Yes!
They recited the lines and didn’t have to look up to watch it, although at key sections they glanced at the screen and meditatively drew their threads across the scored and crosshatched block of beeswax. The wax strengthened the thread.
Don’t forget to make a mistake, said Snow to Josette, you know, to let the spirit out.
Only the Creator is perfect, said Josette dutifully. You think bleeding on my beadwork is a mistake enough? Or that I got two rows out of place already?
Snow examined the medallion.
You’re covered with the Creator, she said, handing it back.
What a relief. Josette put her two fingers up. Me and Gizhe Manidoo. We’re like this again.
I’ve got this question in my mind, said their grandmother. Which husband is Ignatia-iban out two-stepping with in the spirit world?
Why would she pick one of her husbands, said Josette, when she had so many other ladies’ husbands to choose from?
Not to mention the unattached ones, either, said Snow.
She had a few, agreed Mrs. Peace.
What about you, Grandma?
Josette and Snow flicked glances at each other.
Oh me, said Mrs. Peace. I stayed faithful to your grandfather all my life.
They were quiet, out of both respect and pity. But still, Josette was curious.
Why did you stay so faithful?
Oh, I wasn’t so good—I was just tired of them. Men. They’re stressful. You’ll see.
We already know that, said Snow, who still kept her disappointing wrestler boyfriend’s hoodie on a hook in the back of the closet.
On the way back home Snow and Josette stopped to pick up Maggie. The girls went through the kitchen grabbing carrots and ranch dressing, then into their bedroom with the bowl. Snow drew the flimsy little bolt across the door frame, and they all felt private. She settled on her bed, graceful as a doe, wound her long hair in her fingers, curved herself around her long legs, and chomped a baby carrot.
Mmmmm? Her mouth was full of carrot but her face was serious.
Maggie looked up at the ceiling. Snow and Josette had been odd in the car on the way over, not jokey or at ease. Something was going on with them. Josette cleared her throat, but started coughing and fell over pounding on the bed, laughing until her fit stopped. She was wearing tight jeans. She jumped up, peeled them off, put on sweats. So maybe things were okay? But Josette spoke suddenly.
Hey Maggie, are you doing the thing with Waylon?
Well, yeah, said Maggie, relieved that was all it was.
Having full-on sex, said Snow, to make sure.
Maggie said, Errrrrr.
As your protective older sisters, said Josette.
Right, said Snow.
We want to make sure you are taking precautions. Like, he’s using a thingy?
Duh, said Maggie.
For reals, girl.
No, said Maggie.
If he’s giving you love, he gotta wear a glove, said Snow.
Above or beneath, he gotta wear a sheath, said Josette.
If he’s spoutin’ crude, he gotta cap his dude!
If you’re gonna rock, make him wear a sock!
Snow and Josette were becoming hysterical.
Oh my god, you guys! Stop!
Maggie put a pillow over her head and rolled away from them. After a moment, Josette stopped laughing and tugged away the pillow.
That’s not all either.
Maggie groaned and threw herself on her stomach.
Come on, trust us, said Snow. Do you know what to do?
Course, said Maggie.
Theoretically or in reality?
What do you mean?
I’m talking doctors, methods, ways, you know, contraception and all. Do you know how to get it?
Course not.
Aww, honey.
Snow and Josette held each other’s gazes.
First off, said Josette, me and Snow are having a little talk with Waylon.
No!
Just a heart-to-heart. He’s got to know we don’t let him mess around with our little sister unless he knows what to use. Then he’s gotta wait and we’ll figure out where to go—I mean, you probably can get in at IHS. There’s this one doctor who just lives to fix you up with the right method. She doesn’t want this high school momma shit happening. Besides, do you know how risky it is—what did she say—for a young girl to have a baby in a rural health care delivering system? Yeah, that’s what she said. We went to her. Well, Snow did when she was with Shane. Not me. I’m not in a mature relationship, right? But this doctor, she’s here on and off. We know how to get you in. You’ve got your future to think about, Maggie. You hear?
He had a whole bunch of sex before you, said Snow. You have to make him get tested, too.
He said only three times!
Okay, well, can you see me rolling my eyes to the heavens?
Maggie turned over and gave up.
Can I get the shot?
If you wanna gain thirty pounds.
How about the yoood?
What are you talking about?
The iiiiyooood.
The iiiiyoooodeeee?
Maggie nodded.
Wow, said Josette. We’re starting ground level.
Matchless convenience, said Josette. But mostly they give it to grown-up ladies.
How about pills?