in the Little Miss Dorchester beauty pageant, expecting skepticism but instead finding them unexpectedly supportive. Chantal exclaims with delight, thrilled that someone of true talent will grace the competition, while Jean-Claude harbors doubts that the judges will recognize her beauty due to her being black. As praises for her qualities flow, Seth's frustration intensifies, unable to concede that she possesses either beauty or talent.
Samona embarks on her pageant preparations, joining forces with Bessie Armstrong, a popular classmate. She visits Seth's house, where his sister, mother, and grandmother skillfully handle her hair and makeup. Mysteriously, she also starts frequenting Mrs. Fabiyi's home, stirring Seth's concern that she might lose her unique essence in pursuit of victory.
The much-anticipated Little Miss Dorchester pageant sees both families gathered in eager anticipation. Samona captivates the audience by stepping on stage adorned in a vibrant Nigerian dress and a striking headdress. For her talent showcase, she dons a tattered shirt and balances a basket on her head. Yet, when it's time to perform, stage fright grips her. In a bid to ease her anxiety, Seth, previously embarrassed by her antics, leaps into action, performing the "funky chicken" dance—Samona's favorite. Her laughter at his antics dispels her fear, allowing her to deliver a stirring rendition of Sojourner Truth's iconic 'Ain't I a Woman?' speech. Her performance earns her second place, winning over even the teacher who once disapproved of her. Seth, who often grumbled about her behavior, extends his congratulations, and Samona's playful response—sticking out her tongue—reassures him that the essence of the old Samona remains unchanged: "That's when I knew for sure that the old Samona was still there."