Chapter 14

September 12

Colin stared at the unfamiliar ceiling. It took a few moments before the memories of yesterday came rushing back. He was in Canada. Gander, Newfoundland, Canada. He looked around the room. Mom lay on her cot, eyes closed, but Colin could tell she was awake. The other families were gone, their blankets and sleeping bags folded neatly on cots and mattresses. Knapsacks, coats, books, and stuffed animals were placed carefully on top. He hadn’t even heard them get up.

Colin stayed still, wondering what he should do. He would look for a payphone, he decided. He would try to reach Grant in New York. Grant would know why the planes had been sent here.

No sooner had Colin gotten up from his mattress than he heard a knock at the door. He opened it, and the aroma of frying bacon and freshly brewed coffee wafted into the classroom. A woman holding toothbrushes and towels stood in the hallway. Three kids, a girl and two boys, were standing behind her. For a long moment, Colin stared at them. The girl had dark hair and dark eyes. One of the boys wore a Batman T-shirt, the other a ball hat with Newfie B’y written across the front.

“I hope I didn’t wake you,” the woman said. She was about Grandma’s age with short graying hair. “I’m Flo Goodridge, and this is Leah, Brent, and Jason.”

“Hi,” he said, “I’m Colin, and…” he pointed to the cot, “that’s my mom, Catherine.”

The woman walked past Colin into the room. The children followed behind her. “You okay, my dear?” she asked. “You looks right pale, sure.”

“A migraine,” Catherine said. “Had it since yesterday.”

Flo fussed like a mother hen. “Just what you needs along with everything else that’s been goin’ on.” She turned to the children. “Why don’t yeh take Colin over to the house so his mom can rest.” She looked at Catherine. “If it’s okay with you, that is.”

Who are these people? Colin wondered.

Catherine moaned and rolled over.

“Go get yeh coat, my love,” the woman said.

Colin’s eyes widened. Mom was forever telling him never to go with strangers. How could she let him leave with these people? He didn’t even know their last name. Well, if he got kidnapped or murdered by Newfie B’y and his gang, it would be all her fault. Picking up his coat, he followed the trio to the door.

“Make sure he gets something to eat,” Flo called after them.

As they walked to the front door, Colin saw that tables had been set up and men and women in aprons were serving breakfast to the stranded passengers. As he was leaving the building, a couple of people arrived with trays of food.

“We lives just over there,” one of the boys said when they were outside. He pointed vaguely.

They walked down tree-lined streets, the trees just starting to give up their color. The houses were well kept with neatly trimmed lawns. Within fifteen minutes, they came to a small white bungalow where flowers bloomed in flowerbeds on the lawn.

“That you, Flo?” a voice called as they opened the front door.

“No, Granny,” Leah said. “Aunt Flo’s at the school, helping the plane people.”

Colin followed the others into a large kitchen. Leah opened the fridge. “What would you like to eat?” she asked Colin. “There’s baked beans I can heat up. Or, if you like, I can make some toast.”

Colin wasn’t hungry, but his mouth felt dry. “Can I please just have something to drink?”

Leah reached into the fridge and took out three sodas. She handed one to Colin, and offered the other two cans to Batman and Newfie B’y.

Mom would have a fit if she knew I was drinking soda before breakfast, he thought. But then again, maybe not. She doesn’t even seem to care where I am, let alone what I’m having for breakfast.

They moved into the living room. Colin was about to sit down when he caught sight of a small TV on a stand. The sound was muted, but he recognized the twin towers of the World Trade Center on the screen. Maybe if he could listen to the news, he might find out what was happening back home. He watched with interest as the New York skyline filled the small screen. An airplane seemed to come out of nowhere, gliding across the clear sky. But why was it flying so close to the World Trade Center? Had it veered off course? Then, without warning, the plane crashed soundlessly into one of the towers. A great ball of fire and smoke rose into the sky. Colin stared in horror as panic-stricken people on the ground scrambled away from the tower. What he’d heard was true then! The United States was under attack. Hijackers were flying planes into buildings. His apartment was near the twin towers. It would probably be destroyed by the time they got home. If they got home.

Colin opened his mouth, but was unable to speak. But he must have made some sound because Granny came bustling down the hallway. “What’s wrong?”

“Buddy from the plane,” Newfie B’y said. “He’s upset.”

Colin pointed to the television, his whole body trembling as the north tower crumbled like a sand castle. “It’s true,” he said, finding his voice. “It’s all true!” His knees buckled.

“Oh, you poor youngster.” Granny’s bony arms encircled his shoulders. “Didn’t nobody tell yeh what happened?” She led him to a nearby chair and motioned him to sit.

Colin listened in horror as she told him about the terrorist attack. “Some hooligans flew a plane into the towers,” Granny explained. “Happened yesterday. But don’t worry, my son. Everything’s under control now.”

Colin sank down in the nearest chair. The pain in his throat so terrible he could hardly breathe. Who would do such a horrible thing? He was stranded in a strange country. New York seemed so terribly far away.