By Summer's End (Christian Fiction) Read Online Free Page A

‘goodbye.’”
    “Thank you.  I’m going to miss you all
too.”
    A moment later, Holly was steering her
economy car away from the complex and toward the nearby interstate.  As she
left the town behind, she experienced a feeling of hopeful anticipation.  She
glanced over at Brianna, who was staring out the passenger-side window.
    “You okay?” she asked.
    Brianna turned toward her.  “I’m fine.” 
She appeared uncertain but expectant as she asked, “Are you going to let me do
any of the driving on this trip?” 
    Holly considered the question.  “I don’t
see why not.  We should probably make use of that learner’s permit you were so
determined to get.”
    Brianna’s eyes brightened.  “Really? 
You’re going to let me drive?”
    “You don’t expect me to drive all
the way to Washington, do you?”
    “Nope,” she said, smiling the first
genuine smile Holly has seen on her face.  “Let me know when you get tired. 
I’ll take over.”
    “Will do,” Holly said, glad to see Brianna
show some enthusiasm for something—anything.  If teaching her to drive meant
making some sort of progress with the girl, she’d turn over the wheel in a
heartbeat.  She’d have to be watchful and assure Brianna learned the rules of
the road, but perhaps it could be a bonding experience.
    After several hours driving, Holly
yawned.  “I think it’s your turn,” she told her sister. 
    She had waited until they’d reached a
long stretch of highway to relinquish the wheel.  She pulled over and parked. 
After climbing out and stretching her legs a bit, she climbed into the
passenger side of the car.
    Brianna had slipped across the divide
between the seats and was clutching the wheel.  Holly talked her through the
process of starting the ignition and entering the roadway.  Fortunately, there
was little traffic and Brianna did well keeping the car in her lane.  She kept
to the posted speed and seemed to understand when to accelerate and when to
hold back.
    “You’re doing great,” Holly told her. 
“I’d say you’re a natural.”
    Brianna smiled tentatively.  “You think
so?”
    “I know so.”
    “Thanks for letting me drive.  Dad and
Mom wouldn’t let me get my permit.  This is my first time behind the wheel of a
car.”
    “Wow.  I really am impressed,” Holly
enthused.  “But don’t tire yourself out.  Let me know when you’re ready for me
to take over.”
    “I will.”
    Brianna continued driving well into the
evening.  When dusk settled, Holly suggested they find a hotel for the night. 
When they reached a small town, she did a visual search for a hotel and found
one on the outskirts.  Brianna carefully parked, following Holly’s
instructions, and after paying for a room with two double beds, they deposited
their bags inside and then headed for a café across the street.
    “I’m starving,” Holly said.
    “Me too,” Brianna noted, as she perused
the menu.  She winced.  “This place is kind of expensive.  Maybe we should
share a meal.”
    Holly smiled at her.  Brianna could be
downright surly and combative, but then, when she least expected it, she showed
maturity and kindness.
    Holly gave an unconcerned wave of her
hand.  “We’ve had a long day.  Let’s enjoy a nice dinner.  Tomorrow we’ll pick
up some bread and peanut butter so we can make sandwiches for our lunch.  We’ll
grab some apples and bananas too.  We can also pick up cereal bars for
breakfast.”  She grinned.  “I haven’t had a vacation in so long.  I think we’ll
consider this a vacation of sorts and splurge on a meal out at least once each
day.  Besides, we’ll be in Washington the day after tomorrow.  We’ll be cooking
at home soon enough.”  She flashed a grin.  “We’ll be cooking in our own home!”
    Brianna smiled in return.  “I wonder
what the house is like.”
    “I wish I knew,” Holly admitted.  Although
she had finally received a letter from the executor of her