Читать книгу Sundancer - Shelley Peterson - Страница 6

2

BIRD

I am not vicious, but I have a mean streak from my grandfather on my mother’s side.

Bird waited until Cliff and John finished their Saturday morning chores and took off for breakfast at the Coffee Bean Cafe. Then she slipped out the kitchen door and climbed over the fence into the front field. In one back pocket of her jeans was a vial of WonderDust; in the other some apple slices. She deposited a plastic bag containing a brush, comb, and hoof-pick on the ground beside the fence.

Her plan was simple: gain his trust, disinfect his wounds, groom him, then get on his back. She had about an hour before the men returned. Plenty

of time. Horses generally took to her right away, but this one was different. Some time alone would surely help.

She watched for a few minutes, then approached the new horse with confidence. Sundancer. That’s your name, better get used to it. And you’d better get used to me, too. I’m not going away.

The gelding lifted his head gracefully and looked at Bird. Then he casually turned his back. Bird walked around him in a wide arc and faced him again.

Let me fix your cuts, Sundancer. They’ll hurt if they get infected.

The horse turned his back again and took ten steps in the opposite direction. Bird followed, positioning herself so that he could see her peripherally. Not wanting to seem threatening, she avoided making eye contact by keeping her head tilted down.

Every time the horse moved, Bird moved, too. If he turned right, Bird would counter, turning him left. If he turned around, Bird would circle him to make him face the other direction. A slow dance, thought Bird, but at least I’m leading. She had seen Hannah perform this exercise with countless horses. It required patience, but eventually the animal would give up and allow himself to be caught. Out of boredom, if nothing else.

Time for the apple, Bird thought. She stretched her hand toward Sundancer, palm upward, with an apple slice on it. The horse looked insulted. He snorted and trotted away. Bird couldn’t help but laugh. He’d just let her know that he couldn’t be bought. This was going to be interesting.

Bird placed all the apple slices on the ground in a little pile and stepped back. She waited as Sundancer grazed his way over, then greedily munched up the apple bits, never taking his eye off her. He ate every one and looked for more. This was more like it.

I gave you the apple pieces, now can I put this powder on your cuts? It won’t hurt.

Suddenly Sundancer reared up, forcing Bird to jump back. The horse spun and dropped back to earth, then trotted away. As he moved across the field, Bird admired his fluidity. His shoulder action was tremendous, with his front hooves flicking out firmly before hitting the ground. His hind end powered his forward movement, and with no discernable effort he was across the large paddock and circling back at a canter.

He carried his head level with his shoulders, and his elegant neck was arched and muscular. Bird watched, transfixed, until she realized that he was coming towards her with his ears flat and his eyes cruel. He was rapidly gathering speed. It looked for all the world like he was going to mow her over.

In an instant, Sundancer had turned the tables. He was going to make her dance. Bird was stunned, her mind frantically searching for options. She couldn’t outrun him, and besides, that would send the wrong message. Scared as she was, she wasn’t about to let him win. There was only one choice: She would have to trust that he didn’t want to kill her. And she wasn’t at all sure.

Bird waited until he was three strides away. Then she jumped as high as she could, flapped her arms like a bird, and screamed at the top of her lungs.

Startled, the horse veered sharply to his right, avoiding her by mere inches. Then he stopped and turned. He snorted and shook his head up and down. Agitated, he lowered his head and began to paw the ground. This was not good news.

Struggling to catch her breath, Bird looked him right in the eye. She growled like a lion and loudly clapped her hands. She strutted like an angry male gorilla, swinging her arms toward him while jumping backward to the fence. She hoped it didn’t look like she was making a retreat.

Confused by her antics, the horse stretched out his neck and curled his upper lip to get her scent. Bird took advantage of this moment to scramble backwards up the rails of the fence and out of danger.

Sundancer was jubilant. The horse knew he had won. Relaxed now, he cantered around the field tossing his head and kicking up his heels. He never once looked at Bird.

LATER, BIRD SAT ON a pile of old saddle pads in the window of the tack room, cuddling kittens. Hector lay on the laundry in the corner, and nearby, the old mother cat groomed herself, happy to have a babysitter. Three of her litter had survived; all fluffy and soft, multicoloured and purring loudly.

More cuddles, please. The calico rolled on her back and looked at Bird expectantly. More.

Scratch my back, girl. The tabby nudged her hand, trying to capture her attention.

I’ll catch you! You’re a mouse! The white-and-ginger pounced on Bird’s wrist with her tiny sharp claws.

Calm down kitties, or your mother will fire me.

The week before, one kitten had died. He’d been tiny and his back legs had defects that didn’t allow him to walk. It had been very sad.

After the incident that morning with Sundancer, Bird had busied herself with cleaning tack, picking small rocks out of the pastures, grooming horses, and pulling manes. Now, it was nearly seven o’clock and still muggy and hot. Idly, Bird stared out the window at the driveway.

Hannah would be back from the show any minute with lots of stories to tell. Bird smiled and snorted. She wondered if Dr. Paul had dropped by to see Hannah after all. If he had, he’d wish he hadn’t. Horse shows were always stressful and Hannah usually had more than she could cope with as it was. She did too much of the work herself, making it easy for her students to take advantage.

Bird had been to enough shows with Hannah to imagine how the day had gone. They’d be coming home with ribbons, no doubt, as Hannah was a good coach and the horses were well trained. But by now, Kimberly was probably threatening to sell Pastor for some silly reason. It happened every time. Chances were that Jo had thrown up at least twice, and Hannah would be lucky if Peter showed any interest at all in looking after Zachary, his long-suffering mount. Sweet Melanie was the least likely to cause trouble, but she was easily distracted and needed Hannah’s constant guidance.

Bird sighed. Perhaps she should’ve gone to the horse show with Hannah after all. She could’ve given Hannah a hand and avoided the whole episode with Sundancer.

Suddenly, Hector started thumping his tail and whining happily. Singing, really.

She’s home! She’s home! She’s home at last!

Good ears, Hector.

Bird looked through the window and watched Hannah steer the big rig through the stone gates with care. Bird noticed a red-haired passenger beside Hannah. It was Kimberly. Odd. The students usually went home with their parents after the show.

She patted each kitten one more time and jumped down to help. By the time the rig pulled up to the barn, Bird was there to open the side doors and pat noses while Hannah dropped the loading ramp to the ground.

Kimberly got out of the truck to help. She raised her hand in a little half-wave. Bird waved back. She liked Kimberly. She could be mean and selfish, but Bird sensed a kind heart.

“Kimberly’s staying for dinner,” said Hannah as she backed Pastor down the ramp. “Lavinia ... her mom ... is tied up with something and can’t get away. She’ll pick her up later.”

Bird looked at Hannah as she spoke and then at Kimberly. Kimberly was staring hard at the ground, kicking up dust with her riding boot. She’s embarrassed, thought Bird. She feels like she’s in the way. And Hannah is angry, but not with Kimberly. Lavinia strikes again.

Together, they unloaded all the equipment and the four tired, sweaty horses. They hosed them off with cool water and tucked them into freshly bedded stalls with buckets of water, hay, and their evening grain.

Bird made her way to each stall, dropping apples into the horses’ feed as a special treat. At Pastor’s stall she stopped for a moment to rub his ears. Kimberly had ignored him ever since they’d arrived.

What happened today, Pastor? Why’s Kimberly mad this time?

I dumped her on her head at the show.

Why?

She wasn’t paying attention. She was showing off, kicking me in my sides and yanking at my face. I showed her.

That was mean.

She wasn’t hurt. She’ll pay attention next time.

I hope you know what you’re doing, Pastor.

Are you kidding? I trained four kids before Kimberly.

Bird chuckled and patted his honest, reliable face.

“Thanks, Bird. You’re a great help,” said Hannah, wiping her dusty hands on her pants. “You too, Kimberly. It’s rather pleasant looking after them, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I guess. I don’t do it too often.” “It’s never too late to start. Hungry?” “I’m starving.”

“Good. Let’s go make some dinner.” Hannah tousled the girl’s red curls with affection.

“Come on, Bird, let’s go clean up.” Bird nodded. She was hungry, too.

Exhausted, Bird and Hannah and Kimberly walked from the barn to the house. The shadows were getting longer and the leaves in the maples were fluttering slightly. Bird hoped that the heat wave might be lifting.

As they were passing the front field, Bird’s eyes fell on Sundancer as he peacefully grazed. The elegant chestnut gelding seemed to glow in the light of the evening sun. Nobody would guess, she thought, what a maniac he’d been earlier that day.

Kimberly’s back stiffened with attention. “Who’s that? I’ve never seen him before.”

“Dr. Daniels sent him over yesterday. A gift horse. He warned me four times that this horse is unrideable.”

“So he’s vicious?”

“Vicious sounds horrible. Let’s just say he’s unpredictable.”

“You mean he has a mean streak?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. We’ll see.”

“What’s with that, anyway? Why do some horses have a mean streak?”

“Usually it’s the way they’ve been handled. Rarely it’s the way they were born, but it does happen.”

Kimberly nodded, unable to take her eyes off him. “He’s gorgeous. What’s his name?”

“I didn’t ask. There’s been so much trouble in his past, I’ve decided to rename him and start again.”

“If I owned him, I’d name him Phoenix, after the fire bird that rises out of his own ashes. He’s the colour of flames.”

His name is Sundancer, thought Bird.

Hannah looked at Kimberly and smiled. “Well, Kimberly. What a good idea. You have poetry in your heart. You keep it hidden, don’t you?”

Kimberly sniffed and yawned. “Whatever.”

“Too late, Kimberly,” smiled Hannah. “I’ve already seen it.”

Bird took a last look over her shoulder before she ran off toward the house.

Hannah and Kimberly reached the house a moment later. “Stuart!” exclaimed Hannah.

Stuart Gilmore, the school principal, was standing at the kitchen door in khaki pants and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

Stuart jumped. “Hannah! You startled me.” He put his hand over his heart and grinned. “And hello, Kimberly.”

“Have you eaten? We were just going to fix some dinner. You’re welcome to join us.”

“Wonderful,” he said jovially, following Hannah and Kimberly into the house. “If you’re sure I’m not imposing.”

“As long as you’re not expecting gourmet fare. We’ll barbeque some hamburgers and be lucky to find something for dessert.”

“Sounds perfectly delicious,” the principal said. “In fact, for dessert, I’ll treat for ice cream at Best’s.”

“Now that sounds perfectly delicious.” Hannah looked around for Bird as they went into the kitchen. “I’ll just wash up and get out of these dusty clothes. I’ve been in them all day. If you see Bird, could you ask her to cut some lettuce in the garden, pick a few ripe tomatoes, and pull up some green onions?”

Before Stuart could respond, Bird crawled down from the top of the refrigerator where she’d been listening and observing. She took the scissors out of the drawer, grabbed a plastic bag, and without looking at either adult, headed for the garden. The faster the tasks were done, she reasoned, the sooner they’d eat.

Stuart was nonplussed. “Does she do that often?” “Do what?”

“Appear out of thin air.”

Hannah laughed. “She’s stopped surprising me. Bird sees, hears, and understands everything. Plus, you never know where she is.”

“I’ll make a note of that.”

“Make yourselves at home, both of you. There’s iced tea in the fridge and I’ll be down in a few minutes,” said Hannah over her shoulder to Kimberly and Stuart. She hurried upstairs to shower and change.

When Hannah emerged fifteen minutes later, bathed and dressed in a fresh blue cotton shirt and clean jeans, Stuart was sitting at the kitchen table talking to Kimberly. Bird was washing lettuce in the sink.

“So, I hear you’re off to Cardinal Cardiff School next month,”

said Stuart. “We won’t have you back at Forks of the Credit?”

“Well, it’s time I started getting a real education. And there’s a much better calibre of girl at CCS. I should be making friends with the people I’ll associate with all my life.”

Over at the sink, Bird tried hard not to laugh. She could almost hear Kimberly’s mother speaking.

“Heavens, Kimberly,” Hannah said. “It sounds like you’re more than ready to leave us.”

Kimberly blushed. “Well, it’s not that I don’t like it here. And I love my friends and everything. And I’m not saying that Mr. Gilmore and the teachers are bad or anything. My mother went to CCS, and that’s what she says.” Kimberly twisted a lock of curly red hair as she spoke. She stopped when she realized that Bird was watching her. “Hannah, why is Bird looking at me like that and not saying anything? She’s creeping me out.”

Bird stopped washing and stared at the other girl. This was the side of Kimberly that she didn’t like — the side that spoke before thinking, that didn’t care if someone’s feelings were hurt.

“Bird will say what she wants to say, when she wants to say it.” Hannah noisily collected cutlery from the drawer and placed dinner plates on the counter.

“But she never does, does she? I mean, say anything,” countered

Kimberly, studying the other girl closely.

This time, Hannah didn’t answer. “Kimberly, wash your hands thoroughly please, then set the table for me. Bird, thanks for cleaning the lettuce. Will you please slice the tomatoes and make a salad?”

“And what can I do, Miss Bradley?” teased Stuart.

“You can start the barbeque and prepare the burgers. And get moving! We’re all so hungry we could eat a horse.”

“Yuck!” exclaimed Kimberly. “That’s disgusting!”

HALF AN HOUR LATER, dinner was on the table. Hamburgers with pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and tomato slices shared space on their plates with leafy green salad lightly tossed with vinaigrette. Hannah was the last to sit down, and she bit into her burger hungrily. “Your message light is blinking,” noted Kimberly with her mouth full.

“Thanks,” responded Hannah. “I’ll check it later.”

“What if it’s my mother?”

“It can wait until we eat, Kimberly.” Hannah took another bite before the eager look on Kimberly’s face made her reconsider. Reluctantly she put down her burger and went to the answering machine. She pressed “messages”.

“Hannah, it’s Eva. We’ll be there the weekend before Labour Day; Randy, Julia, and me. Can we stay with you? Mom’s place is too small, and Dad, well, you know. He likes his privacy, and I don’t want Randy to be alone with him for too long. The old twenty questions routine.”

Bird slouched in her seat. The sound of her mother’s voice took away her appetite.

Eva’s voice rattled on. “Can you be a dear, Hannah, and have a dinner party for us? Invite Mom and George, Dad and whoever he’s dating now? I know you won’t have a date; ha ha ha ha; you never do. Don’t get touchy, now. Call me back today, but not too late. I need my beauty sleep now more than ever! Bye-bye! Call me back.”

Bird stared at her burger and willed herself to eat. So, her mother was really coming. Wonderful. At least she’d get to see her sister.

“Eva never needed beauty sleep.” Stuart’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “She’s one good-looking gal.”

Hannah nodded. “Mmm.”

“And nice, too,” Stuart continued. “I’ve only met her a couple of times, but I remember how she makes everyone around her feel special.”

Specially stupid, Bird thought.

“Wow, does she ever talk a lot!” exclaimed Kimberly. “What’s with the baby voice? And who’s Eva, anyway?”

“Eva’s my sister,” answered Hannah. “Bird’s mother.”

“Bird’s mother? I didn’t know Bird had a mother. Why doesn’t Bird live with her, not you? Is it because she doesn’t talk? Her mother talks so much, no wonder Bird doesn’t say anything!”

Kimberly didn’t see the plate coming. Smack in the face with all the fixings. She sat for a second in shock, onions and mustard dripping down the front of her shirt. Then she responded in kind, hurling her own plate at Bird. Bird ducked.

The plate, loaded with Kimberly’s entire messy dinner, missed Bird’s head by inches and shattered on the wall behind her, a mere inch to the left of the window. Immediately, the kitchen became a war zone. Bird leaped at Kimberly and tackled her to the ground, knocking over two chairs and shoving the table aside on the way.

Kimberly fought back, screaming indignantly. “Get off me, you savage! Hannah! Get her off me! Now!” The girls scrambled and wrestled each other with all their might.

After a moment of shock, Hannah and Stuart sprang into action as well. With a great deal of effort, Hannah was able to grab Bird by the arms while Stuart successfully contained Kimberly. Each pair retreated to a separate corner of the kitchen. All were panting with exertion and covered in condiments.

Bird struggled against Hannah’s grip, a low growl coming from deep in her throat. She stared hard at the red-headed girl across the room. Do you see me now? Can you tell that I’m here?

Kimberly’s eyes were wide with surprise as she returned Bird’s look.

Hannah and Stuart assessed the damage, not letting either girl go. Aside from the broken dishes and splattered food, the only injury was a scrape under Kimberly’s right eye where Bird had scratched her in the tussle.

“What a mess. I’ll take Bird, Stuart. Can you manage Kimberly?”

Stuart nodded, raising an eyebrow. “No fatalities. I think we’re okay.”

“The medicine chest is above the microwave. You might want to disinfect that scratch. Human nails and all that.”

Hannah took Bird to the washroom where she sponged off as much of the dinner as she could. “These are guests, Bird!” she exclaimed, rubbing at the stain on the front of her own shirt. “You don’t throw food at guests! You don’t throw food at all!”

Bird set her face in a stubborn grimace. And guests should be polite to their hosts, she thought. What did Hannah expect her to do? Let Kimberly insult her? She just didn’t get it.

“What will Mr. Gilmore think? He’s the principal of the school for heaven’s sake! What do you think your chances are now?”

Bird wearily appraised her aunt. She didn’t get this, either. Bird didn’t care about her chances. Right now, she didn’t care about anything.

By the time they returned to the kitchen, Stuart had righted the table and chairs, and wiped the floor. Kimberly’s tiny wound had been bathed with antiseptic soap, sprayed with Solarcaine, and bandaged at Kimberly’s request. Kimberly sat in a sulking heap.

Hannah took a deep breath and forced a smile. “Okay, girls, let’s start again. Who’d like a new burger?”

“I want to go home.”

“Kimberly, your mom’ll be here by nine thirty. We’ve got a little time, so you might as well make the best of it. Have something to eat.”

“Forget it!” She glared across the table at Bird. “She’s a maniac!”

I can be a maniac, sure, thought Bird.

Once again, Bird growled from deep in her throat, and Kimberly sprang out of her chair. “She’s scaring me! On purpose! What is she? An animal?”

We’re all animals, reasoned Bird.

Stuart quietly intervened. “You insulted her mother, Kimberly. Maybe you should apologize.”

“I don’t apologize to animals!”

“Apologize, please.” Stuart’s tone was kind but firm.

“If she apologizes first.” Kimberly stuck out her jaw.

Bird slowly touched her face with her index finger, on the place where she’d scratched Kimberly. Then she lowered her head and placed her hand over her heart, watching Kimberly closely all the while. I can be nice. Can you?

“Bird has apologized,” Hannah said, amazed. “And very nicely, too. Well done, honey. Now it’s your turn, Kimberly.”

The girl’s eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know why I should apologize! She attacked me and cut my face open!”

“But you insulted her mother and called her an animal.”

“But I like animals! That wasn’t an insult!”

“Come now,” coaxed Stuart. “You meant it as an insult. Apologize, and we can forget this ever happened.”

“Okay! I apologize! But …”

“Let’s leave it at that,” said Hannah quickly.

Bird smiled at Kimberly. First a small smile, then bigger and broader. Kimberly was suspicious at first but then seemed to realize that it was sincere. She put out her hand. Bird looked at it, unsure how to react. Kimberly began to withdraw it, feeling silly. Suddenly Bird grabbed her hand, then dropped it, embarrassed. Kimberly smiled at her and said, “Can we try to be friends? Not like normal or anything, but friends?”

Bird smiled back. Mission accomplished.

LATER, AT THE ICE cream parlour, the girls sat side by side on a bench licking their cones. Bird wondered if they looked like friends to the people passing by. She hoped so. She looked at Kimberly. Kimby, she’d call her if she ever talked. Kimberly was too adult, too formal. Kimby was a girl who needed friends, thought Bird. Real friends who cared about her for herself and not for the clothes she wore or the cool holidays she took with her dad. Show-off stuff. Underneath all that, Bird could feel a goodness in Kimberly, and a creative swirl. Orange and purple. She offered her chocolate fudge to Kimby to sample. Kimberly took a lick, smiled, then held out hers for Bird. Bird smiled back broadly and tasted Kimby’s Rocky Road.

Bird cast her eyes to the bench on the other side of the parlour door, where Hannah sat talking with Mr. Gilmore. She could tell they were talking about her now, and she strained to hear their conversation.

“Stuart, I need to ask you something. And of course you’ll answer honestly and I’ll accept what you say.” Hannah breathed deeply, then blurted, “What are Bird’s chances of a place at Forks of the Credit? I haven’t had any luck getting her in anywhere else. That I can afford, I mean.”

Bird waited for the principal’s answer, fingers crossed. The tantrum at dinner should’ve done the trick.

Stuart sat in thought for a moment. Finally, he said, “I think we can try again.”

Oh no, thought Bird.

“Thank heavens,” whispered Hannah with pure relief. “I didn’t know what I was going to do if you said no. Thank you, Stuart.”

“Hannah, I can’t promise that she can stay.”

“I understand.”

“I hope so. Tonight at dinner was a good example of the problem. Bird reacted to Kimberly’s prods swiftly and violently. Not much has changed since last year.”

“But she apologized. I’ve never seen her do anything like that before.”

Stuart smiled. “That’s what changed my mind.” I can’t believe this, thought Bird.

“I came over tonight to tell you that we couldn’t have her back this year. Now I think there might be hope after all.”

“She’ll be there, first day of school. With bells on.”

“Hannah, I 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.