Black Brother, Black Brother

The Ellisons provide outfits for other students at the Boys and Girls Club. On Saturdays, Zion, Zarra, Trey, and Donte help teach other students of fencing. One student asks Trey if Donte’s adopted, and Trey explains that they’re biracial. Zarra adds that it’s like her and Zion, just a different mix of DNA. Donte appreciates how Zarra and Zion understand his relationship with Trey. Zarra also compliments him, calling him the best fencer among them. She shows everyone a milk opal and then pulls out another one for Donte’s mom.

At the end of the chapter, Coach declares: “We’re ready for a meet” (156).

Fencing matches—or bouts—begin with each fencer saluting the other with their foil. The referee then declares “On guard” and “Fence” to begin the bout (157) Bouts are made up of three three-minute periods. Whoever scores the most in three periods wins (or whoever makes it to five points first). Mutual respect between fencers is key to the sport.

Zion, Zarra, Trey, and Donte are at their first tournament. Coach is clearly nervous, but Donte isn’t sure why. It’s a preseason tournament and schools from across Boston are there, including Middlefield Prep.