Sundancer. Shelley Peterson

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СКАЧАТЬ must caution you. I can’t jeopardize the entire class for one child. If she causes too much chaos …”

      “I know.”

      “If it doesn’t work out, it won’t be for lack of trying.”

      “Thanks, Stuart,” Hannah said earnestly. “And I’m sorry about your shirt.”

      Stuart looked down at his white shirt, now stained forever with mustard. “Invite me to dinner when Eva’s in town and we’ll call it even.”

      “Deal.” Hannah smiled. “You can’t know how much this means to me. And how much this will mean to Bird.”

      More than you know, thought Bird sadly. I hate school. Everyone thinks I’m a freak. Even I feel like a freak when I’m there.

      Bird sat dejected. School started soon. Her life as a free person was over. She let her melting scoop of chocolate fudge fall to the ground.

      BY TEN O’CLOCK, KIMBERLY’S mother still hadn’t shown up. There was no answer on Lavinia’s cell phone, and no one was home. Bird noted that Hannah had left four messages, just in case.

      “Kimberly?”

      The girl looked up from Horse Sport Magazine, where she and Bird were checking out some shiny new horse trailers. They particularly liked the Four Star three-horse slant with a dressing room.

      “You’re in the guest room tonight. Bird’s blue nightgown will fit nicely, and here’s a spare toothbrush. Towels and soap are in the linen closet at the top of the stairs.”

      “But Mom’ll be here any minute!”

      Hannah smiled gently. “Don’t worry. Climb into bed now, and when she comes, I’ll wake you up. We all need our sleep. Bird, you too.”

      Bird was already yawning at the welcome thought of bed, but

      Kimberly looked uncertain.

      “Aren’t you tired?” asked Hannah. “You’ve had a long day.”

      “Yes, actually. Very tired.”

      “Then come along. Bird’ll show you to your room. You can get some sleep before your mom arrives.”

      Kimberly’s eyes filled with tears. “Do you really think she’s coming?”

      “I’m sure she is.”

      Kimberly whispered, “I think she forgot me.”

      “Your mother wouldn’t forget you,” Hannah said lightly. “She’s just been held up.”

      “At her boyfriend’s house!” Kimberly spat out. “She always forgets about me now that she has her precious boyfriend!”

      Hannah reached out to her, and Bird watched as Kimberly’s anger dissolved into tears. She felt sorry for her new friend. She knew exactly how she felt.

      “Don’t you worry.” Hannah gave Kimberly’s shoulder a squeeze. “He’s old, too! As old as my grandfather. It’s disgusting. And she acts like a baby around him. He buys her everything she wants, and

      likes her to wear teenager clothes. Ugh!” Hannah patted her back and listened.

      “Mom doesn’t spend any time with me any more.”

      A little later, when Kimberly’s head started to nod, Hannah helped her upstairs. Bird ran ahead and opened the guest room

      door and turned down the bed. The minute Kimberly’s head hit the pillow, she was asleep.

      Bird kissed her lightly on the cheek. She hoped that the sleeping Kimby would think it was her mother. It’s hard to live without a mother’s love, thought Bird. Even for a short time. She turned out the light and quietly closed the door.

      The phone rang loudly, cutting through the stillness. Hannah ran to her room to answer it, not wanting to wake Kimberly. “Hello?”

      Bird peered through the crack in the door. Hannah sat on the edge of the bed, her shoulders tense. It had to be her mother.

      “Of course, Eva, you’re welcome to stay — Julia and Randy, too.” Hannah’s voice was light, but Bird knew that she was making an effort to sound happy and relaxed.

      “A real family. That sounds good. I’m happy for you, Eva.” Hannah smiled sadly. “Of course I mean it, Eva.”

      In the dim light of the hall, Bird felt actual pain as her heart filled with grief. She choked back a sob so Hannah wouldn’t know she was there. Bird had no illusions. Her mother’s “real family” didn’t include her.

      3

       ABBY MALONE

       On the ground I’m a pet but on my back all friendship ceases. This is a problem.

      Bird woke early the next morning and dressed quickly. She’d spent much of the night thinking about her mother and hadn’t got much sleep. But the new day was bright and sunny, and she wasn’t going to waste another second on Eva. Today, she would deal with Sundancer.

      She thought about the strange horse as she pulled on her socks. His refusal to communicate with her bothered her. It made her feel handicapped, like a normal person. He was an enigma all right, but Bird had made a vow. She would not be defeated.

      As she passed the guest room door she was careful not to disturb Kimberly, who was still fast asleep. She didn’t want to awaken Hannah either. There was something she must do, and Hannah could not know.

      Bird crept down the stairs and tiptoed into the kitchen, where she filled her pockets with carrots and sugar cubes and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl. Thus fully armed, she walked out to the field. Sunny looked up, stared at her, then aloofly resumed grazing.

      Hector waddled down from the barn wagging his tail. Nice day.

      Sure is, Hector. Did you sleep well?

      Never better.

      How’s the arthritis?

      Same as usual. You’re not going in there again, are you?

      I think I am, Hector.

      He’s going to kill you. Stay away.

      I know you love me, but I have to do this.

      I’ll be watching.

      Bird smiled and rubbed his soft, yellow head. You’re a good dog. She climbed up on the fence and considered her plan. Bird had noted the way Sundancer had relished the apple slices the day before. Now it was time for something new. If this horse wouldn’t let her come to him, she’d make him come to her.

      Slowly, she climbed down into Sundancer’s field. She placed carrots and sugar cubes about a foot СКАЧАТЬ