Page 19 of Alora: The Wander-Jewel (Alora 1)

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“Yes, Uncle Charles,” Alora said, “I feel much better. My headache is completely gone. I’m just a little weak from not eating. I hope it’s okay I invited everyone to stay for dinner.”

Charles was astounded at the change in Alora. A few hours earlier she’d been in so much pain she could barely move. But he was so relieved at her recovery he was happy to feed her friends. “Sure. We’re just having spaghetti. I’m glad for your friends to stay for a while. Now, tell me your names again. Of course, I know you, Beth.”

The lanky boy with a brown crew cut and blue eyes held out his right hand. “I’m Wesley, sir.” Charles shook his hand, appreciating the firm grip. He couldn’t help glancing toward Wesley’s left hand, clasped in Beth’s.

The other boy with the long hair and strange clothes reached out with his left hand, his right being clasped with Alora’s. “My name is Kaevin, sir.”

Charles shook his left hand awkwardly. “Now, tell me again... what is the point of this hand-holding game?”

“We’re competing to see who can hold hands the longest. And the winners get to pick which movie we’re going to watch.” Beth smiled with her usual enthusiasm. But he didn’t much care for a game that involved Alora holding hands with a boy, especially one he didn’t know.

“So, does this mean you’re dating?”

“Oh no, sir,” said Wesley. “We’re just friends.”

“And how old did you say you were, Kaevin?”

“He’s sixteen, Uncle Charles. He’s a junior, like Wesley.”

Sixteen. Technically he wasn’t too old for Alora, but he still didn’t like the idea. He forced a smile onto his face.

“I suppose you’ve got your driver’s license then, Kaevin?”

“Uhmm...”

“Kaevin doesn’t drive, Uncle Charles. He prefers to ride a horse.”

Kaevin gave a vigorous nod.

“Even in the winter?”

“Uhmm...”

“I’m sure you’ll get your license soon. Right, Kaevin?” asked Beth.

“Uhmm... right.”

The boy kept his eyes averted. Charles didn’t trust anyone who wouldn’t meet your eyes.

“And where do you boys live? I’m sure I’ve met your fathers.”

“My dad is Brian Franks. We live out on CR 304,” said Wesley.

“Right. I know Brian—good man,” said Charles.

“Kaevin’s family just moved into town,” said Beth. “His dad is a truck driver.”

“Really?” said Charles. “But you prefer horses to driving?”

“Uhmm...”

“Uncle Charles, you’re making him feel uncomfortable. Be nice. He’s new to Montana. We don’t want to give him a bad impression.”

Alora was right. The boy didn’t deserve to be interrogated when he was obviously nervous already. He flashed an apologetic smile at Alora. But he fully intended to find out more about this longhaired boy who was holding his baby girl’s hand.

“Sorry, Kaevin. It’s okay. I prefer horses to driving, myself.”