Read Online Waiting for Augusta by Jessica Lawson - Free Book Online Page B

and clothes.”
    â€œHow much did you leave?”
    She shrugged. “Most of the clothes hanging on that line didn’t look so good. I figured they needed extra.”
    The Hilberts had eight kids and could use all the extras they could get. “You’re right about that, but you had no right to—”
    â€œWe’re five dollars short. Don’t worry, though. Just follow my lead.” She walked toward a little white-haired woman who’d come through the front station door.
    The lady fingered a cross necklace hanging around her neck and looked repeatedly at the station clock. She had no bags, other than a light brown purse.
    â€œFollow me,” Noni murmured. “And let me do the talking.” She walked right up to the woman, gripping my shirt and yanking me along. She gave the woman a big smile. “Hello, ma’am. Who’re you waiting for?”
    â€œMy Jimmy,” she answered. “He’ll be here on the eight o’clock from Branson, Missouri. Ya’ll are welcome to keep me company.” She patted the bench beside her.
    â€œThanks. We’re going back to my parents in Atlanta. We’ve been visiting my grandmother. You sure look like her.”
    â€œOh?” The woman patted her hair. “What’s her name? I know just about everyone in the area.”
    â€œMrs. Jones,” Noni answered. “You wouldn’t know her. She lives alone in a shack way back in the woods. Likes to live off the land. Doesn’t trust the government. Eats a lot of squirrel.” She rapped a hand on my shoulder. “This is my brother. He doesn’t talk.”
    Doesn’t talk? I opened my mouth to correct her, but she pinched my shoulder so hard that I forgot what I was going to say.
    â€œAt all. Not a word,” Noni continued, her big eyes making it clear that there were more pinches where the first one came from.
    The woman eyed me with sympathy. “Is that right?”
    Noni nodded. “Sure is. Hasn’t said a word since he got run down by a wildcat in the woods. Right near Granny’s place, matter of fact. We found him curled up with slashes on his back the size of a ruler. It was one of God’s honest miracles that he’s alive.”
    The woman swallowed a look of horror and patted my knee. “Aren’t you sweet?” she said, reaching a shaky hand out to pinch my cheek.
    She smelled kinda funny, but looked nice enough. Part of me hated to admit it, but Noni’s quick thinking might have helped us out. We had ourselves a ticket granny.
    â€œâ€Šâ€™Scuse me, ma’am. I just have to go buy our tickets. I’llbe right back,” Noni said, leaving me to squirm.
    At the ticket counter Noni studied the departure times, and I saw her frown and talk to the ticket seller. She handed over all of our cash and then pointed to the old woman and me and waved at us. I nudged the woman’s side and waved back at Noni.
    â€œYes, dear. That’s your sister .” The woman smiled and waved at Noni, who had turned back and was making clawing motions in the air and then shaking her head in apparent sorrow.
    I’m silent. I’m not dumb , I wanted to tell Granny, but couldn’t for obvious reasons. I stood a little and saw the ticket seller raise a hand to her mouth and shake her head a few times. Then she nodded, and Noni came back with a big grin.
    â€œSix hour trip with stops, leaves at ten o’clock.” She saw the question in my eye and said, “Get out your paint box, brother. That nice ticket seller said she’d spot us the five dollars if you’ll make her one of your famous paintings.” She smiled at the old woman. “My nonspeaking brother sells his paintings for charity, and all the money goes to research how to cure people from wanting to give up talking and only listen.” She shuddered a little at the thought.
    Good Lord, Daddy was right. This girl was full of