Free MC: LaPonte-Karr: Book Three by L. Ann Marie Page A

about an hour or so."  Danny tells me.
    "I got here too early?  Devan isn't up?"  Oh boy I'm a dunce.
    "Tiny gave him a bottle and put him back to bed."  Danny says.
    "I can leave and come back later."  I stand embarrassed.  Ben said don't run away from your family so I walk slow to the door.
    Danny follows me.  "You don't have to leave.  We don't mind the company."
    "Thank you, but I'll come back later."  I walk out the door not running and go back to the other house.  When I look over he is still on the porch watching me.  I wave and he waves back.  He's just watching out for me.  That is nice of him.
    I don't know what to do so I make breakfast like Patches showed me.  He comes down stairs smiling at me.  I did good again!
    He kisses my cheek.  "Good morning pretty Tess.  This looks good.  Thank you."
    "Rich went to work.  The kids aren't up so I made you breakfast."  I smile at him.
    "You went to the house?"  He looks shocked.
    "You said I can walk by myself."  My hands shake.  I look away from him.
    "Tess, look at me.  You didn't do anything wrong.  I should have told you what time is ok to go over.  I don't go over until nine in the summer.  During school I go earlier to help everyone get ready."  He doesn't sound mad.
    "You're not mad at me?"
    "No Tess.  Was anyone up?"  He's smiling.  He's not mad.
    "Danny and Tiny was there.  Danny made me coffee but I left because the kids weren't up and Tiny took care of Devan."
    He nods, "He does that a lot."  He says then eats his breakfast.
    This is summer so I have to wait until nine to go over tomorrow.  I finish eating and look at all the food left.  "I made too much.  I should have taken out the kid’s part."  He smiles.  He's still not mad.  "I'll remember tomorrow."
    "I want to take you to the Diner tomorrow.  I think you'll like the food there.  My friend Sam runs it.  His old lady is a waitress.  We have a Bakery here too; we need to run by there.  Jess runs it and takes care of the club money and businesses."  He smiles standing up.
    "Can I work here too?"  I want to work.
    "Right now we want you to get comfortable relearning about everyday things.  I have a list we'll cross the stuff off as you relearn it.  Today we cross off breakfast.  You made it perfect."
    I smile, "I won't make so much next time unless we're with the kids."
    "We can still cross it off.  I need to do laundry later, we'll do it together and cross that one off too."  He watches me.  I smile and nod.  "If you're ready I promised Darren some muffins.  We can go meet Peg and pick up the muffins at the Bakery."
    "I didn't brush my teeth.  I'll be right back."  I run up the stairs.  I need to remember to brush like Ally.
     
    Patches
    She's so fuckin cute.  Danny and Tiny must have laughed their asses off.  She comes back down and takes my hand.  I like that she's doing it on her own.  We walk in the Bakery and Peg smiles at us.  She has customers so she tells me to come around and pick up the box for the kids.  Karen is making coffee but stops to say hello to Tess.  She used to work at the Center but left when VP shot a guy there; it was too stressful.  She's sweet though and makes Tess smile.  We go through the doors; Mary and a Prospect are back here getting cakes from the oven.
    Mary stops and comes around the work table to say hi to Tess.  "I heard all about you Tess.  The boys think you're something else.  They've been telling my Lily all about how brave and smart you are.  Welcome."  She gives Tess a hug.
    I smile at them.  The Prospect comes over I shake my head at him.  He nods.  "Hi Tess.  I'm Nick."  He doesn't make a move toward her.  She moves to my side and doesn't look at him.  "I need to get back to work.  I put you're box on the rack Patches."  He points behind me.
    I give him chin and turn to get it but Tess doesn't let me go.  I look down, she's shaking with tears on her face.  "Tess."  Her eyes are blank