“Hi, Clem.” She gives me a hesitant wave, and before I can ask how’s she doing, she says, “I’m really sorry about my dad yesterday.”
“Mere, there is nothing to be sorry about. Your dad was right.”
“Not at all.” Her face reddens with anger as her fists curl by her sides. “I heard some of the things he said to you. He told you not to watch TV and have dinner with me. Why not?”
“Mere, honey.” I try to calm her down, not liking how she shakes with anger. “I also enjoy our dinner conversations.” I grab her hand before proceeding further. My heart aches knowing I’m the reason for this rift between Mere and Keith. “But your dad has his reasons, valid reasons. He loves you, a lot. I’d be blind to not see how much he cares about you. He doesn’t want you getting hurt.”
Her tensed jaw loosens at my words.
“I’m not going to get hurt. I like you in our home. You talk…about something other than Mom.”
Her words rattle my core. I remember what she said to Keith on my first day. Chasing a ghost. Of her mother?
Holy crap!
My heart clenches for her and also for Keith. I can’t imagine how lonely they both are.
“Mere, I like talking to you too. You can come up anytime and we can chat.” I nod toward the loft. “But your dad is right. I’m temporary, honey.”
My explanation has no effect on her.
“My nana has tenants who have been living at her place for ten years. You can live with us for ten years. Didn’t you say you don’t want to go back to Cherrywood? You like St. Peppers more than your home. Don’t you?”
Before I can tell her that, at this time, I’ll be more than happy to get my three months’ probation period back, she asks, “Can you keep Snowy with you for a little longer? I haven’t talked to Dad about her yet.”
The way her lips twist, I’ve a feeling she hasn’t talked to her dad at all since last night. All because of me. A sense of guilt hits me again.
“Of course, Mere. Don’t worry about Snowy. But—”
“I know. I’ll tell him.”
In hopes of cheering her up, I open my shopping bag. “I actually did some shopping for Snowy. Just something to get through this week.”
Her face lights up upon seeing the purple cat bowl and litter tray.
“They look so cute.” She flips the bowl around.
“I thought you’d like it. I also got some food and a small packet of litter.” I show her the rest of the things. “So, don’t worry about Snowy.”
After returning to my room, I think back to what Merida said, imagining how my life will be in ten years.
Will I still have a job at Vanshionista? That’s hard to believe given Vanessa’s extra-low tolerance for mistakes.
And even if I do, will Keith let me stay in their home?
When I left Cherrywood, I wanted to live on my own terms, but not alone. I’d hoped to make friends, and in the past week I thought I did. Though, a thirteen-year-old girl and her forty-year-old dad might not be considered the most conventional friends.
I’m still lost in thoughts when my phone rings. My lips curl up in a smile and my sober heart lightens seeing the name of my best friend, Em.
“How do you always know I’m missing you?” I ask without any ruse of hi or hello.
“Why don’t you believe when I tell you I’m from another world with mystical powers?”
We giggle like little girls.
“So, how’s life? How are your new friends?”
A warmth radiates through my heart hearing her words. Em might not be from another world, but she does have mystical powers to read my mind, even from miles away.