Chapters (38)
- one
- two
- three
- four
- five
- six
- seven
- eight
- nine
- ten
- eleven
- twelve
- thirteen
- fourteen
- fifteen
- sixteen
- seventeen
- eighteen
- nineteen
- twenty
- twenty-one
- twenty-two
- twenty-three
- twenty-four
- twenty-five
- twenty-six
- twenty-seven
- twenty-eight
- twenty-nine
- thirty
- thirty-one
- thirty-two
- thirty-three
- thirty-four
- thirty-five
- thirty-six
- thirty-seven
- epilogue
No, Violet, he thought. You’re too good for me. “Let’s have coffee and get back on the road soon,” he said. “I have a feeling your parents and mine are not going to be pleased with us.”
They weren’t. Violet’s mother met Sam’s car at the curb, thanking him for delivering her daughter safely. She ushered Violet inside without a word and nodded toward the sofa. A teary Chet Wilson jumped up and ran to Violet, wrapping his arms around her waist.
“Chet? Honey? What is it? What’s wrong?” Violet looked to her mother for an answer.
“He’s been waiting for you since school let out,” she said. “Mrs. Wilson has moved away and taken CeeCee with her.”
Chet turned his dirt and tear streaked face up to Violet’s. “She left Daddy a note. She didn’t want me, Violet, just CeeCee. She said she could only take one of us.” He broke into fresh sobs. “Daddy says I have to go live with my Aunt Junie. I don’t want to leave here. Can’t I stay here with you?”
Alice Glenn said, “Chet, we can’t do that. Your father knows what’s best for you.” Her gaze told Violet she’d better add to that message.
“Chet, my mom’s right. I’m sure your Aunt Junie will love having you with her. It’s probably only for a little while, until your dad can work things out. I’m sure you’ll be back soon.”
Chet responded by clutching Violet harder. “I don’t want to go.”
Mrs. Glenn cleared her throat. “Violet, Mr. Wilson is waiting for Chet to come home. I’ve telephoned him twice while we were waiting for you. You walk him home and don’t forget this.” She held out a paper sack of cookies. “They’re chocolate chip, Chet—your favorite.”
Chet allowed himself to be hugged and gently released, swiping at his face. He took the cookies and held his hand out to Violet, head bowed low. As soon as they reached the sidewalk, he stopped and tugged her around to look at him. “You can’t make me go, Violet, please. I belong here with you. Can’t you see?”
“Chet, you know I care about you, but there’s no place for you to stay here, honey. Your dad knows what’s best for you. I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon. You’ll come to visit.”
He clung to her hand and kept his eyes on the ground the rest of the way, without another word.
Mr. Wilson was sitting on his front steps. He had aged ten years since Violet had seen him a few days ago. Violet felt everyone had.
He stood slowly and brushed the knees of his trousers. “Chet, wait for me inside.”