Page 68 of Cause and Effect

“STOP!” I put my hands up. “One at a time, please. Sara, you first, sweetheart.”

“Justin Keeley apologized to me today and to all the other kids he’s been bullying.”

“He did? Wow. I’m happy he finally came to his senses.” I patted her head as I headed for the stairs, and the girls followed.

“Stella, your turn.” I walked into my bedroom.

“My teacher was arrested today,” Stella said.

“What?” I whipped my head around and looked at her. “Why?”

“I don’t know. It was something about her having an affair with a student from the high school. I stopped the police before they escorted her out of the classroom and gave her your number. I told her you’d help her. She’ll be calling you. I’m shocked she hasn’t already.”

“Stella, you can’t give people my number and tell them I’d help them. We talked about this before.”

“She’s so nice, Mom. I don’t want her to go to jail.”

“Ugh, Stella.” I took a pair of sweatpants from my drawer and put them on. “Sophie, what can’t you wait to tell me?” I pulled a tank top out of my closet.

“The poem I wrote won first place out of everyone in the school. My teacher is going to submit it to the state finals!”

“Oh, sweetheart. I’m so happy for you!” I smiled, hugging her. “Where’s Grandma?” My brows furrowed.

“She’s in the backyard with Grandpa. They’re enjoying some iced tea,” Stella said.

“What’s for dinner?” Sophie asked.

“Julian is bringing Chinese for dinner tonight.”

“Yay! Julian’s coming over!” Sara exclaimed.

“We have to talk about a case, so after dinner, I need you three to go to your rooms and do your homework. Got it?”

“Got it,” they all said simultaneously.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Julian

I picked up the Chinese food and headed to Laurel’s house. As I walked up to the porch, the door flew open, and Sara stood there smiling.

“Hi, Julian.”

“Hello, Sara. How was school today?”

“Good. Justin Keeley apologized to me.”

“That’s great. I’m happy he did.” I smiled, patting her head.

I walked into the kitchen and saw Laurel washing her hands at the sink.

“Hi,” I said, setting the plastic bags on the island.

“Hi.” She dried her hands on the towel and reached into the cabinet, pulling down the plates. “Are you over being mad at me?” she asked.

“No. I’m not. But we’ll discuss that later,” I said.

Sophie and Stella ran into the kitchen and threw their arms around my legs.

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