Page 31 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Five

bottle. Daddy is laughing with them. I’m not sure what they’re
laughing at. It doesn’t sound very funny to me.
Daddy notices me peering around the corner. He doesn’t
seem angry. “I’ll be right out, Honey. I won’t be long now.”
I run back to the truck as fast as I can and hop up into the
driver’s seat. I feel embarrassed. I didn’t want anyone to see me.
Vian stares at me hopefully.
“He said he’s coming soon.” I cuddle up next to her. “Don’t
worry … he’ll get us a drink in a minute or two.”
We wait a bit longer and finally, Daddy comes outside. We
see him pop a coin into the drink machine. Kerplunk! Out
comes a Pepsi. We’re both thirsty and very happy when he
hands us the tall bottle.
Our next stop is in front of the Bell Hotel on Main St.
Our town of 3,000 people has only one stop light (it’s not very
big). At least the only hotel is located on a busy street. We get
to watch people coming and going. It makes the time go so
much faster.
Daddy goes through the door that says, Men Only. I’m not
really sure what kind of business Daddy is doing in the hotel,
but it looks like we’re stuck waiting in the truck again.
Vian and I finish sharing the bottle of Pepsi. And then
we wait. And wait some more. Vian is falling asleep on my
shoulder as the minutes click by.
Where is Daddy?
After what feels like an hour, he appears, opens the truck
door and helps us both hop down. He digs into his pocket and
hands us each a dime. With Daddy between us, holding our
hands, we walk to the store to buy our favourite goodies.
As soon as we arrive back home Vian and I rush to our
bedroom. We can’t wait to finish our Pink Elephant popcorn
and find that special little prize waiting at the bottom of the

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