Betty got her name from her mother. Betty’s father did not care; he liked his dancing wife. Marjorie loved the dance and taught Betty how to dance; she put Betty in a dance school.
Bettys father had inherited money from his father, who owned a shoe factory; that is where Bertie met Bettys mother, who came in to find some shoes one day. He fell in love with her. He asked her out right then and there, and she accepted.
So, when Betty came alone unexpectedly, Margie had to hang up her dance shoes for the time being, but she would buy a new pair for Betty and set her child on the road to dance. Betty knew she was not particularly good at dance. However, her mother insisted she would never miss a lesson. So, Marjorie bought Betty dance clothes and shoes even though they were extravagant during the depression era when most families could barely put a meal on the table.
Bettys mother was beautiful in form, and while Betty got her mother’s unique facial features, she got her father’s bulky body. But never for a second thought that his daughter would become a dancer, but he would foot the bill to keep from disappointing his wife. So, every afternoon after school, Betty would dawn on her dance skirts and leggings, and her mother would watch her dance routines like a hawk watches a fish that swims too close to the banks.
Betty always felt like a dog asking for a biscuit. Marjorie would buy her snacks, but she had to go to practice first. So, Betty would always sit up and beg for the bones her mother offered. Just like an obedient dog.
Betty loved her father, who her mom lovingly called Burty dear. Burty dear would sneak her ice cream when mom ran out for things at the market. It is our little secret pumpkin. Your mother will get us both if she finds out.
Daddy also gave Betty lots of nickels for extra chocolate milk at school. Betty never shared them, and they were hers alone. Betty did not like sharing her things with anyone. Bettie did not give bones to dogs mainly because she did not care to see them perform. To her, all her classmates were begging dogs.
Betty saw how they looked at her when she asked for second helpings in the cafeteria. They watched as she shelled out her money for extra milk. They were jealous of her, every one of them. She would not do anything for them. They would give her nothing.
Betty was especially annoyed at Eleanor, who sat next to her in class. She had the nerve to scold her for saying something to Jean about her ugly dress. The truth was the dress was ugly and cheap. No good mother would send her daughter to school dressed like a dishtowel. If she did, then she deserved to be teased. So, Betty reserved a sweet side only for her father, Burty dear. He was the only person she would give her smile of approval.
Why couldn’t her mother be more like him?
Betty went to her room and, taking out the note her teacher Miss Sheridan had sent home to give her mother, opened it and began reading. Dear Mrs. Sanders, our class will put on a spring dance recital; one of the other mothers informed me that you have dance training. Could we prevail upon you for some assistance in our recital with your expertise? Our third-grade class would be grateful. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you, Miss Sheridan.
Not in Bettys life. Bettys mother would not get this note. Marjorie would expect Bettie to dance in it. Betty would tell Mrs. Sheridan her mother said she was too busy. Betty tore up the letter and went out back to the trash can. Betty was going to make sure her mom never found it.
Marjorie had written on her calendar the days for the area dance competitions. Boy, did she have a pleasant surprise for her daughter? Bettys dance instructor told Marjorie he thought it was time Betty put her practice into play. Marjorie took the liberty of signing her up for a competition in a neighboring city. It was going to be a wonderful surprise. Marjorie could not wait to tell her Burty Dear.
When Betty walked into the room, her mother smiled wide. For a moment, Betty thought her mother had found her out. Marjorie broke the news to Betty. The best part is you get to be the first dancer. Isn’t it fantastic, Burty Dear?
Burty Dear had only a half-smile for his wife. He winked at Betty.
Later, Burty dear told Betty I have a plan to get you out of it, pumpkin. Do not worry your little head. Here are two extra dimes for you. What day is that competition? Mother says we leave after school on Thursday and drive over to Centerville. I will think of something. I love you, daddy dear. You’re my favorite person in the whole wide world. Burty Dear was the only person Betty loved. Betty stuck the extra dimes in her small wallet, and they were going to school with her tomorrow.
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