Runaways (Orphans 5)

As soon as I sat down to breakfast Norman came in through the back door, huffing and puffing up a storm.

"Land sakes, Norman, what's got into you?" Nana asked.

"Oh, it's that darned old lawnmower. It's acting up again." He sat down with a groan.

"Did you check the gas?" I asked.

"Hmm . . . I forgot to check that," Norman admitted and got up.

I followed him outside. He went straight to the lawnmower and unscrewed the gas cap. He gave an embarrassed chuckle. "Well, be," he said, scratching his head.

"Do you have any gas around here?" I asked, hoping he wasn't too embarrassed.

"Oh, I've got a bit in the shed, I believe."

"Let me get it for you," I said as I started walking toward the tool shed.

After I brought Norman the gas I went back inside. Everyone was waiting, Nana standing by the window with a sly smile on her face.

"You helped old Norman out there a bit, didn't you?" she asked.

"Oh, not much really," I answered quickly. I wasn't sure how much she'd seen.

After breakfast Raven, Crystal and Butterfly helped Nana clear the table, and I went out to help Norman rake up the grass after he'd mowed it. I was glad to see Raven, Crystal and Butterfly come out to help us shortly after we'd started out in the yard. There really was a lot to be done.

We each took turns keeping Nana company as she sat on the porch and knitted, talking into the lazy afternoon. She brought out fresh lemonade for us and then suggested we have lunch behind the house on their picnic table.

"We haven't done that in years," Noi man said.

The two of them looked as happy about it as we did.

A number of times during lunch, Butterfly, and even Raven, almost gave away the truth about us. References to the Lakewood House, to Gordon and Louise brought questions to Nana's lips. Crystal always came up with some logical explanation, but it put some strain on us.

"We should get back on the road," I suggested as lunch came to an end.

"Oh, why don't you all stay another night. I'm roasting a turkey and planning on making my special mashed potatoes."

"She's famous for her mashed potatoes," Norman said. "No pie, Nana?"

"That was going to be a surprise, Norman." She turned to us. "I do an apple that's won some compliments."

"And prizes at fairs," Norman added.

"I love apple pie," Butterfly said. She looked at me hopefully and I looked at Crystal and Raven.

"Another day off the main highway might not be so bad," Crystal said. Raven nodded.

"Why is that?" Nana asked. "Why off the main highway?"

"Oh, I just meant, another day not fighting traffic," Crystal said quickly.

Nana's eyes shifted from Butterfly to me and then to Raven before she nodded with a soft smile. The longer we remained here, I thought, the thinner our story was going to get.

"Maybe we'll leave after dinner," I said.

"You'll do no such thing. I'll tell Norman to block the driveway if you try," she said. "It's better to travel in daylight. You girls earned your keep, helping Norman with the lawn. The grounds almost look the way they used to when Norman was young enough to take care of them regular."

"Okay, Nana," I said, giving in. "We'll stay."