Senior Year Box Set

We had a dance party, which got the munchkins’ minds off their mom not being home, and wore them out, so they crashed. The older two were building up their stamina. I had a glimpse of what my life would look like in a few years. I was still a teenager, and I was tired after playing with my niece and nephews all evening.

Finally, I got them their baths and to bed with a story about a pony. It had been Mac’s turn to pick. After I finished, I found my brother in the spare bedroom they’d turned into an office.

“They finally asleep?”

“They’re getting there if they aren’t already,” I said and then smiled. “You missed Mom going off on Angie. She kicked her out today.”

“Tell me you have video,” Greg begged.

“Sorry. I was trying not to make any noise that might interrupt the show. Angie thought I should pay for her to rent a deluxe apartment. All she needed was first, last, and a security deposit.”

“Then next month, it would have been rent, utilities, and food. I put myself in charge of our money after we came up short the first few months we were married. Angie doesn’t do long term,” Greg shared.

I expected it would be tough for her when she first was on her own because she’d never had to budget before. But now? She had three little ones, and it wasn’t just about her anymore.

“I didn’t come here to bash Angie. Is there anything you need?” I asked.

“I could actually use some money. Angie cleared out our bank account,” Greg admitted.

I pulled out my money clip and handed him cash.

“Go see Scarlet and have her get you a debit card. I want you to use it if you need to.”

My brother looked a little defeated.

“I feel like such a failure having to ask my little brother for money,” he admitted.

“No, don’t beat yourself up over this. I’m glad you felt like you could ask. In fact, let me know if you need anything else. After all, we’re family, and I’m sure you would come to my aid if I were in a spot. I’m more than happy to help,” I said sincerely.

He gave me a hug. He needed to know that he had someone in his corner right now. I was sure Greg would be back on his feet in no time. I was glad he had the kids, and Angie didn’t. She would have used them to blackmail us into taking care of them and her.

◊◊◊ Monday March 20

When I came down after my run and shower, I found Cassidy staring off into space instead of making breakfast.

“What’s up, Buttercup?” I asked.

“Daddy made me take the kittens to a shelter. We had to drive clear to Springfield to find a no-kill one.”

I felt better about that.

“They’ll find them homes,” I assured her.

“He also said we can’t date,” she pouted.

I chuckled.

“Perhaps some Friday or Saturday night, you would be my security when I go out for dinner,” I suggested.

“I would rather watch your TV show with my dad,” Cassidy complained.

Obviously, she didn’t get what I was saying. I blinked at her a few times before I saw the light bulb come on.

“Yeah, I can do that,” she said and smiled.

Cassidy got busy, and my parents came down. Dad grabbed the paper and began flipping through pages.

“I see our mayor was busy yesterday. He cleaned up a yard and saved a litter of kittens. The story says they think he’s a shoo-in for the next election,” Dad said.

It must have been a slow news day.

“Angie cleaned out her and Greg’s bank account, and he needs some money. I told him to talk to Scarlet about getting a debit card.”

“No, you won’t. We’ll take care of it,” Mom said.

“But …”

“When your kids are in college, you can bail them out. Greg is our responsibility,” Dad said to back up my mom.

This whole ‘having each other’s back’ routine my parents were doing was getting old. What happened to the good old days when I could divide and conquer?

“Do you need any money?” I asked my parents with a straight face.

“You made the mistake of giving your mother a debit card. Don’t come crying to me if she uses it,” Dad said.

I made the executive decision not to comment.

◊◊◊

Paul was driving us to school. I had my earbuds in and noticed Cassidy suddenly glance over at me and blush, so I pulled out an earbud.

“What is that noise?” Paul asked.

I pulled out the other earbud and heard a mew. This was me now: head tilted to the side, with a confused expression like Duke gets when I tell him to do something he doesn’t want to do.

“I planned to get the kitten out when I got a chance,” Cassidy blurted. Then she added shyly, “He’s good at hiding.”

“Pull over,” I told Paul.

I grabbed a flashlight from the glove compartment and shined it under the passenger seat. A black kitten had wedged itself under there. I tried to reach it, but every time I made a grab, the little beast scooted over.

Cassidy seemed impressed when I ended up pulling the whole seat out of the car. When the kitten saw me, it ran to Cassidy for protection.

Once we got to school, I walked her to her dad’s office. He took one look at Cassidy and what she had and groaned.

“I’m keeping it,” Cassidy announced.

It made my whole week to see him try to figure out how to say ‘no.’ In the end, he caved. Wimp.

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