Sera sits down on the floor, legs crossed, back against the wall, tears falling down her cheeks. “She might be a She Devil, but Mama likes her. I think Mama will keep Kiki in line now.”
Nana clucks her tongue. “Your mother laughed and thought it was funny.”
I look to Kiki where she sits on the sofa, and she’s sound asleep, a smile on her face.
“In dreams,” I murmur.
Nana smiles. “Let me know if she oversteps again. There’ll be no second chances.”
I nod. “None.”
Kadi comes walking in. “Flower lady and mama came.”
I hug her tightly. “And they will again soon.”
Kadi nods. “I guess Kiki being bad made something good happen.”
Sera sighs. “Kiki knows now what being naughty can do. She doesn’t want to lose any of her friends.”
I look at my sister. “Do you think she sees more than just Lily, Tommy, and Sydney?”
Sera nods. “I do. I just hope she can block out the bad.”
I still, fear flowing through me. “I never thought of that.”
Nana stands up. “I did. She’s protected.”
I hug her. “Thank you, Nana.”
“You’re welcome, sweet Lucy. Your husband needs to get some spine. If he can face Regina, he can handle one little girl,” Nana teases.
“He fears the mojo,” Sera announces.
Nana smirks. “And so he should.”
Gampy stands in the doorway. “I’m really glad I missed whatever happened here.”
I laugh and hug him. “You should be.”
He sniffs and his arms tighten. “Lily.”
I nod as he lets go, turning to Sera.
“Come, Serafina.” He holds his arms out to her and she falls right into them. “You do your mother proud.”
“She wouldn’t like me being part of things,” Sera admits.
“If circumstances were different, neither would I. But this is something you need, and I think she’d understand that,” Gampy says.
“I hope you’re right,” Sera whispers.
“You dare question me, child?” he teases.
“Never,” she replies.
“Good answer.”
39
