Eventually we were able to pull away from each other, and neither of us said anything even though it was clear by our eyes that we had cried.
She sniffed and then stuffed the last bit of pancakes into her mouth before getting to her feet.“Let’s get cleaned up.I’m sure you’re going to be busy very soon.”
I groaned as I helped her clear the table and load the dishwasher.Then I headed upstairs to shower and get ready for the day.
More of the song came to mind.I wasn’t lying when I told Janice that the song had helped me.
Rest, my friend, the night is here,
Close your eyes, I’m always near.
Skies will sing in gentle light,
Holding you through the endless night.
Chapter Twenty-Six
By the time I showeredand got dressed, my phone was blowing up again.This time, just from Seth telling me to join them for breakfast.After I told him Janice already had that covered, I had to promise to come over after they finished eating, in about an hour.
He was excited to introduce me to his parents.
“Uh oh,” Janice said when she came into the living room and saw my expression.
“What?”I asked.
“You’re scared.Meeting parents, right?Seth’s?”
I nodded.“I haven’t met them yet.”
“It’ll be fine.”
I’d basically met all the others, but for some reason, meeting Seth’s was scary.Even scarier than when I met Bryan’s.“Are you coming over with me?”
Janice glanced out the window.It was finally light enough to see the squad car parked outside.I felt bad for whoever was out there, forced to work on Christmas.But I also could say that I was glad too.
“Yeah, I have just enough time to make the guards some cinnamon rolls.The least we can do for them on Christmas morning.”Janice went into the kitchen.
