Free The Big Snapper by Katherine Holubitsky Page B

“Let’s get you home, young man. Your mother is frantic. I’m afraid now both of us have some explaining to do.”

Chapter 11

    Over the next few weeks, Eddie goes fishing with his father whenever he can. Mom has stopped crying and she is now simply mad. But she has also looked after a string of tourists and without Grandma to help, she is kept so busy she really has no time to either cry or complain.
    She cooks and changes sheets for the Hendersons and their two small children. She teaches four lawyers how to clean and smoke the salmon they catch on a charter boat. She tends to a sick, squawking baby while the Grossman’s go whale-watching.
    With so many people coming and going, Eddie realizes just how rare the quiet and studious Dr. Blooms of the world really are.
    Still, in a way, he is glad when the six members of the McWilliams family arrive. Even though they are noisy and demanding, Mom continues to have no time to think of how angry she is with Dad. All six McWilliams are sleeping in Eddie’s room. Mom has borrowed cots and mattresses from Peggy and Fred.
    Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams are both loud and do a lot of hollering at their children. Fifteen-year-old Vince spends most of his time teasing his sister Margaret, while Margaret, who is fourteen, spends much of her time complaining to her parents about Vince. And when Jason and Janet aren’t squabbling with each other, they are shouting to be heard above all the others because they are only seven and eight. Eddie has never known people who argue so much about every little thing.
    The McWilliams keep Eddie busy as well. He helps serve meals and runs errands for Mom. Eddie’s father offers to help, but Mom won’t let him in the house. So he does what he can from a distance. He keeps the woodbox for the fireplace full and he leaves groceries on the doorstep. The first time he does this, Mom is not at all pleased.
    â€œWhere did this come from?” she asks Eddie of the bag containing bread, peanut butter and coffee left by the door.
    Eddie is not sure by her tone how he should answer. But he’d seen Dad drop them off. “I think Dad left some food to help feed the McWilliams.”
    â€œWell,” says his mother, “of all the nerve! I’ve managed this whole year without him. I hardly think I need his help now. Give them back, Eddie. Right now. Take this bag to your father.”
    Eddie doesn’t want to give the bag of groceries back because he knows his father is only trying to help. But he also doesn’t want to see the food go to waste. He carries the bag down to the wharf where his dad is preparing to go fishing.
    â€œShe doesn’t want it,” he tells him.
    Eddie’s dad shrugs. “Oh well, maybe we can use some of it for lunch. Can you come with me today?”
    Eddie shakes his head. “I have to help Mom.”
    â€œOkay, maybe tomorrow then, when your guests are settled.”
    Eddie returns to the cabin. Vince is sitting on a log on the beach. He has broken a branch from a tree and is carving a spear. He tells Eddie he’snever seen a puffin before coming to the island, and he’s going to catch himself one. Eddie would like to break that spear in half before he has a chance to go after a puffin, but Vince is fifteen and he is only ten. Eddie then passes Jason and Janet who are building a sand castle. Margaret is sprawled on a blanket in the front yard, waiting for the sun to come out. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams are making sour faces as they sip spruce tea in the sitting room.
    â€œIf you don’t like the tea I could make coffee,” Mom says from the kitchen.
    â€œOh, no,” Mrs. McWilliams protests, “this is just fine.” She takes another sip but her expression only gets worse.
    â€œI’ll make coffee,” Mom decides. “Eddie.” She pulls him to the side of the room. “Run to the market and get some coffee.” She presses some money