Three Wishes (Dreams Come True #3) Read Free Page B

was part of the backdrop for the pictures. The photographer coached him in a low voice.
    Behind me, I could hear a woman speaking. It took everything in me not to turn around. I wanted to know their story. It had become my thing.
    “Come on, Ollie. Are you sure you don’t want me to carry you? We need to get in and out as quick as we can.” The woman sounded nervous.
    “Relax, Mama. I know. And I can walk.” The little girl sighed.
    “I know you can. I’m just trying to help.” I watched as she threw her hands in the air.
    As they passed by me, the little girl’s eyes lit up. “Oh, Mama! Do you think he could show me how to make a movie?”
    The woman glanced my direction without making eye contact. She shook her head. “He’s working, Ollie. I don’t think he has time for that right now.”
    I peeked over the camera and smiled at the little girl. “Psst!” She glanced up at me, a look of wonder in her big blue eyes.
    Pausing, she looked at me and pointed to her chest.
    Nodding, I whispered. “Come over after pictures. You can help me.” I grinned as I pulled a chair over and gestured to show it was for her.
    Maybe I only saw what I wanted to believe, but it seemed like she perked up some after. She marched over to the Easter Bunny and plopped right down on the bench. Immediately, I began to film her.
    “Ollie, hat and mask!” Her mother coached, showing she should remove it.
    Slowly, the little girl reached up and pulled the big brimmed monstrosity off her head and tugged the mask off her ears. When she did, I could see she had a shiny bald head. Swallowing hard, I peered at the mother. Her back to me, I could see her shoulders stiffen, a defense mechanism, ready to defend her daughter as needed.
    The Easter Bunny started to put an arm around her, but the little girl stopped him. “No please. Germs.” Then she winked and offered a smile. I watched her mother’s shoulders sink, then rise as she inhaled deeply.
    Soon enough, the photographer had captured some images to show the mother and the little girl slid off the bench. Turning to the bunny, she murmured, “Thank you for the pictures.”
    The Easter Bunny nodded in response. Then she tugged on her mother’s sleeve. “I’m gonna go sit over there.” She pointed in my direction and waited until her mother nodded before starting the journey to the seat I had waiting for her.
    For the first time, I felt nervous. What was I doing? Kids were hard. They asked uncomfortable questions. This one looked to be a bigger challenge altogether. As she neared, she hooked the mask back into place over her ears and tugged the hat over her head. Then she smiled big enough for me to see her eyes crinkle at the corners and her cheeks pop up over the edge of the mask.
    “Can I really help?” Here eyes widened as she waited for my response.
    “Sure. Let me show you how to work this. Shall we film your mom?” I started to help her point the camera to the counter where her mother had been standing. I moved the camera slightly, seeking her out when there was a tug on my jacket. “What’s up, buttercup?” I didn’t even stop peering through the lens.
    “No, thank you.” A voice snipped.
    Looking up, I stared into the blue green eyes I’d never forgotten. It was the Crying Girl. I searched for her for years, to no avail, and now she was everywhere.
     
    ***
    Charlie
     
    Maybe I shouldn’t have been so cold, but all of a sudden, Ollie had disappeared and when I looked, she was standing with some strange man. I knew she wanted to talk to him, learn all about making a movie, but this wasn’t the time or the place. “Ollie, we have to go.” My voice came out more stern than I intended, but I thought I was actually holding it together pretty well, considering my heart had started racing the minute I realized she was out of arm’s reach.
    “But, Mama!” Her face scrunched up and I worried she was winding up to get all upset. I hated when it happened. She wore out