Instead of going straight into town, Bill took the long way round on the shore road. There, big, old-fashioned, gray-shingled “cottages” stood on the bluff overlooking the cove. The trees were bare, and brown leaves had drifted into the road, but tall, pointed fir trees provided a touch of green here and there. Beyond the houses they could see the sea, deep blue with a scattering of tiny whitecaps. Farther out, on the horizon, they could see the humped shape of Metinnicut Island.
“See the seals!” exclaimed Sara, pointing to a small cluster of rocks.
Bill pulled off the road and stopped the car. Lucy took a closer look and saw several seals lounging in the sun. As she watched, one slid into the water.
“It’s not a bad place to live,” said Bill as they turned back onto the road.
“Not bad at all,” agreed Lucy, resolving to concentrate on her many blessings rather than dwelling on her problems with Toby. After all, he was in college. It wasn’t as if he were in jail or unemployed or working at a dead-end job somewhere.
Traffic grew heavier as they approached the field, so Bill decided to park alongside the road rather than try to find a spot in the parking lot. They climbed out and joined the crowd of walkers on the sidewalk.
As they marched along, Lucy kicked the dry brown leaves that covered the sidewalk and sniffed their sharp, musky scent. She grinned at the girls and slipped her arm through Bill’s. When they turned the corner, they could hear the band playing, and Lucy felt as if she were back in high school herself. She squeezed Bill’s arm. A roar went up from the crowd already gathered in the stadium and Lucy guessed the teams were being introduced.
They took their places in the line at the ticket booth and soon were climbing up the stands to claim the few remaining seats near the top. Lucy held Zoe’s hand, but Sara insisted on going ahead of them.
They sat down just in time for the kickoff. The Warriors had won the toss and elected to receive the ball; Bill approved of their decision.
“Brian Masiaszyk, the kid who was on the state all-star team last year—he’s really fast. If he gets the ball they’ll gain a lot of yardage.”
Lucy thought she understood what he meant. Maybe. She held her breath as the ball soared throught the air and landed in Brian’s arms.
“Yes!” said Bill, leaping to his feet.
Suddenly everyone was standing and cheering as the all-star player ran down the field, dodging and even slipping through the arms of the Giants to make a touchdown. The Tinker’s Cove fans roared their approval. On the other side of the field, the fans of the Gilead Giants sat silently, looking glum.
“What happened?” asked Zoe, tugging on Lucy’s sleeve.
“A touchdown, stupid,” said Sara.
Lucy’s eyes widened in surprise. “That was unnecessary,” she said.
“I’m sorry,” mumbled Sara.
Lucy knew that Sara often squabbled with her older sister, but she was usually sweet-natured toward Zoe. Lucy wondered if the fact that Toby had ignored her since her got home was upsetting her, causing her to vent her frustration on her little sister.
“Is something bothering you?”
“Nah.”
“Are you sure?” Lucy reached out and touched Sara’s arm.
“I’m sure,” said Sara, shaking herself loose.
“Okay.”
The Giants now had the ball and were making slow, steady progress down the field. Despite their brave showing at the beginning of the game the Warriors seemed unable to put up much defense. By the half the Giants were leading thirteen to seven.
“Want something to eat?” asked Bill, standing up and stretching as the teams straggled off the field.
“And spoil our appetites?”
Lucy was starving but didn’t want to admit it.
“I’m starving,” said Bill. “It’s been hours since breakfast. How about some hot dogs and hot chocolate?”
“Make it popcorn and black coffee for me.”
“You got it. Come on, girls—I’ll need help carrying the food.”
Left to her own devices, Lucy decided to head for the ladies’ room. She was standing in line when Sue saw her and stopped to chat.
“How’s it going?” she asked, flipping her tartan scarf over her shoulder and straightening her matching gloves.
To her surprise, Lucy felt tears pricking her eyes. She blinked furiously. “Great,” she said.
Sue narrowed her eyes. “If things are so great, how come you look so miserable?”
“I’m just feeling sorry for myself, I guess. Toby looks great. He’s doing fine at school. He has lots of friends.”
“But he doesn’t have any time for you?”
“No.” Lucy shook her head and her bangs bounced.
Sue wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
“I told you. You never get back the same kid you sent away. When Sidra was in high school she was hard working and organized. She kept her room neat as a pin. She played field hockey every fall and stayed in shape the rest of the year by running. She’d bring me little things she found: a perfect acorn, a seashell, a pink pebble.” Sue sighed. “She came back from her first semester a completely different person. She would only wear black. She spent the whole vacation lounging on the couch. When I suggested she get some exercise she actually growled at me. I didn’t know what to do. I was frantic. Finally, I dragged her to the doctor.”
“What did he say?”
“After he examined her, he took me into his office and wrote me a prescription for tranquilizers!”
“Did they help?”
“I didn’t take them. I decided I just had to let her grow up. couldn’t wreck my life worrying about her. It was time to let go.”
“Easy to say,” said Lucy, tempted to growl herself.
“Not easy to do,” agreed Sue. “See you later.”
* * *
Back in the stands, Lucy propped her popcorn in her lap and wrapped her hands around the paper coffee cup. The warmth felt good. She slid a little
