Part 24 (2/2)
”I doubt theyre that awful minty color,” piped up Ms. Cyn. She and Skeet came in from the kitchen.
”Morning,” said Papa.
”I brought you some breakfast,” she said, putting down a tray. ”And Ill have you know that I made a personal visit to the kitchen to get it.”
”Be impressed,” said Skeet.
”I am,” said Papa.
”I am too,” said Skeet. ”With both Ms. Cyn and you. Your painting job is excellent. Thanks for agreeing to repaint this room for me....” His voice trailed off. ”You know what? I bet I could find you more painting work-for pay. Would you want that?”
Skeet was distracting Papa. Zavion had to keep him focused.
”Work is good,” agreed Papa.
”I wonder...,” Skeet mumbled. ”I have an idea....” And then he was gone.
”Youve seen a North Carolina mountain, right, Papa?” Zavion jumped in. ”Isnt this the same color as Mamas mountain?” The paintbrush in Papas hand shook the tiniest bit. ”After Mama traveled to New Orleans and found you, didnt she take you back to North Carolina? To Grandmother Mountain? Didnt you get to see Mamas mountain?”
”Quiet, Zavion!”
The door slammed just as Papa yelled.
”Quiet!” squawked Tiger, directly into Zavions ear.
Osprey ran through the room. Henry sauntered in behind her.
”Watch out for the wet paint,” said Ms. Cyn.
”I told Gabe we would go to Kansas right away,” said Papa, his voice quiet again. ”Theres no reason not to.”
”You should come to Vermont first,” said Henry. ”Thats a reason right there.”
chapter 56.
HENRY.
Henry still wanted to take Zavion and Ben to Vermont. He wanted to take Zavion up Mount Mansfield. He had told Mom when she called.
”Why?” Mom had asked.
Henry was silent. He didnt know how to answer her. He was surprised by his desire, actually. He had wondered if it was a spur-of-the-moment thing, an idea he would feel was the worst one he had baked up in his whole entire life, after he had slept on it. But that hadnt happened. He didnt understand why, but he felt even more sure about it than before.
”Well, I cant wait to see you-” Mom interrupted his thoughts. ”And I would love to meet your new friend.” She didnt ask again why he wanted to bring Zavion, which, weirdly, made Henry miss her. ”Braes not the only one who misses you,” she said, as if she could read his mind.
”Its only been two days.”
If he said he missed her too, he might cry.
”Well, I still cant wait to see you,” said Mom. ”With or without Zavion.”
With Zavion.
Henry was determined.
At this moment, although he couldnt explain it or understand it and-Jeezum Crow, he would never say it to anyone else-he might tell Cora that taking Zavion to Vermont was his hearts desire.
chapter 57.
ZAVION.
”We dont know anyone in Vermont,” said Papa.
”Of course you do,” said Ms. Cyn. She tugged her scarf, which was about two miles long now, and gathered it into her lap as she sat down. ”Who do you think youre looking at?”
”Thats the problem. I dont exactly know.”
”Him?” said Osprey. ”Hes Henry.” She clicked to Tiger, who jumped onto her arm.
”No offense, Henry, but Ive only just met you,” said Papa.
”Henry,” said Osprey, ”I wish I still had that leash I gave you. I want to take Tiger for a walk.”
”Tiger doesnt need a leash,” said Henry. ”I think hed stay with you.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. ”I was thinking of taking a walk too,” he said. ”I need-I want to see Pierres Salvation Army.”
”Cant live with em, cant live without em,” Tiger squawked.
Henry laughed, and Papas face sharpened into anger. He began painting again, and Zavion noticed his hand shook harder as he dipped the brush in the paint.
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