A Tribe United Again

Chapter 9

Laura bobbed her head and yawned even though she knew Marcy couldn't see her. "Thank you, Moppet."

"Do you have work today?" Marcy asked.

"Not at the gallery. I have work to do on my own but Karou's house is almost done. I want to put the finishing touches on it so-"

"They can get out?"

Laura was shocked into laughing. "Marcy!"

"If you could get Maddie out, I bet you would. Only you and Marc? Score."

Laura laughed. "No!"

"Keep lying to yourself."

"You stop that!"

"Alright, fine. Let's pretend I'm not right. I know the house is nearly done cuz Arnoldo's been pulling his weight and over there every day this week."

"I know. I appreciate him doing the hard lifting."

"Are you doing a big reveal or just giving them the boot?"

"Oh Marcy..."

Marcy groaned. "Are you being nice and special or casual and low-key?"

Laura smiled. "You know Karou. I have to make a big deal."

"Crazy heifa..."

"Marcy!" Laura laughed again.

"She is! Arnold's going to have to watch her around this Raphael Uno character! She's already called everyone, talking about him like he invented bacon!"

"I know." Laura sighed. "She's just excited about belonging to a group."

"She wanna belong alright. Hey? I gotta go. I'm being paged. I'll see you later for your party. Happy birthday again. Bye."

"Thank you. Bye." Laura hung up and went back to spreadsheets in her room.

ATUA

Mike blinked in shock. "Really?"

"Yes." His mentor was a dry man but very brilliant.

"Oh. Okay. Thank you?"

Dr. Robert Wright raised a brow. "The hospital pays for this person."

"Oh. Okay." Mike tried to play it off but he was impressed. He was getting an assistant.

"You've got two days." Dr. Wright walked away.

"Yes, Dr.!" Mike lifted his voice.

Dr. Wright didn't acknowledge his words.

Mike went inside his office and got to work on paperwork so he could leave on time.

ATUA

Paris washed her hands and arms thoroughly before drying them. She went to collect her things and waved goodbye to her boss and co-workers before leaving.

She went to her car and got in it to drive to a store. She knew she was late but she hadn't gotten Laura a birthday gift yet. Usually she'd never be this late but she'd been busy for months then really busy this past week.

She parked and got out to go inside. The store was clean and beautiful. She loved the way it smelled like oranges. Walking around, she tried to think of what she wanted to get Laura.

A sales representative walked up to her with a tight smile. "How may I help you?"

"I'm looking for a birthday present for my cousin."