The Secret of Spruce Knoll Read Online Free PDF Page A

Instead of moving to the dining table, they sat down together at the bar to eat. Just like yesterday, Sylvia talked almost non-stop, pausing only to chew and swallow.
    Though Eren hadn’t thought to leave a note, Sylvia had guessed she’d gone running. On one hand, Eren felt bad that she had overlooked such a simple courtesy. On the other, she thought it strange that Sylvia had guessed so easily. Had she been through her things and found all her jogging clothes? Or worse, had she found her diary? She didn’t seem like the kind of person who would do that, but the thought remained in the back of Eren’s mind. She didn’t really know this woman yet.
    “So what’s the deal with this town?” Eren asked. Maybe if she steered the conversation right, she could learn more about that boy.
    Sylvia began to explain about the different people that made up the town. The town was divided into four major lands, separated by the roads that came together in its center. There were several acres of common area around the center where most of the shops and common buildings were, the school, library and such. The northeast section was where the Tibetans lived, the southeast section the Romanians, the northwest the Irish, and the southwest—where they lived—was Mayan territory.
    “Just be careful not to trespass onto someone else’s land. You’ll need permission to go onto anything but common land or Mayan land. People here like their privacy,” Sylvia said. 
    “A town settled by four different races that are all prejudice?” Eren asked.
    It seemed odd to settle into a small town if you didn’t want to be a community. She was used to communities like China town in the middle of L.A. but they didn’t care if others came into their ‘territory.’
    “No honey, not prejudice—not at all. The town is very close-knit and supports each other. It’s just that these Societies like their privacy,” she tried to explain.
    “Tell that to my parents,” Eren murmured around a mouthful of eggs. Privacy sounded like code for ‘I’m not going to tell you why.’ This conversation was starting to get frustrating.
    “What’s that honey?” Sylvia asked, though there was an uncomfortable look on her face that said maybe she had heard her.
    “Is it all right if I invite a friend onto Mayan lands?” Eren changed the subject. Clearly her aunt wasn’t going to tell her so she’d have to find out another way.
    Sylvia’s face lit up and she worked hard to swallow her mouthful of food quickly.
    “Absolutely. Have you met someone?” she asked.
    “Yeah. A boy named Aiden,” Eren answered.
    She watched her aunt’s face closely, trying to judge her reaction. Her eyes widened and she looked surprised and also, maybe a touch worried. Only in a small town could you say someone’s first name and have everyone know exactly who you were talking about.
    “Aiden is a nice Irish boy,” she nodded with a knowing look.
    She may not be a woman yet by adult standards, but Eren wasn’t a child anymore and she knew what that look meant. Plus, her aunt had called him an ‘Irish’ boy like that mattered. Her mother had fallen for an Irish boy. Since she was half-Irish and half-Maya Eren didn’t really see why her aunt should have a problem with it. Even if she wasn’t, it shouldn’t matter. It was the 21 st century after all!
    “I can feel a ‘but’ in there. Is it because he’s Irish?” Eren observed.
    “No, no. He is a good person and of course that doesn’t matter. I don’t mind if Aiden comes here, but please promise you won’t go to his house. His adopted family and ours have been at odds for some time. They may be… less than welcoming to you,” Sylvia said.
    She wouldn’t look up from her plate. There was a long moment of silence that was very unlike her. The energy around her bordered on hostile and fearful. It made Eren wonder what else there was to that story. But now didn’t seem like a good time to press her aunt. She