Ghostwriter

Chapter 5

Momma J rocks Colton in her arms, leaning back and forth in her chair. A quilt's draped over her shoulders. "Little Colt's growing up to be a fine little boy."

"He is. Don't put him to sleep yet." I sip some of the nursery home's coffee and sigh. I adjust my seated position on her bed. She's got her own cup on the bedside table, and the chair's maneuvered so I can face her.

Momma J's laugh rumbles around the room. "This boy ain't falling asleep, girl. He's too busy trying to figure out if Grandma's necklace is food or not!"

Colton looks up from chewing on her large, beaded necklace, then goes back to the task at hand. Momma J bops his nose, and I smile.

"You're doing a fine job. I know you doubt yourself, my sweet girl, but you're making out to be a wonderful momma, just like I knew you'd be. Don't you ever let anyone look down on you for having a baby attached to your hip instead some boy, you hear?" Her lip quivers, and she runs a hand through her thin white fuzz before pulling the blanket closer to her. She takes a sip of her coffee then sets it back down before speaking again.

"You hear me, baby girl?"

I bite my lip and look up at the textured ceiling. I wanna tell her about Ghostwriter, and how I'm trying to make the public more aware of what really killed Colton's parents. The public, however, doesn't seem to be listening. Few visit my blog, and after seven updates packed with information that news stations would kill for, I'm a little... well, I want her thoughts. I've got another update on the way, and I wish I could talk to her about it.

I glance at Colton and I know why I can't. Who knows who else is listening to our conversations? Then realize she's staring at me.

"You ok, Annie? Some boy chasing you? Or something at work? Or is Colton still whining at night again?"

"Yes, Momma, I'm fine. Momma... speaking of boys..."

"Ha! I knew there'd come a time! Soulmarks don't determine the world. Tell me about him." She reaches out and lays a hand on my thigh. I gasp her cold, rough hand in mine.

"Well, Hilton Grey's a nice man--"

"I should hope so!"

I grin. "Hill takes me home from work. He runs a Wayne Animal Shelter, and he loves animals too much for his own good. He's got a soulmate, but she's gonna die soon, so he's hoping I can fill in the spot."

Momma J quiets, and she pushes her glasses up her nose. "He say that? Fill in the spot?"

My shoulders stiffen, and I bring the coffee mug to my lips before taking another sip. "Well, not exactly. But he's hoping we could try it out together. You know."

"Baby girl, I love you, but you can't be that boy's soulmate. You only get one soulmate, even if you deserve another. Don't walk into a relationship expecting that." She glances at my shoulder. I look away.

"I know, Momma." I stare down at the mug, and Momma J squeezes my hand.

"Well, it'll work out. Just straighten things out with the young man and you'll do fine. He like kids?" She bounces Colton.

"He's always wanted them." I reach out and run the tips of my fingers through his dark curls.

"Well, he's in luck then. That's not something every scarmark can offer. This boy, can he get you back to school? Don't you date a boy that keeps you away from school."

"I don't know. Maybe. He just got a promotion." College is a lot of money.

"You're too smart to be a grocery store clerk."