The Order of the Trees by Katy Farber

Author:Katy Farber
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Green Writers Press
Published: 2015-11-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

As you all know, Cedar Montgomery is really sick. She is in the hospital, and she is not improving. In fact right now they are probably poking needles in her and doing all sorts of uncomfortable tests.” Some kids winced and nodded, others just stared. Many of them had never heard Phillip speak, much less speak to a large group.

“And I know all of you have heard in some way where Cedar was found, out in the Worcester woods. No one ever came forward as Cedar’s parents. She was found at the base of a big and beautiful tree. And what I’m about to say sounds crazy, I know. Many of you probably won’t believe me. Even if you doubt what I say is true, even if you think I’m nuts, if you care about your fellow classmate Cedar, you’ll ignore that logical part of your mind and join me.”

Dan Brown tapped Phillip. “Mr. Phelps is coming over across the field.”

“Okay. The woods where Cedar was found are about to be cut down. Including the ancient tree she was found under. Several houses are to be built there. Cedar started getting sick when all this started. She’s gotten sicker as the date nears. Construction will happen within the next week.”

“Yeah,” Dan said, “I live right next door, and they brought in the bulldozers yesterday.”

“Just what are you saying?” A girl from another class blurted out.

Phillip gulped. “I think that Cedar may die if we don’t stop this. She needs your help.” Phillip glanced up and saw Mr. Phelps rapidly approaching. “Be there, tomorrow, at 7:00 A.M., with your parents and everyone you can think of. Bring signs, bells, whistles. Tell everyone you know about it.”

Some kids giggled, and Miranda rolled her eyes.

“And do what?” the same girl called out.

“Protest. Stop the development. Whatever it takes.”

“Whatever what takes, Phillip?” Mr. Phelps asked as he approached. The group scuttled away quickly, leaving Phillip alone. Only Dan stayed behind.

“Oh, it’s about a club he wants to start,” Dan chimed in. “Right Phillip? An environmental club? He just had his first meeting. Lots of interest, huh?”

Mr. Phelps smiled at the boys. “That’s great! You know, small groups of people can change the world!”

They nodded and Mr. Phelps walked toward the soccer field.

“Thanks,” Phillip said, “that was close.” Dan nodded. They were silent for a moment or two. Phillip’s hands were pushed deep in his pockets.

“Dan?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think they’ll come?”

“I have no idea, man. But I’ll be there.” He brushed the straggly hair from his eyes as the bell rang for class. They ran down to the doors and lined up to go in. Cool wind blew the clouds across the sky, shifting. Before Phillip knew it he could feel Miranda’s eyes on his face.

“So noble of you, Phillip. To stage a protest to save your dying girlfriend.” She sighed dramatically. “What next, are you going to ride there on your white horse? Pick Tree Girl up by the waist and ride off into the sunset?”

Phillip ignored her, stared straight ahead.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.