Mandy

Chapter 36

Worry fades away when we know for sure our future is in God's hands
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~the next afternoon~

"Mommy! Can we get mistletoe?" Amilee yelled as she clamored up the stairs.

Mandy stepped out of their room, a basket of laundry on her hip and a disapproving look on her face. "Amilee, no yelling." She reminded the girl.

Amilee frowned. "Sarah told me to tell you one of the people staying here asked about mistletoe." She relayed.

"Ok. I'll add it to the list. But next time, come and find me first, then tell me in a normal tone of voice." Mandy reprimanded.

"Alright." Amilee replied sadly, then walked back down the stairs very slowly and dramatically; no doubt to show her mother how unhappy she was about being scolded.

Sarah walked into the room. "Mandy, there's a guy here that wants to talk to you." She said.

   Mandy frowned. She didn't know any men who lived around here. Actually, most of the men she did know lived with her. "Ok." She replied, setting the laundry basket down.

   Sarah led her down to the lobby, where a man and a girl stood by the reception desk, waiting.

Mandy gasped as she saw the girl.

The man must have heard her, because he turned around and met her gaze.

Mandy put a hand over her mouth as she felt her eyes fill with tears. "Jonah."

He grinned at her. "I figured it was about time we met again." He said.

Mandy smiled, then turned to Amilee. "Sweetie, go get your daddy."

As Amilee ran off to do as Mandy asked, Mandy led her visitors into the kitchen.

Caleb walked in a minute later. "What's up?" He asked.

Mandy gestured towards the pair, and Caleb looked at them. His mouth dropped open in shock.

"She looks just like Liz." Caleb said, echoing Mandy's thoughts.

Jonah put his hand on the girls shoulder. "Lila, this is Mandy and that is Caleb." He introduced.

Mandy smile at the girl. "It's nice to meet you Lila."

   "You're related to my birth mom?" Lila asked.

   Mandy glanced at Jonah, who nodded; letting her know it was alright to let Lila know.

   "Yes, your birth mom was our sister." Mandy answered as she turned on the drink machine.

   Lila eyed Caleb, than Mandy. "You don't look alike." She said.

   "Some siblings don't." Caleb replied.

   Lila was right, Mandy mused. She and Caleb weren't anything alike in looks. She was short, he was tall. Her auburn hair contrasted to his jet black hair.

   "Ann, where is the sandpaper?" Jason asked as he walked into the kitchen.

"Umm, in the top drawer of the workbench. The workbench is in the storage room." She replied, not taking her eyes off Lila.

Jason looked at the girl. "She looks like Caleb." He commented, then left the area.

Caleb grabbed a muffin from the counter and followed Jason.

Mandy grinned. "We're trying to get some more renovations done." She explained to the pair. "Now, why don't I show you to your room."