My Name Is Buddy

By Buddy Charles

Mr. Charles was born in Atlanta Georgia and was placed in an Orphans home at the age of 6 when his mother could no longer care for him and his two sisters. He was in the Orphans home for 3 years, and then went to live with his grandparents on a rundown dirt farm in rural Georgia. He lived there for 7 years and when his grandfather died he went to live with his mother in Atlanta until at the age of 16 he joined the Army. He won a singing contest and traveled with the Army show around Army bases in the South East. He was picked up by an agent and began his singing career as a vocalist with many big bands of the big band era, most notable was Harry James. He retired in 1997and began writing his memoirs. He moved to a small town in rural Northern California where he currently resides.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468544800

Buddy Charles

Mr. Charles was born in Atlanta Georgia and was placed in an Orphans home at the age of 6 when his mother could no longer care for him and his two sisters. He was in the Orphans home for 3 years, and then went to live with his grandparents on a rundown dirt farm in rural Georgia. He lived there for 7 years and when his grandfather died he went to live with his mother in Atlanta until at the age of 16 he joined the Army. He won a singing contest and traveled with the Army show around Army bases in the South East. He was picked up by an agent and began his singing career as a vocalist with many big bands of the big band era, most notable was Harry James. He retired in 1997and began writing his memoirs. He moved to a small town in rural Northern California where he currently resides.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

This is a true story, the way that I remember from my childhood, some names have been changed.

The letters that form the words are the tears of a child. This is that story, these are the tears.

Our lives must be turned like. Like the sand in an hour glass, reflections of our future are like the muddy waters of a river passing under a bridge, the silence of our minds listening to the tick tock of a clock, any measure of time, and these things that measure our lives on this earth. How the bad times, of gloom, and dismal life, in the darkness of fog that surrounded my sister, born Katherine Sarah Kelser on March 12, 1930, were so depressing. The great depression was beginning to loosen its grip and the world should have looked brighter.

Our mother being a child herself, having married at the age of twelve and having a baby at age of thirteen and a husband that was and alcoholic, abusive and with the absence of thought, controlled my mother and sister.

Things were no better for my sister or mother, when the unexpected happened at age fifteen, my mother had me, Buddy D. Kelser, born on August 23, 1932.

We were without food and my father would spend all of his money on liquor and whores. There was the abusive control every day and night, my mother and father would fight, he beat her, my sister and me. Why my mother wouldn’t leave I don’t know.

As the reflections of time pass through my mind, like reflections on water, and the memories pour forth like, water from a pitcher. I am five years old, the years seemed to pass so slowly, no food, no clothes; as a child I could not understand why we never had anything. At eighteen my mother was going to have another baby, my sister was born Kay Francis Kelser February 17, 1937, she was named after the movie star, Kay Francis.

As childhood memories start to come to me now, how sad that no one cared. We lived in a row of grey unpainted buildings on Kirkwood Street in Atlanta, Georgia. Of desperation. My mother was feeding my little sister canned milk and coffee for her food, I ate bread and tomato catsup. Katherine became very ill and this was my mother’s favorite child, nothing could happen to her. Being very angry she went into an uncontrollable rage, she began to throw pots, pans, clothes and anything else she could find. I picked up Kay and took her into the bedroom, put her on the bed and went outside.

Mother came running outside slammed the door, told me to stay there, that she was going to the whorehouse and get that bastard to come home or we would leave. Katherine and Kay were both crying and in the bed. Mother returned with my father, he was drunk, staggering behind my mother as they entered the house; my father patted me on the head his words were slurred as he looked down at me and said how is my little, Buddy? O.K. I answered. My mother came running out of the house and told me to get back in the house, that nothing had changed, she was going to call the cops and have him arrested . . . The cops came and took him away.

The next day father returned and things had cooled down, mother took him back. Our grandmother Kelser came over, grabbed Kay by one arm, and told mother if she had my father arrested again that she would have the children’s protection agency after her and she would never see us again. Mother began to go to work with my father and that way she could get his pay before he could spend all the money on women and drink. It didn’t last long though; my father became completely evil as if demons had entered his head, and he would beat all of us and then leave. Father seemed to dislike Katherine as he would yell at mother and tell her your baby Katherine, your favorite is going to grow up to be a bitch like you. You treat her better than the other children. Of all things to happen, in came our grandmother Cook, to take Kay with her. Before she left she told mother you have made your bed now you can lay in it, mother decided to defend herself and screamed mama you never take my side, I am sick of this whole life with Jack, all you want to do is take my baby, Kay, well, old lady you will never get her as long as I am alive! grandmother retorted you, Helen are one of a kind, you seem to think I owe you something, but I owe you nothing, not only is Katherine your favorite, but you treat these other kids like they are not even yours, you might just as well give that boy of yours to someone else, I would never take him and no one else in this family wants him, he is going to be just like his goddamn no good drunk father!"

Mother’s voice rising in tone almost to the point of screaming how dare you to say Katherine is my favorite when all my life my sister, Annie Mae has been the apple of your eye, you never cared for me like you did her, you have said how she was your good daughter and I was so bad, so what if Katherine is my favorite it shouldn’t matter to you or anyone else in this whole dammed world. I looked from the doorway Katherine was crying behind me, Shut up Katherine, I said, I want to hear this! Gandmother’s face was turning red and had hate in her eyes. She raised to a fervor and slapped my mother I am your mother and I will have no daughter of mine talk to me in that tone. Your sister, Annie Mae would never talk to me that way and you will not either! Mother, taking the full force of the slap on the side of her face was almost knocked off her feet, so she yelled at my grandmother you 71548.png 71550.png you crazy old woman that is the last time you will ever hit me, that is the last time anyone will ever hit me again.!"

Mother began to cry. My, grandmother put her hand on her shoulder as if to console her. I’m sorry I slapped you I was angry and hurt that one of my daughters would talk to me that way, I know that you have your problems, everyone has them. Mother wiping the tears away still in a hateful tone you are going to divorce my father and marry that 71552.png that man Roy Blackburn; I hope you are happy because I still love my father. Grandmother’s back stiffened, now standing directly over my mother glared as she was about to leave, Helen may I take Kay home with me to stay for tonight, I have more food than you and I can feed her, is it ok?

Mother being hesitant for a moment looking up at her mother said I am going to divorce Jack, I just don’t know what to do with the children, I will have to get a job and do the best that I can, yes, Kay can spend the night with you. My mother divorced my father and got a job in a button factory near the house so she could come home and check on us. Katherine had her permission to go to the factory, she would stand outside and my mother while sorting buttons would throw them at the window where she was standing. Even though my mother was working she was only making ten cents an hour. Things were beginning to get worse, we had less than before.

Mother would come home and sit and hold Katherine telling her how much she missed her, my grandmother would come and get Kay almost everyday, I was the lone stranger, I didn’t know how to talk to my mother anymore and she did not talk to me. If they said anything to me it was Buddy, don’t do that or did you do this? I soon realized I really did not belong, so I played by myself and pretended to be someone else, a Cowboy, an Indian, or someone famous. How little my sisters and myself knew of the dark clouds surrounding us as a family, our lives would change so quickly and without warning. We would be swept into World War 2 in a different way than most families. How strange the number one song for 1939 was Deep Purple.

The year 1939 came and we were no better off as a family than the year before, the pangs of hunger gripped our bodies, we were going to starve if nothing changed in our lives. Mother began talking to our grandmother asking her to take us to live with her. Grandmother in her way told my mother she had no way of taking Katherine or me, but she said I will take Kay, Helen you must make the decision as you see fit. Mama, I cannot let you have Kay without the others, of course I could keep Katherine with me and you could have Buddy and Kay. Grandmother began to pace the floor as if she was in deep thought she turned to mother, a grim look on her face Helen, I told you what I was willing to do for you and now you have to see what you can do with Buddy. I cannot and I will not take him he is yours, send him to some home for boys or something, just do as you see fit."

My mother looked at my grandmother, tears were beginning to come to her eyes, Mama, I just can’t send him someplace I don’t know. Mama, why do you want Kay and not Buddy? I will tell you, Helen, it’s the same as you with Katherine, I love Kay with all my heart as I am sure you love Katherine, the only thing you have to decide is what to do with your son. Grandmother turned and went to the front door to leave, she slowly turned, looked at my mother shook her head and left.

We came out of the bedroom, mother was crying, she sat Kay on her knee and was hugging Katherine. Katherine began to cry and asking what’s wrong, mama? Did grandma hurt you?

No, mother answered, Katherine, I love you and I just want you to be with me always, I can’t think of being without you, you are the love of my life, always remember that, no matter what happens, I will depend on you to be by my side.

It seemed as though we were alone in the world. Our mother went to work and everyday Katherine went to the window to see her. Grandmother came over two days later to see my mother. Helen, have you made up your mind as what to do with these kids? Mother looking rather annoyed and fatigued answered in a low tone of voice I have called a child case worker to come over and talk with me and help me come to some conclusion as to what to do. Grandmother became angry and unhappy with mother saying I told you what I could do for you, if you let one go to the children’s home you will have to send them all, I told you that I wanted Kay, but no, you won’t let me have her, you think of nobody but yourself, she would be better off with me, please Helen, let me have her, I will even adopt Kay and make her my daughter.

No! I don’t want to hear anymore of this, I will take all these kids and turn them over to children’s services their father really doesn’t give a shit about them and I can’t take this shit anymore. Grandmother turned away and headed for the door, then turned, looked at my mother Helen, you’re right no one gives a shit, I could care less what you do.

Katherine, Buddy, this is Mrs Hubbard, she wants to talk to you, she is going to help us, so answer her questions Mother left the room taking Kay with her. Mrs. Hubbard was rather short and stocky, wearing black clothing, her eyes mean looking with frowns on her forehead. Mrs. Hubbard began talking to Katherine as she started crying, Why are you crying, Katherine? I answered, she’s always crying and hanging onto mother, she acts like a baby. Well buddy I will talk to you.Would you like to go with me to a place where there are other children to play with?

Sure I’ll go anyplace.

Do you want your sisters to go with you?

Well, I don’t know if my mother will let Katherine go, but she will let Kay go with me.

Why do you think she won’t let Katherine go?

She has told her so, if mother can’t go, she can’t go.

Do you think Kay can go with me?

Sure I said.

Do you want to talk now, Katherine?

Katherine sniffing, with tears in her eyes said will mama be coming to see us?

Yes, she can see you every week, would you like that?"

Katherine with a weak voice asked how long will we stay there?

Well, Katherine I can’t tell you how long you will be with us, it all depends on your mother. Buddy, go get your mother I need to talk to her.

I went into the kitchen where mother was sitting and told her, The lady in black wants to talk to you. Mother rising slowly with Kay in her arms walked into the front room seated herself on the edge of a chair facing the lady in black

Mrs. Kelser you have nice children, would you like for them to stay while we talk?

Yes, they can stay, I would offer you something to drink, but as you can see I have nothing. Mrs. Hubbard how can I do this, my heart is heavy and I shall miss Katherine so much, what can I do?

Mrs. Kelser, you are not alone in this, I will keep you informed of your children’s visitors as you requested on the phone. You can visit them on Sunday and their father can visit them on Saturday. We will be here Monday to pick them up at ten O’clock a.m. please have them ready to leave, the longer it takes to get them the harder it is on the children. We request that you don’t cry or show emotion as to upset them. I have the papers on all three children giving us the authority to take them to Hillside Cottages in Atlanta, Georgia you will sign here on this line. Thank you, Mrs. Kelser for giving us the chance to let you decide to give us your children before we took them from you. Mother requested that our father not be able to visit without someone present as she worried that he would take Katherine, this request was granted by Mrs. Hubbard.

We went to church on Sunday as we always did, but mother seemed distant and sad, we sat with our grandma and grandpa and nothing was said during the church service, but mother was glancing at grandma and she at her. The service began with the preacher talking about the war in Europe that everyone should pray for the people of the world. When the service ended we went outside where mother asked grandma and grandpa to come to the house she had something to tell them. Grandmother entered the house with a look of hatred in her eyes and the question what have you done now, Helen?

Mother looked at her

why do you always ask that?

Because, I can see by your face and expression you have something to hide.

I am not your whipping boy mama, I am sending the children to the orphans’ home tomorrow I’m . . . sorry, I just can’t take it any longer. Grandmother stood there looking at my mother as if in disbelief her eyes beginning to glaze over and tears began to run down her cheeks.

Helen, I don’t know how you can do this to your children what will people think?

Mother was uncomfortable with the question she retorted in an angry voice and very loud I don’t give a damn what people think, I can’t take care of myself and I need help with these kids, of all people to question me is you . . . my own mother, tomorrow is Monday June 5th 1939 and Mrs. Hubbard will pick them up at ten o’clock, so say goodbye to Kay and get out . . . I have to pack their clothes. Grandmother picking up Kay kissed her sat her down and left. Mother crying and holding Katherine’s hand looks at her I’m sorry . . . so sorry Katherine, but I will visit you and will see you soon. With that, mother turned and went into the bedroom and began to put clothes into brown paper bags.

Morning came I washed my face got dressed and went outside to say so long to my friends, but no one was around they had already gone to school. I walked up the street then back to the house. Be good, Buddy, take these clothes put them on the front porch, returning, mother holding Kay as she was hugging Kathering told her how much she was going to miss her."

I went back outside and sat down on the steps when a big black Dodge pulled up to the curb, there she was Mrs. Hubbard, I ran into the house Mother the lady in black is here . . . she’s here she’s here . . . mother . . . she’s here . . . the lady in black!

Alright, Buddy mother answered, do you have to be so loud?"

There was a knock at the door Buddy, would you get that? Answering the door there she was, the sun at her back she was larger than before, the lady in black she smiled at me entered the house, sat down smiled at me again.

Mother entering the room, Morning, Mrs. Hubbard.

Morning, Mrs. Kelser, the lady in black rising are the children ready? Yes, they’re ready, my mother near tears holding Katherine’s hand. Mrs. Hubbard picks Kay up and heads for the front door, come along Buddy. I got into the car Mrs. Hubbard still carrying Kay sat down in the front seat, Katherine still holding mothers hand got into the car, she began to cry, mother was crying now.

I’m going to miss you, Katherine.

Mrs. Hubbard half turning in her seat with a stinging look at my mother, I told you no crying or emotional moments, but here you are acting like a child, your children will remember this, close the door, Mrs. Kelser.

Katherine and I looking back as our mother began to fade away.

Everything will be o.k., Katherine. I said.

Katherine still crying started screaming, I want my mama. I want my mama!

The demeanor of Mrs. Hubbard, the lady in black changed from being nice to being mean, shut up . . . Katherine . . . shut up or I will slap your face. Katherine slumped down in her seat trying to stop crying. I looked at Mrs. Hubbard, she at me, don’t say a word, Buddy or you will get slapped in the mouth.

You can’t talk that way to me, if you slap me my father, who by the way is a gangster, will get you.

Mrs. Hubbard replied some gangster, your father, a cheap drunk and petty thief, I am so afraid . . . now you shut up

Yes ma’am. I should have known this was going to become a bad situation. Arriving at the home for children, Hillside Cottages, we pulled up the horseshoe driveway to the smallest of the buildings, the office. The buildings looked like old southern plantation homes with red brick exteriors and white pillars. It belied what went on inside. Mrs. Hubbard exits the car with Kay, the driver opens the door, Katherine gets out and I slide across the seat and got out following Mrs. Hubbard, we entered the office.

Hello Mrs. Hubbard, do we have some new faces? asks the lady from behind the desk.

Yes, these are the Kelser children I told you about last week.

How long will they be with us? The lady asked.

You take a guess, I have no idea!

Mrs. Hubbard you seem so tense, what’s the matter?

This little snot, Buddy, seems to think he can talk back to us, so we will have to teach him some manners, get what I mean?

I understand, the baby is so cute what’s her name?

Kay Francis.

What a pretty name.

What’s your name?

Katherine Sarah.

What’s your name?

Buddy, that’s my real name and I don’t use my middle name, so don’t call me by my middle name I hate it, understood! Mrs. Hubbard grabs me by my neck.

I told you he has a smart mouth, now say you’re sorry or I will break your neck.

I’m sorry . . . I’m sorry.

The lady stands up, looking at us my name is Miss Blalock, she was very tall and frail looking, she wore glasses with wire rims she would raise her eyebrows when she spoke, you children are here because your mother cannot take care of you, so we will take care of you, if you get into trouble the matron in your building will and has the authority to discipline you, by any means to make you understand that. We will punish you and you won’t forget it for a long time, I hope that both of you, Buddy and Katherine understand this, do you?

Yes ma’am, Katherine and I answered.

Your matron will give you your instructions and you are to follow if not we will deal with you as I told you, do both of you understand this?

Yes ma’am. We answered together as we looked at each other.

Mrs. Hubbard, take Buddy and Katherine to their buildings, I will keep Kay here in the office for now. We went to Katherine’s building first, Mrs. Hubbard said a few words to the matron, turning around holding my hand, squeezing it as we walked very fast, I, having to run to keep up. Mrs. Hubbard talking to me as we walked I told you . . . you little shit, give me or anybody else trouble, I’ll come back and whip your little ass."

Yes ma’am. We entered the place I was to call home for two and a half years.

I looked around and a lady was approaching us, she looked at us, smiled. Hello, Mrs. Hubbard, who do we have here? His name is Buddy, he’s hard headed, if you need any help call me I will be in the office."

Hi Buddy, my name is Mrs. Beatrice Plummer I will be your matron Call me Mrs. Plummer at all times. Looking at her reminded me of someone who was unhappy, a scowl on her face with streaks of grey mixed in her black hair. I am in charge of this cottage, if perhaps you decide to run away, or leave, you will be brought back, punished and then you will remain on my bad list, do you understand?

Yes Ma’am. I understand.

These are the rules you are to follow. You are to keep your clothes and other belongings in your locker at all times. You will take a bath everyday, hygiene is important, that means keep yourself clean. You will be required to work in the kitchen, set tables, mop around your bed area and other chores as told to you by my staff, if you disobey you will be punished. If you take anything that belongs to someone else, that is stealing and you will be punished. If you find anything that is not your’s you are to turn it into me or one of the staff. If you should decide to keep anything that you might find, we consider that stealing also; guess what, you will be punished. You are to check your hair; if you find lice on your head you are to report it to me right away. You are required to answer Yes Ma’am or No Ma’am, nothing else is considered to be the right response. You will always tell the truth, if we catch you lying, we will no longer believe anything you might tell us. There will be no fighting. Buddy, I hope we understand each other, do you have anything to say?

Yes Ma’am, I wanted to tell you, my daddy is a gangster and he will come here and get anybody that hurts me Mrs. Plummer just laughs at me, leading me to my bed and told me to put my belongings into the locker and follow her she would show me around and feed me lunch, it was a long day.

CHAPTER 2

Standing before me was a mountain of a woman, thinking to myself "this is the biggest human being I have ever seen. Her breasts were almost to her waist, she talked in a deep voice like a man, looking at me with little slits for eyes, and her belly was squishy sort like butter, and thighs as big as my body, bent over and grabbed me to give me a hug. It was all I could to breathe. Fat seemed to surround me.

Mrs. Plummer help me, I can’t breathe she’s choking me, she lets go and there is a roar of laughter.

Buddy, this is Marge Olsen, the cook, you will work in the kitchen when you are told to and also help in the dining room. You can go now and straighten out your clothing and hang them in your locker neatly. When you finish that, the older children should be coming in from school, then you can go out and play.

My imagination took over, this is a bad dream, the Nazis have captured me and I am in a prisoner of war camp I, the great Buddy will escape and make it back to safety leaving no trail for someone to follow. I climbed out the window and went into the windows that I could see in, but no Katherine, then a voice directly behind me, young man what do you think you are doing.

Shaking a little at being caught I asked, are you a Nazi?

No! I am not a Nazi, are you a little bastard?

No! I am an American who escaped from that building down there, pointing with my finger; awful things happen there, they have a fat lady who tries to kill you by smothering you with her body.

What’s your name?

Buddy, but you can’t tell anyone they are after me.

What are you doing up here

Looking for my sister, Katherine.

Katherine is your sister? The new girl?

Yes, what have they done with her?

She is inside, do you want to talk to her?

If I could, I would be most grateful. Nazis all around us.

My what manners you have Buddy, I will get her, wait here there are no Nazis here. In a few minutes she returned with Katherine.

Katherine, you are alive!

What?

Katherine, there are people here that I don’t like. I hate to tell you this, but they are going to do away with us

Buddy, you are crazy, nothing is going to happen to us.

O.K. smarty pants, where is our little sister, Kay?

Come on, I’ll show you. We walked into the office, there was Kay sitting in a high chair, holding a doll, laughing and playing with Miss Blalock.

What do you children want?

Just wanted to see our sister, Miss Blalock. Katherine and I went outside and sat down on the curb.

Katherine, do you think we will ever see mother again?

Of course we will.

Katherine, are you lonesome?

Yes.

Do you think Kay is lonesome?

I don’t know.

I’m lonesome Katherine, I miss my friends. Katherine, I know you miss mother, don’t you?

Of course I miss her, don’t you?

No, I don’t really miss her she never had anything to do with me anyway. You miss mother, Katherine, because you are her favorite.

That’s not so . . . I miss her because she loves me.

Miss Blalock steps outside the office, you kids get back to your building.

Yes ma’am, we both answered.

Bye, Katherine.

Bye, Buddy try to be good, don’t get into any trouble.

The other boys in my building had begun to come in from school as I was lying on my bed. Four boys walked up to the foot of my bed. One kicked the legs of the footboard, get up.

Are you talking to me?

Is there anyone else I’m looking at?

I stood up, what’s your name?

Buddy. What’s yours?

My nickname is Stick.

That’s a funny name.

Well, so is Buddy.

Buddy is my real name.

I don’t think I would like the name Stick . . . because a stick is just a stick. The other boys started to laugh.

Shut up! I’ll whip your ass, Buddy!

The rules say no fighting, no cussing.

Tomorrow meet me by the big tree in the backyard after school, if you are not there, I will come looking for you.

My first day and night was not a very good one to say the least.

Well . . . well, you showed up, I’m happy, now put up your fists, Stick making a fist, snarled, c’mon.

If I fight you, we’ll both be in trouble.

Look guys, Buddy is a chicken to fight me, cluck cluck chicken.

I know a way to stay out of trouble. We will play a game of marbles, keepers if you win, how about it?

Luke, his friend says, c’mon Stick, nobody can beat you at marbles.

Well Stick, what will it be, trouble for fighting or you lose all your marbles to me.

Stick drops his fist, you really think you can beat me?

Not trying to scare him off, I don’t know if I can.

Buddy, go get your marbles, Luke you go get mine, they are in a sock on the top shelf of my locker.

When we returned the other boys had cleared an area and drawn a pigtail.

You are playing pigtails, drop your marbles in, I will judge if you are in or out, Luke says.

Stick, this will be fun beating your ass in a game of marbles.

Buddy, if you beat me it will be the last thing you do.

We will lob to the line to see who shoots first, ok with you, Stick? I smiled as I asked.

You win Stick, shoot first.

He shot, the marbles rolled around, I knocked out two, your shot, Buddy, his shooter rolled out.

Taking careful aim I shot, knocked out a marble my shooter stuck in the center. We were about even in winnings so I looked at Stick, your shot.

Stick let’s play for all the marbles all at one time, plus your shooter if you hit this marble, knock it out and your shooter sticks, you win, ok?

Stick answers with a grin, all the marbles, huh?

Yep, I said, right hand, knuckles down Stick.

You can’t call knuckles down. Luke, the judge will make the call.

Stick, he called right hand knuckles down. Stick misses, kicks the dirt, and picks up his shooter.

Alright Stick, you’ve had it now. I start to take aim, Stick protests then shouts, right hand knuckles down!

Switching my shooter to my left hand, I shot, knocked the marble out, it stuck in the center. My game, as I picked up my shooter, give me all of your marbles I won."

You cheated, you shot with your left hand and didn’t knuckle down!

We said, right hand knuckles down, right judge?

He’s right, Stick Luke says.

Buddy, you may have won the marbles, but you will pay for them with your hide. The rest of the day went by fast, I was the new hero, for the day.

After dinner, talk was going around that Stick and some other guys were going to beat me up. Nothing happened, so it was only talk. Feeling pretty happy with myself, I stepped into the shower, suddenly Stick, Luke and Ben grabbed me, Stick hit me in the nose I fell forward, Luke and Ben let me go, my head hit the corner of the shower, I was cut on the forehead with the water hitting me full force blood was everywhere. Stick, Luke and Ben ran to their beds. Someone told Mrs. Plummer that I was hurt real bad, that I was bleeding all over the place.

Mrs. Plumer began to shake me, were you fighting? I’m asking you were you fighting?

No ma’am.

How did you get this cut?

I fell and hit my head on the corner of the shower, honest . . . Mrs. Plummer I wouldn’t lie to you. She calmed down, cleaned the cut, put a bandage on my head, told me to be careful, and sent me to bed.

I saw Katherine the next day the first thing she asked, What happened to you? You were fighting weren’t you?

Yes! Not much of a fight, they won.

Buddy, please don’t get into trouble, I’m worried enough I haven’t heard from mama.

Why, Katherine? We’ve only been here for a week; you don’t think she is going to come every day, do you?

No, but she promised to call.

"Katherine, you are always crying, don’t you get tired of crying?’

Grandma promised to come see us, Buddy I don’t know if they have forgotten us, you know, leave us here forever.

Who cares? I get fed here, I have playmates, life couldn’t be better, I could wallow in this attention for a long time and not miss anyone, including my mother or Grandmother.

Katherine became obsessed with mother coming to see us.

Everyday I asked have you heard from our mother?

She replied no Buddy and I am worried there must be something wrong.

What could be wrong? I asked, she could be having a good time, no kids, no worries, but you don’t have to worry yourself because she will get in touch with you if no one else.

Tomorrow is Saturday, maybe she will come and visit all of us, I think I will go to the office and see Kay, maybe they will let us take her outside and we can all play together. I walked into the office; Miss Blalock was behind her desk with Kay sitting beside her,

Miss Blalock looks up, Oh it’s you.

Yes ma’am, it’s me, Kay’s brother.

I know very well who you are, what do you want?

"I thought if it’s o.k. with you, maybe you would let Kay come outside and play with Katherine and me.

Answering in a low tone of voice, I don’t want Kay around you, Buddy. Do you know why? I think you will teach her bad habits.

Answering in a hateful voice, we have been here a week and Katherine and I have seen Kay only when we come to the office you act like she is your child, she is my sister and I will see her when I want to, nothing you do can stop me, you’re just an old bat.

You, Buddy have a smart mouth, I will call Mrs. Plummer and she will make the decision about what punishment you are to receive, and for how long. Now get down to your building!

Passing Katherine in the driveway, Katherine I’m in big trouble, got to go see Mrs. Plummer, boy am I going to get it!

Katherine running after me, What did you do?

I opened my big mouth, Katherine I called her an old bat! Bye Katherine." I walked slowly down to my building.

Katherine turned around to go back to the office, opening the door she said Miss Blalock may Kay come out tomorrow and play with Buddy and me?

Your mother is coming tomorrow, she called and asked to talk to you, but I saw you and Buddy talking and thought it best to tell you now.

Thank you Miss Blalock, thank you so much, Katherine was watching her manners. She was so good at doing that, you know, minding her manners. I should have taken lessons from her. Katherine out of breath running down to the building where she meets Mrs. Plummer at the door, May I see Buddy?

Mrs. Plummer looking down at Katherine Are you his sister?

Yes ma’am, I am I really need to see him please . . . please let me see him, I know he is in trouble, but this is important. Our mother is coming to see us tomorrow, please.

Mrs. Plummer seeing the tears in Katherine’s eyes, yes, you can see him, I will send him out. I stepped outside, took one look at Katherine, I laughed.

Nice touch Katherine, all this crying that you do, really pays off. What do you want?

Mother is coming to see us tomorrow, the tears had stopped she was rejoicing and laughing.

I asked How do you do that?

Do what? she asked.

You know . . . how can you be crying one moment and laughing the next?

I can get what I want by crying, maybe you should try it.

"Me . . . everyone would make fun of me and call me a sissy.’

Buddy did you hear what I said, mother is coming to see us tomorrow I’m so happy, I want to see her so bad I miss her so much.

Katherine how do you know she is coming? I asked.

You won’t believe this, but Miss Blalock told me mother called for me, just think she called to speak to me.

Katherine, I said, you know you are the only one she wants to talk to.

Buddy, I can tell you are jealous because she wanted to talk to me only and not to you.

Katherine, you are sick, I am happy for you, not jealous, I’m happy for you that mother cares so much for you, at least she cares for someone. I said it and you can quote me.

Katherine answering quite angrily You are so hateful! Also you say words that really hurt a person’s feelings.

You tell me Katherine, have you ever seen mother hug or kiss me on the cheek?

No.

Tell me if she talks to me the way she talks to you?

No, but you are a boy and she treats you differently than Kay and I.

Mother came the next day, we sat down on a bench in the center of the visiting area, Katherine sat next to mother, Kay, was sitting on mother’s lap.

I lay back on the grass looking up at the bright blue sky. Mother asking in a low voice as if whispering how is everything going children? Katherine speaks up, Mother, Buddy is always in trouble, he’s had a fight, some of the boys say he cheated at marbles, he talks back to the matrons, also you won’t believe this, he called Miss Blalock an old bat!"

Look at me when I speak to you, Buddy, mother said. I don’t want any trouble with these people, do you understand!"

Yes ma’am, I answered, but they are all Nazis, they make out reports on you and tell the office everything you say or do.

Katherine speaks to mother, Buddy had a visitor from the Kiwanis Club, did you know about that, mother?

Mother looks at me who is this visitor?

Katherine you are such a tattle tale, why don’t you tell her when I go to the bathroom? I said laughing. Mother in a mad tone, who the hell is this person!? I told them at the office no visitors but me and your grandparents, now I find out someone is seeing my son.

Mother, I asked harshly, why can’t I have someone to visit me, it’s nobody’s business but mine!

Mother answering sternly Hah . . . nobody’s business is it! Why do you want to have this man visit you?

He’s my friend, mother, I don’t act like he is my daddy he’s just a friend. All the guys have Kiwanis Club visitors.

Mother gets up, here Katherine, hold Kay, I am going to the office to see about this. Mother walking up the hill to the office in little short steps you could tell she was mad as hell.

Her eyebrows were red as fire, they always got that way when she was mad, they matched her red hair and the temper to go with it.

Returning shortly she sat back down, I talked to Miss Blalock, she told me that all the boys had men sponsors and that you were no different, you are living in the Kiwanis Cottage and the members come around just to visit, that’s O.K.

Mother, I hate to surprise you, but this man really likes me, he told me he would like for me to be his son, if he took me I would have a real daddy, wouldn’t you like that mother? I asked.

No she said don’t even talk about this, for it will never happen, you will remain in this orphanage for as long as I like. No one is going to take you or your sisters, I hope we understand each other, do we?"

Yes ma’am. I answered.

Mother came again the next week on Saturday our grandmother came with her, she was overjoyed to see Kay. She hugged and kissed Kay for the longest time not saying a word. Tears of joy filled her eyes, Kay was glad to see grandmother, too. My, Kay, how you have grown, look how good you can walk, you are growing up so fast. Standing back watching this moment of happiness between Katherine and mother and grandmother and Kay even made me happy.

Hi grandmother, hi mother, I said cheerfully."

Hello, Buddy, mother answered, grandmother nodded her head in acknowledgment of my being there.

Mother looked at me, with her head low whispered, Buddy, I want to talk to you, I am going to take Katherine with me for the weekend and mama is going to take Kay for the weekend, we will see you Sunday evening, maybe you can visit some weekend.

Not being included in this wonderful family moment, I was deeply hurt and fighting back tears.

It’s o.k., mother you don’t have to pretend that I can come to visit, I think we all know where I stand.

Mother answered, you just don’t understand, I need to be alone with Katherine, she is so fragile and needs my help.

Mother, I say Katherine is going to need you all her life why is this so different, she knows how to twist you around her finger. Forget about me I don’t need anyone, do you hear that, I don’t want or need anyone, have a nice weekend!

I watched as Kay, Katherine, my mother and grandmother walked down the long driveway to the street and boarded a trolley. Angry at myself for letting my feelings be known to my mother, I sat down in the grass, my head hung on my knees, "was I about to cry? I don’t know.

A voice behind me says, hi Buddy, remember me? I haven’t been around because your mother, well to put it bluntly, never liked me

Mr. Atkinson, yes I know my mother really is not fond of you, she just wants me to have no friends. How is the Kiwanis Club? Answering with a smile, Buddy, you ask the question but don’t care about the answer, do you?

Mr. Atkinson, you are so right I really don’t care about anything. I answered questioning me further, "what is the matter, you can tell me?

Well, my mother and grandmother took my sisters for the weekend, and I really have nothing to do.

Buddy, what if I go and talk to Miss Blalock about you spending the weekend at my house, would you like that?

Of course, I said.

Mr. Atkinson returned, it’s all right with her, go get some clothes.

Running as fast as I could I grabbed my corduroy knickers, a shirt, pajamas, running back just as fast, out of breath, I’m back ready to go.

Mr. Atkinson and I walked down the driveway to where his car was parked.

Making conversation, Boy, this is a pretty car, what kind is it?

Mr. Atkinson looking at me laughed, the name of this car is Plymouth, with the war going on you can’t buy a new car, so this will have to do. We drove quite a long way it seemed to me. We pulled up into a driveway then stopped.

Is this your house Mr. Atkinson?

Yes, this is my house.

Mr. Atkinson, I have never seen a house so beautiful as yours!

Why, thank you, Buddy.

We walked inside, everything was like a dream. Mr Atkinson, this is so nice and clean, will I meet your wife?"

I don’t have a wife, Buddy.

All men have wives, Mr. Atkinson.

Buddy, you can call me Tommy, that is my first name, call me Tommy o.k.?

Sure I can call you Tommy if you like.

Buddy, lets have some lunch and then I will take you into the basement, I have some things down there to show you.

Sitting down at the table, Tommy started a conversation with me.

My wife and I divorced about two years ago, things just happen, Buddy where grownups just don’t get along, much like your parents therefore we get divorced, do you understand.?

I think so, when you get tired of them, you just throw them away, I answered slowly.

I don’t have a family, but I would like to have a son like you. I am going to ask your mother if I can adopt you, would you like to come and live with me.?

I can’t give you an answer, because my mother will not let you adopt me. Finishing my sandwich he picked up our plates put them in the sink.

Well, let’s go down in the basement I’ll show you something I think you will like. Do you like Indians?

Of course, I answered. Tommy opened the door to the basement, boy it was dark down there! Thinking to myself, maybe this was not a good idea, only one person knew where I was, Miss. Blalock, they are going to do away with me! Tommy turned on the lights about then and lit up the whole basement, what a relief.

There was wood, tools, machines that I had never seen before. Tommy speaking Buddy, this is my workshop I make archery equipment, you know bows and arrows. I am going to make you a bow out of this lemon wood. We worked on the bow down there until dinner. We went upstairs for dinner, as Tommy prepared the food I asked him.

What will I do with the bow at the home?

Turning around from the stove to face me he answered, it will have to stay here. After dinner we worked on the bow that was going to be mine, I loved it. Going to bed in a room where no one else would be sleeping with me, for the first time in my life, it sure was nice.

The next morning I got up put my clothes on, went into the kitchen, Tommy was already there. Tommy turned around when he heard me enter. Good morning, Buddy, what would you like for breakfast?

Do you know what I like, Tommy? I asked.

No, but I’m sure if you told me I can fix it, he said.

Well, I don’t want you to think I am crazy, but I like cream of wheat with lumps in it, I always eat last at the home so I will have lumps in my cream of wheat, it’s more filling. Can you fix it like that?

Tommy, laughing, I can fix all the lumps you want in your cream of wheat, I’m good at that. After breakfast we went back to the basement and worked on my bow, time went by so fast.

Buddy, get your things together I have to take you back to the home now, I don’t want to, but I have to have you back by three o’clock. I gathered up my clothes got into the car. Not much was said between Tommy and me, as I knew this was over when my mother hears about it. When we arrived at the home I opened the door of the car, clutching my clothes very tight I said, Tommy, thank you for the best two days I have ever had in my life.

Buddy, I enjoyed your company and hope we can visit again, bye.

Later mother, Katherine, Kay and my grandmother returned. I was sitting on the grass watching the Trolleys go by, as they walked up the drive way laughing and talking.

Katherine said to me as they walk up, too bad you couldn’t come with us, mama and I went to Grant Park and I got to ride all the rides I really had a lot of fun and you did too, huh mama?

Yes, it was nice to spend the weekend together, mother answered almost in a whisper.

Well Kay, what did you and grandmother do? I asked.

Buddy, we went to Aunt Bessie’s farm, I got to feed the chickens, pet the cow and played with grandma I had a good time, we are going again real soon, aren’t we grandma?

Yes, real soon, she answered.

Mother turning to grandmother says, mama, we had better leave now. Katherine, I will call you this week, maybe Tuesday. Bye now.

Katherine holding onto my mother’s dress begins to cry. Mother stops, pats her on the head, Don’t cry, baby, I will call like I said I would, I’ll miss you.

I’ll miss you too, mama Katherine replied. Bye mama.

I’ll tell you one thing Katherine, that is the best act I have ever seen or heard, at least Kay doesn’t carry on like you, you don’t see her crying and saying, oh! I’ll miss you grandma that’s a bunch of baloney."

Katherine talking back to me, you are just mad because mother took me for the weekend and grandma took Kay!

You, Katherine just want some attention, so you play this pitiful game of yours in front of mother as if you are mistreated, but you know these matrons are good to us, so stop whining, grow up! Kay starts to talk. Buddy, are you mad at me and Katherine?

No Kay trying to soften my tone. Grandma told me she loves me, does she love you? Kay asked.

Kay I don’t know the answer to that question. I answered.

Mama loves Katherine, I heard her say so, does mama love you?

"Kay you ask too many questions, mother has never said she loves me.

I have to go now, bye my sisters, I love you both."

We parted with a wave of the hand.

I went to the cottage, looked at the bulletin board that we were to read everyday to see if our names were listed for any duties to perform. I noticed that they wanted a dining room orderly for dinner, which was your only duty. I ran to Mrs, Plummer’s office knocked on the door. Come in, was the reply from inside. I took off my hat holding it in my hand, peeked around the door, Mrs. Plummer, sitting at her desk not looking up, yes?

Mrs. Plummer, listen I’m your new orderly I volunteer for that duty.

What makes you think that I would give that job to you? She asked.

Well, first let me say, that I, the great Buddy having changed and I are ready to show you that I have changed. Looking at her desk, I noticed a bowl of lollipops. Mrs. Plummer, may I have a lollipop?

No! she answered.

Now you can see how I’ve changed, I’m not even mad at you for not giving me a lollipop. Also here is the notice from the bulletin board, I removed it before anyone else could read it. Handing her the piece of paper.

You know Mrs. Plummer I have been here for over a year, I never get to see my mother or grandparents, so I guess you will be stuck with me forever, so please let me have this duty please!

Buddy, you can have the dinner orderlies job, but you must be on time and always there. I was walking on clouds thinking to myself, Katherine had this down pat, if you are nice to the matrons you can get what you want, boy is Katherine smart! But I won’t cry for anyone.

I saw Kay and Katherine playing in front of the office, running up to them I yelled hello, my two sisters! Kay laughing as I came up, she and Kathering grabbed my hands and we started going round and round until Kay would stagger and fall.

"Katherine, I have some good news I am going to be the new dinner orderly for my cottage, I used your technique of being polite, and it worked.

Katherine looked surprised then asked, did you cry also?

I said that I was polite, not a cry baby, no I didn’t cry, you don’t expect me to cry I am not going to stoop that low, not only that what if some of the guys saw me crying, I would never live it down. Gotta go now and do my duty, bye my sisters.

Mrs. Plummer was waiting for me at the dining room door; she inspected my hands and face to see that I had washed. Very good Buddy, nice and clean, also you are on time."

Look Mrs. Plummer I even wet and combed my hair, I think it looks better don’t you, Mrs. Plummer? Smiling she whispered, you’re a mighty handsome young boy. Buddy, make sure the dining room tables are set properly and check everyone’s hands to make sure they are clean.

I could hear the guys talking, look, Buddy is the new orderly. Looking at everybody’s hands making sure no one with dirty hands or faces entered, I said "Stick, your hands are dirty go back and wash them again.

I’ll get you, Buddy for making me wash my hands again. Stick left to go wash, yes sir, saying to myself I have the power, these are peons, my subjects they are to obey me!

The next day Mrs. Plummer called me into her office. Boy what did I do now? Knocking on the door very lightly.

Come in Buddy, I just wanted to tell you what a fine job you did last night, I think you will make a fine orderly. With a smile on my face feeling proud that she complimented me.

Why thank you Mrs. Plummer, may I have a lollipop?

No! Turning to leave I noticed a poster hanging on the back of the door.

Mrs. Plummer, I couldn’t help but notice this poster, it has all the German airplanes on it, you look like a Nazi, are you a Nazi?

No! hell no! I am not a Nazi, that is for us to study and if we see any of these planes we are to report it to the air raid warden.

"Will there be one on the bulletin board?

Yes, she answered.

I left the office ran into the dormitory, hey guys, the Germans are coming.

How do you know that? they asked.

Mrs. Plummer has pictures of their airplanes hanging on her door; she is going to hang one of the posters on the bulletin board.

You’re crazy, Buddy," they all seemed to say in unison. At dinner time I took my place by the door. Mrs. Plummer walked up to me.

Hello Mrs. Plummer, trying to be polite.

Buddy, tell the children I have an announcement to make so no one is to leave the dining room.

You’ve got it, I said. She turned and looked at me.

I don’t like that answer.

Yes ma’am. After dinner I stood up.

Here is our matron Mrs. Plummer, she has an announcement to make, it’s your floor. Mrs. Plummer. She looked at me, I didn’t like that introduction!

Yes ma’am.

"Children, the war in Europe is raging and I am here to tell you of some things that we will be doing to help the war effort. You will notice there will be some men here to hang blackout shades; these are to be pulled down every night when the lights are on. Homework will be completed before eight o’clock in the evening. Remember there will be no lights on unless all shades are down. If you hear the sirens sound, lay under your bed, do not, I repeat, do not come out until all sirens have stopped. When the sirens have stopped stand at the foot of your bed, so that the staff can count you, do not turn on any lights.

We do not expect any air raids; we are just preparing you if it should happen. There will be Air Raid Wardens around to assist you if you are outside, they will be wearing helmets with yellow stripes. Do any of you have any questions?"

I have one Mrs. Plummer, will we be given guns to protect ourselves? I asked.

No! she answered. Buddy come to my office right now!

Following behind her I asked, What’s wrong, Mrs. Plummer? If I did something wrong tell me. Did I tell you that you looked nice tonight? That dress your wearing is your color it brings out the freckles on your shoulders and the pale color of your skin, also you speech was inspiring, you really had everyone’s attention, thank goodness we have a nice matron like you." She unlocked the door to her office, took a deep breath.

Really Buddy, do you think we would give you guns? You get to me and I can be so mad at you and other times I admire your spunk. Shifting her weight one foot to the other foot as if disgusted with me, I admit you have changed, Buddy and I like some of the changes, but not all. Thank you for the introduction tonight even though I did not like it, but I am sure the next time you introduce me you will give more thought to your words of introduction. You don’t have to play games and pretend to be nice, because I think you are nice without the phony compliments, they’re bullshit! Now go back to your duties.

Yes ma’am, thank you . . . yes ma’am thank you. I was almost bowing.

CHAPTER 3

I saw Katherine a couple of days later after school, Buddy I have something to tell you.

What is it now? I asked, Katherine you always have something to tell me.

Well if you don’t want to know I won’t tell you, she said.

Oh please tell me, Kathering I am dying to know. Let me guess, Mother called."

Katherine, astonished, you’re right, how did you know?

Well you see Katherine, I must be psychic, why else would you be so happy?

"Moma is coming to see me Sunday, she has a new boyfriend and wants to tell me all about him, so she will be spending most of the day talking to me, I don’t know