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Show Fair Forever -; 56 7 * /" 7 , In lunch, Lindley looks bored while I try to explain to Katie her chalkboard algebra problem. The bell rings and she still doesn't understand. "I'll never get it," she says with a groan, slumping back in her chair. "Maybe I can drop out, try again next year." " , ' • ' ' .' I don't tell her how much I'd hate that. Mom picks me up after school. We make it home long before the bus. I sit on the driveway, leaning my back against the garage. I'm pretending to do homework. When I hear squeaking brakes, I stand up, but I try to act casual. I look for Katie. A stream of students descends form the bus, but Katie isn't in the group. I leave my backpack in the kitchen and head to the shore. "I like the name of your boat," the old man calls out as I draw close. I pull once more on the oars and let Fair Forever drift. "My mom named her," I explain. . '.'* : He seems surprised by my answer. "Not your dad?" ; "My dad died. Killed by a drunk driver." , , He stiffens and his eyes turn sad. "Host my Margaret, too. Last year, I |