Mattie and the Machine by Lynn Ng Quezon

Author:Lynn Ng Quezon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Santa Monica Press

Chapter 19

IDA’S SON STRIPS THE LAST BIT OF BARK FROM THE STICK AND hands it over. “How’s this look?”

The little boy fidgets as I evaluate his handiwork. The cuts are crooked, but the wood is smooth beneath my fingertips. “Very good, Sam,” I declare. “No splinters. I daresay you’re ready for kite-making.”

Sam flings up his arms with a whoop. Having reached the venerable age of six, he’s decided to make his toys by himself, and begged me to teach him. Fortunately, he’s proven an apt and delightful pupil.

Over his crowing, Ida says, “That’s splendid, Sam, but kite-making will have to wait for another day. It’s almost nine o’clock. Say goodnight and go upstairs with Nana.”

Sam obeys, and as he and Mrs. Leavilte leave the kitchen, Ida says, “You’d best go, too, Mattie. I’m sorry he kept you so late.”

“No rush. I’ll sweep the peelings before I go.”

I’m reaching for the broom when Ida lets out a huff. “It’s not my nature to be a busybody, but isn’t it high time you and Eliza made up?”

I freeze like a thief caught red-handed.

“Mattie, I appreciate you playing with the kids the last four nights, truly I do,” Ida goes on. “But you shouldn’t keep coming here to hide from her.”

I sink into my seat with a sigh. I haven’t breathed a word to Ida about our falling-out, and I doubt Eliza has, either. But Ida knows us too well for me to play dumb.

“You’re right, Ida. I know you’re right, and I want to make things right, but … how?” My shoulders hunch. “Where do I start?”

“Start by going home,” says Ida, as if it were that simple. “You share a room, don’t you?”

“Actually … I’ve been sleeping in the attic.”

The admission makes me burn with shame. I never thought I’d be such a coward, but I haven’t been able to muster the courage to face Eliza. So I’ve holed up in the attic, leaving early and returning late. Eliza, for her part, has made no attempt to flush me out.

I brace for a rebuke, but Ida gives me a sympathetic pat. “It’s not unheard of for friends to quarrel. But if you want to stay friends, don’t let this drag. Not to mention, tomorrow’s the Sabbath, and the Good Book commands us to reconcile before approaching God’s altar.”

My conscience twinges. How can I enter the Lord’s house with hard feelings lingering between me and my best friend? “Right,” I mumble.

“And pray. The Good Lord will guide you if you ask.”

I nod at Ida’s advice, but inwardly I groan. Because I have been praying. If I ever needed divine wisdom, it’s now. Guilt racks me every time I remember the terrible things I said, and I’ve been begging God to tell me how to undo the damage I wrought. But despite my repeated asking, He’s been tightlipped on the matter.

As I leave Ida’s house, I wonder how Eliza will receive me. Given her character, she’ll readily forgive.

However, she was also adamant about my pursuing a patent.

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