One day a friend phoned to report that Old Yellar was dead on the route and waiting for a tow. Since she was at work, I volunteered to pick up her children and mine. I was new to the area, and after twenty minutes of searching, I worried I'd be driving back roads forever. Finally, I discovered them near a stop sign. I took my passengers, and Clemmie assured me a tow and other parents were on their way.
I'd like to say that was the end of the troubled vehicle. No. It was repaired, and the loaner from a nearby school district was sent home. All went well until I received a call from a neighbor half a mile away. Her daughter and mine were the last ones on the route. Well, she said there was a problem and to come to her house quick. Then she hung up. I drove straight there.
I spotted her, our daughters, and Clemmie standing on the dirt shoulder. My daughter ran up to me and told me Old Yellar was on fire. I shot a gaze down the road and spotted the flames. Clemmie approached and said she'd seen smoke coming from the engine and pulled to the side. Then she opened the doors and told the two girls still on board to run. All three of them raced off and ran down the road screaming. As we talked the firefighters arrived. I prayed the bus was irreparable. Thankfully it was.
That summer, Clemmie took a job in an office. We moved north, and the yellow buses kept on rolling.
***
Still rolling out is my newest book Trail of Secrets. Below are some of the latest reviews from a few readers. And I'll be at the Fall in Love with New England Conference in Nashua, NH at a FREE Book Signing on Sat. Oct 19, 2 to 5 at the Holiday Inn & Suites on 9 Northeastern Blvd, Nashua, NH. If you're in the area, stop in and say hi.
"Trail of Secrets is a well written suspense with romance and an unexpected ending. Hoping to regroup and get her life back on track, Mia McGuire returns to her hometown to live with her grandmother. When she discover her sister's body not far from their home, she becomes determined to find answers. When the police seem slow to investigate, she hires the chief's son, local heartthrob and former police officer, Lucas Davis." Judith
"I absolutely loved this book. It has romance, suspense, and wonderful characters. This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be my last. A definite read." BeckyB
"This is a great read. The storyline is entertaining. The characters are very well developed. It is a great psychological thriller with romance also. The ending was unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed it." Sammey
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We've had a lot of school bus adventures, too, although no fires. Trail of Secrets sounds exciting...and disturbing. Still envying that conference...
ReplyDeleteBuses...you never know. Maybe next time, you'll be at the conference.
DeleteMy DH insisted we always live within walking distance of schools. It was wonderful. In HS they came home for lunch with all their new friends in tow so we got to know them. To this day, we get to see these friends and now, their children. Good times... It is time for me to go to more conferences again. I miss them.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to go home for lunch and was envious of those who could. Now it seems everyone stays. Probably safer. Conferences good and bad. This one coming up has lots of great people coming.
DeleteWow, scary school bus story. I always lived close enough to walk to school. First grade all the way to high school. On rainy and cold days I wished I could take the bus.
ReplyDeleteSee you soon at FILWNE!!
Yes, we never know when we're lucky. See you!
DeleteJust started the book yesterday. I love a good suspense.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks. Hope you enjoy it and stay away from buses. Kidding. Kinda.
DeleteCute story, Nora. Congratulations on the new book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joan. Glad you enjoyed the story.
ReplyDelete