The Power of Testimony

12 || ALL BUT NORMAL
trip, Bev approached her father in the living room, heart
more hopeful than when she began. Blue television light
radiated against the drapes and against his hands, resting on
the arms of his chair.
“Daddy?” Bev said. She never faked sincerity. Even
when asking with a purpose, she could only come across as
sweet and believable. They were kindred spirits, she and her
father—​witty and sociable but gentle and kind.
“ Mm- hm,” Russell replied.
“I wanted to go exchange this blouse at Goldblatt’s. I’d
like to get a better one for our vacation.”
“You’re running out of time. Goldblatt’s closes at nine.”
“If I go soon, I can make it.”
“Did you ask your mother?”
“She said to ask you.” Bev paused. “If it’s easier, John can
take me.”
Russell didn’t respond immediately.
“He’s got his license,” Bev added helpfully.
Her father’s thoughts seemed set on the next day and the
long drive, not on the television show that continued before
him. Connie and Gail stood behind Bev and awaited the
verdict.
“I hope they let her go,” Gail said softly, thinking of her
brand- new roller skates. Bev was the hero among the girls
that Christmas because she had prevailed on their parents
to buy them all new roller skates—​not the clip-​on kind but
roller skates with real boots.
“I hope they say no,” Connie whispered back. “That boy’s
too old for her.”