Read Online An Uncommon Family by Christa Polkinhorn - Free Book Online

but they needed to talk. They hadn’t discussed Karla’s flawed report card yet. The grades hadn’t been bad: a high Six, or A-plus, in drawing; a Five, or B, in writing; and a Four, or C, in math. Under “Attitude and Behavior,” however, there was a remark about inattentiveness, daydreaming, forgetfulness, and handing in homework late or not at all.
    “That sounds like a great idea, Karla, but first we have to talk about school.”
    “Mmm,” Karla said and picked up a pastel pen.
    “Put that down and pay attention,” Anna said a little more forcefully.
    Karla gave her a probing look, then lowered the crayon but kept it in her hand.
    “I talked to your teacher and he told me that you did well in your written work but that you don’t pay attention during oral lessons. What can we do to improve your performance?”
    Karla turned her head and looked out the window. She didn’t answer.
    “Karla?” Anna put her hand on Karla’s shoulder.
    Karla turned back and stared at her, her eyes glowering, her full lips pressed into a thin line. There was a new energy about her. So far, Karla had been mostly obedient and quiet, even passive and often sad. Seeing defiance and anger in her face was almost a relief.
    Anna kept a straight face, although she felt a smile tickle the corners of her mouth. Perhaps being a little more assertive was a good thing, even if it was for the wrong reason. Her optimism, however, took a dive when she heard Karla’s answer.
    “Mama said school wasn’t important.” She angrily pushed the crayon aside.
    “When did your mother say that?”
    “When I talk to her at night.” Karla jutted out her chin.
    “I thought she wasn’t talking back to you.”
    “Sometimes, she does.”
    “Karla, why would your mother say something like that? You know that’s not true. Think about it. Remember how your mom would work with you when you still went to kindergarten? You already knew how to read and write before you started school. Do you think your mom would have taught you these things, if she didn’t believe school and learning were important?”
    Karla shook her head but her face remained hard and tight.
    “What did you two do every Wednesday afternoon after kindergarten? Where did you go?”
    Karla hesitated, then said, “We went to the library.”
    “Okay, why did you go there?”
    “To check out books for me, of course.”
    “What kind of books?” Anna prodded.
    “All kinds. Books about how to read and write and build things. We once built a whole farm with animals,” Karla said, her face brightening a little.
    “See, Karla, your mama wanted to prepare you for school. She wanted you to learn things. That’s why she took you to the library. Do you really think a mother like this would tell you one day that school wasn’t important?”
    Karla looked down at the floor and slowly shook her head.
    “Do you agree then that it wasn’t your mama who told you school wasn’t important?”
    Karla stared at her. “Then who was it?”
    Anna hesitated a moment. “Did you really hear a voice?”
    Karla shrugged her shoulder. “I thought I did.”
    “Look, Karla, your mama can’t talk like a normal person. She’s dead, honey. That means her body and her voice are gone. Do you understand?”
    Karla nodded hesitantly.
    “Karla, next time you think you hear your mother’s voice, tell me. Perhaps the two of us can find out what’s going on. Promise?”
    Karla nodded again, this time with more conviction. “Anna, are there ghosts?”
    “I’m not sure, Karla. I’ve never seen or heard one, but some people claim they exist. If you ever hear or see one, you have to let me know. We have to be together in this, okay?”
    “Can I still tell Mama what I’m doing? And tell her secrets?”
    “Yes, of course, you can tell her everything. But I hope you tell me as well if something bothers you. Your mama would want that. She would want that I take good care of you. And for that I need to know