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Show -6c- Peppermint Monday the family room, but so far I guess I was safe. "Where's ma?" I asked in a carefree tone. I scooped Cheddar into my arms, bathrobe and all. "Showing Barton something downstairs. They've been there quite awhile." Russ would never admit he was jealous of Barton taking ma's time. Russ didn't ever say bad things about Barton like Jason and I did. I don't think he liked Barton much better than we did, but he never made any smart remarks about him. For a crippled seven-year-old, he sure was big when it came to getting along with others. "Want to come for a walk with me?" Russ needed cheering up. I needed a walk. "Sure," Russ brightened visibly. "Where you going?" I shrugged my shoulders and grinned. "You decide." Russ nodded and I lifted him from the couch onto his chair. I could hear voices coming up the steps. I had just enough time to give Russ Cheddar and hide my robe behind a couch cushion before Ma and Barton appeared. "Carly, hi. Is Renae here?" Barton hurridly hid his glasses in their case so Renae wouldn't see. Ma put down some photo albums she'd been carrying and smiled. She was glad to see Barton and I getting along better. She didn't know it was just for show. She didn't know Russ was jealous either. "Renae?" I was surprised. Was Barton expecting me to bring her home with me now? This whole thing was getting ridiculous. "She said she'd come over after school. I just assumed she'd come with you." "Nope. And I guess I'll miss her. Russ and I are going for a walk." mto I latched^the bars of the wheelchair and started toward the door. I wanted |
