Ask Anybody Read Online Free PDF Page A

perfect.
    â€œHello.” I broke the ice. “Your hair looks nice.”
    She stood still, turning her head this way and that to show off the curls to best advantage.
    â€œIt’s naturally curly,” she said in a piercing voice.
    â€œIt is not!” the largest boy said in a half shout. She reached over and took a swipe at him. He ducked. The other two stood silent, picking at their noses with little cold fingers, snuffling, looking out across the field like they didn’t care what went on.
    â€œMy mama has naturally curly hair too,” Nell said, keeping her eye on the big boy. He opened his mouth. She lifted her closed fist. He closed it.
    â€œI get my naturally curly hair from my mama,” Nell went on. “My mama’s a beautician,” she added, as if the two were connected.
    â€œThat’s nice,” I said.
    â€œWhen the hell’s this bus get here anyway?” Nell said. The other kids kept quiet. They watched and listened, as if they were at a play and we were the actors.
    I looked down the hill. “Any minute now. So why’d you move here? Your daddy in business here?” I made my voice sprightly and interested, the way you’re supposed to with a new acquaintance.
    â€œOh, my daddy’s gone,” Nell said, gazing soulfully up at the sky. I took that to mean her daddy was in heaven. I felt bad I’d asked about him.
    â€œI’m sorry,” I said. “When’d he die?”
    â€œHe didn’t die ” she said impatiently. “He’s gone. Flew the coop. Took a powder. Maybe he’ll be back.” She shrugged. “Usually he comes back. If he can locate us, that is.”
    The bus chugged up the hill. Bill, the driver, swung the door open. “Cold enough for you?” he said. We all got in. “You new around here?” he asked Nell.
    â€œWe live yonder,” she said, herding the three boys in front of her like they were sheep. “They told us to go on down to the school today. A lady came to our house and told us that.” Nell flicked her eyes; checking out the other kids in the bus. “Otherwise, we wouldn’ta gone. I got better things to do,” she announced.
    â€œSit down and keep quiet and we’ll all be pals,” Bill said, closing the door with a whoosh, starting up.
    Nell directed the two little boys to a seat, then she sat directly behind them. The big boy went to the back and sat on his spine, frowning out the window. I sat next to Nell, although she didn’t ask me to.
    â€œWhat grade you in?” I asked her.
    â€œI’m not sure.” Slowly, with great attention, she took off her mittens. She was the only one who wore mittens. Her brothers’ hands were bare. I couldn’t help noticing her fingernails were painted green.
    â€œMaybe fifth, maybe sixth,” she went on, holding her hands up, inspecting her fingernails with care. “I’m very smart, you know.” She fixed me with her speckled yellow eyes, eyes that put me in mind of a cat’s eyes.
    â€œMy uncle lives with us,” she informed me. “My Uncle Joe. He helps us out sometimes. He drives a truck, you see. An egg truck,” she added in a lofty tone, trying to impress me. I was more impressed by her green fingernails.
    â€œYou know he’s got to be a good truck driver if they let him drive one of those huge egg trucks loaded down with eggs.” She gripped my arm with fingers like steel. She was very strong. “Now don’t you know that?” she demanded.
    From his seat across the aisle, Tad said, “Daddy said you better wait for me after school, Sky. He said you better not go to somebody’s house, that you should wait for me.” Tad talks a lot when he’s nervous.
    â€œI know,” I said. “I won’t go without you.” tad settled back in his seat. As long as nothing happens to change the plans, he’s all