Summary

In “Yolanda ‘Sissy’ Chavez (1999),” Sissy wished she had warned Ever about Lonnie Nowater. The first time she saw Lonnie hanging out with “one of those McCarty boys,” she knew Lonnie was trouble (118). However, because Turtle urged Sissy to “give her a chance,” Sissy had held her tongue when Lonnie and Ever started dating (119).

The couple started seeing each other after Ever joined the army. They planned to marry when he returned on leave. In the meantime, Lonnie lived with Sissy, Turtle, and Sissy’s child. Lonnie’s family was notorious in town. Lonnie’s father “made meth at the trailer park” (122). Ever wanted her to have a better place to stay in his absence.

Sissy was in nursing school. She spent most of her time studying. She drove Lonnie to work and waited in the car. She suspected Lonnie...