What were some of the things happening at the house that made Cassie not think too fondly of Suzella?

1) Suzella refused to acknowledge that she was black. She considered herself of "mixed blood", and that what all she said on the matter.

2) Cassie was annoyed by all the attention everyone gave Suzella.

3) Cassie was jealous of the amount of time Suzella spent with her mother, and the ease with which they talked.