Contents
Chapter 35: Annie
Overview
Annie and Babydoll arrive in Atlanta seeking Niecy’s help for Annie’s pregnancy. The McHenrys offer polite hospitality, but Mrs. McHenry refuses assistance, and Franklin is kept in the dark. The setback heightens Annie’s shame and fear, while Niecy and Babydoll reaffirm their loyalty and resolve to find help.
Summary
Leaving Memphis in Clyde’s Packard, Annie resolves not to return. She clings to Niecy’s promise of “care,” treating it as true help after extracting a few begrudged dollars from Mr. Wilson, the married boss who impregnated her. The drive is tense and prayerful, ending with a sunlit arrival in downtown Atlanta.
At the McHenry home, Niecy greets Annie with open warmth, while Franklin appears content and Mrs. McHenry is cool but civil. Annie senses both welcome and judgment as the family ushers the visitors inside, with Niecy quietly vowing not to let Annie down—an assurance that makes Annie uneasy about the difficulty ahead.
Over breakfast, polite small talk masks scrutiny. Niecy awkwardly claims a day of shopping, and Franklin offers to escort them, while Mrs. McHenry proposes joining, signaling control. Back in the guest room, Babydoll presses Niecy, who admits she confided first in her mother-in-law, hoping for help, but was refused. Niecy insists she and Franklin keep no secrets, yet she has not told him about Annie.
The rejection triggers Annie’s shame and physical nausea as she imagines being deemed “trifling.” She reflects on her body betraying her by nurturing an unwanted pregnancy. The chapter closes with Niecy and Babydoll comforting Annie in bed, reaffirming their support despite the McHenrys’ reluctance and Franklin’s continued ignorance.
Who Appears
- AnnieArrives in Atlanta pregnant and desperate for help; feels judged, keeps Franklin uninformed, and is comforted by Niecy and Babydoll.
- Vernice (Niecy) McHenryWelcomes Annie, promises care, confides in her mother-in-law first, withholds the situation from Franklin, and comforts Annie.
- Babydoll (Ruth)Drives Annie to Atlanta, challenges the McHenrys’ evasions, defends Annie, and offers emotional support.
- Mrs. McHenryPolite but withholding; refuses to help with Annie’s problem and subtly asserts control over plans.
- Franklin McHenryAppears content in marriage; offers to escort the women; remains unaware of Annie’s pregnancy.
- Mr. McHenryCourteous host who discourages his wife’s interference; otherwise stays in the background.