Free Allison's Journey by Wanda E. Brunstetter

so.” Aaron released his grip on the pole and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “It’s a shame the way some fellows like James get into all sorts of trouble during their running-around years.”
    “I take it you’re not one of the rowdy ones?”
    He shook his head. “I’ve never had the desire to do anything more than get involved in an occasional buggy race. For me, having fun means fishing, hunting, or playing ball.”
    “Same here,” she blurted out. “I. . .I mean—”
    “Hey, I’ve got a bite!” Dan hollered. He jumped off the rock and moved closer to the pond.
    Allison cupped one hand around her mouth. “Be careful, Dan! You’re getting awful close to the water.”
    The boy looked at her over his shoulder, but his line jerked hard. He lurched forward, and— splash —into the water he went!

Chapter 7
    O n the drive home from the pond, Allison’s thoughts began to wander. Until Dan had fallen into the water, she’d been having fun—even without catching any fish. It had felt nice to sit in the warm sun and get to know Aaron a little better. He didn’t brag the way James did. If she had the opportunity to be with Aaron more, they might become friends. Of course, they could never be more than friends. Over the summer, there wouldn’t be much chance of them developing a lasting relationship, even if she were to become a woman someone might want to marry.
    “Are you mad at me, Allison?”
    Dan’s sudden question drove Allison’s thoughts aside, and she turned to look at him. “Of course not. I know you didn’t fall into the pond on purpose.”
    “That’s for certain sure.” Dan shivered beneath the quilt Allison had wrapped around his small frame. “That old catfishdidn’t wanna be caught, so he tried to take me into the water with him.”
    Allison laughed. “I think your foot slipped when the fish tugged on your line, and then you lost your balance.”
    Wrinkles formed in Dan’s forehead. “Sure hope Mama won’t be angry at me for gettin’ my clothes all wet.”
    The boy’s comment made Allison worry about her aunt’s response. Would Aunt Mary be upset when she saw her waterlogged son? Would she blame Allison for the accident? Aunt Catherine certainly would have. She thought everything was Allison’s fault. Even something as silly as Aunt Catherine stubbing her toe on the porch step a few years ago had been blamed on Allison. She’d been walking ahead of her aunt that day as they carried groceries into the house. Aunt Catherine had said she wouldn’t have stubbed her toe if Allison hadn’t been dawdling.
    Then there was the time Allison got her dress caught on the buggy wheel while climbing out. She’d landed in a mud puddle, and Aunt Catherine had been madder than a hornet. She would have spanked Allison for messing up her clothes if Papa hadn’t stopped her, saying it was an accident and that Allison didn’t deserve to be punished for something that wasn’t her fault.
    Pushing her thoughts aside and feeling the need to reassure her cousin, Allison reached across the buggy seat and patted Dan’s knee. “I’ll explain to your mamm about you falling in the pond.”
    “Danki.”
    Dan remained quiet for the rest of the ride, and Allison kept her focus on driving the buggy and making sure the horse cooperated with her commands. The shoulder of the roadwasn’t wide in this area, like it was in most places back home. Of course, there wasn’t nearly as much traffic to deal with in Webster County.
    When Allison guided the horse and buggy onto the Kings’ property, she noticed a buggy parked out front and figured they must have company. Good. If there’s someone here visiting, Aunt Mary probably won’t let on that she’s mad when she finds out what happened to Dan .
    Dan clambered out of the buggy as soon as it came to a stop and hurried toward the house. Allison knew she should get the horse unhitched and into the barn right away, so she decided to let Dan tell his version of