Page 154 of Daddies' Little Spitfire

Hedda knew that Papa and Daddy didn't exactly like Rogan. It didn't take a rocket scientist to see that. And her brother didn't like them either.

But they were trying and she had seen it.

"Sweets?" Papa asked. "What's wrong? Why are you worried?"

"My brother," she gently said. "I'm worried about him."

His hand landed on her back and started to rub up and down.

"You're going to be okay," Papa said. "Tell me when you're ready."

She didn't know if she would ever be ready. But maybe Papa could help her try to understand or give her help.

"I'm just worried about him. He was acting a little different before we came home. He went to his other house before we left," Hedda said. "He never does that."

"Why?" Papa asked.

"It's only for emergencies. It's like a safe haven in case something happens to the main house."

She had never really understood why since he never used it. Was he just paranoid? But that couldn't be it. Something had to have happened for him to visit it.

"And he visited the place a couple of times?" Papa asked.

"Yes," she whispered. "Something is wrong and I don't know what. It's making me worried."

Papa hugged her and she snuggled into his chest. What was she going to do?

"What about you call him and ask?" Papa suggested.

"I don't know," she whispered. "He has been busy, and I don't want to bother him."

He was always busy, and this wasn't as important. He had way more important things to think about. To do.

"I think he would want you to call him," Daddy said.

Hedda wasn't surprised that Daddy was listening into their conversation. Where one came, the other one was nearby.

At first, she had been surprised but it didn't bother her anymore. It was normal.

"I think Daddy is right," Papa said. "If you're worried about him, call him. He would want to know."

"You think so?" Hedda asked.

"I know so," Daddy said. "You can call him and talk to Rogan in your room. The computer is already set up."

Hedda didn't get up from the couch. Did she want to do this? Was she going to bother him? She didn't want to bother him and this felt like it.

"You aren't bothering him," Papa said. "He really would want you to call him. He cares about you."

"He has a funny way of showing it now," Hedda mumbled.

"Everyone has a different way of showing it. His is a little different but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about you."

"I guess."

"It's going to be okay," Daddy said. "If you want us to be there we will."

Should she have them with her? Rogan probably wouldn't talk about things with them present.

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