Read Online Reading the Bones by Gina McMurchy-Barber - Free Book Online

made wonderful progress, Peggy dear. And if you want, you can come tomorrow and work on it some more. I don’t mind telling you that I’m glad to have your company.”
    I felt the same way.
    As I walked home, I was all warm inside. But when I entered the house I was hit by a wave of tension. Aunt Margaret was talking on the phone, and her voice pierced the air. “Oh, here she is. Honestly, that child needs to learn to be more responsible and considerate. I want you to tell her that this kind of thing is definitely not okay with me! She just wanders off, God knows where, and never thinks about telling someone where she’s gone. You need to talk to her.” Then she angrily shoved the phone at me. “Peggy, it’s your mother.”
    I was glad when Aunt Margaret stormed out of the room. “Hi, Mom.”
    â€œHello, Peggy. Your aunt’s very upset with you for leaving the house again without telling her where you were going. She’s been worried.”
    â€œHow was I supposed to do that? She wasn’t here at suppertime. She was out shopping for pond fish.”
    â€œYou could have written her a note, or stayed home until she got back. Or why didn’t you call from wherever you were?”
    â€œYeah, I guess I could’ve done that. But then she’d have found a way to ruin my plans.”
    â€œWell, where did you go?”
    â€œI was with Mrs. Hobbs. I’m making something,but it’s a surprise, so I can’t tell you about it.”
    â€œWell, honey, I can’t see why Margaret wouldn’t let you visit Mrs. Hobbs. But next time you need to get her permission before you go out. She’s only trying to do her best to look after you. And I shouldn’t need to remind you that she’s doing us a big favour.”
    â€œMom, I feel like she’s trying to squeeze the life out of me. She has so many rules and she always has to tell me what to do. We have nothing in common. She doesn’t even care about the excavation Eddy and I’ve been working on. She keeps dropping reminders of what a hassle it’s all been for her. When are you coming back, Mom?” There was a long, awkward silence.
    â€œI can’t say right now, sweetheart. Hey, why don’t you tell me what you’ve been learning about archaeology and excavating?”
    She had totally ignored my question. I would have pressed her, but her voice sounded funny, as if she’d been crying. “Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “But I wish you were here to see it.” There was another long, silent moment, and sniffling noises came from inside the phone.
    â€œThere’s nothing I’d like better, honey, but I’m afraid it’s not possible right now. I didn’t get that job at Cobblestone Communications. And I was really counting on it, since money’s getting tight.” More silence. “But don’t worry, Peggy. I’ll find a job soon. And the moment I do, I’m coming to get you, okay?”
    It was bad enough that Mom was feeling down for not getting the job. I didn’t want her to worry about me, too. “No problem, Mom. I’m fine and I’m happy to be here. Just take care of yourself.” There was a really long silencethis time, and I could actually hear her sobbing. “Mom, please don’t cry. Everything’s going to be all right.”
    â€œGood night, Peggy,” Mom’s voice squeaked, and then I heard a click as she cut the connection.
    I had a hard time sleeping and spent most of the night thinking about my mom, crying, alone in some motel room, far from everyone she loved. I must have fallen asleep for a while, but woke up to a large, wet spot on the pillowcase. I turned the pillow over and dried my tears with the back of my hand. For the first time in years I felt angry at my dad for dying.

CHAPTER 6
    â€œGood morning, Peggy. It’s time to get out