The End of the Rainbow (Hudson 4)

awards. I was sitting there, feeling a little sorry for

Harley; I thought he would be almost invisible

throughout all this.

And then came the best surprise of all. His art

teacher had chosen him for the art award. Harley

looked so shocked, he didn't rise and had to have his

name called twice. It brought some laughter. I gazed

at Aunt Glenda. Her face beamed and Uncle Roy

looked genuinely impressed. He glanced at Mommy who smiled at him. He was too stunned to get up and take a picture. so Daddy moved quickly and snapped

it.

Afterward. Uncle Roy shook Harley's hand so

hard. I thought he might have broken his arm. Some

of the men he knew from work were congratulating

him, too, and he was basking in it. All of us took turns

hugging and kissing Harley. Afterward, as we headed

out to the cars and to the restaurant for our

celebration. Harley hung back with me.

"I've got you to thank for all this. Summer," he

said. "You thank yourself. You did it," I replied. We had a wonderful dinner. I couldn't

remember a time when we all looked more like a

family. Aunt Glenda seemed truly overwhelmed with

happiness she hadn't experienced for years and years.

For a few hours in time, she was able to put aside her

great sorrow.

On Monday. Harley did what he had promised

and went to see the guidance counselor to make out

some late admission applications. Two days later.

Daddy and I packed the van with my things for the

trip to my music camp. Harley had already begun

working with Uncle Roy on a project we were doing