Street Love

This chapter alternates between Damien’s father, Avery, and Junice’s father, Arthur. Avery wishes he knew more about Damien’s thoughts, as he often keeps to himself. He worries Ernestine is too hard on him.

Arthur heard Leslie was imprisoned but has no sympathy, insisting she was always eager for money. He tries to recall Junice’s name, but only remembers Leslie’s mother Ruby.

Anticipating a visit from a social worker, Junice coaches Melissa on how to present their grandmother Ruby as a suitable guardian. Melissa protests, angry that their mother “abandoned” them. Junice pleads until they reach an agreement.

Social worker Rachel Davis explains she must make a decision for Junice and Melissa based on the greater good. She notes their mother, Leslie, is the same age as her, and that Junice is 16 while Melissa is 10. She sees Melissa as hopeful, and thinks of herself at 10. Ms. Davis knows the sisters wish to remain with a family member and reviews Ruby’s case file, which indicates she has been convicted of felonies.

Junice offers to make her grandmother eggs when she awakens. Ruby is easily confused and mistakes Junice for someone named Kitty, but happily accepts her offer of eggs.

Damien runs into his former love interest Roxanne at school. She notes a boy named Colson invited her to a dance, a charity function. She says Damien must be too busy for dances since he has not spent time with her lately; Roxanne’s mother is certain the two would make a good couple. Roxanne makes crude remarks about Junice, whom she heard Damien spoke to, and suggests he invite her to the dance instead.

Damien calls Junice to invite her to the dance, but she declines, explaining she has to babysit on Friday night. She is confused, believing he is dating Roxanne. He again suggests they meet for coffee, and a nervous Junice agrees.

Over coffee, Damien attempts to ask Junice how she is coping, given that her mother is incarcerated. She denies any stress, while Melissa watches silently, trying to determine what each teenager thinks of the other. When the date is over, Damien asks when he can see Junice again. She reiterates she must babysit Melissa, but invites him to stop by if he likes. Yet, she worries he will judge their house.

Damien muses about Junice as he waits for the train to her house. He is happy and certain he is in love.

Junice worries about whether or not Damien will visit, and what they will talk about. She envisions the scene, planning where they will sit and say. As she washes dishes, she worries about how little food her grandmother ate. Junice debates turning Damien away if he knocks on the door.

Melissa sneaks out of bed, asking Junice if she can stay while Damien is there. Junice banishes her back to bed, and Melissa teases her for being in love.

Damien notices Junice is nervous during their visit; she paces while he sits. She reveals she bribed Melissa to stay away by allowing her to watch a children’s show. Damien enjoys their conversation, but notes it comprises of meaningless things. At one point, Junice walks to him and they briefly embrace. She touches his face, then he leaves.

As Junice prepares to visit her mother in prison, she becomes anxious. She is uncertain what to say or how to act, then becomes uncomfortable as she is searched by prison guards. Leslie is frantic when Junice arrives, desperate to learn whether or not she contacted a lawyer and brought money. She accuses Junice of forgetting about her. When Junice mentions Damien, Leslie grows angrier. She is taken away by guards. Junice thinks of Damien as she travels home, wishing he were there to comfort her.

Junice tells Melissa of her visit with their mother, lying that Leslie asked about Melissa and read her note.

Kevin asks Damien what is wrong, as he looks ill. Damien insists he is suffering from love sickness. Kevin asks about Roxanne, but when Damien confesses to loving Junice, Kevin wonders if Damien told his mother. Damien tries to articulate his intense feelings for Junice but cannot.