Andersen Light by Tanya D. Dawson

Author:Tanya D. Dawson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Empower Press

Chapter Twenty-Five

A Few Adjustments

Georgie strode alongside Josefina up Luther’s Lane into a brisk afterschool breeze. She shoved her hands into jacket pockets against the autumn chill and cinched her scarf closer—to fend off both the cool air and interloping memory of Mom’s panicked phone call. Yesterday’s work with Luther had been an intense distraction, but she went to sleep with the call on her mind. She felt kind of bad about fretting over Mom with Black Jacket Man slinking around the school. Georgie didn’t even know if her mom was thinking about moving her. She peeked at Josefina. Dark pink edged her ears and nose.

“What?”

“Your ears and nose are pink.”

“So are yours.”

“And, well, my mom kind of freaked out about the homecoming raid. She saw it in the news. I’m worried she might move me back with her.”

“But it was a freak incident. At least that’s what the town thinks.”

“Yeah, I told her.”

“Well, stop worrying. You don’t want to attract what you’re worrying about, do you?”

“Duh.”

“Let’s talk to my mom and Luther.” She added, “If you’d like.”

Bright new stools graced the kitchen worktable. Georgie swiveled into one between Luther and Josefina. Maria Elena’s hot chocolate and warm almond flour raspberry scones hit the spot, and she hesitated to bring up the topic of her mom. Maybe she was paranoid about the whole moving thing, but part of her didn’t think so. She sipped the cocoa and searched Josefina’s profile for the words and will to speak.

“Georgie’s worried,” Josefina announced as if briefing the day’s news.

She started to “thank” her for spilling the beans, but stopped at Josefina’s I’m-trying-to-help expression.

“What is it, mija?” Maria Elena asked.

Everyone studied Georgie as she related the phone call with Mom and her fears of having to leave. “I love it here. Dad and I are closer.” She looked around the table. “I have a best friend. I love coming here to Andersen Light and spending time with you. How else would I learn about being a meta? I can’t imagine living somewhere else.”

“It’s normal for your mother to think of your safety, mija. Did she say something to make you believe she might take some sort of action?”

“It’s what she didn’t say. I told her what I just said to you, except for the meta part.”

“Keep in mind your mother also contends with changes in her new life,” Luther said.

“It couldn’t have been easy to see the news about Mystic Creek High, made scarier in national media,” Josefina offered.

“Yeah, I should have called her right away.”

“It’s done. No amount of ‘shoulding yourself’ will make you feel better,” said Maria Elena.

Shoulding—Georgie liked the word. “You’re right.”

“Your mother might feel better if she could see for herself where you spend your time,” Maria Elena suggested.

“She’s been in Mystic Creek before. I was born here. Has she been to the lighthouse?”

“No,” Luther explained, “your family moved away after you were born. Subsequent visits to your grandparents did not present the opportunity, although we were well acquainted.”

“Should we invite her?” If Mom had the chance to look around and meet everybody maybe she’d be glad I am here.

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