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When I run downstairs at seven twenty-five, Kitty is sitting at the kitchen table with her jean jacket on waiting for me “Why are you downstairs already?” I ask her Her bus doesn’t coo to school early Reerator There it is, in : Kitty’s Field Trip Shoot

I was supposed to drive her, but that was before ht shift at the hospital and he’s not home yet, so I don’t have a car “Can one of the carpool et you?”

“It’s too late The bus leaves at seven forty” Kitty’s face is getting splotchy and her chin is starting to quiver “I can’t et upset I’ve got a ride coreenish banana froo outside and wait for him”

“Who?”

“Just hurry”

Kitty and I are waiting on the front steps sharing the greenish banana We both prefer an unripe, greenish banana to a brown speckled one It’s Margot who likes the speckled ones I’ll try to save theobbles them up, mushy bruised parts and all I shudder to even think of it

There’s a chill in the air, even though it’s still September and therefore practically still sus to keep warm She says she’ll wear shorts all the way to October; that’s her plan

It’s past seven thirty now and no Peter yet I’et nervous, but I don’t want Kitty to worry I decide that if he’s not here in exactly two o next door to Josh’s and ask hihbor Ms Rothschild waves at us as she locks her front door, a big coffee ther, Ms Rothschild,” we chorus I elbow Kitty and say, “Five, four, three—”

“Damn it!” Ms Rothschild shrieks Ms Rothschild has spilled coffee on her hand She does this at least twice a week I don’t knohy she doesn’t just slon or h

Just then Peter drives up, and his black Audi is even shinier in the daylight I get up and say, “Come on, Kitty,” and she trails behind me

“Who’s that?” I hear her whisper

His s are down I coer side and stick my head in “Is it okay if we drop my little sister off at the elementary school?” I ask “She has to be there early today for a field trip”

Peter looks annoyed “Why didn’t you mention it yesterday?”

“I didn’t know about it yesterday!” Behind

“This is a two-seater,” Peter says, as if I can’t see with my oo eyes

“I know that I’ll just put Kitty in my lap and the seat belt over us” Which , and neither will Kitty

“Yeah, ’cause that sounds really safe” He’s being sarcastic I hate when people are sarcastic It’s so cheap

“It’s two hs “Fine Get in”