The Darkest Child

Jeff Stallings asks Tangy to prom. Rozelle gets dropped off by a man named Crow. Rozelle is excited about Crow’s return from New York because Crow is wealthy. Rozelle orders Tarabelle to get ready to go out. When Rozelle learns that Jeff, whose family is well-off, asked Tangy to prom, she gives Tangy one of her old bras.

That night, Rozelle introduces Tangy to Crow as her dad; he calls her a “queen.” As soon as Tangy sees Crow, she knows he’s her dad. Crow gives Rozelle money and tells her he wants to drive Tangy around and get to know her. There’s a drunk man, Melvin Tate, asleep in the backseat. Crow used to live in town. He once asked Rozelle to marry him, but she wouldn’t, citing his dark skin. Melvin wakes up, and Crow sends him home. Crow gives Tangy $25—more money than she’s ever seen. He takes her home, and she hides the money in her science textbook.

Tarabelle tells Rozelle that Arlisa Munford is pregnant, and Rozelle claims to be pregnant, too, even though she allegedly had a hysterectomy. Tangy plans to use the money from Crow to buy a prom dress.