CHAPTER-12

We got to the orphanage just about the time it was getting dark. We were a couple of minutes early, and the director was on the phone. It was an important call and he couldn't meet with us right 

away, so we made ourselves comfortable. We were waiting on a bench in the hallway outside his door, when Amelia turned to me. Her book was in her lap. I guess she wanted it for support, but 

then again, maybe it was just her habit.

"You did really well today," she said. "With your lines, I mean."

"Thanks," I said, feeling proud and dejected at exactly the same 

time. "I still haven't learned my beats, though," I offered. There 

was no way we could practice those on the porch, and I hoped she 

wasn't going to suggest it.

"You will. They're easy once you know you all the words."

"I hope so."

Amelia smiled, and after a moment she changed the subject, sort of throwing me off track. "Do you ever think about the future, La