Chapter 3 Before We Were Free?

• Anita's sister tells her to tell the other children she had chickenpox because they had been gone for two weeks.

• Lucinda says their father is protesting a car accident that was really a murder.

• With the Washburns next door, Anita's mother is more relaxed and starts a canasta group to include Mrs. Washburn.

• They hire a new maid, and the children are cautioned to be careful what they say around her.

• Sam will be in Anita's class at school, and she is happy. The teacher says they will play a special game for Christmas. They will leave gifts and notes for the student whose name they draw.

• Anita draws Oscar, and she is upset because she does not like him, but she will follow the Christmas spirit.

• The parents do not like the idea of secret friends leaving gifts, so the idea is called off.

• The teacher tells the children about the embargo, explaining it as being like having a timeout for poor behavior.

• Anita and Sam continue to spend time together and even though Anita wants to talk to him she manages to stay quiet.

• The family is on a tight budget, but they still had a wonderful Christmas.

• They get to talk to their cousins in New York, and Anita tells Carla she has not received her Christmas card yet.