Contents
Chapter 9: Vernice
Overview
Mae and Raynelle drive Vernice to Atlanta, steadying her after the bus assault and urging her to release grief. At Spelman, Vernice confronts class differences with her wealthy roommate Joette and settles financial matters. Raynelle counsels Vernice to never return to a "Honeysuckle." That night, Vernice acknowledges her father killed her mother, while Joette reveals her family’s mortuary business.
Summary
Mae (Mrs. Ola Mae) and Raynelle (Miss Jemison) drive Vernice to Atlanta with donated clothes, reassuring her after the bus assault. On the road, they reveal their partnership, share Spelman’s history, and Mae coaxes Vernice to confront her bottled grief, warning that suppressed sorrow will harm her. Vernice rests as they continue without stopping.
Arriving at Spelman, Vernice is assigned to Abby Rockefeller Hall and meets her poised, affluent roommate, Joette Cunningham, who has a maid, Fanny. Feeling out of place, Vernice accepts a matching bedspread and navigates awkward introductions, while Mae frames Vernice’s bruised face as resistance and Joette suggests possible legal action against the bus company.
A messenger delivers a bill; despite prior payments, Vernice owes $17.37. Raynelle escorts her to the bursar, where Vernice uses nearly all her cash to settle the balance. Outside, Raynelle underscores the opportunity Spelman represents for Vernice, contrasting it with Joette’s inevitability, and later privately urges Vernice never to return to any “Honeysuckle.”
That night, in the dark, Joette softens, clarifies she didn’t mean to be unwelcoming, and discloses her family’s mortuary business and its dignity for the dead. Prompted by Joette’s questions, Vernice admits both parents are dead and confirms her father killed her mother, voicing a truth she has carried in silence.
Who Appears
- Vernice (Niecy)Protagonist; travels to Spelman, struggles with grief and class difference, pays fees, and admits her father killed her mother.
- Mrs. Ola Mae (Mae Simmons)Midwife and Raynelle’s partner; comforts Vernice, urges her to release grief, and champions Vernice’s courage.
- Miss Raynelle JemisonFormer teacher; drives Vernice to Atlanta, offers guidance, helps with bursar, and warns her not to return to “Honeysuckle.”
- Joette CunninghamWealthy, poised roommate with a maid; suggests legal action, reveals mortuary family, bonds with Vernice at night.
- FannyJoette’s maid; assists with unpacking, offers background on the Cunningham family before deferring to Joette.
- Bursar clerkProcesses Vernice’s outstanding balance of $17.37 and issues a receipt.
- Miss Lajune McDonaldFront-desk worker who directs Vernice to the bursar’s office.