The Earth Painter by Melissa Turner Lee Read Free Book Online

doing here?”
    “Hanging out, like everyone else.”
    “Oh.” I couldn’t think of anything profound to say.
    Theo kept looking at me. “Have I been doing anything noticeable?”
    My brows furrowed. “I don’t understand what you’re asking.”
    “You keep noticing me. As far as I can tell I’m not doing anything new or different than I’ve always done.” He glanced around nervous as if to make sure no one was listening.
    “I didn’t do anything that I can think of to cause you to notice me. No one ever notices me painting at the fish camp, but you did. And now, you’re over here talking to me. I’m out here every weekend and no one notices me or talks to me.” He glanced around again. “I need to make sure that I’m not doing anything to make you notice me.”
    I suddenly felt like I was intruding. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you.” I turned to go back to Shelby’s car.
    “No! Come back.”I turned and saw he was pleading with his eyes. “I like you here…talking to me. I just…” He looked around again. “I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t done anything to make you notice me.”
    “Holly!” I heard called from behind. I turned to see Shelby by her car.
    I didn’t know how to respond to him, so I was happy to excuse myself. “I guess she’s ready to go. I’ll see you Monday.”
    He nodded and smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”
    I walked back to the car. Shelby had her hand on the driver’s door. “What were you doing over there?”
    “I was talking to Theo.” I pointed back to the school where he stood.
    “Sorry I interrupted. I didn’t see him.”
    “No big deal. We were just talking. I’m guessing that was Brad.”
    She grinned at me. “Yes it was, but if you don’t mind, don’t mention him to anyone. My grandma would tell my mom, and she doesn’t approve.”
    “Ok.”
    We cruised a little longer before Shelby drove me home. “Would you like a ride to school on Monday?” She asked as I was getting out of the car.
    “Sure, thanks.” Things were looking up for me. I had a ride to school and a cute guy who liked talking to me. Maybe Chesnee wasn’t going to be so bad.

Chapter 6
    Sunday night I stayed up late reading the whole play online. It wasn’t the kind of play that entertained you. It was more like one that made you think.
    I poured myself a cup of coffee when I came out of my room and added tons of cream and sugar and a drop of my mom’s hazelnut syrup.
    Mom watched me sit down at my spot with the giant coffee mug.
    “Since when did you start drinking coffee?”
    “Since I got my license and discovered that there was a Starbucks on every corner.” I sipped my coffee and took a bite of my toast. “I used to go through the drive thru before school after a long night of studying.” I pulled out my monologue to look over it a little more.
    Dad walked into the kitchen. “I have to get to work early today so hurry up and eat.”
    “Oh, I’m riding with Shelby. Her grandmother lives next door. I met her yesterday. She’s going to pick me up on her way to school.
    Mom looked over at me. “Shelby?” Mom looked out the window at the house next door. “That must be Maggie’s daughter.” She looked at me. “Just be careful around her.”
    I didn’t even bother to look up from my script. “I’ll do my best not to embarrass you. I’ll remember who I am… yadda yadda yadda .”
    “No, Sweetie. This isn’t about embarrassing us. Don’t say anything about her dad being in prison.” Mom got up and poured herself another cup of coffee.
    “Prison? She told me that her dad left. Are you sure you’re talking about the same person?”
    “Maggie used to live next door to me growing up. She and I were friends, but then she married right out of high school. The guy was into drugs and had all kinds of problems. Last I heard, he was in prison. There was a rumor that he nearly beat Maggie to death.”
    Dad took a seat at the table. “I had no