Page 89

"It looked like it. I took an exploratory walk around soon after we moved into the house yesterday. Dad was mad, of course. He wanted me to help with the move-in. but I got bored with unpacking and told him and my sister I was taking a walk whether they liked it or not. I left before either could complain," he added with a smile.

His smile was nice because it started around his eyes and seemed to trickle down to the corner of his mouth, sort of rumble through his cheeks.

"How old is your sister?"

"She's nearly eighteen and a pain, especially for my father."

"Why?"

"She just is, and she's always trying to get out of doing her share of things. That's why I was happy to leave her unpacking the kitchen stuff. I worked this morning and then snuck out again to look around. I saw your fort," he added, nodding in its direction.

"I built that a long time ago," I said. "I don't play in forts anymore."

"So how old are you?"

"I'm fifteen, if you just have to know," I said belligerently.

"I'd be a year ahead of you at school. As I said. Im getting my driver's license this year and the car. Dad used that as a bribe to get me to agree to move to the boondocks."

"Boondocks?"

"Woods, country, whatever you call it out here. We moved from Paramus, New Jersey. My dad had his own pharmacy there, but the business went to pot when one of the chains moved right on top of him. Can't beat,,em, join,,em. Dad says. He's working at Rite Aid in Monticello now. Says its better to be an employee than an owner anyway."

"How come you talk only about your father? What about your mother?"

"She died a long time ago," he said quickly.

"Oh."

"What's your father do?"

"He died a long time ago. too," I said.

He nodded. He had a peculiar look on his face.

"What?"

Actually, I knew that," he said. "I knew your name. too. We heard all about you and your mother and the terrible thing that happened to your sister. If s why we got the house so cheap. No one wanted to buy it from that old guy and live next to you people. At least that's what Dad says," he added.

"Good for you. Now let off our land," I snapped and turned to walk away.

"Hey, take it easy. I didn't say I had funny ideas about you. That's why I came over to meet you."

"Cleo," I called because he remained sitting in front of Elliot.

"Come on. Don't be so sensitive," he added. "You're acting like a pussy."

I spun around.

"I'm not sensitive, and I'm no pussy. Don't call me that."

"Just trying to get you to calm down," he said. shrugging.

He did look harmless and friendly, but his mentioning our tragedy put trembles into me.

"I know what the stupid people around here think of me and my mother. I don't need to be reminded." I said.

"Sure. I won't say another word about it," he said, raising both his hands.