Bridge to a Distant Star Read Online Free PDF Page A

middle school, which was fairly well maintained but still had that typical public school look of frugal budgets, too little money for upkeep, and occupation by kids who weren’t into caring for their school. When Maureen pulled over to the curb to drop off Colleen, she called out “Have a good day,” but not too loudly. Maureen had been tolerantly instructed on the proper etiquette for Dropping off Middle Schoolers by Moms. There were several all-important, inviolate Rules, and she wasn’t about to break one of those this morning.
    No answer from Colleen, of course, and none was expected. Maureen pulled out, determined to focus on the other events of the day. Aubrey, however, was not to be deterred, yelling “Bye, Collie!” while cheerfully waving Jonesy (doing his zing routine) out the open window. Oblivious to her sister’s retreating back and what it communicated, Aubrey generally ignored all of the Rules.
    Next stop was Bill’s parents’ house. They fortunately lived close by and were delighted to watch Aubrey whenever needed—Maureen’s two mornings per week at the shop—plus any other circumstances, like this morning’s VBS meeting. While unbuckling Aubrey from her car seat, Maureen winced again at the giraffe. “You sure you can’t leave Jonesy in the car? Just think—he could ride around with me all day on a road trip. He’d love it.”
    Aubrey gave her a withering look that conveyed her mom’s suggestion didn’t even merit a response. Giving her curls a flounce, she climbed down from the car, tucking Rabbit under one arm and Jonesy Giraffe firmly under the other.
    Maureen was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open, her mother-in-law’s attention fully focused on one of the two granddaughters who were the objects of her wholehearted devotion.
    “There’s my precious sweetheart,” Kate Roberts exclaimed, gathering Aubrey into her arms. Aubrey erupted into delighted giggles.
    Where has the whining, demanding three-year-old that I had to deal with this morning vanished to? Kate glanced over, and Maureen pointedly flashed her a pasted-on smile.
    “And what have we here with Rabbit? Did Rabbit bring a friend?” Kate asked.
    Aubrey vigorously nodded her head, intentionally giving Maureen a “told you so” look of triumph.
    “Mom, I really need to …” But Kate’s attention was fixated on Aubrey, unmistakably communicating that Maureen was to wait. How she wished she could simply announce Gotta run, and exit gracefully. But after all these years, Kate still intimidated her. Maureen read her cues and stood by, physically patient if not emotionally so.
    A guessing game developed over the animal’s name. Maureen glanced helplessly at her watch while Kate offered several silly suggestions until finally Aubrey quipped, “No. But you’re close, Gramma. It’s Jonesy Giraffe.”
    An unintended early rescue by Aubrey, and Maureen jumped at it. “I’ll be back to pick her up around three, Kate. Is that too late?”
    “’Course not. Little precious here and I have lots to do today, don’t we, sweetheart? Well, Aubrey and I and Rabbit and Jennifer Giraffe, right?”
    Aubrey burst into laughter again, barely getting out “Gramma, no!” before Maureen took her chance to escape.
    She gave daughter and mother-in-law quick pecks on their cheeks and hurried down the sidewalk, calling out, “Thanks, Kate,” over her shoulder.
    “Wave bye to your Mommy,” was followed by a cursory wave and the firm click of the closed door.
    Again Maureen imagined herself telling the gang and soaking up empathy about in-laws. Consolation for out-of-control children. Understanding about husbands who came home from work too tired to deal with families. Laughter would erupt and then all frustrations would be forgotten, if only temporarily. By the time Maureen turned into the church parking lot, she was smiling to herself, eager to get the meeting going and then enjoy lunch.
    “Good morning, Kath!” she