After what happened with Atley I went to his house twice to check on him. I knocked on the door but no one ever answer. My dad said he tried once and Dr. Neevis had answered. He told my father when or even if Atley could see me again, he would pay my family a visit, until then he wanted us all to stay away.

A few weeks passed and then a few months and before I knew it a few years had come and gone. Rumors about the mummy still persisted more then ever before but the house had been rather quiet, sometimes people would see the doctor come out of even Mr. Kessle but no one ever talked of Atley. I began to think I might never see him again or that I might have just imagined him.

I played Stick ball and fished by the river sometimes but as I got older I had other things to do. I

I mostly stuck around home helping mother with the chores and the babies. When I was twelve she got pregnant again...she was so big the doctor up in Davin said it might be twins. I know father was beside himself. I helped out as much as I could taking care of Ben and Patty Jane. They were so little and always needed help.

Even when Patty Jane was old enough, I didn't tell her about about the mummy but Stewart did. I felt...strange now calling him that. I didn't think of him like that... I guess mother had been right about call people names, it was wrong. Maybe… maybe some things changed when you were older or maybe I had just changed I don't know.

Chores and babies took up a lot of my time and school. I still hung out with Chuck sometimes but he was able to work a little so he got a job where he could delivering papers. He got a bike and helped him a few times but it was way to early in the morning for me. When I saw him at school we didn't talk things were well awkward or he'd tease me. He'd call me names, he'd say I had a big but or pull on my hair, real childish stuff. I'd chase him but I didn't find it so easy to get into a fight. I was more aware of what other thought now, the other girls in my school started to frown on me getting messy and hanging around boys.

For the most part I tried to stay clean and even began to care a little about my hair. Whenever I brushed it I would think of the last day I saw Atley. How he'd showed me how he could comb his hair. I hoped he was doing well…

One day, a few months before I was to turn thirteen, Dr. Neevis came to the house, he was driving the carriage now and invited me over to the Kessle Estate for an afternoon of tea. I was surprised, one I had never had afternoon tea and two it had been so long since I had seen Atley. My mother and father weren't to keen on letting me go but Dr. Neevis gave them some money.

He picked me up on the weekend and I admit I was a bit nervous to return to the Kessle Estate. When I got there it was still clean and taken care of. It was a lot let scary when I was old. When we went inside Dr. Neevis had me wait on the couch. He got a strange chair with wheels set up at the bottom of the stairs and then went up to get Atley.

I thought it was strange not to be going to Atley's room. Sometimes I had dreamt about going up the stairs but I'd always wake before I got to his room. After a few minutes I heard Dr. Neevis slowly come down the stairs. He was carrying Atley, he looked bigger now, older. Once again he was dressed from head to toe. He waited until Dr. Neevis got him into the chair with wheels before he moved his head about. He smelled the air and then smiled, "Hello Miss...Lark,"

It took me a second to realize he was talking to me...Atley calling me Miss Lark. I laughed and decided to have a bit of fun with him. I got up and said, "Hello Mr. Kessle,"

"You can call my Atley." He said

"Only if you call me Amina," I said.

"Amina," he said quietly. He smiled to himself and then spoke louder, "I am grateful for your return," said Atley. "I apologize for my behavior last time,"

"You mean a few years ago," I said.

He frowned then, "Has it been that long."

"I think so," I said.

"Oh,"

"There is nothing to be done about the past," said Dr. Neevis, "Be present in the day,"

Atley nodded as Dr. Neevis pushed him to me.

He stopped a few feet away and Ately asked, "Will you please join me in the dining room for some afternoon tea,"

"Yes," I said.

He turned his head slightly then and asked Dr. Neevis, "Will you please assist me to the dining room,"

"Yes sir," said Dr. Neevis. He was beaming with pride.

He moved the chair into the dining room. I had never been in a dining room before. I thought it was suppose to be part of the kitchen like ours but it was a room all its own with a long table and a big window that let light in. Dr. Neevis moved Atley the end of the long table and pushed him up close to it. I watched Atley reached out carefully getting hold of his bearing I had a feeling he had done this quiet a lot of time. He moved to get a napkin and put it in his shirt.

Once it was secure he motioned the chair on his left "Will you please sit beside me,"

"Yes," I said. I moved to the chair and Dr. Neevis pulled it out for me. I sat and Dr. Neevis left the room.

"It's just you and me," I whispered. "Are you okay,"

Atley ran his tongue across the front row of his teeth and then said, "Yes...I am doing much better, these days,"

"I'm so glad," I said, without thinking about it, I reached out and brushed his hand on the table. "I wondered if you were okay,"

He jerked and then turned his hand so that he could embrace mine. He clutched my hand but not too tightly. His voice cracked with emotion as she said "I have missed you each and every day,"

The door opened as Dr. Neevis returned with a cart. Atley quickly let got of my hand and put his hands in his lap. Dr. Neevis laid out the tea set then and slowly served us. Atley was quiet for most the tea but so was I. I found myself watching how Atley moved, how he did things. He had a way of finding his cup turning it just so. I watch him put in his sugars hovering his hand over the cup. He lifted a spoon and stirred the sugar before wiping the spoon off and placing it back in its spot. When he ate the biscuits, he even cleaned up the crumbs. I felt so fascinated and strange. I could tell he was still Atley but he had changed so much...like a ton. "How old are you?" I asked curiously.

"Fifteen," he said. He used his fingers to show me. He was still like a little kid but I didn't realize he was older then me. That was so unfair.

"I have been working really hard," he said. "From from now on, I think I can behave enough to have you over more...if, you would please visit more."

"Sure" I said. "When I'm not in school or helping the my mother out. She is pregnant again, like really pregnant, the doctor thinks its twins, she can barley move, so she need a lot of help."

Atley titled his head toward Dr. Neevis it surprised me. He always seemed to know where Dr. Neevis was in the room. Dr. Neevis leaned down to Atley and I almost didn't hear him whisper, "It's a complicated matter. I will explain it to you later, when we are in a more private setting,"

Atley nodded slightly and we continued on. I talked about how it might snow and he seemed interested in the weather. Apparently he'd been outside a few times. They were working on something special and he hoped he could show me soon. When we were done with tea we moved into the living room area and Dr. Neevis played us some music.

"I enjoy listening to music in the afternoons, do you like music?" asked Atley.

"I do but I mostly listen to what is on the radio,"

"I have one of those." said Atley.

"I don't," I said, "But the diner Chuck's mom works at has one,"

"Chuck," said Atley. I saw him stiffen again, "The friend you play trucks with?"

"Not anymore," I said quickly, "That day...I last saw you I got my truck back and its at home...though I think the little ones got to it. I think I lost most the parts."

Atley smiled. "So you don't play with Chuck these days,"

"Not really Chuck and I don't see each other much outside school he has a job most days,"

"Do you talk at school?"

"Not really."

"Why not,"

"I don't know," I said feeling weird.

"Hmm, do you have any other friends?"

"No..."I said "Not really,"

He smiled again.

We listened to some more music and I asked, "What is this I'm hearing,"

"The Strand of the Crescent sun, I believe," said Atley.

"You are correct," said Dr. Neevis.

Atley smiled.

"Oh not the song the sound what makes this sound the da deee da,"

"It is a violin I believe," said Dr. Neevis.

"Oh it sound pretty,"

"Hmm," said Atley, "Do I have a violin,"

"No, we have been focusing on the piano,"

"You have a piano," I asked

"Yes but I can't play a real song just yet. Could I learn the violin,"

"Do you want to?" asked Dr. Neevis.

"Yes," said Atley. "I want to play beautiful music for Amina,"

"Then I shall get you a Tutor,"

Atley smiled, "Thank you?"

"Oh," I said looking around.

"What is it?" asked Atley.

"Where is your mother?"

"She is...sleeping," said Atley, "She is unwell."

"Really?" I said.

"Yes, but she is getting better," said Dr. Neevis "You both are improving everyday,"

Atley didn't seem happy he moved his head about and then asked, "How are we on time,"

"We have a little?" said Dr. Neevis.

"Another song then," said Atley.

"Yes, I think we can allow that," said Dr. Neevis.

He put on another song and we listened to it before Atley had Dr. Neevis take me home. Dr. Neevis set him in front of the window and he waved as I left. I don't know how much longer he waved after we left but I thought it was neat.

When I got home Dr. Neevis sat me down, "You did well today,"

"I was just me," I said.

"Atley has worked very hard and will continue to work hard," said Dr. Neevis. "He values your friendship. I think from now on It would be appropriate for you to have afternoon teat with us once a week to start."

"Okay..." I said

"Okay then," said Dr. Neevis, "I shall make the arrangements with your parents.

He talked with my mother for a few minute before he left and she seemed happy. I know my father was when my mother talked to him that night. He kept repeating, we could really use the money especially if its twins.

After that I went over every weekend and had tea with Atley. Dr. Neevis was always there sometimes he teach me a thing or two about manners, where my hands should be what I should and should not say. I didn't really like it but I listened knowing it was important to Atley and my parents that I keep coming.

After a month Atley played a little piano for me. Sometimes I'd even see Mrs. Kessle. She seemed different somehow. She'd gained some weight and seemed to smiled a lot. She'd drift in an our of rooms, sometimes repeating herself or wondering why she was in a room. I thought it was strange. She was even nice to me before Dr. Neevis would help her find out what she was doing. I asked Atley about her strange behavior and he said she seemed normal. I guessed that's just how she was no...I suppose she had changed too.

That winter something amazing happened. I went sledding with my siblings, it was just after the twins Adly and June were born and they were noisy we were all happy to get out of the house and play. We went to the empty lot near the Kessle's. I built snow men and Chuck even came over and we had a snow ball fight. The jerk pelted me with snow balls before running away like the coward that he was.

That weekend I told Atley about the snow and he wanted to experience it for himself. Dr. Neevis got Atley all bundled up and then moved him and his chair outside. I was surprised at how strong Dr. Neevis was, because of his limp I don't know why but I thought he would be weak. I mentioned it to Atley off handily and he told me that just because someone is sick or disable doesn't mean that was all they were. I didn't quiet understand what he meant.

It wasn't snowing when we went out but started to after a few minutes. I told Atley to stick his tongue out and catch the snow and he did. It took a few minutes but eventually one landed on his tongue, he was so happy after that. He wanted to stay outside forever with me but Dr. Neevis had us come in after a few minutes. After that I went outside with him every weekend I came over.

When the spring came Dr. Neevis got a chair that could go outside and we would go on walks. Atley was surprised that it wasn't always cold out.

"That is winter sometimes fall too but spring is much nicer and wait till summer,"

"How many of these seasons are there?" asked Atley.

"Four," I said at the same time as Dr. Neevis.

"That is quite a lot," said Atley "Why do they need so many,"

"I will get you a book that explains," said Dr. Neevis, "I'm sure they have a farmers guide I can translate into brail,"

"What does farming have to do with the seasons?" I asked.

"A lot," said Dr. Neevis, "Does your school teach you nothing?"
"It does but mostly math and English and some history but I find history boring,"

"I love history," said Atley. "I actually love it all...for so long there was nothing but now the world is full and I want to know it all,"

"And you shall as long as your hungry to learn I shall feed you to you're heart content," said Dr. Neevis. "Let nothing be out of your reach,"

Atley smiled excitedly. I rolled my eyes thinking they were weird. I didn't like school but Atley seemed to love it. Ately actually seemed excited about everything. Some things I admit were cool but there were a lot of things that were just boring.

One day while we were walking some kids saw us. They weren't used to Atley's chair so they started whispering about it. I couldn't hear what they were saying then one of them shouted.

"HE IS THE MUMMY,"

"THAT IS NOT THE MUMMY,"

"IS TOO."

"IS NOT,"

"IS TOO CAUSE THAT IS MY SISTER AND SHE READS TO THE MUMMY!"

I turned realized Stew was with them. There must have been seven little boys with him of different ages."

"STEW, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" I yelled.

"Stew," said Atley grasping hold of my hand.

"Yeah Stewart my little brother.

"That is little brother," said Atley

"Yes," I said.

"May I meet him," said Atley excitedly.

"Sure," I said "STEW GET OVER HERE."

"NO WAY RUNNNN," screamed Stew and they all took off running. I shook my head and told Atley "Sorry he ran away with his friends"

"Oh," said Atley sad. "Why,"

"Uh….who knows," I said. I didn't want to admit it was cause they were scared of him.

But after a while he began to figure out. I came over a bit more in the spring sometimes after school and we'd go on more walks. People thought it was strange to see Atley in a chair and would whisper about his chair and the children would tease us. They'd run up to us and run away, Atley couldn't see but Dr. Neevis would shew them away like birds.

I hoped Atley wouldn't notice but I found out he had really...really good hearing and could hear everything people said around us. His mood would go from cheerful to quiet and then sullen. He'd want to go home and wouldn't speak he would just wring his hands over and over.

I tried to talked to him to ask him if we was okay but he wouldn't want to talk to even me. Sometime he'd even wanted me to go home early. It was weird for Atley to tell me to leave. One time he got so upset after our walks that he wouldn't let me visit him for a whole month.

Then one day in the summer I was called over to the house. I wondered if everything was okay especially since when I got there Atley was in his room. I climbed the stairs and saw he was still in bed. I worried he was sick but he wanted me to watch him.

"Please watch," he said

"Okay," I said.

"Are you watching me," he said.

"Yes," I said.

He moved then pushing himself out of the bed. Dr. Neevis was close by as he slowly scooted to the edge and set his feet down. He pushed them to the floor and then shakily stood on his own two feet. My hands went to my mouth unexpectedly as I gasped.

"What...what is she doing?" Atley asked Dr. Neevis

"Her hands are on her mouth, she is surprised,"

Atley smiled, "You should be…this wasn't easy…."

Mrs. Kessle wandered in a few minutes later to ask if Dr. Neevis had seen some thread, she wanted to sew. When she saw Atley standing, she fainted. When she hit the floor, her body made a loud thud and Atley fell back on the bed.

"AMINA!" he cried out worried.

"It wasn't me your mother fainted," I told him

"So she saw did she," said Atley his voice sounded bitter.

"I'll take care of her," said Dr. Neevis, he went to her, waking her up.

He helped her to her feet and she mumbled, "He'll hurt himself...he will he'll fall and..."

Dr. Neevis just hushed her, "He'll be just fine...he's knows his limits."

When they left, it was just me and Atley then. I don't know why I felt strange to be in a boys room alone. After a minute Atley called out to me."Come to me, Amina."

He extended his hand and I came to him. I touched his hand and he smiled. He patted for me to sit next to him on the bed and I did then he asked, "May I hold your hand, while we sit, please"

"Yes," I said.

I gave him my hand and he took it, he held it softly in both his hands playing with my fingers. "You're hands have gotten bigger,"

"So have yours," I said.

"Hmmm," he said.

We sat for a while and then I said "I hope your mother is okay,"

"I don't care." he said bitterly

"WHAT! But that is your mother,"I said

"Yes...and she...she kept me in in this bed Amina...If...if it weren't for Ever, I'd always be in this bed. I wouldn't know anything. Do you know how hard it was before you...before Ever...I didn't have anything...I just waited and slept, waited and slept. I was so alone...my head was so...empty,"

"Atley, your mother was always with you and I...I don't think she...she meant to make you sad on purpose. She loves you very much and you're sick,"

"I am not," he said angrily, "I thought I WAS….but Ever told me...Just cause I'm blind doesn't mean I'm sick. I have a mind….I...can do things...I can be things…I can do just what you do Amina only it...it take me longer and I have to work that much harder...but I will...I will cause I want more. I want everything!"

I didn't know what to say. He was so excited suddenly so...so...emotional. I realized he was crying. Several tears escaped from under his dark glasses. I reached out and wiped them away. He grasped my hand and held it to his cheek "Atley...are you okay."

He nodded, "One day I'm going to walk Amina and then...and then I can do anything...all by myself."he said," If I want something I'll get it...if...if I want to do something I'll do it and…and I...I will come to you..." he smiled. "I will visit your home,"

"You will," I said, "You stood,"

"I stood," he said.

He paused suddenly and then let go of my hand, "Get up quickly,"

I stood confused but then Dr. Neevis came back in, he looked at me and then Atley, "Everything okay in here."

"Yes...how..how is she?" said Atley wiping his face. I thought it was strange. He said he didn't care yet he was asking how she was. Maybe he did or maybe he was lying? I didn't know what to think.

"You know here, overwhelmed but she'll manage," said Dr. Neevis.

"What do you want to do today Amina?" asked Atley.

"Can we listen to music." I asked. "I think that would be nice,"

"I agree," said Atley he stood again and I giggled.

"What…

"I'm taller then you." I said.

"You are...is that a good thing?" he asked.

"Its not good or bad I'm just taller," I said.

"He's still got some growing to do," said Dr. Neevis. "Mind you he wont be as tall as he should have been but I think he'll match you in do time, Miss Lark,"

"We shall have to see," I said.

"Am I taller then Ever," asked Atley as Dr. Neevis came over and lifted him.

"No way," I said, "Dr. Neevis is a giant compared to us,"

"A giant," said Atley.

"Not I am 6 foot 7." said Dr. Neevis. "I suppose I shall have to teach you size our next lesson,"
"I'd like that, and ice cream?" said Atley.

"Ice cream," I said.

"Yes...I recall you mentioning it?"
"When?" I said as we moved to the hall.

"A long time ago but you said I could get it...around the time with the trucks,"

"Wow I don't even remember that,"

"Young Atley has an exceptional mind," said Dr. Neevis, "I don't think he forgets something once he's heard it. We couldn't have made such progress if he didn't,"

"And I have an iron will," said Atley. "As I recall you said one day I was as stubborn as an Iron wrench on a rushed screw."

"That you were and are," said Dr. Neevis. "And as long as you don't give up you'll be able to do anything,"

"Everything," said Atley as we moved down the stairs.

"They are the same thing," I laughed

When we got down stairs Dr. Neevis put Atley in his chair and we spent the rest of the afternoon listening to music.