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Show Fair Forever 155 I look down at my feet. "Not really." "Mind if I come?" she asks. "I have an uncle staying there." "Sure," I answer, surprised, "if you don't mind the walk. After, Mom can take us to my place and we can study." I watch for her reaction. "You could call your mom on my cell." "Have my own," she says. T know," I answer sullenly. "The one I never call." She agrees, so I pick up her backpack and lead the way. After calling her mom, Katie asks me a string of questions. Where did I live before moving to Shepherd's Bay? Don't I love having a house on the water? How did my dad die? Is it lonely not having any brothers and sisters? And, finally, is there any possible way to school without taking algebra? I laugh at that one, but she's serious. Katie's a good listener. I hear myself talking, sharing my history, my.feelings. By the time we reach the rest home, I'm guessing this girl knows me better than anyone. When we walk into the lobby together, Mom stares in surprise. Too much surprise! Her eyes grow big and a huge smile spreads across her face. She's speaking on the phone, holding up her pointing finger, indicating we should wait until she's finished. I don't. I grab a notepad and pen off her desk, and write Kati's name by way of introduction: Then I write Mom's name the same way, and rush Katie toward the Captain's room, hoping Mom will stay busy with the phone. |
