Free A Handful of Time by Kit Pearson Page A

beside her and began boasting about his father’s motor-boat. He had curly black hair and a wide grin and he was showing off.
    Showing off to get Ruth’s attention; flirting with her. Ruth looked older than her age and she was easily the prettiest girl on the beach. Patricia watched, fascinated.
    Ruth seemed surprised and bewildered at Tom’s attention; then she put on the aloof expression she used with her brothers.
    â€œHave you heard about the costume party there’s going to be at the rec hall?” Tom asked her. “The second-last Saturday in July. Do you think you’ll be going?”
    Ruth shrugged.
    â€œEveryone will be there,” Tom continued. “Would you like to go with me?”
    â€œI don’t go out on dates. Come on, Ginnie, it’s time for lunch.”
    â€œWell, let me know if you change your mind. See you.” The boy whistled as he walked away.
    Patricia was impressed. A few of the girls in her class already went out with boys, but nobody had ever asked her. She writhed with shyness at the possibility.
    But Ruth was different—she was beautiful. How strange it must be just to be sitting on a towel and have a boy come up and flirt. Strange and uncomfortable; she didn’t blame Ruth for refusing his offer. It must feel powerful, though, to have a choice.
    â€œHurry up, Ginnie!” Ruth sighed as her small sister stopped on the path to examine her foot.
    â€œI stubbed my toe-oe, Ruthie,” the child wailed. “You have to carry me …”
    The rest of her complaint was cut off as Patricia found herself back in La Petite.

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    Q uickly she pulled out the watch. Oh. please don’t still be stuck, she prayed. But before her fingers had a chance to try the knob, a voice called outside.
    â€œPawwwty …” Patricia just had time to slip the watch under her shirt before her five cousins burst into the cabin.
    â€œHere you are!” Kelly looked at Patricia curiously. “I wondered where you spent your time. Listen, Potty, you have to come with us.”
    Patricia stared at them blearily. The only place she wanted to go was right back to Ruth; and she didn’t even know if the watch was broken.
    â€œWe’re going on a picnic,” Kelly continued. “Mum’s packing it now. You have to come or she’ll suspect something. Potty, are you listening? Have you been asleep?”
    â€œI’m going, too,” said Maggie proudly. “Mum said they had to take me.”
    â€œSo come on ,” urged Christie. “The food must be ready.”
    Patricia gathered herself together. “I’ll catch up with you in a few minutes,” she said slowly. After they had left she hid the watch under the mattress again. It would just have to wait for her until tomorrow; or maybe she could sneak away tonight.
    Back at the cottage Aunt Ginnie handed them two bulging knapsacks. “Your sweaters and bathing suits are in one. I put in extras for you and Bruce, Christie. You must all be back before dark. Maggie, you do exactly what Kelly tells you.” She looked hard at her older daughter. “Where did you say you were going?”
    â€œTo the provincial park,” Kelly answered quickly.
    â€œThat’s all right. As long as you don’t go onto the Indian Reserve. They don’t want to be disturbed by summer people. And no lighting fires, do you understand?”
    â€œBut, Mum, I know how to do it properly—we learned at Guides,” protested Kelly.
    â€œThis is a very dry summer. I don’t want to take any chances. Give me your matches, Kelly.” Aunt Ginnie held out her hand and Kelly dropped a book of matches into it.
    Maggie was the first out the door. “Bye, Mummy! Bye, Rosemary!” she called jubilantly. Peggy jumped around her in circles, barking wildly.
    Kelly paused when they reached the road. “Okay, let’s go,” she beckoned, leading them to the