Rebel's Tag by K. L. Denman Read Free Book Online

shrug. Then I blurt, “What I really want to know is why you forgave me.”
    They stare at me like I just spoke friggin’ Sumerian again. Finally, Norman says, “Well, you were sorry, weren’t you?”
    I nod.
    â€œOkay. That’s what we thought. And we’re too old to stay mad. Not enough time for that,” says Norman.
    â€œHuh?”
    Mary pats my shoulder. “What he means, dear, is life is too short to waste it holding a grudge. If we stayed angry, why, we’d feel just dreadful. Anger is an awfully heavy thing to carry around. It wears you out something terrible.”
    â€œNot only that,” Norman says with a wink—an actual wink. “This whole dealgave me a chance to impress my woman here.”
    Mary giggles.
    I can’t help it. I say, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
    â€œNope,” says Norman.
    â€œWell,” I say, “okay. Thanks. A lot.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” they say, together.
    â€œTell you what,” I hesitate, and then go ahead. “I’ll be happy to paint your shed when you decide about the color.”
    â€œWe knew we could count on you,” Mary says.
    â€œCould be decided when hell freezes over,” Norman says.
    Mary clucks her tongue. “Such bad language, Norman, with the boy’s cabbage ears listening.”
    They are so weird. Nice. But weird.
    â€œThere is one thing though,” Norman says.
    I feel my shoulders hunch. “Yeah?”
    â€œWe’d feel a whole lot better if we knew you weren’t going on roofs in the dark anymore. If we thought you weregoing to keep doing that, we’d have to speak to your mother.”
    I don’t have an answer for him, but I feel something slipping away from me, something I’ve had since I was eleven years old. I don’t want to let it go.

chapter twelve
    When I get home, Mom has dinner ready. We’re halfway through the meal when she gives me one of her mother looks. “Are you feeling all right, Sam?”
    â€œI’m fine.”
    She frowns. “You don’t look fine.”
    She tries to put her hand on my forehead, but I shift away. “I’m okay. Just a bit tired.”
    â€œJust tired? I wonder. Is something bothering you?”
    I shrug. “Nope.”
    Her gaze narrows. “Is everything all right at school?”
    â€œYup. All fine.”
    â€œWhat about with you and Indi? She hasn’t called lately.”
    Man, mothers sure can be nosy. “Mom, everything’s okay. Indi’s just busy right now.” I shove in a mouthful of food so she can’t expect me to say more. No way can I tell her Indi’s mad at me because her questions wouldn’t stop and I can’t explain. I’d be grounded for life if she knew what happened.
    â€œWhat about Grandpa Max?” she asks. “Have you heard from him again?”
    I don’t want to tell her about Grandpa Max either. Not yet. Part of me wants to show her the watch, but then she’d want to talk about that too. Give me advice. The whole deal with him—I want to work it out on my own. I’ll show her the watch as soon as I’ve got things figured out. But she knows I got another letter out of the cradle. I have to tell her something.
    â€œYeah, Grandpa Max said he forgot to return the cradle. He stored it when we lived in some small place. It’s supposed to go to the oldest Connor grandchild.”
    This is the perfect thing to tell Mom. Her face lights up. “That’s right! I’m so glad he remembered to give it to you. It’s wonderful to have a family heirloom like that, isn’t it?”
    â€œFor sure.” I yawn. “Man, I’m really tired. Think I’ll go do some homework and then go to bed early.”
    She nods and I make my escape.
    I head for my room but can’t even think about homework, never mind do it. I think about Indi instead. Maybe I finally