Page 200 of Ruby (Landry 1)

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"He saw my twin sister and will just think that's

who I am."

"Really? You have a twin sister? Now that's

interesting," Lyle replied.

"If you two want to eat, you had better get in

line," an attendant advised us.

"I don't know if I want to eat," Lyle muttered. "Now, Lyle," the attendant said, "you know you

don't have all day to make this decision."

"I'm hungry," I said to help move him along. I

went to the stack of trays and got one. Then I started

down the line, gazing back once to see Lyle still

considering. My action moved him finally and he

joined me.

"Please, get two of whatever you choose," he

said. "What if you don't like it?"

"I don't know what I like anymore. It all tastes

the same to me," he said.

I chose the stew and got us both some Jell-O for

dessert. After we had our food, we turned to decide

where to sit and I stared at Uncle Jean, wondering if I

should approach him.

"Go on," Lyle said. "I'll sit wherever you want." With my eyes glued to him, I walked directly

toward Uncle Jean. He continued to eat mechanically

and move his eyes from side to side, almost in

synchronization with each forkful of food. He didn't

appear to notice me until I was nearly upon him. Then

his eyes stopped scanning the room and he paused, his

hand holding the fork about midway between the plate

and his mouth. Slowly, he scanned my face. He didn't smile, but it was apparent he recognized me as

Gisselle.

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