Summary

Derrick and Patricia have been dating for three months when Sweetie and their cousin Peaches start to pressure Patricia about sex, telling her that Derrick will not stay with her "if you don't give him some pussy" (57). Derrick is Patricia's only real friend, he listens to her and makes her feel good about herself. Patricia believes that he does not want her for sex and plans to wait until marriage, but a few nights later Derrick tells her he loves her and they have sex. Derrick is the first person to tell Patricia that he loves her. A few months later, she gets pregnant at thirteen.

Miss Munroe, a caseworker from the Fulton County Department of Family and Child Services suggests adoption and abortion as options for Patricia, but both she and her mother refuse. Miss Munroe also says that Mama needs to...