TRUVY

Got me. Maybe she was praying for Marshall and Drew and Belle. Maybe she was praying for us because we were gossiping. Maybe she was praying because the elastic is shot in her pantyhose. Who knows? She prays at the drop of a hat these days – and has ever since Mardi Gras. She had her choice of going to a Bible weekend with her Sunday school class or to New Orleans with me and two other sinners. She left that Friday a pleasant, well-adjusted young lady and she returned that next Tuesday a Christian… Her boyfriend Sammy’s so confused he doesn't know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt. He’s crazy about her. He says he could deal with another man in her life, but he has trouble with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost… I’m torn. I’ve got two sons that I’m afraid are going to hell in a handcart and a semi-daughter that strives to be the kind of girl Jesus would bring home to Mama. I don't know what to think. I don't understand those people… but they sometimes seem to have a peace about things that I’ve never had. Maybe I’m just jealous.

 

ANNELLE

I’m not sure if I’m married or not … He’s gone! Everything is horrible. Bunkie – that’s my husband – he left. We only moved here a month ago. He just vanished last week. Nobody knows where he went. He took all my money, my jewelry, the car. Most of my clothes were in the trunk … The police have been to see me. He’s in big trouble with the law. Drugs or something. He never paid the rent so I got  thrown out of our house and had to move in at crazy old Mrs. Robeline’s. The police keep questioning me. But I don't know anything. They say my marriage may not be legal… I should’ve said something, but I was scared to. I need a job in the worst way and I didn’t know if you’d hire someone who may or may not be married to someone that might be a dangerous criminal. But I swear to you that my personal tragedy will not interfere with my ability to do good hair.

 

CLAIREE

My brother can be very hotheaded when he wants to be. But he really didn't throw Marshall out. Marshall just came over to my house while his daddy cooled off. I adore Marshall. We stayed up half the night talking… I think it’ll all blow over. I have to admit, Marshall did go about it the wrong way. He marched in unexpected from Los Angeles while Drew and Belle were preparing for the annual Marmillion shrimp boil. Marshall without so much as a hello says, “Mama and Daddy, I have something to tell you. I have a brain tumor. I have three months to live.” Well, naturally Drew and Belle became hysterical. Then Marshall says, “Hey folks, I’m just kidding. I’m only gay.” Drew became incredibly distraught and started throwing wet shrimp at Marshall, screaming at him to get out of his sight. And Marshall came to my house smelling like a can of cat food … I want you to know Marshall’s always welcome at my house. I’m very proud of him.

 

SHELBY

Jackson’s pretty swell. I thought he was a pest at first, but then he kind of grew on me. And now I love him. We met at a party at the Petroleum Club in Shreveport. I had no idea who he was, but I was getting a big kick out of watching him on the dance floor. It was painfully obvious he had never taken the time to dance in front of a mirror. There was something so attractive about how stupid he looked … He’s not really romantic. But he does give me flowers. And little presents if I bug him enough. He has promised to give me a red rose on every anniversary corresponding to the number of that anniversary. I think that’s so sweet…

 

M’LYNN

Last week was our 30th anniversary. We’ve never considered it a major occasion before… Drum prides himself on never having any tension. Which is amazing considering the amount he has created over the years… Hmm. Listen to me. I’ve got to stop taking pot shots at Drum all the time. He’s a good man. He’s crazy, but he’s a good man… The most bizarre thing has happened. Drum and I seem to be rediscovering those things that brought us together in the first place. I don’t know if we buried them or became blind to them … Every now and then Drum and I seem to find these moments of magic. I don't know. I don’t know if I’m lucky to have what I have – or lucky to know what I have.

 

OUISER

This is it. I’ve found it. I am in hell … Don't try to get on my good side. I no longer have one… I have to cancel. I have to take my poor dog to the vet before he has a nervous breakdown. My dog I mean. The vet is perfectly healthy… M’Lynn, I used to think you were crazy for marrying that man. Then I thought for a few years that you were a glutton for punishment. Now I realize that you must be on some mission from God. I have not slept in days. I look like a dog’s dinner. However, when I got up this morning, I decided I would try to rise above it. I would start anew. Whatever that man has done, I would overlook it in honor of your wedding day, Shelby.