3
I WOKE UP TO THE SOUND of mom and Nathan arguing. I opened my eyes and noticed we were parked by a small grocery store.
“Why not, Mom? I just don’t understand,” protested Nathan, who was standing outside her door and pouting.
She sighed. “Can we please talk about Deanna later?”
I groaned. “Oh, God, not now.” It was getting dark and we’d missed dinner and my stomach was protesting. I was cranky, and the last thing I needed was to hear any more drama about Deanna.
“Can’t she just stay with us the week before school starts?” Nathan pled. “She’s having a rough time with her parents, and now that I’m gone, things have gotten even worse. It’s not fair for her.”
Mom shook her head. “No, we have too much to do with unpacking and getting ready for school. Maybe she can come and visit someti
