Free Beckoners by Carrie Mac Page B

kind of mom who breastfed her kid until they were four. Wish showed up half an hour before she was supposed to, and she was no hippie.
    Standing there, clutching a squalling, writhing toddler in her arms, was the most pierced person Zoe had ever seen. In addition to the small thick rings lining her ears, she had metal in her nose, lower lip, both eyebrows, and in the space between her eyes, which was hard to see above her silver-rimmed, rhinestoned cat’s-eye glasses.
    â€œZoe?” She shifted the kid to her hip and held out her hand. “I’m Wish, hi.”
    â€œYou’re early.” Zoe tried not to stare at the stud in her tongue.
    â€œYeah, uh...look, I’ve got to take Connor to Emergency.” She put her palm to his brow. “He’s got a massive temperature. I’m really sorry.”
    â€œDon’t worry about it.” Zoe was relieved to have an excuse not to go, an excuse even Beck had to buy. “I’ll stay home, it’s no big deal.”
    â€œOh, you can still go. Mrs. D’s daughter is coming. I called your mom. She said that was okay.”
    â€œReally?” Zoe hesitated. “She said it was okay? You’re sure?”
    â€œYeah, I’m sure. You can call her if you want, but she said it was no problem. Make it quick though, because I got to go.”
    â€œNo, no. That’s okay.” Zoe watched a black tow-truck with silver lettering on the side pull in, its diesel engine idling, thrasher music pulsing from the cab. Wish pushed a chunk of purple hair out of her eyes and waved at the driver. From the doorway all Zoe could see of him was that he had freaky black hair and a huge bullring through his nose.
    â€œThat’s T-Bone. I have to go.”
    When the doorbell rang half an hour later, it was Dog standing there, dressed in saggy-kneed overalls, notebook sticking out of her pocket. Shadow sat at her feet, tail wagging.
    â€œWhat are
you
doing here?”
    â€œI thought you were out.” Dog’s words were just as sharp as Zoe’s. “I thought your mom was here.”
    â€œShe’s at work. You’re Mrs. D’s daughter, of course.” Zoe smacked her forehead. “Mrs.
Donelly.
I thought everyone called her Barb.”
    â€œYou didn’t know it was me?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t.”
    â€œI’ll go.” She gestured back towards her house. “I’ll just go.”
    â€œNo, no. I was just surprised, that’s all.” Zoe checked both ways, just in case Janika was on her way. “Come in.” Janika was supposed to pick her up and Zoe did not want her to see Dog being ushered into her house. But here was a perfect opportunity to show Dog that she wasn’t like the others. “Come on in.”
    â€œYou’re sure the coast is clear?” April said sarcastically.
    â€œI was just seeing if my ride was here.”
    â€œUh-huh,” April said. “Can Shadow come in? I won’t babysit for you unless he can come in.”
    â€œWhatever, sure.” Zoe checked the road again. No Janika yet. “Just come in.”
    Shadow trotted in happily, turned around in circles by the couch and plunked himself down under the coffee table, grizzled chin on his big paws.
    â€œHe won’t make a mess or anything.”
    â€œWhatever. It’s fine with me, really.” Zoe gave her a quick tour of the place, apologizing for the lack of junk food and the fact that they only had two channels.
    Janika hollered from out front. Zoe stiffened. She stepped in front of Dog, so Janika wouldn’t see her right away if she barged in.
    â€œUh, I don’t know when I’ll be home.” Zoe pulled on her jacket and backed towards the door. “Is that okay?”
    â€œIt doesn’t matter. It’s not like I have plans or anything.”
    Janika pounded on the kitchen window, her dark saucer eyes peeking in. Zoe waved at her and she disappeared. Zoehesitated