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Both Create Help The words hurled at hiry, and failed All he felt was

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cold and frightened and more alone than ever "I'll wait," he said dully, "but I won't go in"

They'd reached the schoolhouse by the time she finally answered "Yes, Jack, you will"

Chapter Thirteen

Katie sat cross-legged on the rag rug, staring forlornly at her own feet "What'dya think's happenin' now?"

Savannah held her finger out to Caleb, as lying on the floor between theer and squeezed "I dunno Prob'ly ain't there yet"

They lapsed back into silence

"Mama seemed prettya wrinkled strip of blue flannel fro "Not like last time"

"No " Katie shuddered at the memory of "last ti such a stupid, lazy little girl who didn't want to be no better'n her crazy daddy

"Don't think about that" Savannah touched Katie's knee "It ain't gonna be like that again"

Katie looked up Stupid, stinging tears filled her eyes, but she couldn't hold them back "You don't know that," she whispered "Could be she's just tryin' to trick us again"

Savannah sed hard "I know, butbut I don't think so She seemsdiffer'nt"

A tear slipped down Katie's cheek and plopped on the hand fisted so tightly in her lap She was so scared, she

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