Contents
Chapter 39: Vernice
Overview
Vernice admits she lent Franklin’s Cadillac to Annie, provoking Mr. McHenry’s fury and wounding Franklin. While Vernice reflects on her tangled loyalties to Annie, Joette, and her husband, a call from Lulabelle confirms Annie’s abortion is complete. Vernice invites Annie and her companion to return and stay the night, asserting her agency.
Summary
Before breakfast, Vernice confesses she, not Annie, lent the Cadillac. Mr. McHenry lashes out, accusing Vernice of abetting a killing, while Mrs. McHenry rebukes him. Franklin is quietly hurt and asks if she gave away his car, revealing a rift between Vernice’s commitments to Annie and to her marriage.
Vernice reflects on the burdens of love and secrecy, measuring her bonds to Joette, who knew her most intimately, to Annie, who knows her like no one else, and to Franklin, whose vows and vulnerabilities she has embraced. The tension in the house simmers as they pretend normalcy.
After three days, as Vernice dresses Mrs. McHenry for a social event, the phone rings. Annie speaks slowly, asking Vernice to safeguard her cherished quarters and insisting they are not destined to repeat their parents’ mistakes. Lulabelle takes the line, explaining she gave Annie a pill and confirming the procedure succeeded.
Lulabelle says Annie and her fast friend are driving back that night and asks about the car. Vernice stands firm that she lent it. She invites Annie to ring the bell and stay, a choice that reaffirms her loyalty to Annie despite household disapproval and Franklin’s hurt.
Who Appears
- VerniceNarrator; confesses lending the car, navigates Mr. McHenry’s anger, Franklin’s hurt, and invites Annie to return.
- AnnieCalls after her abortion; asks Vernice to keep her quarters safe; plans to return that night.
- FranklinVernice’s husband; feels betrayed that she gave Annie his car; their bond is strained.
- Mr. McHenry (Rich)Employer; reacts viciously, accusing Vernice of aiding a killing and condemning her choice.
- Mrs. McHenryChides her husband’s cruelty; prepares for a social event while maintaining household composure.
- Lulabelle SimmsCalls to confirm Annie’s procedure and medication; says Annie is returning; supports Vernice’s stance.
- JoetteVernice’s former lover; appears in reflection as Vernice weighs past intimacy and present loyalties.