Lucy’s Wish Read Online Free Page A

handkerchief. Lucy shoved hers into her skirt pocket. She was surprised when her fingers touched a cool, smooth, round surface. As she pulled out the marble, she thought,
Henry’s gift.
The swirl of blues and greens made her think of Mum and home. Lucy held back her tears.
    The train began to slow, and Miss Kelly called out, “Settle down, children. I want you to listen.”
    Lucy dropped the marble back into her pocket.Miss Kelly said, “Children, you’re going to discover many fine people who want very much to meet you. Some of you will find new families here.”
    Jessie spoke softly. “What happens if we don’t?”
    Lucy’s heart began to thump hard. Miss Kelly answered, “Then you’ll still have me. I’ll be with you. I won’t leave you until you all find homes.”
    â€œDo you promise? You will stay with us?” Lucy asked.
    â€œI promise,” Miss Kelly said. “My job is to make sure that you all have good homes.”
    Lucy’s heart grew quiet. But she still held tightly to Baby. She still hoped with all her heart that her wish would come true.
    When the train stopped in Harwood, a man came aboard to greet Miss Kelly. She turned to the children and said, “Pick up your luggage, boys and girls. We’ll leave the train and walk two blocks to the Methodist church, where we’ll meet the people who have come to see you. Remember,you’re wonderful children, and I’m very, very proud of you. The families who get you will be lucky, so hold your heads high and smile.”
    There were a lot of people on the platform who had come just to look at the orphans. Lucy blushed. She hated being stared at. She hated hearing people talk about her as though she couldn’t hear. Staring straight ahead, she followed Miss Kelly and the other children down a dusty street to the Methodist church.
    The church was filled with people. At one end there was a raised platform. Three rows of stools were on the platform, and Miss Kelly seated the children on the stools. The smallest were in front, the largest in back. Lucy found herself at one end of the middle row.
    When they were all settled, Miss Kelly told the people who had come to see the children about the Children’s Aid Society. Then she introduced each child.
    Lucy was terrified when her name was called.She looked out at all the faces and wondered whether anyone there would want her. Daisy was introduced next, and all the eyes turned to look at Daisy.
    Miss Kelly invited those who had come to visit the stage and get to know the children. A buzz of voices quickly filled the room.
    A woman ran to swoop up little Lizzie, and Lucy saw two of the older boys being chosen.
    Choose me
, she thought, and dared to look into the eyes of a young couple who were standing nearby. But their eyes were on sisters Emily and Harriet Averill. Neither the woman nor the man glanced in Lucy’s direction.
    Lucy knew she should smile, but she was too frightened. She wrapped her arms around herself, scarcely daring to look up.
    Couples strolled nearby. Some of them stopped to chat with one or more of the children. Many of the stools on the platform emptied as people signed the papers to take an orphan train rider.
    The room became quieter. Lucy heard Miss Kelly thank the committee members for their help, and she heard someone behind her sob.
    She quickly straightened and looked around the room. It was practically empty. Only a few of the orphan train children were left.
    â€œNo one chose us,” Lucy whispered in surprise and fear. “No one wanted us.”
    Miss Kelly stepped up to Lucy and took her hand.
    â€œDon’t worry,” she said. “We have two more stops to make. We will find a family for you.”
    She smiled, but Lucy didn’t smile back. She had never been so scared in her life.

L ucy counted. At least she wasn’t the only one not chosen. Twelve other children stood together.