Free If I Should Die Before I Wake by Lurlene McDaniel

shouted.
    “’Sketti?” Matt laughed. “You mean, spaghetti?”
    “Yeah! And cake, too! I helped.”
    “How?” Deanne asked.
    “I licked the bowl!” Anthony said patiently.
    Everyone laughed then filed inside. The family room was large and spacious. It led into a big country kitchen filled with delicious aromas of hot garlic bread and tomato sauce.
    “Come put your things in my room,” Tina urged, leading Deanne down a hallway and into a green and white decorated bedroom. “I’m so glad you’re here!”
    “Me, too!” Deanne said. She tossed her things onto one of the twin beds and looked around. The room was neat, colorful, and clean. “Where’s your sister staying?”
    “Oh, Mom put up a cot in Patricia and Janette’s room, just for this weekend, so we can have more space. It’ll give us a chance to visit away from my little sisters’ prying ears.”
    Deanne laughed and gave Tina a hug. “Thanks, I really like it here.”
    The family sat down to a huge dinner. Everyone seemed to talk and laugh at once. Deanne remembered her own family’s quiet, simple meals. This was so much fun!
    Anthony wanted to sit on Matt’s lap. He kept patting his brother, as if he were making sure he was really there. Janette talked on and on about how fast she could go down the hill on her bike. Janet kept smiling at Matt.
    Across the fireplace mantle they had strung a long homemade sign. It read: “Welcome Home, Matt.” The room was very homey and inviting. Deanne was grateful to be there.
    After dinner, Mr. Gleason said, “I believe I could go for a game of Hearts. Anyone else?
    Everyone shouted “Yes!” In minutes, the table was cleared, the dishwasher loaded, and everyone was seated back around the big oak table. A deck of cards was dealt. Deanne found it to be the most exciting game of Hearts she’d ever played! She laughed so hard her sides hurt when Mr. Gleason got stuck with the queen of hearts.
    “You lose! You lose!” Anthony shouted.
    “Never!” Mr. Gleason said. “I can’t lose! I’m the boss around here!”
    They played a second game and a third. It was ten o’clock before they knew it. Deanne was tired, but she felt content as she went off to bed.
    Matt looked pale, but he seemed happy. Deanne was about to go into Tina’s room when Matt caught her arm. “You an early riser?” he whispered.
    “Well . . . uh . . . sure,” she said.
    “Good. Let’s have an early breakfast, then I want to take you someplace special,” he whispered.
    “Where?” she probed.
    “You’ll see,” he said, tapping her lightly on the nose. “It’s a secret. But wear your walking shoes.”

    * * * * *
    The canoe sliced through the water like a knife. Deanne watched as Matt dipped the oar into the smooth lake water to propel the canoe forward. The rising morning sun peeked over the tops of the pine trees. The smells of woods, water, and wild grass filled the air. The day promised to be hot.
    Deanne didn’t know where Matt was taking her. But she didn’t care. It was a beautiful, golden summer morning. And they were together, skimming the shoreline of the lake. She was filled with anticipation.
    “It’s not much further,” Matt said over his shoulder.
    Deanne didn’t care. She was content to sit back and glide along in the canoe. She hardly slept all night, anyway. She had been so excited about being with the Gleasons. She hated to waste her time sleeping.
    It had been easy to get up at six in the morning. She met Matt in the kitchen and fixed them both scrambled eggs and toast. They’d been very quiet. They didn’t want to wake up anyone else. Matt had left his mom a note. It said: “Took Deanne on a little canoe trip. We’ll be home for lunch. Don’t worry. Love, Matt.”
    “Look!” Matt shouted. He pointed to a flock of ducks. Deanne watched as they arched gracefully over the face of the lake water and soared up into the bright morning sky.
    “They’re beautiful!” Deanne cried.
    “We’re almost