Flight Read Online Free

fountain. Such a practical little girl. Twice her age it sometimes seems.
    Jeremy is hogging the soccer ball. A few boys give chase, but can’t get it away from him. Athletic like his dad, and bigger too than most of the other kids his age.
    â€œFine morning,” says a voice behind her.
    She turns around to see a pregnant Irene Baker – hands, one on top of the other – resting on the impressive bulge beneath her long sweater.
    â€œChilly though,” Emily says.
    â€œWhen isn’t it in this place?”
    â€œThere’s a whole week in late August, I think.”
    They both laugh.
    â€œWhere’s your boy?”
    â€œChasing yours.” Irene points.
    â€œShe doesn’t want to come out, does she?” Emily indicates Irene’s belly with a jut of her chin.
    â€œ He . And no, he doesn’t. Nearly two weeks overdue now. Myles says with everything going on the baby’s better off staying inside.”
    In the silence, Emily remembers what Kent had said to her earlier: Myles is finished . “Perhaps it won’t come to layoffs,” she says.
    â€œThere’ll be a lot of angry men if it does. That’s what Myles says.”
    Emily nods but doesn’t say anything.
    For a while both women watch their children.
    Finally, Irene says, “Some bite to that wind.”
    â€œGoes right through you, doesn’t it?”
    â€œTo the bone.” Irene tucks a sliver of red hair behind her ear. Turns to Emily, hesitates before saying, “Has he said anything?”
    â€œHmm?”
    â€œKent. Has he said anything?”
    There might not be a Lightning Cove by the end of the month. “No.”
    Irene keeps her eyes on her for a long time before finally turning back towards the schoolyard.
    Another long moment passes and, just as Emily’s about to say goodbye, Irene says, “Not a skill does he have.”
    â€œSorry?”
    â€œMyles. It’s either the plant or nothing.”
    The school bell rings. Children scatter.
    It rings again.
    â€œI should be getting to work,” Emily says.
    â€œGo on, my dear, don’t let me keep you.”
    â€œHave a good morning.” Emily turns around and starts walking. Then stops long enough to say, “I hope the little one comes soon.”
    â€œHe’ll have to, won’t he?”
    She doesn’t get very far before she hears Irene’s voice again.
    â€œIt’s good news.”
    She turns around. “What is?”
    Irene smiles. “No news.”
    Emily does her best to smile back.

4
    TERRY GRINS AT HER through the glass doors of Hodder’s Grocery and Convenience – exposed gums above tiny teeth. He reaches inside a trouser pocket and pulls out his keys. Inserts one and then turns the deadbolt. Pushes open the door. “Morning.”
    She rushes past him. “Sorry I’m late.”
    He smells like Mr. Clean.
    â€œHardly late,” he says, looking at his watch.
    She goes to the cash and takes off her coat, stuffing it into the cubbyhole underneath.
    â€œEarly if anything.”
    She stops and looks at him. “Am I?”
    He nods.
    â€œThat’s funny, thought I was late.” She looks down, notices that Terry has put her till, along with the two hundred dollar float, into her register. “You don’t have to keep doing this,” she says.
    â€œI don’t mind.” He puts the deadbolt back in place and goes over to her. Stands on the other side of her checkout counter with his hands in his pockets.
    â€œYou don’t do it for Heather.”
    â€œThat one needs all the practice she can get.”
    Those are new pleated slacks he’s wearing, she thinks. His dress shirt is new too, buttoned up to just below his Adam’s apple, the veins is his neck about to pop. The same shoes, except polished now. See your reflection in them. She pushes in the till and then runs a little receipt paper through. Tears off the top and