My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

During Sunday morning, Ebony-Grace puts her Afro into four pigtails and puts on her Superman t-shirt and shorts—the clothes are for boys, and Granddaddy bought them for her, as Momma disapproves. She has a smile on her face and a spring in her step. According to Granddaddy, it’s her “soulglow,” and she needs “soulglow” today because she plans to save Captain Fleet and Bianca.

Though it’s Sunday, Daddy has business at the shop. He suggests Ebony-Grace get “acclimated” to her new home. She goes outside, and a woman offers to bring a plate of food from church. She then goes down to Bianca’s apartment and knocks. Bianca’s abuela, Señora Luz, answers and warmly greets Ebony-Grace. Bianca is less excited to see her. Ebony-Grace asks Bianca if she’s okay, and before Ebony-Grace can tell Señora Luz a fantastical story, Bianca gushes about a “sonic boom.” A smile consumes Ebony-Grace, and she goes to church with Señora Luz and Bianca. 

Ebony-Grace hates church. Church is where Momma pinches her when she doesn’t pay attention. It’s where her mom’s friends call her a “divorcee” behind her back, and it’s where Sunday school students tell her that Jesus isn’t an astronaut.