Truth is before that happened I’d chafed at all the restrictions and lack of privacy what with a car following me wherever I go. But now I won’t leave this block without them trailing behind. The more the merrier.
He’d only grumbled when he came back into the room from making his rounds but he didn’t say anything, just climbed back into bed for his morning fix before rolling over to go take a shower before getting the kids ready for their Saturday morning drive. So with that kind of progress I don’t want to lose the momentum, ergo the impromptu BBQ.
CATALINA
I worked fast on my laptop while listening to Lily and Nia through the wireless headphones daddy had bought me. I had to get a lot done because I know as soon as daddy thinks of it I’ll be grounded and he’ll take my computer privileges away.
Bunny wasn’t here with me but I knew he was with the triplets, he likes to stand guard while they sleep, which gives me some free time. Bunny likes a lot of attention when I’m home.
“I think you should tell her what we’ve got so far. It’s about her after all.”
“I know Lily but she’s not like us, Caitie’s very soft, something like this might scare her.”
“I agree with Lily, I think you should tell her. That way at least she’d know and she’d be more careful.”
“But we still don’t know who he is, we just have a general location.”
“Well from what we have so far he’s not that far from where you are. Maybe your daddy already knows about him.”
“I don’t think so, if he did the uncles would be here already.”
“Well my mom’s calling me, time for my archery lesson.”
“Bye Lily and don’t forget you promised to teach us what you learned.”
“I will, talk to you later, and Catalina I hope your daddy don’t take your computer away.”
“Yeah me too, if he does when will we get to talk to each other? I can maybe send you something in the mail.”
“I’ll let you know if I need it Nia thanks.” They went offline but I still had a little bit more to do.
All the while my mind was working. I’d thought of having a talk with aunt Cierra but she’s pregnant and I don’t want to hurt the baby through stress. Uncle Hank would hate me if I did something to hurt either of them. I can’t tell mom because mommy doesn’t do things like this, and there’s no way I’m going to daddy.
So far he hasn’t said anything about taking my laptop away but I’m sure if I bring this up he’d for sure take it away and lock me in my room for the rest of my natural life. So maybe I should tell Caitlin after all.
I found her in her room sitting on her bed gazing off into space. Todd was back I know because I’d heard his voice in the house, maybe he’s out back with the boys. “Caitlin are you okay?” She looked around as if startled by my presence.
“Yeah, just thinking about that stuff you told me.” I sat on the bed next to her and told her about what I’d pieced together so far. “But you can’t do anything about it Caitlin okay, not until we know more.”
She nodded her head and I got up to leave, my mind already moving on to the next step.
Todd
I was still a bit steamed over the conversation with mom and needed to calm down before talking to my girl. I ran around the backyard with her brothers and their massive dog for a while to let off some steam before going back into the house to look for her.
Her mom stopped me as soon as I walked through the backdoor with a very nice idea. I can never repay her for the way she’s made me feel so welcomed, not only in her home, but in her daughter’s life. If not for her I probably wouldn’t have made the strides I have so far. And I’d only been home for a day and a half.
“You take this out to the jeep and then go up and get her.” I took the basket she passed to me and did as I was told. I took the stairs two at a time when I came back inside. I was getting more comfortable going to her room now that I know I wouldn’t be shot on the spot. She was just sitting on her bed looking lost in thought.
“Hey babe you okay?” She looked at me as if coming out of a fog and then she smiled. I walked further into the room my eyes steady on hers. “What is it?”
“Oh nothing, I was just thinking about my day with daddy.”
I wasn’t quite sure that she was telling me the truth but I had no other explanation so decided to leave it alone. “Your mom said we’re having a BBQ.”