Into the Forest Shadows Read Online Free Page B

say
something," Kate said.
    "Oh yes, that little problem," Grandma
scowled. "Mary wasn't always so needy. She was a real spitfire at
one time, much like you. But she changed in her teens. Needed to be
with someone. Just needed."
    "Strong?" Kate echoed. Hard to believe. "What
changed?"
    Grandma waved a hand, "You'll have to ask
her. I never could get an answer out of her, if she even knows
herself."
    Kate tightly pressed her lips together. "I'm
not going to be like that."
    "I still wonder where she got it from. It
didn't come from me. I loved your Grandfather, but we were partners
in life. It's a wonderful thing if you find what is true," Grandma
said with a satisfied sigh.
    Kate grimaced. "Oh yeah, and there are a lot
of choices on this planet."
    "I didn't mean you. You're only sixteen,
dear. You have plenty of time! Oh, but not plenty of time here and
now. I believe I hear the shuttle engines." Grandma set her tea cup
aside and stood up.
    Kate pulled the mobile phone out of her
pocket, looking at the time. No way! The day couldn't be almost
over! How had that happened? She jumped up and ran to the table
causing several bunts to run to shelter on the other side of the
room. "If you need something ordered, there may still be time for
the next inbound freighter to bring it."
    Grandma grabbed her basket, dropping several
things inside. "I've ordered everything I'll need for the next few
months. Call me when you get home."
    Grandma ushered her out the door, closing it
behind them. Kate stopped on the porch to get her balance as
another wave of dizziness swept over her.
    "It's colder," Kate said to cover her
hesitation.
    "I told you it would be. The breeze will pick
up soon, mark my words." Grandma took her arm and led her down the
path. "What a lovely day. Just what I needed. You know, with all
the sensors set up I think I'll work in the lab tonight. So much to
do and with the sick trees I've been rather behind."
    "An assistant!" Kate said suddenly.
    "What?"
    "You have all kinds of rooms. You could have
an assistant out here, maybe someone apprenticing with you. You
have so much to teach." To Kate it was the perfect answer to
keeping Uncle Travis from forcing Grandma to come to the city. Then
Kate and her mother wouldn't have to worry about her anymore.
Grandma could keep her independence for who knew how many more
years.
    Grandma sighed. "What is it about you today?
I'm fine, I like working alone. I don't need an assistant and I
don't need a vacation in the city. Now, off you go. I won't tell
you not to get into trouble. Knowing you, you already have
something planned. Just try not to get into anything that might
bring the authorities down on your head."
    Kate laughed. "Deal. But you promise to call
me if you need anything."
    "Oh, you can be sure of that."
    Kate stared at Grandma. No humor graced the
eyes usually crinkled with smiling wrinkles. Her lips set firmly in
a stern line, her hands clasped together in front of her with her
shoulders back.
    The shuttle descended through the trees
before she could clarify what Grandma meant by the comment. Rushing
air buffeted against Kate's legs, billowing out the cape so that
the hood bumped up against the back of her head. Bunts scurried
behind roots and trees. The shuttle settled gently on the landing
gear and the engines powered down.
    "I remixed the tea a little," Grandma said.
"Try it now and let me know how you like the taste."
    "Aww, you didn't give me the tea we just had,
did you?" Kate moaned, quickly looking through her basket. Sure
enough, next to a jar of jelly lay small hand-wrapped packets of
tea.
    "Kate, I ask that you try it at least once
more. It has amazing health benefits. Better yet, share it with
your mother and you can both let me know your opinions of the
remix."
    Kate opened her mouth to object to having to
taste the concoction again, but something in Grandma's eyes made
her hold her tongue. She put the cloth cover over the top of the
basket, "Fine. I'll try one