Chapter 12 Secrets October came with chilly weather and shorter afternoons.
Hidden under an old blanket, Jo scribbled away in the attic while Scrabble played at her feet.
She dotted her last sentence, signed her name with a flourish, and exclaimed, There!
I've done my best!
Then she tied up the bundle with red ribbon and removed a second manuscript from its secret hiding place.
She put them both in her pocket and crept quietly downstairs.
Joe snuck out of the house and took the long way into town.
Once at her destination, she tried several times to go inside.
There was a dentist's sign on the building entrance.
On her third try, she made it up the dusty stairs.
By chance, Lori was across the street and saw Joe go inside.
He crossed the street and waited under the sign.
He said to himself, It's just like Joe to come alone.
If she has a bad time, I can walk her home.
In ten minutes, Joe appeared with a red face, looking like she'd been through an ordeal.
She wasn't happy to see Lori and tried to walk past him, but he followed her.
He asked, was it awful?
Not really.
Quick, though.
Yes, thankfully.
He asked, why did you go by yourself?
I didn't want anyone to know.
Lori chastised her.
You're so silly.
How many did you have out?
Joe laughed.
She realized that Lori thought she had been at the dentist's.
Her eyes twinkled as she answered, I have to wait a week for the two I want to come out.
Lori asked, why are you laughing?
What are you up to?
Joe replied, what are you up to?
What were you doing in that pool hall?
He explained that it wasn't a pool hall, but a gym.
He had been taking fencing lessons.
Oh, Joe said, that's fun.
You can teach me and we can play Hamlet.
It was Lori's turn to laugh.
He agreed to teach her even if they didn't play Hamlet.
The walk back home was pleasant except for one small disagreement.
Joe warned Lori about becoming a wild boy.
She said that her mother wouldn't like it.
Are you going to lecture me all the way home?
Joe replied, Of course not.
Why?
If you are, I'll make my way home.
If not, I'd like to tell you a secret.
The prospect of an exciting secret was too much for Joe.
No more advice, she said.
Now out with it.
But Lori wouldn't tell her until she explained what she had been doing in town.
So Joe said that she had been at the newspaper office and left two of her stories with the editor.
She had to wait a week to find out if they would be accepted.
Lori yelled, hurrah for Miss March, the celebrated author.
He tossed his hat in the air.
She frowned.
Oh, stop.
He might not accept them, but I couldn't rest until I tried.
Lori said that her stories were so good they'd surely be published.
Now it was time for his secret.
He said that he knew where to find Meg's lost glove, whispering that he saw it in Mr Brooks' pocket.
Isn't it romantic?
Joe scowled.
No, it's horrid.
She hated the idea of someone taking Meg away from the family.
I don't think I like secrets.
I'm upset now that you've told me.
Lori wanted to make his friend feel better.
How about a race down the hill?
They ran wildly down the slope.
Joe's hat and hairpins dropped out along the way, but the burst of energy did the trick and cheered her right up.
By the time she reached Lori at the bottom of the hill, she was out of breath.
I wish I was a horse.
Then I could run for miles and never get tired, she panted.
Will you be a dear and get my things?
Joe tried to fix her hair before she met anyone on the path, but it was too late.
Meg came along wearing her best dress.
She took one look at her sister and said, Joe, when will you stop running all about?
Joe replied, not until I'm old and gray.
Don't make me grow up before my time, Meg.
She bit her lip to stop from crying.
The secret sat in a dark pit at the bottom of her stomach.
The last thing she wanted was for her sister to grow up and get married.
Lori joined the conversation just in time.
He asked Meg, Where were you?
At the Gardner's.
Sally was telling me all about Belle Moffat's wedding.
Did it make you jealous?
Lori asked.
Meg admitted.
I'm afraid it did.
I'm happy about it, Joe muttered, jerking her hatstrings.
If you care about riches, you will never marry a poor man.
Lori's eyes widened.
He didn't want his secret to fly out unannounced.
I don't believe I shall ever marry, Meg said, and walked ahead of them.
Joe and Lori behaved like children, throwing rocks, laughing and whispering.
Meg was tempted to join them, but not in her best dress.
For a week, Joe acted very strangely.
She rushed to the door whenever the postman came.
She was often rude to Mr. Brooke and peered at Meg so oddly that the entire family was bewildered.
On the next Saturday, Meg looked outside the window to see Lori racing up to Joe in the garden.
He was flapping a newspaper in his hands.
Joe wrestled it from him and burst into the house.
She dropped onto the sofa and pretended to read.
Anything interesting?
Meg inquired.
Joe looked up.
Just a story.
Beth wanted to know what it was called.
Joe replied, The Rival Painters.
Meg was curious.
Why don't you read it?
The girls listened carefully as Joe cleared her throat and read at lightning speed.
Each sister had a different compliment.
Then Amy asked who wrote it.
Suddenly, Joe sat up and said, Your sister!
Squeals of delight followed.
Each looked to see Miss Josephine March printed clearly.
Joe was laughing and crying.
To be independent and earn the praise of her loved ones were her dearest wishes.
