Devonne Brown

“I heard they broke up and Tom was going to ask Janeen to the prom,” Becky announced it in Social Studies class. “Betty was all upset about it in English this morning. She was so mad she was crying. I’d hate to be Janeen,” 

“How do you know that’s why Betty was so mad and upset? Tom’s known Janeen since first grade. They’re neighbors. Betty’s probably mad about something her sister did. You don’t know he asked her to the prom,” said Robin, who was always the voice of reason. She went to church with Betty. They had been friends since Betty moved there from Huntington two years ago and started dating Tom. She didn’t think anything could break them up, especially not Janeen. Janeen was more like a sister than a girlfriend type, to both of them.

“All I know is that Tom didn’t bring Betty to school this morning, she’s been crying and mad all morning, and he was talking awful serious to Janeen in Social Studies,” said Becky. “Prom’s not two weeks away and it seems pretty logical to me that that’s what’s going on.” 

“I think you better talk to Betty or Tom, get the facts from the horse’s mouth before you start making rumors. Janeen might even tell you,” said Robin, “Not that it’s any of your business, Becky. Sometimes you need to let well enough alone.”

“I’m not asking nobody. I’m just telling you something’s up. Tom and Betty must’ve broken up and Janeen’s right in the middle of it. Just wait til after school and see.”

When the bell rang, puffy eyed Betty got in her big red station wagon, Tom got in his big brown truck, and Janeen got on the school bus. Becky was livid. Nobody told her anything. She had no more information than she had had in the morning. Nobody held hands, she didn’t see Tom with Betty nor Janeen. She didn’t see Janeen that day at all. She called Robin. “Call Betty and find out what’s going on.”

“Becky, if you had a brain in your head you’d be dangerous. I talked to Cindy, who was in class with Betty this morning. Betty’s gotta be pregnant. Tom’s upset and talking to Janeen about it. She’s his oldest friend. He’s asking her what to do. Betty’s pissed off that he’s not asked her to marry him yet. It’s that simple.”

“Did Janeen tell you” asked Becky?

“Of course not, Betty threw up in English class. Cindy was there. What more proof do you need?” said Robin. “It’s plain as day.”

“What about Janeen and the prom?” asked Betty.

“It has nothing to do with the prom, or Janeen, it’s about Betty and the trashcan. God, get your rumors straight for once.”