The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson Read Free Book Online

to Dad. “I suppose it’s too much to hope that your husband has found work.”
    “Howard is this very day exploring an opportunity in Joliet.” Mom stood up and stepped over to the stove. “More coffee, Eunice?” She picked up the percolator.
    Aunt Eunice held her hand over her cup. “No. No more.” She took another cookie—the last. Jeepers! Talkabout needing to learn some manners! “Today’s men simply don’t know how to apply themselves. My Milton worked every day of his life.”
    Lois wished she had a nickel for every time she’d heard about Uncle Milton being such a hard worker. Dad said he worked that hard because he never wanted to be at home with Aunt Eunice. Mom had laughed when Dad said that, but then had scolded him. “Howard—she’s family.”
    Lois didn’t know how Mom could keep her thoughts to herself when Aunt Eunice started in on Dad. It whittled at Lois’ heart to watch him grow quieter and quieter each day he was out of work. He was a crackerjack mechanic. But he’d fixed every car and tractor in town that needed fixing. This morning, he’d hitched a ride to Joliet because he’d heard there might be a job there.
    “May I be excused?” Lois asked again.
    “Of course,” Mom said.
    “Not yet.” Aunt Eunice brushed molasses-cookie crumbs from her fingers before reaching into her enormous pocketbook, from which she produced a colorful pamphlet. With a flourish, she deposited it on the table.
    Lois couldn’t help herself. The bright letters on the front cover commanded attention. She edged closer to get a better look. “The Chicago World’s Fair: A Century of Progress.” She’d heard about the fair—who hadn’t? Mabel’s cousin got a job there and he told Mabel it was like working in a Jules Verne novel, with something fantastic everywhere he turned.
    “Education is more than simply sitting at a desk,” AuntEunice declared. Lois looked up at her, confused. “Experiences are also educational. And I have decided to expand your education, Lois, by taking you to the World’s Fair.”
    Lois could hardly trust her ears. To go to the fair! With money as tight as it was, she hadn’t even let herself dream about the possibility. Wait till she told Mabel! Then she stopped. Going to the fair with her great-aunt was another story.
    “Isn’t there something you want to say?” Aunt Eunice demanded.
    “Th-thank you?” Lois stammered.
    Aunt Eunice nodded. “You may keep the pamphlet. I thought we’d go on opening day. May twenty-seventh. We’ll start out early. No need for breakfast. We’ll dine at the Quaker Oats Pavilion. Ten cents for all the pancakes you can eat, cooked by Aunt Jemima herself.”
    “This is very generous of you, Eunice,” Mom said. “Lois is so over the moon, she can hardly speak.” She gave Lois a look that meant
Say something
.
    Lois reached for the pamphlet, picked it up, and held it to her chest. “Thank you, Aunt Eunice. This is the best surprise ever.”
    Aunt Eunice adjusted her hat. “Very well, then.
Now
, you may be excused.”
    It was all Lois could do not to run to her bedroom. She forced herself to walk slowly and ladylike. She didn’t want to do anything that would make Aunt Eunice change her mind about the offer. Even if it meant going with hergreat-aunt, she was going to the World’s Fair! Lickety-split, she changed into her play clothes, slipped out the front door, and ran across the street to Mabel’s.
    “Oh, you have to remember everything,” Mabel said when Lois told her. The girls sat on a twin bed in the room Mabel shared with her sister, Elaine. “I want to hear about it all.”
    “I’ll look at everything twice—once for you and once for me.” Lois hugged her knees to her chest. “I wish you could come, too.”
    A wistful look wavered across Mabel’s face. Then she brightened, taking the pamphlet from Lois and spreading it open on the bed. “Come on. Let’s plan out everything you’re going to see.”
    Lois edged