Girl in the Shadows (Shadows 2)

other people, other teachers, she'll be fine. I can't tutor

her too much longer anyway. My mother needs me

more at the plant and store. She's not well herself and

she has been trying to get me to stop doing this." "Oh. I'm sorry."

"Don't mention it to Mrs. Westington yet. I

don't want to upset or frighten her about it."

"I won't." I told him.

We went inside and he retrieved my exam

papers, glancing quickly at them.

"Urn, not so bad. We'll see. I'll be back

tomorrow, same time," he said.

"Thank you. I'm sorry about before,' I said.

"Accusing you of things and all that."

"No, it's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault or

at least any of our faults. If Echo had a decent mother,

this might have all turned out differently for her and

for Mrs. Westington."

"Someone once told me you have to deal with

the hand you're given," I said.

He smiled. "Sounds to me like an old Chinese

proverb."

My laughter followed him out. For a moment I

just stood there in the foyer. Then I heard Mrs.

Westington tap her cane. I turned and saw her peering

at me from the doorway of the kitchen.

"Well now, this is the latest that boy's stayed

here. He's going to catch hell and walk the plank

when he gets home." She smiled. "I guess you're

getting along then."

"We'll see. Mrs. Westington. I did the best I can