Piecing Me Together(48)

Maxine stands next me.

I tell her, “I think this might be the best outing we’ve had.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that,” she says. “I wasn’t sure you were enjoying yourself. You didn’t ask any questions.”

“Oh, that’s because I wasn’t sure if my question was appropriate to ask right now,” I tell her.

Maxine laughs. “What could you possibly want to know?” Her eyebrows are arched with suspicion.

“Nothing bad—I just wanted to know if Mia offers internships. I’d love to work here and learn more about the business of running an art gallery.”

“Oh! You could have totally asked that,” she says. “Just go over to her and let her know you’re interested.”

“I can’t do that,” I tell her.

“Yes, you can,” Maxine says.

I can. I can speak for myself.

I walk over to Mia, and as I approach her, she smiles. “Hey, Jade, so good to see you again.”

“Good to see you too,” I say. “I love this exhibit.”

“I’m so glad.” Mia is standing there, normal and casual, with no idea that my heart is pounding on the inside.

“I, um, I really like what you said about why you started your business,” I tell her. “I’d like to learn more. You know, I’m an artist—”

“Yes, Maxine keeps telling me that. I’d love to see some of your work.”

“Maybe I can come by one day and bring a few pieces.” I can see Sabrina gathering everyone to close the day. I am running out of time to ask about the internship. Mia says I can stop by anytime, so then I say, “Maybe I’ll come by next week after school. I’d like to talk with you about the possibility of interning here. Do you have internships?”

“I do,” Mia tells me. “I have two paid internship positions. I’d love for you to work here. Let’s talk more about it. In the meantime, I’ll get you an application so we can get the process started.” Mia walks to the back and goes into her office. She returns, the application in her hand.

Sabrina calls out, “Okay, everybody! We’re going to end the day with a closing reflection. I want you all to close your eyes, think about our time together, everything you saw, the information you learned. Now think of one word you’re feeling, and once everyone has their words, we’ll go around and put those words into the space.”

The room is silent.

I don’t need to think hard. My word comes immediately.

Inspired.





63


soledad

loneliness

How I Know Sam’s Not My Friend Anymore: No more bus rides to and from school together.

When Mr. Flores tells us to choose a partner, she doesn’t choose me.

Even when something is funny, she doesn’t turn to me and laugh. She’d rather hold it in, keep her joy to herself.





64


oportunidad

opportunity

Woman to Woman’s second Money Matters workshop has ended, and the guest speaker is bombarded by all the mentees rushing to meet him. Sabrina calls me over to the back of the church, telling me she has something to ask me. “As you know, we’re having our annual fundraiser soon, and I wanted to know if you’d contribute a piece of art for our auction.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. We’d love to showcase some student work this year,” Sabrina says. “You can donate something you already have, or if you want, you can make something new.”

Of course I tell her yes.

Maxine and I talk about it the whole way home. She parked her car at my house before the workshop and we walked over together.

When we get to my house, Maxine comes in to say hello to Mom. I tell Mom about the auction, and the first thing she says is, “So they’re going to make money off your art? What do you get out of it?”

I tell her what Sabrina told me. “I get exposure. There are going to be a lot of people there—people with money—and you never know what could happen. Plus, it helps raise money for us to go on all those outings and, of course, it’ll help the scholarship fund. I like being able to say I’m not just getting an opportunity from Woman to Woman, but that I am helping to keep it thriving. Don’t you think that’s a good thing?”

“I do,” Mom says. “I just want to make sure you’re okay with it. That it’s really something you want to do.” Then she looks at Maxine and says, “What do you think? You think it’s all right for her to do this? Aren’t these kind of events fancy and full of rich white folks? I don’t want people gawking over her. I mean, I know she’s all excited about it, but I don’t want her to come home, feeling like she’s been a zoo animal all night. You know what I mean?”

Maxine nods. “I absolutely know what you mean. I’ve had to participate in my fair share of fundraisers and gala events. I can give her some tips on what to expect,” Maxine says. “And I’ll be there looking out for her,” she promises.

“Well, good. Glad she won’t be there by herself,” Mom says.

“And you know, it will be good for Jade to speak about her work and meet and greet people who are interested in supporting young women. They need to meet her,” Maxine explains.