Contents
Chapter 44: Annie
Overview
Annie begins a clandestine procedure with Lulabelle and Babydoll at her side. The doctor insists on recording next of kin, prompting Annie to reject her mother and name Vernice (Niecy). The scene underscores the danger, secrecy, and Annie’s fragile hopes to repair her love with Bobo.
Summary
Annie enters a clandestine medical setting with Lulabelle and Babydoll. The doctor, emphasizing professionalism despite the illegality, insists on listing a next of kin. Lulabelle asserts they are Annie’s kin, while Babydoll, tense and praying, prepares to write the information.
As Annie hesitates, she thinks of Bobo and imagines repairing their love once her body and spirit heal. The doctor presses for the name, and Annie firmly rejects naming her mother, Hattie Lee, refusing that tie in this moment of vulnerability.
When the doctor asks again, Annie chooses Vernice—“Mrs. Vernice Irene Davis McHenry, Niecy”—affirming the friend who has stood by her since childhood. Lulabelle corrects details; Babydoll records them. This decision, amid the danger and secrecy, marks Annie’s reliance on chosen family and her hope for future reconciliation with Bobo.
Who Appears
- AnnieUndergoing an illegal procedure; rejects her mother as next of kin; names Vernice; hopes to mend things with Bobo.
- LulabelleProtective ally; sanitizes the doctor; insists they are Annie’s kin; manages the tense room.
- BabydollNervous companion; clutches praying beads; records the next-of-kin information for the doctor.
- The doctorClandestine provider; insists on professional procedure and next-of-kin documentation despite illegality.