Promise Read Online Free

lightning.”
    Without saying another word, the three of them dug into their ice cream, as a clock that looked like a cow ticked off theseconds, its tail twitching back and forth. Soon their spoons were scraping the last bites from the dishes.
    â€œMoo-chas gracias, Emmett,” Elana said as they slid from their seats. “See you Monday at school, Kaden.”
    â€œYeah, see ya,” Kaden answered.
    When they left the restaurant, Kaden turned to Emmett. “Why did you invite Elana to have ice cream with us?”
    â€œI thought it would be a good distraction,” Emmett said, grinning. “Worked, didn’t it?”

CHAPTER FIVE
    NOT READY

    As soon as Emmett started up the truck, all distractions made by Elana, ice cream sundaes, cows, and flashlights disappeared.
    The closer they got to the cabins, the more nervous Kaden became. His heart was beating so hard when they pulled in the circle drive, he was certain Emmett could hear it over the sound of the truck’s motor. The white pickup sat in front of Cabin Five. The cabin’s door stood open. A fan gently ruffled the curtains in its opened window, but there was not a breath of wind outside, and Kaden felt like he couldn’t breathe either.
    Emmett pulled up in front of Gram’s cabin, put the truck in park, but left it running.
    â€œAren’t you coming in?” Kaden asked. He felt like he was going to be sick, all that ice cream on an empty and now nervous stomach.
    â€œNo, I don’t think so, mooo-cho things to do at home,” Emmett said, trying to lighten the tension. But when he looked at Kaden’s face, Emmett reached down and turned the key. The truck became silent.
    Kaden sat there. He felt paralyzed. He didn’t think he could even open the door.
    â€œCome on,” Emmett said. “Let’s get it over with.”
    Kaden got out of the truck. Emmett put his hand on his shoulder as they climbed the porch steps. There was no sound except the steady hum of Gram’s fan coming through the screen door. Kaden opened the door and he and Emmett stepped inside.
    Gram was sitting in the easy chair doing nothing. Just sitting. All alone. She stood up and put her hands on her hips.
    â€œWhere have you two been?” she asked gruffly, but before anyone could answer, she turned to Kaden. “Go to your cabin and wash up for dinner. I need to talk to Emmett.”
    â€œBut—” Kaden started to ask where his dad was when Emmett interrupted him.
    â€œDo what your Gram says.”
    Kaden started to protest again, but Emmett gave hima barely perceptible shake of his head. Kaden usually paid attention to Emmett’s subtle hints to keep quiet. This time, however, he ignored him and turned back to Gram.
    â€œNo,” he said defiantly. “I’m staying right here.”
    â€œI’m only going to say it one more time. Go to your cabin.”
    Kaden stared straight into Gram’s eyes. He was tired of being left in the dark.
    â€œNo. He’s my father and I want to know what’s going on.”
    Gram looked surprised. She stared at Kaden but when she crossed her arms in front of her, she turned on Emmett. “I told you not to tell,” she said.
    â€œHe didn’t,” Kaden said. “I already knew. I saw him today at the tower.”
    Now Gram was really perplexed. “You saw him?”
    â€œYes, and I’m not going to my room. I’m going to go see my dad. I know he’s in Cabin Five. What’d you do, tell him he had to go to his room, too?”
    Suddenly the sound of a motor starting up came through the screen door. Kaden pushed past Emmett and darted out onto the porch just in time to see the white pickup spin its tires in the gravel as it turned onto the road toward town.
    â€œWait!” Kaden yelled, and ran after the truck. But the truck went around the bend before Kaden even got halfway down the circle drive.
    Kaden stood, his hands