Read Online Sundancer by Shelley Peterson - Free Book Online Page B

clear.”
    â€œI don’t blame you.”
    Hannah pushed back her chair. She grabbed a paper bag and began loading it with leftovers from the table. “How are Pete and Laura Pierson these days?” she asked, changing the subject. The Piersons were almost surrogate parents to Abby. They lived close by, and were a fixture in the community.
    â€œFabulous,” answered Abby with a wide smile. “As interesting and welcoming and wonderful as ever. I see them all the time.”
    â€œThey must be getting on in years.”
    â€œI suppose, but I want to be just like them when I’m old.” Hannah glanced at Bird, making sure she was finished with her
    breakfast. “Kimberly hasn’t had anything to eat. Bird, do you mind running out with this egg sandwich and banana? She’ll be at the barn.”
    Bird rose to leave, sorry that the visit with Abby was drawing to a close.
    â€œWell, time for me to get going,” said Abby, rising from her chair. “Chores, job, you know. Thanks so much for breakfast.”
    â€œThanks for all the information. Come by any time.” “I’d love to see how Sundancer’s doing.”
    Hannah smiled at the young woman. “Wonderful. Maybe you could help? I mean, if we decide we can do anything with him.”
    Abby wrote her phone number on a piece of paper. “I’d love to. Call me whenever you want. I don’t leave for school for a few weeks.”
    â€œBy the way, where’s Cody?” asked Hannah.
    â€œSomewhere close and hidden. You never know where he is, but you’ll see him follow me when I leave.” Abby smiled at Bird. “Goodbye, Bird. See you soon, I hope.”
    Bird looked out the window as a shadowy four-legged figure slid from tree to tree, following Abby Malone on her bike. She watched until they were out of sight and then ran for the barn, Kimberly’s breakfast clutched in her hands.
    â€œBIRD PUSHED ME FIRST!” exclaimed Melanie.
    â€œAnd she ran into me like a bulldozer!” stated Peter.
    â€œShe just went crazy,” explained Jo. “It’s amazing that she didn’t hurt anyone.”
    â€œI told them not to bug her about Phoenix,” said Kimberly smugly. “I told them about her tantrum last night at dinner.”
    Hannah sighed and rubbed her temples. Ten minutes ago she’d been in the kitchen, cleaning up after breakfast. Now this. “Let’s start at the beginning. Bird brought Kimberly’s breakfast to her.”
    â€œThat’s right. She did, and I thanked her. It was delicious, Hannah, thanks. I sure was hungry. Then …”
    â€œI’ll tell it!” snapped Mel. “She came over as we were talking about Sundancer, or Phoenix, or whatever his name is …”
    â€œOnly I can call him Phoenix,” corrected Kimberly.
    And only I can ride him, thought Bird.
    â€œAnd I said that my mother said he was crazy,” said Jo. “Well, my mother did and she said that he should be put down before he kills somebody.”
    â€œAnd Kimberly said that we should be careful what we said in front of Bird,” added Peter. “That she might go crazy, too, like Sundancer …”
    â€œAnd Melanie said that she’s already crazy,” said Jo. “That’s when Bird attacked Melanie.”
    Peter jumped in. “When I got her off Melanie, she ran away, then turned and tried to bowl me over. I tripped her and she fell on her nose.” He started to laugh then stopped himself, eyeing Bird warily.
    Bird lunged at Peter, ready for another go, but Hannah’s firm grasp stopped her in her tracks. “Did you listen to what each of you said?” she asked.
    They all nodded. “It’s the truth,” said Jo. “That’s what happened.”
    â€œThen can any one of you figure out what might have upset Bird?”
    It was Kimberly who finally spoke. “We called her crazy. We hurt her