One April Fool Read Online Free Page A

telephone would be the chicken way out, and I don’t dare do that.  Also, I need to go and speak with Father Smith and offer my apologies.  I’ve already written an apology to the entire congregation for this Sunday’s bulletin.  I was going to take it to Father Smith after work today,” she surprised him by the admission.

    “I will take you to Aunt Penny’s,” Derrick said quietly.  “Get your shoes… and your undergarment, and your jacket.  It is still a bit chilly outside.”  If his Aunt was the dragon April claimed, then why would she ask to go and face her to apologize? He wanted to ask that question, but he was afraid April would refuse to go, and his Aunt really needed an apology, and to know that April was confessing to Father Smith, and sharing a letter of apology with the entire parish.  It would go a long way toward restoring his Aunt’s confidence.

    It didn’t take April long to get ready; she made a trip to the bathroom to wash her face, and she didn’t bother replacing the makeup that she washed off.  As red as her eyes and face were from crying for so long, no amount of makeup would make her look good.  Her telephone started ringing just as they were walking out of the house, and the answering machine clicked on to take a message.  April, please answer the telephone.  I know you are upset…   April looked at Derrick and said, “Let’s go.  I’ll call Charity later tonight.  I’m too upset to talk to her right now.”

    “She is not responsible for your problems, April,” Derrick scolded.  She didn’t answer him, and he was suddenly sure that Charity, and probably Maureen, were the two people who encouraged her to take the prank to a level that was beyond cruel.

    Derrick drove directly to his Aunt Penny’s home, knowing full well that she would still be inside, probably with her eyes still swollen from crying so much.  April would be lucky if he didn’t spank her right in front of his Aunt.  She certainly deserved it, but he had no doubt that it would upset Aunt Penny even more if he was to do something of that sort.  He knocked on the door, and then called out, “Aunt Penny, it’s me, and I’ve brought someone with me.  He still hadn’t shared the results of his investigation with his Aunt, and was glad that he didn’t have to do so.  April’s apology would take care of that.  He didn’t want to tell Aunt Penny how deliberately April had gone out and hired the videographer to record the entire event.  She’d also sent the singing telegram, and prepared the program and printed it in the same manner that Aunt Penny did.  He still didn’t know why his Aunt had mentioned that Penny was the one person who most disliked her, but that part certainly seemed true.

    April was shocked when Penelope opened the front door and then stood aside to let them inside.  The older woman appeared to have aged overnight.  Her hair was grayer than April remembered, of course it was hanging down and not pinned up in the tight bun she normally wore.  She was wearing a faded rose colored bathrobe and fluffy slippers that probably matched the robe a long time ago.

    “I thought you were alone, Derrick.  I’m not in the mood for company,” she whispered, and hearing the sadness in Penelope’s voice made her sound old and unsure of herself.  April wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.  She was consumed with guilt.  Perhaps the woman was difficult to work with, but April felt as though she destroyed Penelope with her prank.

Chapter Three
     
     
     
    “Who is with you, honey?” Penelope asked in her wavering voice.

    “It’s me, Miss Winslow; April Burnside.  I would like to speak with you.”

    “Come inside then.  I’m afraid I’m not dressed for guests.”  Penelope was very flustered.

    “It’s all right, Aunt Penny.  April asked me to drive her over here to see you, and I felt it was best.  I probably should have called first, but I