Page 35 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Six

The Great Escape

Once Mr. Grainger is certain everybody is on the bus, he closes
the heavy door. A strong smell of egg salad slams me in the nose.
Somebody must have saved their lunch for the ride home.
Mr. Grainger is not only our bus driver, but he is also the local
undertaker. I think he’s the most handsome of all the drivers. He
really doesn’t look like an undertaker, but I know that’s what he
does. It is kind of creepy. Every morning he picks us up at 8:30,
then goes and works with dead people. And every afternoon he
picks us up at 3:30 for the drive home, after working with dead
people. It’s the same routine, day in and day out. I sure hope he
never mixes us up!
As soon as we arrive at our laneway, I notice our Mercury
Marquis in the driveway with its doors wide open. It’s a big boat
of a car. I am surprised to see several suitcases in the trunk and
clothes still hanging on their hangers in the windows. There’s a box
of Cheerios on the back seat and pillows, towels and bedding on
the floor. One of Vian’s favourite dolls is lying on the dashboard.
What’s going on?
This car is jammed to the roof! I have no idea what is
happening. Or why. Nobody told us we were going on a trip.
Mommy is standing in the doorway. She looks deadly serious.
There is no hug or kiss. She shoos us away from the house, toward
the car. “Okay kids, I need you to all turn back around and get
into the car. If you have to go to the bathroom, make it quick.
Then right back out and into the car!” Her voice is strong and
stern.

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