Page 22 of The Apple Tree

“Gee, thanks.”

After more thana half hour in my room, staring at the ceiling, there was a knock at my door.

“What?” I said in my grumpiest tone.

The door creaked open.

“George Bernard Shaw.”

I sat up as Kyle stepped into my bedroom. My father was the only other guy who had ever been there.

He smiled. “You quoted George Bernard Shaw. But for the record, some of the greatestdoerswere also outstanding teachers: Einstein, Oppenheimer, Robert Frost …”

“I don’t think you can be in my room. My dad doesn’t allow it.”

Kyle picked up a trophy from my desk. “Well, I told him I would talk to you because, as a teacher and someone closer to your age, I might get through to you.”

“Get what through to me?” I hopped off the bed, took the trophy from him, and returned it to my desk.

“Nothing. I just said it.”

I grinned. Kyle wasn’t like any teacher I’d ever had.

“You ran cross country?” He eyed me.

I nodded.

“Wow.”

“Don’t act so surprised.”

Kyle shook his head and held up his hands in surrender. “Don’t be so touchy. I’mpleasantlysurprised.”

I sat in my window seat, pulling one knee to my chest. “Why?”

“Because I pictured you drinking by the creek, not running long distances.”

“I’m an excellent multitasker. I did both. Who’s watching Josh?”

“Gabby. She’s really good with him.”

“Don’t be fooled. She’s not reliable. I’m still your best bet. She’s always got her nose in a book, writing in the margins and doodling things. She’d lose him.”

“Ouch. I thought sisters were supposed to be close.”

“We are close. I’m just looking out for Josh.”

AndI was looking out for my new part-time job.

“What’s your 5k time?” he asked, resting his shoulder against my wall.

“Sub eighteen.”

His eyebrows jumped up his forehead. “No kidding?”

“No kidding.”

“You should have gotten scholarship offers with that.”

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