We Deserve Monuments

The next week, Simone makes good on her invitation to Avery. She and Jade bring Avery to a hotel room in the Draper and declare that they are having a party to celebrate Avery and their newfound friendship. They give her a friendship ring, and then, because Avery has been wanting a haircut, Jade gives her one. Avery starts to cry because the haircut makes her feel like the finally looks like herself. They drink together, and Avery reflects on how grateful she is to have found Jade and Simone.

They stay up until after midnight, at which point Avery and Simone leave the hotel room to get a pizza from the hotel restaurant. On their way there, Simone comes out to Avery, telling her that she (Simone) is a lesbian. Simone begins to cry, and Avery tries to comfort her by pointing out that she can express herself freely when she goes to Spelman. Simone hardens. She says that college is a fantasy for her and that she can’t leave Carole, even though she knows Carole would never accept Simone’s sexuality. Simone breaks down and asks for a moment alone, so Avery goes to get the pizza.

Outside the hotel, Avery sees Zora and Carole laughing together on the street. They interact with a lightness and intimacy that Avery has never seen from either of them.