Page 15 of Finding Wonderland

“Thank you.” Taking the flowers, Isla smelled them as she smiled. “This is so sweet of you.”

“I got a little something for Mason, too,” she sheepishly held up the bag that had been draped over her arm. “I hope that’s okay.”

“As long as it’s not a puppy.”

“Oh, damn.” Vera snapped her fingers in mock frustration. “Well, I guess I’ll have to take the gift back then.”

Isla laughed, and it was one of the best sounds Vera had ever heard. They both seemed to also relax a little, which made Vera feel more at home in the apartment. Not that she needed to feel at home there; it wasn’t her home. But feeling less nervous was a good thing no matter what.

Just as Isla was about to say something, Mason came stomping into the room with her hands on her hips.

“Vera,” she whined, “I thought you were gonna look at my room.”

“Oh,” Vera playfully smacked herself on the forehead, “I’m so sorry, Mason. I forgot.”

“Come on.”

Mason walked over to her and grabbed her hand. Vera let her lead her down the hall to the bedroom that had more personal touches than the rest of the house combined. Isla followed behind them, still holding her flowers. As they entered the room, Mason jumped up on her bed and sat with her legs over the side.

“This is my room.”

“I love it, Mason.”

“Thanks,” she nonchalantly shrugged. “I cleaned it myself.”

“After I begged you to clean it.” Isla teased as she sat the flowers down on the bed and tickled Mason’s stomach. “Why don’t you go wash your hands, and then Miss Vera has a gift for you, okay?”

“Okay!” Jumping off the bed, Mason ran down the hallway to what Vera assumed was a bathroom. Alone again, she found herself caught up in staring at how beautiful Isla was.

“She’s a great kid,” Vera commented.

“The best. But I made her, so I’m partial.”

“You did good.”

Isla blushed as she tucked her curly hair behind her ears. “Thanks.”

“Can I open my present now?”

“Mason,” Isla’s voice switched to being stern at the drop of a hat.

But Mason must have known exactly what she meant because she asked, “Can I please open my present now?”

“Of course.” Vera handed the gift bag to Mason as she tore out the tissue paper and gasped. She lifted the kitten and puppy lunchbox out of the bag as if it were the Holy Grail. Her eyes were wide with excitement as she quickly turned to show it to Isla.

“Mommy! Look! It’s the lunchbox that I wanted!”

“Wow, sweetie! That’s awesome! Miss Vera was very sweet to get that for you.”

It was then Vera noticed that there were tears brimming Isla’s eyes. Had she done something wrong by purchasing the lunchbox for Mason? Vera wouldn’t be able to handle herself if she had upset Isla. She had only wanted to help out.

“Mace,” Isla wiped at a tear, “why don’t you go in the living room and find your backpack while I finish dinner, okay?”

“Okay.”

As Mason scampered off, Vera turned her attention to Isla. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” Isla shook her head, “you didn’t.”

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