Enchanting World of Garden Irene McGeeny by Concetta Kennedy Page B

they noticed how little she said that evening. During one quiet moment, her dad glanced at her mom, smiled, and said, “Garden Irene, what did you talk about in school today?”
    She said, “Well, in English we were each making up a story about our own make-believe animal.”
    â€œAnything else, or is that all you did all day?” her dad asked.
    â€œNo, we did lots of things. We’re doing horrible story problems in math,” was Garden Irene’s response.
    â€œWhat about social studies?” asked her mom.
    Garden Irene didn’t say anything for quite a few minutes.
    Now both her mom and dad were puzzled. “Garden, what about social studies?” repeated her dad.
    â€œWe’re talking about the types of homes people live in,” replied Garden Irene. “I told them.” Not a sound was heard. And then, she said, “I thought it was another interesting type of dwelling, so I told them.”
    Garden’s parents were very still. They looked at each other, then without allowing his anger to show forth, her dad took over, as was the usual custom in their household. “Garden Irene,” he began, “this is something we’ve talked about before.”
    Garden’s head hung low as she realized the disappointment conveyed in her parents’ expressions. She’d broken the special trust that they had always had between them. She wondered if they would forgive her or ever trust her again.
    Garden’s dad continued. “Make no mention of our home again. Is this clear?”
    Garden’s weak nod made them realize how hurt she was. However, Mr. and Mrs. McGeeny were also aware that Garden Irene had no idea what this could mean for them.
    If the news got out that they lived in an underground castle, the media would have a field day. The quiet, private life that they shared would end.
    To lighten the mood, Garden’s dad said, “Come on, let’s go ice skating. I think we could use a little recreation.”
    Mrs. McGeeny and Garden Irene quickly cleared the supper dishes with great anticipation of their fun-time skate.
    Mr. McGeeny said, “Okay, girls, I’ve got our skates. Let’s go!”

CHAPTER
    3
    All three went out the front door, walked the few yards to the wrought iron bench near the frozen pond, and sat down to don their skates. It was a breathtaking sight the way Mr. McGeeny had not only put overhead lights all around the area, but he had sporadically placed red, green, and blue reflectors to mark the pond. He had also hooked up a stereo nearby, so that when they skated, they would have beautiful music.
    Garden Irene was the first on the pond. Already she had forgotten about the incident at supper, and her thoughts were on sliding and spinning to the sound of the tunes. “The Blue Danube Waltz” was one of their favorite melodies. In fact, Garden Irene loved it so much, that she had her dad play it over and over until her mom and he suggested that maybe a different waltz might be a good idea.
    They’d hold hands for a while, and then glide around in a line holding on to the waist of the one in front. Then they’d take turns being leader, going wherever they wished on the half-mile-long pond. Mr. McGeeny then got silly, and pretended to be at a ball, and wanted to dance with one of the beautiful “Ladies in Waiting.”

    First, he danced with Mrs. McGeeny. After doing his proper bow, he ushered her to the frozen dance floor. Midway through the song, Mrs. McGeeny stepped back and he went to Garden Irene. He gave his gallant bow, and she returned a polite curtsy.
    â€œOh, I would be delighted,” she said with a giggle.
    He smiled and led her to the dance floor of the frozen pond.
    They finished the dance together, and by that time Mrs. McGeeny had joined them, and they laughed, and curtsied and laughed some more until Mr. McGeeny suddenly realized the time. “Oh my gosh, it’s already 8