If I Fall Read Online Free Page B

neck. The vehicle’s black coat shines in the sunlight. A steering wheel sticks out up to the seat, exposed to the open air.
    “El, how are we to get on the ship?”
    “Do you ever think we’d be able to own a car?” I say wistfully.
    Dela rolls her eyes. “No. Such luxuries belong to the rich and the rich alone. Beside, I prefer horses.” She places her hands on her hips in a girly manner. “Do you have a plan or not?”
    “Do remember you’re a boy,” I say. “And yes, as a matter of fact, I do have a plan.” I reach for her hand, pulling her towards the backend of the ship. Many workers go up and down the ramp, holding large and small crates alike.
    “You must be joking,” Dela says, wrenching her hand out of my own. “You’re not serious!”
    Unfortunately, I am all too serious. The plan stinks almost as much as the pile of horse manure we passed in the street, but terrible or not—
    “Well, unless you have a better plan to sneak onto the ship …” She does not answer. “No? Then I suppose we are stuck with mine. Now, come along. Quickly, while no one is looking.”
    I glance around, watching as the last man walks up the plank. I open the nearest crate, ducking a heavy bronze Tiffany lamp into the ocean. The delicately painted flowers upon its base almost seem to wither as it hits the water. Scanning the area for the workers, I decide the coast is clear and help my sister inside. She glowers up at me, and I shut the lid before that glare destroys my impulsive determination.
    “Don’t make a noise until I give you the signal,” I whisper.
    “What’s the signal?”
    “I’ll … whistle.” Moving unto the next box, I heave a large vase over the side of the pier and close myself inside. Please let the workmen pick us up. A second later, the crate jostles and I bite my lip to restrain my yelp when my head bangs against the side.
    “Och, this box is heavier than I remember,” he says.
    Excuse me?
    “Too heavy for you, eh?” another worker laughs.
    “Too heavy!” he scoffs, hitching the box higher to prove himself. I bite down harder to keep from squealing and the copper taste of blood mixes in my mouth. Men and their ridiculous obsession with proving their superiority. I resist the urge to spit.
    The man could not have been less gentle. My box is set down gruffly and I listen to his retreating steps. I wait for what seems to be forever. Crate after crate is carried in and set down beside mine.
    “I think that’s the last of ‘em,” I hear someone say, and my heart leaps for joy. My legs are cramped and my butt cheeks have already taken turns falling asleep. I think of the scolding I would receive from Mother if ever I voiced this thought and instantly shut her memory out of my mind.
    The sound of metal on metal echoes around the room and through the thin wood of the crate. Was that the cargo room door closing? Are the men all gone? A final cry sounds from the horn, a farewell to those still standing on the docks. The ship lurches before picking up a gentle lolling. We are moving at last! My heart constricts in triumph. Finally, at sea! I have succeeded and we shall reach America and meet with my parents and all shall be right.
    I was naïve to think it.
    I whistle.

5 HIDING
    “I’m going to be sick.”
    I turn my head to gaze at Dela. A sheen of sweat glistens on her abnormally pale face. I search the space around me and spot a small bucket. Reaching out my foot, I nudge it with my toe, sending it rolling towards her side of the room. It slides to a stop by her calf and she groans.
    “There is no way I am going to vomit into that thing,” she says stubbornly.
    I shrug. “It’s either that or your shirt. Your choice.”
    She shoots a half-hearted glare in my direction before pulling the bucket unto her lap. A second later the sounds of her gagging echo around the small space. I find myself growing sick at the sound of her retching, and I grimace.
    “Are you quite done?” I ask,