Smacking Scout into Shape [Chapter 3]

Someday in the 1930s

Today Scout and Jem brought a guest over for lunch. He was pale and thin and struck me as anaemic. Not to be rude or anything, but that boy really needs to get out in the Sun more often and play around like boys of his age should be doing (that's what Scout does in her overalls).

He was a very polite boy, extremely well-mannered. Then he asked if there were any molasses in the house and so I returned with a pitcher of syrup. I waited for him to help himself to it. The young man slathered his vegetables and his meat with syrup. I reckon, as a Cunningham, he hasn't had syrup in a long time so he was making the best out of the lunch. I found this reasonable and of course, as the children's company, it wasn't really anyone's place to stop him.

Unfortunately, Scout thought it was and brought it onto herself to stop him. "WHAT THE SAM HILL ARE YOU DOING?!" were her choice of words. Poor boy was embarrassed but didn't really show it. Atticus could only shake his head in disapproval. She was about to justify herself but I requested her presence in the kitchen. Obviously, I was FUMING. I started whispering as fiercely as I could without arousing the suspicions of everyone else. I taught that girl a lesson, I did. Then I smacked her, a bit too hard I think. Then I made her finish dinner in the kitchen (she started rambling about writing and me and punishment so I hushed her up).

When Scout returned from school, I heard her talking to Sir about her day and how she didn't wish to continue it. I didn't hear much but I think Sir convinced her, somehow. He really is a genius and has such a way with kids. He actually once told me to call him Atticus but I didn't want to, didn't want the lines between employer and employee to be that blurred. I'm touched anyways that he treats me like his family (I mean, we practically grew up together) even though I'm a coloured person. He really is a gem.

Jem's in his treehouse now and he's making poor Scout grab stuff for him. If she doesn't pay any attention to him, he'll come down soon enough. Atticus'll tell her that, sooner or later...

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Posted by Calpurnia at noon