Jewel attempted a weak laugh. “I was a little worried she’d stow away with the moving van and return to San Jose. That’s how resistant she’s been to this move.”
“Well, for your parents’ sake, I’m glad you and your daughter came. They really do need help. I try to do what I can, but your father makes it difficult.”
“I’m starting to understand. It’s too bad Dad does that.”
“Maybe having you and Cooper around will help mellow him.” Miguel finished his coffee. “And if Cooper needs a friend to show her around town, or whatever, I’m sure Anna would be happy to assist.”
“Anna sounds so wonderful, you might not want her to be around my brat.”
Miguel laughed. “I probably made Anna sound too good. Remember, I’m her dad, I’m a little biased.”
“She sounds like a sweet girl.” Jewel finished her coffee. “I guess I should get back to my dad.”
“Yep, and unless you need me here, I should probably get home. There’s a lot of work to do around the farm this time of year.”
“I’ll tell Cooper about Anna.”
“And let me know how it goes with your mom. Or if we can be of any help.”
“I’ll do that. Hopefully they’ll let her go home soon.”
9
CT
All these people! Running around like chickens. Headless chickens. And one of them has green hair! Who are these girls? Why are they here? Isn’t thismyhouse? I think it is, but it’s not the same. I think this is my chair. It feels like my chair. But everything is different. Why do people keep changing everything around? Who are these people, anyway?
“Dad?” the tall woman says to me.
“What?” I glare at her. Why does she keep calling me Dad? She’s not my little girl. She’s a big girl!
“Mom is resting in her room.” The big girl places a hand on my shoulder. “Are you ready to have some dinner now?”
“No.” I shake my head so hard it makes my brains rattle, but I want her to understand. “Not hungry!”
“You need to eat something.”
“Not hungry.”
“Grandma made roast beef,” the one with green hair says. I think she’s a child, but she’s tall too.
I shake my finger at her. “Why is your hair green?”
“Because I like it like this.”
“Whoareyou?” I ask her.
“I’m Cooper,” she speaks loud and slow. Does she think I can’t hear?
“Cooper?” I stare at her. “That’smyname. Cooper...” I try to remember the other part of my name.
She smiles and nods. “Yes. I know. You are CooperThomas. I’m CooperJanelle.”
“No, I’m CT,” I correct her.
“Okay, then I’m CJ.” She sits in the chair across from me. The chair where Honey should sit. Where is Honey? “Mom named me Cooper after you.”
“Mom?” I try to put the puzzle together. “Is Honeyyourmom?”
