Chapter 21When I awoke the next morning, the small clock on the mantle read 7:10 am. Classes started at eight. Throwing back the covers, I leapt out of bed, rinsed my face with cold water, then toweled off vigorously. I heard my mother's and brother's voices downstairs, echoing faintly up from the kitchen. I burst in, wild-eyed.
“Why didn't you wake me?”
“You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't have the heart,” Mama replied. “I have toast and tea ready for you. Perhaps you'd like an egg? It would be no trouble.”
“Thanks. No time.” I stood at the table and slurped the tea. The toast disappeared in three bites.
“Slow down. You'll get indigestion.”
“I'm running late.” And glared at Simmy as if he had some part in his dilemma. Simmy took this as his cue to stand up and stretch.
“I'll be l
