Page 30

who hated sitting that long, didn't struggle with anything. He loved being at a real school desk, and every once in a while he looked up and around the room, studying the charts and posters and pictures on the bulletin boards. He smiled at me. His face was full of excitement and happiness. I was just as excited and as happy, but I was afraid to show it.

While we were taking the test, a bell rang and students came pouring into the building from outside and hurrying down the hallway. Even with the door to our room closed, we could hear their charged-up voices, their laughter and footsteps.

There was a small window next to the door so we could see them passing. Another bell rang and it grew quiet once again.

Noble flashed me a look of disappointment, and then he returned to his test paper. I did the same. Mommy appeared at the doorway to the room just a little while after we were finished.

"Right on time," Mr. Katzman said and collected our test booklets. "We should have the results for you tomorrow," he added. Mommy said nothing. She didn't even thank him. She gathered us up and led us out of the room. She marched us through the school very quickly, practically dragging Noble along because he slowed down to look at everything. It wasn't until we were outside that she asked about the exams. Although she asked us both, she looked to me for the answer.

"It was easy. I knew everything on it." I said. "Me, too." Noble said. "Does that mean we can go to this school soon?"

"Soon." Mommy said, but not with any real assurance. Even Noble heard the hollowness in her voice and looked away with disappointment.

As we drove out, he stared at the school grounds like someone who wanted to remember it until the day he died. When it was gone from sight, sadness draped over his face like a shadow. For the first time in a long time. I actually felt sorrier for him than I did for myself. He needed to be here more than I did, I thought, although a secret part of me wished Mommy had given in and had decided to let us attend the school. I even wished she had gone back to being a teacher.

"We're having a guest for dinner tonight," she said when we were almost home.

"Who?" Noble asked quickly.

"Mr. Kotes," she replied.

"Why?"

"He did me a favor today," she said and looked into the rearview mirror quickly to see my expression. I couldn't help showing surprise. We hadn't had a guest for dinner for well over a year, one of Daddy's business associates whom Noble and I found boring. But this was going to be different. I recognized. This was going to be a lot different.

As always when Mr. Kotes came to our house, he brought gifts. He brought Mommy flowers, a bouquet of blazing red roses that put a blush into her cheeks that I hadn't seen there since Daddy had died.

"I understand you're quite the little reader. Celeste," he told me and handed me a book. "I thought you might like that."

I turned it around in my hands and read the title. Alice in Wonderland. Immediately I looked up at Mommy to see if she approved or disapproved.

"That's fine," she said. "Celeste should know what fantasy is and what it isn't. Perhaps well read it to Noble as well," she added pointedly.

"I hope you don't mind me bringing the children more things," Mr. Kotes continued, and gave Noble something wrapped in brown paper. He took it very gingerly, his eyes more on Mommy. She gave a slight nod, and then he practically seized it, tearing off the paper to reveal a box that contained a large magnifying glass. Noble's eyes brightened,

"I know you like looking at insects." Mr. Kotes said. "That will help you see them better."

It wasn't hard to tell that Noble was just itching to get outside and try it out.

We have a little time before dinner." Mommy said. "You can go see how it works." she told him. "You go. too. Celeste."

"But don't you need help with the dinner. Mommy?" I asked. I always felt closer to her when I worked beside her in the kitchen.

"No. Im fine. Go on." she ordered. We started for the door.

"You two should say thank you to Mr. Kotes, don't you think?" she called to us.

"Thank you. Mr. Kotes." we recited

simultaneously. He laughed.

"They're sure a pair of twins," he remarked. "A perfect pair."

Mommy nodded.

"Yes, they are," she said. "G

o on. I'll call you," she said when I lingered in the doorway, Although Noble was intrigued with his gift and the possibilities it presented. I couldn't help but wonder what made these presents different from all the others people had given us, even the ones Mr. Kotes had given us. What made it all right to accept them now? Was it just the passing of time?