Darkness Before Dawn

By January, Keisha receives nightly phone calls from Jonathan that she keeps a secret from her parents. They talk about art and music, and Keisha is impressed with Jonathan’s extensive knowledge of various topics. At school, Keisha learns from Joyelle that Leon is interested in asking her out. He knows about Jonathan and disapproves of a teacher pursuing a student. Leon also thinks Jonathan is a phony and can’t be trusted.

One afternoon, Jonathan calls to invite Keisha to go to an art exhibit with him. She says:

I was amazed and impressed and stimulated—so many colors and sights swirling in my brain, the pale cool tones of the artwork, the touch of his hand on mine, the scent of his cologne, the soft silkiness of his shirt […]. I felt melted, soft, and alive (144).

Afterward, they go to a coffeehouse and then drive to a scenic overlook to admire the city’s lights. By the time Keisha arrives home very late, her mother is furious.

When Keisha is confronted by her mother, the girl is forced to admit that she was out with Jonathan and that they sometimes talk on the phone: “‘Be careful, Keisha,’ Mom warned. ‘Don’t let this go too far.