Page 173 of As They Are
“About people leaving, right?” he asked.
My eyes went wide. “Uh, yes.”
“I’m sorry your mom did that,” he said quietly. “My dad did too. My biological one, I mean.” The word came out slowly, as if he’d recently memorized it.
“He did?” I asked.
“A few kids asked me about him, but I never cared.”
“Why?”
“Because I met new people. Ones who really care about me. Myrealdad is Cain, and if I have him, I feel okay. Is there someone like that for you?”
My eyes went to Mollie, who was looking at Eric with a small smile on her face. Then I thought of Tammy, who’d come to chat with me simply because she saw me, and Henry who rushed to my side when I’d taken a tumble off of the ladder.
“I do,” I said slowly. “And I’m lucky to have them.”
“It’s good to have people that really like you. Not ones who want to change you.”
“He’sfive?”I whispered to Mollie.
“Almost six, butstill,” she whispered back, wiping at her eyes. “He’s so mature.”
He’d said exactly what I needed to hear.
“Thank you,” I said. “And I can’t stay for too long, but I absolutely can help you with an amazing marble run before I go!”
“Yes! Can you make sure it goes down the stairs?”
“Absolutely not!” Cain yelled from the kitchen. “I’m not breaking a leg because of a marble!”
“When I have some time, I’ll get you more pieces to make somethinghuge,” I said. “But for now, let’s see what I can do that won’t get you in trouble with your dad.”
31
HENRY
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor:You people are way too into your phones! Look around! Notice your neighbors! JEEZ.
Comments:
Jade Clark: Is there something you want us to notice, Kerry?
Marjorie Brown: Probably that silly hat she’s wearing.
Kerry Winsor: It’s a BERET and it’s not silly! I was trying something new and no one even noticed!
Hu Gh:I noticed. I thought you were going through one of those midlife crisis things. I didn’t wanna be called rude again.
Kerry Winsor:IT’S NOT A MIDLIFE CRISIS! IT’S A FASHION STATEMENT.
Jade Clark:Do you have the urge to buy a sports car, Kerry?
Marjorie Brown: Aging is very normal! Just look at me!
Kerry Winsor: I HATE YOU ALL.
