Unfinished Symphony (Logan 3)

"We need some groceries," I said.

He raised his eyebrows.

"So, you still got a few bucks. While we're off to the mall for your sister's job, you go buy what you want," he said.

I made up my mind that was just what I would do.

"Clean up our room, too, while we're gone," he ordered. "I'm tired of living in a pigsty and until you start working and bringing in money, you'll earn your keep that way."

"I gave you money," I reminded him. He reddened.

"What money?" Mommy asked.

"Just some of her pocket money, hardly anything, but I need it to go riding up and down the valley seeing people and trying to get her a job, don't I? Well, don't I?" he pursued.

"Yes, I suppose so," Mommy agreed. It seemed there wasn't anything he couldn't make her think or say.

They drank their coffee, nibbled on some of the toast and then went to get dressed. I waited until they left and then I called Holly and told her where I was and what had finally happened.

"So you've decided to stay?"

"Yes," I said. Although I didn't tell her how Philip wanted me to leave, I did tell her how sad I thought Dorothy really was.

"She can't buy enough things to keep the darkness from her door," I told Holly.

"I know. It's a conversation she and I have had before. Maybe I should make another trip out there soon."

"I wish you would. She does miss you," I said.

"Listen to you, giving other people advice and trying to help them while your future is still uncertain. Don't take on more than you can handle, sweetheart, and call me if you need me."

"I will. Thank you, Holly."

As soon as I hung up, I called Cary, hoping he might just be home. He wasn't, but Aunt Sara was eager to talk.

"Jacob's very sick," she told me. "It was worse this time. And now Cary's got me worried, too. He barely gets any rest between going on the boat, looking after our business and running up to the hospital. I'm on my way up there now."

"I'm sorry, Aunt Sara. I wish I were there to help you." "Are you all right, dear? I haven't even asked you how your search is going. I'm sorry."

"That's all right. You have enough on your mind. Just give Cary my phone number, please, but tell him not to call until he really has a free moment. It's not any sort of emergency."

"I'm afraid it is here," she said in a tiny voice. "We all try to be strong for Jacob, but it gets so hard to keep our spirits up."

I heard her start to sob and then she quickly excused herself and hung up. I felt awful about being away from Aunt Sara and the family when things were going so poorly. I felt myself pulled in every direction. Mommy also needed me, but she seemed to have chosen her predicament. Cary and Aunt Sara and May had no choice.

Where did I really belong?

It seemed like I had been searching for home forever. Just when I th

ought I'd found it. . . .

8

A Star Shines

.

After I got dressed, I went downstairs and