The Islanders by Katherine Applegate Read Free Book Online Page A

built over what had once, long ago, been stables, a wing of the main house. Aisha’s bedroom was downstairs, hidden away. The rest of the downstairs—formal dining room, living room, breakfast room, main kitchen, and foyer—were all stunningly decorated in colonial style, like something straight out of a magazine. Upstairs were the three rooms that were rented out, two smaller rooms and a truly magnificent room called the Governor’s Room that had a private bath with a huge whirlpool.
    It was a lot like living in a museum.
    Someone was sitting on her front porch. It wasn’t hard tofigure out who. Aside from her own family, there was only one other African American on Chatham Island. This particular one was holding a handful of wildflowers.
    Christopher stood as he caught sight of her. “Hi. I was waiting for you. I figured you were down at the circle with your friends.”
    Aisha nodded. “Uh-huh.”
    â€œHere, these are for you.” He held the flowers toward her.
    â€œThey are?”
    â€œSure. I picked them in the yard of my apartment building. The landlady said it was okay as long as I . . .” He stammered to a halt. Then he recovered himself. “As long as I was going to give them to a young lady.”
    Aisha looked from the flowers to his face and back again. He had shrewd brown eyes and an expression that seemed to go from intense concentration to confusion, as if he were always trying to figure something out.
    What was she supposed to do? She didn’t even know this guy. Still, how could she refuse?
    â€œMy mom will like them in the front foyer. We have guests coming tomorrow, and she likes flowers around.”
    â€œBut these are for you,” Christopher said, looking uncomfortable.
    Aisha took them, carefully wrapping her hand around thestems. “Thanks,” she said. Then, not knowing what else to add, she pushed past him and opened the door. She turned back to him with what she hoped was a dismissive, yet polite expression. “Thank you. I’ll see you around.”
    â€œUm, wait!” Christopher bounded toward her. “Listen, I, uh, I was thinking.”
    â€œYes?”
    He made a fist and slapped it against his palm. “I was, uh, wondering if you’d like to go out with me.”
    â€œNo, I wouldn’t,” Aisha said.
    Christopher’s jaw dropped. “You wouldn’t?”
    â€œThanks, but no.”
    â€œDo you already have a boyfriend or something?”
    Aisha shook her head. “No.”
    â€œThen . . . you just think I’m a troll or something?”
    â€œLook, Christopher, I don’t think you’re a troll. I just don’t know you, that’s all. We’ve only spoken once or twice, and then it was just to say hi.”
    â€œWell, if you went out with me, you’d get to know me, wouldn’t you?”
    â€œIf I don’t know you and don’t know if I’d even like you, why would I want to go out with you?”
    Christopher tilted his head and gave her a sidelong look. “Are you a lesbian? Is that it? No offense if it is; that’s cool.”
    â€œNo, that’s not it. I date guys. Only guys. I just don’t know you. Maybe later, after a while, I’ll get to know you.”
    â€œOkay, I’m lost here. You tell me. How do I proceed with getting to know you if I can’t ask you out?”
    â€œWhy are you so sure you want to know me?” Aisha asked.
    Christopher shrugged. “Because you’re very beautiful.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œBesides, I mean, you and I are, like, the only people of color on this island.”
    â€œAh ha!” Aisha pointed a triumphant finger at him. “See, I knew that’s all it was. You figure since I’m the only young black woman around and you’re the only young black man around that we have to be together. Like I have no other choice. See, I understand. Everyone on the island is