Episode 4 by Tamara Hart Heiner

Author:Tamara Hart Heiner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: middle grade, family, divorce, bullying, friendship, kids, books for girls, chapter book
Publisher: Tamark Books
Published: 2016-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

True Love

MR. JONES CAME HOME right before dinner time. Cassie and Emily exchanged a secret smile, even though they knew their parents hadn’t seen the gifts yet.

“How was work today?” Mrs. Jones asked. She ladled the soup into bowls for the family.

“Long day.” He heaved a huge sigh and loosened his tie. “But we finished up that project. From here to the end of the year should be smooth sailing.”

“Good for you, Jim!” She put the last bowl down and held out her hands. “Shall we pray?”

Cassie bowed her head as her father blessed the food. Barely had he said “amen” before he pushed back his chair and stood up.

“I need a different shirt,” he said. “This one’s uncomfortable.”

He left the table, and Cassie felt a squirm of anxiety. What if he went in the bathroom? He’d see the flowers. And the note. And he’d know he hadn’t given them to her mother.

He returned moments later, and Cassie let out a breath of relief. There hadn’t been enough time to go to the bathroom.

“Did you give your presentation today, Cassie?” he asked.

“No.” She shook her head with a grimace. “There was a fire drill that interrupted class. I guess I’ll give it tomorrow.”

“Maybe you won’t have to give it,” her mom said.

“It kind of feels that way,” Cassie admitted. “But after all that work and all this waiting, I’ll be disappointed if I don’t get my chance.”

“Tomorrow will be your day, then,” Mr. Jones said.

“I’ll clear the table,” Cassie said when everyone finished eating.

“It’s not your job,” her mom said. “It’s Scott’s.”

“I’ll do it for him. Emily will help. Right?” she looked at Emily.

“Yep.” Emily nodded. “I’ll help.”

“You’re volunteering to do someone else’s job?” Mr. Jones shook his head and put his plate in the sink. “I must be at the wrong house.”

“I help out sometimes!” Emily protested.

“All the time,” Cassie added.

“Well, since you’re helping,” Mr. Jones said, “if you girls get the table, cleared I’ll do the dishes.”

“Looks like you guys have it under control.” Mrs. Jones stood up. “I have more laundry to fold, so I’ll be in the bedroom.”

Cassie had hoped to talk to Emily, but she couldn’t really do that with their dad there. She couldn’t decline his offer to help, either, or he would think something was wrong. Instead she just shrugged at Emily and started putting the leftovers into containers.

Mrs. Jones wandered back into the kitchen, her lips pursed together and her brow creased. She stood at the counter staring into space.

“You okay, Karen?” Mr. Jones asked.

She turned to face him, a smile creasing her expression. “Yes, Jim. It seems that someone left me flowers.”

Cassie caught her breath. She froze, a plate in one hand, her fingers almost touching the rim of another.

“Flowers?” Mr. Jones said. His own expression morphed into a frown. “Who would do that?”

Cassie shot a wide-eyed look at Emily. That wasn’t how this conversation was supposed to go.

“Well, apparently you did,” Mrs. Jones said, her smile widening.

Cassie groaned internally.

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