Free Whispering Hope by Marsha Hubler Page A

leaned against the head of her bed while Mrs. Chambers sat at the foot. Tippy and Tyler lay sound asleep on a throw rug near Mrs. Chambers’ feet.
    “Mom, I think Wanda’s telling the truth about the fire,” Skye said. “I’ve thought a lot about the whole situation, and I think she came clean about it.”
    “What makes you think that?” Mrs. Chambers asked.
    “I can just feel it,” Skye said. “Remember, I was a kid like that. I can read her pretty good. I don’t think she did it.”
    “We should have a fairly good idea on Tuesday,” Mrs. Chambers said. “The insurance company will have a claims adjuster on the scene, and he’ll be able to tell us if someone started the fire or not. It shouldn’t be too difficult since there wasn’t major damage to the barn.”
    “How’s Wanda doing with her schoolwork?”
    “She struggles, Skye. But it’s not because of her intelligence. She just has no motivation. If she ever makes up her mind to be a better student, she will be. She’s satisfiedwith passing grades and no more. I think her stubborn streak has a lot to do with it.”
    “I was thinking the other day how I could help her.” Skye took a quick glance at her pile of books on her desk and then shifted to Mrs. Chambers. “Although she doesn’t want my help—for anything, I think I can get her interested in tackling that English report she has to do.”
    “What do you have in mind?”
    Skye ran her fingers through her hair and explained her plan. “Well, you know how she loves pool. And I know it’s just killing her that she can’t play for two weeks. Here’s my idea. The other day I was online and discovered a website called the WPBA. That stands for the Women’s Professional Billiard Association. Mom, you should see all the women who are pro players. The site even had an ESPN TV schedule of all their matches, so last week I watched a final game for a national championship. Wow! Are those women good, and you should see how nice they look. Maybe I can help Wanda in two different ways at the same time.”
    “Yes, go on.” Mrs. Chambers stared at Skye with great interest.
    “If Wanda says yes, we can go to that WPBA site on the Internet and then watch a few matches on TV. She can write her composition about the game itself or one of those women. And when she sees how nice those women dress and all, maybe she’ll decide to trade her ball cap and Blades jacket for a cool hair style and fancy blouse. What do you think?”
    “Now that’s a plan!” Mrs. Chambers gave Skye her radiant smile. “Skye, that’s a great idea. Her report is due on Friday. Let’s see what you two can come up with until then.”
    Tuesday after school, Skye groomed Champ while waiting impatiently for Wanda and Mrs. Chambers to gethome from Maranatha. Morgan had made plans to stay overnight at a friend’s home.
    After a late supper, Wanda headed to her “quarantined” bedroom, supposedly to do homework. The insurance man had just arrived, and Mr. and Mrs. Chambers were about to escort him to the barn. Skye got permission to visit Wanda, so when the three adults and two dogs left the house, Skye knocked on Wanda’s door.
    “Yeah, what d’ya want?” Wanda growled.
    “It’s me,” Skye said.
    “Go away, horse breath,” Wanda snapped. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m not interested.”
    “Wanda, I want to talk to you about pool. C’mon, let me in.”
    “I can’t play pool for two weeks. You know that, so get lost.”
    “It’s not about your playing,” Skye said. “It’s about professional women pool players.”
    There was a long pause then Wanda said, “So?”
    “Let me in, and I’ll explain,” Skye pleaded.
    Another long moment of silence passed before Wanda finally said, “Awright, awright, come in. But make sure those two fleabags aren’t with ya.”
    Skye went in and leaned against the wall next to the door. Wanda was stretched out in her favorite pose on the bed—hands behind her head and high