Love Finds a Home (Anthologies) by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page B

else.
     
    “Sure hope my boy don’t give the teacher no sass,” he mumbled, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. Andy had been a handful since Anna died, often playing tricks on his sister and not always minding the mules the way he should. Ernie knew if he didn’t stay firm with the child, he might grow up to be lazy.
     
    Ernie had begun walking the mules when he was eight years old. Later, when his pa was sure he could handle the boat, he’d become the spotter and sometimes got to steer. From the beginning Ernie had known he would own a canal boat someday. He loved being on the water, moving up and down the canal hauling anthracite coal, and he hoped Andy would want to follow in his footsteps—although with the growing competition from trains, the family business might come to an end before then.
     
    Ernie picked up his pace. His primary goal in life was to see that his kids were properly cared for. He also knew it was important for them to memorize some Bible verses and learn to do an honest day’s work.
     
    Guess they might need a bit more book learnin than I had, too .
     

     
    Judith stood at the window overlooking the schoolyard, watching the children during their afternoon recess. Even though it was cold outside, it was good for them to run and play. When the students came back inside, they would be ready to settle down. She might have a spelling bee for the older ones and get the younger children involved in an art project. Soon Christmas would be here, and some colorful decorations for the schoolhouse would be a nice addition.
     
    Judith turned to study the room. I’ll need to think about a Christmas program soon and who will get what parts. The children would probably enjoy singing some Christmas carols, too .
     
    A commotion outside drew Judith’s attention back to the window. Several children stood in a circle, chanting, “Hit him! Hit him! Hit him!”
     
    Judith rushed out the door, not bothering to fetch her shawl. “What’s going on?” she shouted above the noise.
     
    The chanting stopped, but no one spoke. Then she spotted Grace crouched next to the teeter-totter.
     
    When Judith pushed through the circle, she realized that Andy stood in the center, toe-to-toe with Garth. Both boys held up their fists as though ready to take a swing.
     
    She ducked between them. “What is the problem?”
     
    Garth squinted his eyes, and Andy stared at the ground.
     
    Judith rubbed her hands briskly over her arms as the stinging cold penetrated her skin. “If someone doesn’t tell me what happened, the whole class will be punished.”
     
    Sarah stepped forward. “Garth was makin’ fun of Andy’s sister, calling her ‘sissy face’ and ‘runt.’ So Andy challenged him to a fight, but you got here before either could land the first punch.”
     
    “Is it true that you were calling Grace names?” Judith asked, taking Garth by the shoulders and turning him to face her.
     
    He shrugged. “Maybe.”
     
    Judith’s patience was growing thin, and she prayed for wisdom. “Either you did or you didn’t. Which is it?”
     
    Garth lifted his chin and glared at her. “Okay, I did, but the little baby deserved it.”
     
    “No one deserves to be called names,” Judith said sternly. She remembered some of the names she had been called as a child. Giraffe with the long neck. Judith the freak. The girl with the spooky eyes .
     
    “Garth, you will stay after school today, and we’ll talk about your punishment then.” She tapped him on the shoulder. “In the meantime, I want you to tell Andy and Grace you’re sorry for being rude.”
     
    The boy folded his arms in an unyielding pose. “Why should I apologize? He’s the one who said he was gonna clean my clock for teasin’ his baby sister.”
     
    Garth had a point. Andy shouldn’t have started the fight. However, Judith figured he was only defending his sister. “Andy, apologize to Garth, and Garth, you do the same. Then you must