Teddy got dressed and climbed out his bedroom window. He hated slipping out, but his parents had told him to stay in his room. Trust Grace to tell them about the picnic and his plans to go with Kevin. His mother had been so angry, her face went bright red. But it was his father who scared him more. He said he would use his belt the next time Teddy disobeyed him. He meant it too.
He had to take the risk and go. Picnics like this didn’t happen every day. The sun was shining, and there was going to be a band and ice-cream. Someone said they might even go swimming in the river. Teddy hoped they didn’t. He’d told Kevin he could swim but he couldn’t. Not really. Laurie was a better swimmer than he was.
Torn between not getting into trouble and missing the fun, Teddy made his decision. He opened the window and climbed onto the roof making his way carefully to the point where the tree branch almost reached. Dad was supposed to have cut this back, but he’d forgotten. Teddy took a jump, grabbed the tree branch and climbed down to the ground. With a last look at his house, he grabbed his bicycle and off he went. If he hurried, he would meet Kevin at the pier as arranged.
Kathleen called at to Lily’s house to collect Grace and Evie. She had promised them a couple of hours shopping at Macy’s followed by ice-cream.
“Morning,” she said as the door opened. “Are Grace and Evie ready to come shopping with me?”
“The girls are so excited, thanks Kathleen. We had a big argument last night with Teddy. He is confined to his room today. He blames Grace and called her lots of horrible names. Honestly, siblings can be truly awful to each other, can’t they?”
Kathleen couldn’t argue with that. Although they had been close as kids, her and Shane had argued a lot.
“Are you really going to keep Teddy in his bedroom all day? It is such a lovely summer’s day. Blue skies and everything. What? Why are you laughing at me?” Kathleen asked.
“Teddy has you wrapped around his little finger, Kathleen. If it was up to you, he would never be punished.”
“Lily, I didn’t mean to criticize. I’m sure you are doing what’s best. But he is such an active soul. He is a mini Lily.”
“Me? I wasn’t as badly behaved as he was.”
“Weren’t you?” Kathleen smiled at her friend. “Some would say you aren’t good now. Do you remember what you said to that horrible lady with the purple feathers in her hat?”
Lily put her hand to her mouth. “I guess I did go a little over the top, but she deserved it. Imagine calling my sanctuary a house of ill repute. Just because her husband would prefer to be in one of those places than at home with her and her silly hats.”
“Lily Doherty. And you can’t see where Teddy gets it from?”
“Oh, I suppose you are right. We were a little harsh on him. It wasn’t his fault Kevin’s father invited him to the Haas picnic. We should have sat Teddy down and explained why we didn’t want him to go.”
“Not sure telling Teddy you thought it would be dangerous would help your case much.”
Lily grinned. “Guess you are right about that too. Since when did you get so wise, Mrs. Green?”
“Since I followed your example at the sanctuary, Mrs. Doherty. Now, where are the girls? We best get going and you can make it up to your son.”