“It really is amazing that the only reason you got this house was because you gave the previous owner one of the family’s recipes.”
“Well, that isn’t even half of it.Did I ever tell you about the time...”
In the middle of her sentence, James interrupted her by saying, “Sorry to cut in, Ma.I need Penny to get me something from the store.Would you excuse her?”
My grandma paused and said, “Oh my, sorry, I talked on and on.You know how it is getting old.Of course, go!”
My stepdad reached into his billfold and handed me a crinkled-up five-dollar bill.The bill’s surface was rough and had a rip on its left side.As my stepdad sat there, I wanted to thank him a million times over.He got me out of the house without a fuss, making him shine brighter than anyone else in my eyes.I felt bad that he was stuck there with her, but I refused to stay another minute.
I grinned at him and mouthed the words, “Thank you,” before I walked out of the front door with the crumpled bill in my hand.The porch made a screeching noise as I stepped onto the old, decaying stairs, and my heart beat faster, anticipating the sight of my friends and the idea of a spectacular summer.
Chapter Two
Fawn gets a Home
Song: Cracker Jack—DollyParton
June 25th, 1967
Harold Hayes: I’m curious.How did Darren become a part of all this?How did you two meet?
Penny: Well...
For my sixth birthday, there was only one thing I wanted.Down the street from my grandma’s cabin in Moose Creek was a little white house with a wire fence around it.Every day, when I walked to the park with my sister, we would walk past the enclosure.Tiny puppies would jump against the fence, whining, seeking a connection.
That time, a boy was swinging on the porch swing.His legs swung forward and back as he propelled his weight.I learned how to pump myself on the swing earlier that year and admired his ability to pump so well.He was holding one of the puppies in his skinny arms.
I nudged my sister.“Who is that?”
She responded, “Penny, you need to get out more.That’s Darren.He’s the preacher’s son.His family moved here a couple of weeks ago.I think he’s about your age.”
Darren looked sweet.He had short, dark black hair and a cheesy grin.He was wearing a striped, blue shirt with black basketball shorts.I wasn’t too big of a fan of dressing in baggy clothes, but he pulled it off well.
My sister, exhausted from me tagging along with her, yelled, “Hey, Darren!Would you do me a solid and play with my stupid little sister?She’s now a six-year-old.”
Darren did a quick look over at me and yelled, “Come play with the puppies!”
