It's an Aardvark-Eat-Turtle World by Paula Danziger Read Free Book Online

know, I make up stories about them in my head.
    I told Mindy how I love doing that. She says that’s the sign of someone who writes. Maybe someday that’s what I’ll do . . . just like Mindy.
    Everyone in our group is standing around talking. Not about anything important.
    Everyone’s really dreading meeting Phoebe’s mother and stepfather at the departure gate. Of all of us, I’m the one who’s got the least reason to feel nervous.
    â€œWe’re going to be late,” I tell them. “Come on, no more stalling.”
    We rush to the gate.
    Mrs. Carson’s pacing up and down.
    She hugs Phoebe and says, “Where have you been?”
    â€œTechnical difficulties.” Phoebe gives her a smile as she steps back.
    â€œHi, Kathy,” Jim says, reaching out to shake her hand and then putting his hand down when she doesn’t extend hers.
    Mrs. Carson realizes what’s just happened and reaches her hand out just as Jim finishes dropping his.
    What confusion. They can’t even get it together to shake hands. Obviously, they got it together at one point to do a whole lot more. Phoebe’s proof of that.
    It’s kind of weird to watch ex-married people try to make contact when it’s changed so much. Mindy and my father were like that for a while until they decided that they really hated each other and now have almost nothing to do with each other.
    Mrs. Carson touches Jim on the arm.
    Mindy stares at her.
    â€œJim, this is Duane.”
    The ex and present husbands meet and coolly shake hands.
    â€œAnd this is Mindy.” Jim goes over and puts his arm around Mindy’s shoulder.
    Kathy and Mindy smile at each other and say hello.
    Jim continues. “Kathy. You know Rosie.”
    She smiles at me, gives me a hug, and introduces me to Duane, who shakes my hand and nods to Phoebe.
    Then we all stand there, looking at each other, saying nothing.
    I wonder what people waiting for the plane think of our strange group. I know that if I were watching and not involved, I’d sure be curious. Mindy looks beautiful, as always. Her outfit is very Woodstock—turquoise peasant skirt and blouse, Birkenstock sandals, and lots of beautiful Indian jewelry.
    Jim’s wearing denims, a black turtleneck, and sandals.
    Phoebe’s got on denims and a T-shirt that looks like it’s from a college and says “Neurotic State.”
    I’ve got on denims and a black glitter-painted shirt.
    Duane the Drip, who is pretending not to know us, is in a three-piece suit, even though the weather is warm.
    I bet the observers are real confused about what I’m doing with this group.
    It’s time-warp time. The superstraights meet the post-hippies.
    The woman at the desk announces that the plane will be ready for boarding in a few minutes.
    Jim turns to Phoebe, holds out his finger, and says, “Phoebe, phone home.”
    â€œDad, please don’t.” Phoebe blushes.
    He stands there, with his finger pointing.
    Finally she smiles, holds out her finger, and says, “Phoebe, phone home.”
    Jim does the same to me, and I respond.
    Duane continues to act as if he doesn’t know us.
    As Mindy and I hug each other, she says, “Have a great time, honey. If you need me for anything, night or day, call collect. Promise.”
    I promise.
    Mindy hugs Phoebe.
    I hug Jim.
    Then we say our goodbyes and walk toward the plane.
    As we board, Mrs. Carson says to Phoebe, “Your father and ‘Phone home.’ Does he still sing ‘We’re off to see the Gizard’?”
    Phoebe says yes and Mrs. Carson smiles.
    I guess that not all of the memories are so terrible.
    Well, we made it through our first meeting as what some people call an extended family.
    I only hope that Toronto goes as well . . . if not better.

CHAPTER 12
    If you fail to declare—or falsely declare—goods, they may be SEIZED and FORFEITED and you may face