Page 42 of Roam

Sprite unbuckled Oakley and put her down to run into the house. Sprite followed, wondering how she was going to reach her oldest. In the time Blake had been with her, Blake hadn’t ever given Sprite the silent treatment. With all Blake had gone through, Sprite had been surprised how Blake never threw a fit.

She sat down on the floor and played with Oakley for a little while wondering how she could reach Blake. She’d texted Roam and Regina that she and the girls would be eating at their house.

After playing with Oakley for a half hour, starting a load of laundry and unloading the dishwasher, she had a hard time not going into Blake’s room because she missed hearing about Blake’s day.

The ring of the doorbell was a welcome distraction. Sprite opened the door and Regina stood there holding a large tray. She held the door as Regina walked in with Clara behind her.

“I hope it’s okay. Baron’s eating with Roam and the kids. I made a huge amount of food and hoped Clara and I could join you.”

Sprite smiled, following Regina into the kitchen. Clara slid her arm around Sprite when they stopped in the kitchen.

“Where is she?” Clara whispered.

Obviously, Roam had shared with Regina. Regina must have decided they’d come help and Sprite was happy to have any and all help. She was at her wits end on what to do.

“Bedroom. Hasn’t answered my questions or said one word to me since school.”

Regina started pulling out plates and getting the table ready with all the food. Sprite walked in to get Oakley and help her wash her hands. She helped Oakley onto the step stool in front of the sink and started to turn the water on.

“No, I do,” Oakley said batting her hand away.

Well, it seemed like both her girls were in moods. If they were both older, she’d think PMS was hitting her household. Oh goodness, how would she survive that with Blake or Oakley when she couldn’t even handle her daughter not talking to her. Oakley finished after splashing water everywhere, but she had to learn sometime.

Sprite helped her dry her hands, then followed as Oakley ran to the table, getting up in her booster seat. Blake and Clara had already come out and were sitting at the table. Sprite couldn’t tell if Blake was going to talk or if she was just going to eat. Clara looked at Sprite and Regina, then shook her head no. Sprite had hoped Clara would be a miracle worker. She hoped Regina and Clara had a lot to talk about because not only was she exhausted but she was exasperated not being able to figure out how to fix this.

The food was dished up and everyone started eating. Sprite knew she should start a conversation but hello, exhausted. She appreciated Regina and Clara coming over, but she wasn’t sure it was going to fix it.

“I heard that the shelter had a litter of kittens and a litter of puppies that were dropped off. People are already putting their names in to hold their favorite animal until they are old enough to be adopted. Oh, they were so cute. Weren’t you thinking of getting an animal, Sprite?”

Sprite hid her grin. She didn’t think anything could make her smile tonight, but she was going to soak up all knowledge from a master. Roam had mentioned that his mom had been able to get them to always talk. He said he still didn’t know how she’d get them to spill their secrets, but she could.

“Yes, but we hadn’t decided what to get. Last I heard Blake was going to check out animals.”

Sprite glanced down and checked Blake’s face from under her lashes. Blake had a frown on her face.

“Oh, well, that’s too bad. I’m sure they’ll go fast. Well, maybe the shelter will get more in a couple months,” Clara mentioned, then took a bite of her food.

Sprite had been near tears with Blake earlier, and now, hearing Clara and Regina play off each other, if Blake didn’t talk after this, then the girl had more willpower than Sprite would have at her age.

“Oh, I saw one of the puppies on the website. So cute. Here, let me show you, Sprite?”

Sprite knew Regina deliberately showed her because she was across the table from Clara, and Blake wouldn’t be able to see.

“Oh, they’re all so fluffy and cute. I’d love one but we can wait,” Sprite said and then took a bite of her food before she grinned. Blake was shifting in her chair and looking at Regina. Regina had slid her phone back onto the table upside down so no one could see the screen.

“Can I see the puppy?” Blake whispered.

“Oh, of course,” Regina picked up her phone and handed it to Blake.

Blake stared at the phone, then looked up at Sprite.

“They’re all cute. I think I want a puppy.”

Sprite smiled at her and waited to see if Blake would say more.

“Could we go see them and pick one out?”

“We can, Blake, but having a dog is a big commitment. I need to know that you’ll help feed the dog, play with the dog and take it outside even when you’re not happy.”

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