Always October by Bruce Coville Read Free Book Online Page A

is soooooo cute!”
    Despite what Jacob has claimed ever since, I want to make it clear that I did not, repeat did not , actually squeal these words.
    He scowled. “I knew you were going to get all girly!”
    â€œOh, shut up. He’s cute, and you know it.”
    â€œI guess so. He’s less cute once he turns green and the fangs come out.”
    â€œCan I hold him?”
    â€œIf you want.”
    As soon as Jacob removed the tray from the high chair, LD stretched out his arms. I scooped him up. Without hesitation he cuddled against me.
    If you’ve ever held a baby, you know that special baby smell … and I don’t mean the odor of a full diaper! It’s something you get when you nuzzle your nose against the top of a baby’s head, and it’s one of the best smells in the world. Holding LD close, I plunked down in one of the wooden chairs. Then I bounced him on my knee while I sang my newest song, “The Chipmunk’s Funeral.”
    â€œIt’s a good thing he can’t understand you,” said Jacob. “You’d probably creep him out.”
    â€œHa-very-ha. Hey, do you have a video camera?”
    He blinked at the sudden change of topic. “Why? Do you want to me to film you singing to the baby?”
    As he said this, LD squawked and held out his arms to be transferred to Jacob. I took one last sniff of his head, then passed him over. When he was safely snuggled in Jacob’s arms, I said, “No, I don’t want a video of me singing to the baby! I want to help save your skin, you goof. Think about it! If your mother is out during the next full moon and things go wrong, you’re really going to need something to show her.”
    Jacob turned pale. “Yeah, I see what you mean.”
    â€œSo, do you have one?”
    â€œI don’t know. Maybe in one of the junk rooms. Dad kept—”
    â€œJunk rooms ?”
    Jacob blushed. “I come from a long line of pack rats. Wanna help me look?”
    â€œSure!”
    We went up by the back stairway. It took a little while, because Jacob had to touch certain spots along the wall, and holding the baby made it a bit tricky. I kept my mouth shut about that part. But when we reached the top and I looked ahead, I gasped. I couldn’t believe how long that hall was! Jacob started forward, but I kind of dawdled, because I was looking at the portraits lining the walls.
    Suddenly I gasped. “Jacob!” I yelled. “JACOB!”

10
(Jacob)

SPELUNKER
    A t Lily’s cry I hurried back and asked, “Are you all right? You sound like something frightened you.”
    â€œWho’s that?” she demanded, pointing to one of the paintings.
    I smiled, since I could understand why the picture might have disturbed her. “Tia LaMontagne. She was my grandmother, almost.” Seeing Lily’s expression, I added, “She married Arthur Doolittle but disappeared before they had any kids.”
    â€œDisappeared?”
    â€œWithout a trace.”
    â€œBoy, people in your family make a habit of that, don’t they?”
    I felt as if she had just stuck a knife in my ribs. Lily must have seen the expression on my face, because she cried, “Oh my god, I’m sorry, Jacob! I …”
    â€œForget it,” I said gruffly. “Just tell me why you were so startled.”
    â€œBecause I’ve seen her before.”
    â€œNo surprise. She was pretty famous around here. You probably saw her in some historical article or—”
    â€œJake, my grandfather keeps her photo on his dresser!”
    That did surprise me. “Are you serious?”
    She nodded solemnly.
    â€œOkay, that is definitely strange.”
    â€œThat’s what Medusa’s hairdresser said. Her last words, if I remember correctly. Anyway, I must have asked Grampa about that picture a dozen times but he never answers. I think the question makes him angry.” She examined the painting