Free Road Trip by Melody Carlson Page A

didn't completely absorb the meaning until I was back in my room. And it was sweet of her to say that. Really. Just the same, I would've rather have heard what's going on with Caleb. I'm sure they must know where he lives. Kaybe I'll ask Josh about it tomorrow.
    SOMETHING'S MISSING
here we are just sittin' 'round
laughing, joking, happy sound
family time with smiling faces
all of us are in our places
but something's missing, someone's gone
something about this feels all wrong
on the outside looking in
i wish that he'd come back again
misfit brother, caring eyes
when will you finally realize
you are loved just as you are
by the Kan who bore your scars?
if you'd listen, i could tell
that you're loved by me as well
and i'd tell you more things too
my sweet brother, where are you?
cm
Tuesday, October 26
    (BIRTHDAY ON THE ROAD)
    It was a little tricky planning a birthday party for Laura since we were driving to Tulsa today, but somehow we managed to pull it off. i'irst, we all pretended like we'd forgotten it was her birthday this morning. I could tell that she was a little ticked about it, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
    After breakfast, Allie took our gifts and stuff and rode with Willy so they could set things up. Meanwhile, Rosy pretended to take a “shortcut,” buying time for Willy and Allie so they could get there ahead of us.
    Our destination was a tiny town named Mitchell—just like Laura's last name. This was Rosy's idea since she's the one who knows where everything is. The plan was for Rosy to pretend to be lost. A real stretch because that woman seems to have a road map imprinted into her brain. She always knows where we are and when we're going to get to our destination.
    “I thought this would take us straight up to Tulsa,” she announced as we meandered down a country road. “Guess I was wrong.”
    Laura didn't even look up from her schoolwork, but Elise winked at me.
    “Maybe you should call Willy and ask him for some directions,” I said from my spot at the table.
    “Yeah, guess I do that. Don't recall ever being lost before.”
    I could hear her talking on the phone but sounding more confused than ever, finally she said, “I think I just stop in the next town and ask for directions.”
    “Mitchell,” I said as we drove within the city limits.
    “Huh?” Laura looked up.
    “The town,” I told her. “It's called Mitchell.”
    She just nodded as if she could care less.
    “Population 154,” I said as Rosy slowed down.
    “I'm gonna stop at this cafe and ask for directions,” she called back to us. “You guys want anything?”
    Elise took Davie by the hand. “Yeah, I think I'll get Davie something.”
    “I want a soda,” I said. “You coming, Laura?”
    She just shook her head.
    Now we had expected this might happen. So we got out and went in without her. We figured we could make sure everything was all ready.
    Willy and Allie had the little cafe completely decorated with balloons and crepe paper and flowers. The cake and the gifts were on a table, and the owner of the restaurant looked pleased to have our business. Allie later told me that they had to pay him extra.
    Then I went back to the bus to get Laura. Ialready knew what I would say. Laura has this funky old collection of salt and pepper shakers that her great-grandma left to her. She has them on shelves in her bedroom. And we all know that she has a weakness for buying a new set when she discovers something unique.
    “You gotta come in here and see their salt and pepper shakers,” I told her. “They must have a hundred of them.”
    “Really?” Her dark eyes lit up and she set aside her laptop.
    Now I felt a little bad, except that I knew my gift contained several sets I know she's been wanting for her collection.
    “Yeah, come on.”
    Well, to say she was surprised would be a complete understatement. She was so shocked that she began to shake and cry. A little un-Laura-like but sweet. Then we all hugged her, and it took her