Between the Barn and the Stage

17

I was in a daze when we pulled into my house. Chatham had to wave his hand in front of my face in order for me to realize we were here.

I opened the door and Sam practically leaped out of the car and ran to the house. I was more hesitant, and my mood now matched Chatham's gloomy one. "Bye." I said, and Chatham's brow creased slightly.

"You good?"

"No. My mom adopted this little girl named Darla, who seems to be scared of me. I hate my mom. Welp, hope your sister is okay, good bye young sir, have a good day. Hope your parents don't adopt a little girl without telling you and abuse you because they have no idea what else to do when they get mad." I said in one quick breath, and closed the door. I went to the front door that was cracked open because of Sam and took a breath. I unclenched my hands and hit my head on the doorway. I'm not ready for this. I don't know what to expect.

I straightened up suddenly and put a smile to my face, something I learned to do to make people worry less about me. Make them think I'm happy.

My mom was sitting with the little girl in her lap, and my grin for children appeared. I closed the door behind me and sat on the couch beside my mom as she slept. Darla shrank away from me, and my mom stirred.

"Lily! You're okay! I'm so glad you are back. Darla, this is your older sister. She's perfect! So nice. Say hi, Darla!" my mother said happily. Darla perked up and smiled at me. "Darla is a mute, doesn't say a word! Isn't that adorable? I'm going to fix it. Make her perfect."

My smile faltered, yet my mom didn't notice. She blabbed on and on about Darla, and then my phone buzzed. "Ah, can I take this?"

"Oh, of course! You aren't grounded anymore, silly!" my mom said, not really paying attention to me much. I took out my phone. Oh, surprise. Liam. He text, Yo, wanna come ovr to see some VLD? evry1 gonna B here

Yeah, he is perfectly normal. I replied with a question. Today or tomorrow?

Tmrrw, Lee. Ik ur bro.

Gotcha. Lemme ask mom .I sent. I looked up at my mom, asking, "Tomorrow, can I go to a friend's house?"

"Hmm? Yeah, sure." she replied halfheartedly. I gave Liam the okay, and he responded with a fist emoji. Fist bump? He tends to do that.

I bit my lip. My fingers itched to text Chatham, but I didn't know if he'd be in a good mood. My fingers hovered over the board, my better judgment telling me not too.

Too bad I never listen to my better judgment unless it's math related.

Hey yo mister! I have somthin of yours! I sent. His response was instantaneous.

What? Show me.

I grinned. I was being weird. I picked up a random piece of hair--it honestly could have been Furball's--and took a picture of it. I sent it to him, and he sent question marks. Then, That is just your hand...

Nope. Your hair. See that tiny little strand...

That, my friend, is dog hair.

Um. I don't really own a dog but okay. Nvm

How did u get dog hair on u when u dont own a dog...?

I blame Furball.

You lost me.

Furball is my aunt's boyfriend's dog.