Ход королевы
Chapter 2
Whenthatwasdoneandsheknewallthevariations,shecouldgoontothePirćandtheNimzovitchandtheRuyLopez.ModernChessOpeningswasathick,densebook.Shewouldbeallright.
LeavingGeographyclassoneday,shesawMr.Shaibelattheendofthelonghallway.Hehadametalbucketonwheelswithhimandwasmopping.Thestudentswereallgoingtheotherway,tothedoorthatledtotheyardforrecess.Shewalkeddowntohim,stoppingwherethefloorwaswet.Shestoodforaboutaminuteuntilhelookedupather.
“I’msorry,”shesaid.“Theywon’tletmeplayanymore.”
Hefrownedandnoddedbutsaidnothing.
“I’mbeingpunished.I…”Shelookedathisface.Itregisterednothing.“IwishIcouldplaymorewithyou.”
Helookedforamomentasifhewasgoingtospeak.Butinsteadheturnedhiseyestothefloor,benthisfatbodyslightlyandwentbacktomopping.Bethcouldsuddenlytastesomethingsourinhermouth.Sheturnedandwalkedbackdownthehall.
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JolenesaidtherewerealwaysadoptionsaroundChristmas.TheyearaftertheystoppedBethfromplayingchessthereweretwoinearlyDecember.Bothprettyones,Beththoughttoherself.“Bothwhite,”Jolenesaidaloud.
Thetwobedsstayedemptyforawhile.ThenonemorningbeforebreakfastFergussencameintotheGirls’Ward.Someofthegirlsgiggledtoseehimtherewiththeheavybunchofkeysathisbelt.HecameuptoBeth,whowasputtingonhersocks.Itwasnearhertenthbirthday.Shegothersecondsockonandlookedupathim.
Hefrowned.“Wegotanewplaceforyou,Harmon.Followme
