Freddy Anderson’s Home: Book 1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

instantly took a liking to her.
    The second-floor room was nice—open and light with a big window that offered a good view of the mountains in back of the inn. The large bathroom had an old-fashioned tub on legs—a tub big enough to swallow a grown-up. I could stand up in it and still be submerged over my waist. (I know, because I tried.) My room had pictures of Victorian people playing, dancing, and hunting. The chest of drawers had a mirror big enough that, if it were magical, you could walk through it and not have to duck. It reminded me of Alice in Wonder land .
    By far the biggest thing in the room was the bed. It was almost as tall as me and had steps up to it. It looked very inviting with its thick, homemade quilt and gigantic pillows, but sleep was still a long way away.
    Across from the inn, a young woman sat alone on a bench near the dock. She was wearing a jacket and blue jeans, but I had seen those standard-issue boots used by the Reserve Officers Training Corps, or ROTC, at the university. She looked very much out of place when I arrived. I touched her mind and learned that she was from the navy and was watching me. Interesting , I thought. The navy is having me watched. I wonder why? Whatever! Unpacking comes first for now. After unpacking, I washed up.
    In exactly one half hour, I went downstairs for dinner. Everything was ready, and it sure smelled great. Four children—three girls and a boy—were helping to set the table and pour drinks. The girls wore everyday dresses, and the boy wore shorts and a T-shirt. It was just the children, Mrs. Crain, and me for dinner.
    Mrs. Crain came in and the children lined up for inspection. Starting with the oldest, Mrs. Crain inspected their hands and behind their ears. I was very glad Nanny had taught me proper hygiene. Carroll passed inspection, and then it was Johnny’s turn.
    Miss. Crain said, “Okay, Johnny, you may sit down.” The short five-year-old came next and she smiled up at her mommy. Mrs. Crain inspected her and told her she could sit down, but with a sideward glance at her oldest, she gave the little girl’s fanny a swat saying, “Carroll needs to help you work on doing a better job of cleaning your fingernails.”
    Carroll said, “Yes, Mother. We’ll start tonight.”
    Mrs. Crain motioned for me to sit next to her and across from Carroll.
    We all sat there quietly while Becky, the middle-aged girl, said grace. Then everyone waited for Mrs. Crain to start dishing out food. Mommy and Daddy never said grace and often ate most of the food before it reached the table. Nanny let me see that others do things differently, so I held back until I saw how everything was done. Nanny taught me great manners, and I’d read a few books on the subject, so I was prepared not to eat until I saw someone else start.
    “Dr. Anderson, this is my eldest daughter, Carroll.” Carroll was tall for a twelve-year-old, with long blonde hair that was tied back, just like her mother’s. Somewhat skinny, she had light blue eyes that shone with curiosity, but they held a kindness that was very reassuring. Her skin was tanned and smooth, nearly blemish free.
    I said, “Nice to meet you, Carroll.”
    “Nice to meet you also, sir,” she said.
    That “sir” produced giggles from the rest of the children.
    Mrs. Crain then said, “This is my second eldest, Becky.” Becky was ten years old and taller than me by only an inch, which means she was very short for her age. She also had long hair and a twinkle in her eye, like she was trying to pull something. She was extremely pretty, and I had a hard time taking my eyes off her.
    I said, “Nice to meet you, Becky.”
    “Hello, Dr. Anderson. It’s nice to meet you,” she said.
    I must have blushed, as Annabelle giggled and pointed at me. Mrs. Crain said, “Annabelle! Stop that or go to your room.” Annabelle stopped immediately and looked very chastened. I smiled and winked at her. That made her smile.
    “This is my son,