Girl in the Shadows (Shadows 2)

"What does that mean?"

"I called the school that we want Echo to attend and as it turns out, they have an opening and a need for someone like me. so I'm taking a job there. I was just explaining it to her," he said.

"Really? That's wonderful, Tyler.'

"I think so," he said. "I told my mother I would be showing her more respect by using the gifts she had given me. She understands now. At least. I think she does," he said.

"If she doesn't, she's a fool." I said, I wasn't in the mood to candy-coat anything. In many more ways than I thought. I had turned into my sister, my tough, competitive sister.

He nodded meekly. "How's Mrs. Westington taking all this?"

"She doesn't know any of the nifty-gritty details and we're not letting her know until the doctor gives the okay, but she's pretty smart and knows we went through something very unpleasant."

"Yeah," he said, looking down. "I'm sure you did. I'm sure it was horrible.'

"We're okay," I said firmly, 'Both of us are okay."

"That's good." He raised his eyes and then smiled at Echo and stood up. "Well. I just stopped by to see how you two were and to tell you my plans. Everything's still on go for her and the school. right?"

"I'm sure it is." I said.

"Something smells pretty good." he said. and I suddenly realized there was something cooking on the stove. I hadn't done it, of course.

I signed to Echo and she signed back that she had put up a casserole her grandmother had made and left in the freezer.

"I guess I slept through it all," I said. "I guess she's capable of a lot more than everyone thinks.'

"She is and she'll grow even more so when she enters the school. By this time next year, you won't recognize her."

"I won't be here that long. Tyler."

"No. Of course not," he said.

"But I'll come visit."

"Sure." he said. smiling.

We stared at each other for a moment. "I'm sorry," he said. "I really acted--"

"Let's stop apologizing. Tyler. I'm hungry." I said, and he laughed. "Echo," I said, turning to her and signing, "should we invite Ty to dinner?"

She nodded so quickly and emphatically. I thought her eyes would roll.

"Then let's set the table," I said.

We all went to work. It felt good to be happy, to joke and to enjoy ourselves. Moments after the table was set, the doorbell rang and we greeted two police officers. Looking past them. I saw my car. They asked me to sign that I had received it and then I thanked them and they left.

Just as we sat at the table to began to eat, the phone rang. Ty

ler and I looked at each other, both holding our breath. I rose and answered it in the kitchen. He remained at the table with Echo.

"Hello." I said. Every time this phone rang, it made my heart pound.

"It's Doctor Battie, Just wanted to let you know that we will be doing the pacemaker tomorrow morning. She's not exactly where I'd like her to be, but we decided not to wait any longer on it."

"What time?"

"Early. It should all be over by eight o'clock," he said.