Oh? He sipped his wine.

Mike and Cassandra got back together.

He didnt react for a moment then a wide grin stretched on his face. A beacon shined in his eyes. Thatsabsolutely wonderful. Im so glad to hear that. I could tell my dad was genuinely happy. I knew it would work out.

He seems pretty happy, Scarlet said.

This is great. My dad finished the rest of his spaghetti, still nodding. Really. That girl made him more into a man than I ever did.

Thats probably because she has tits and a pussy, I said.

He shook his head. Im too happy to berate you for the language. Mike deserves to be happy. Im glad those two found their way back to each other. How did it happen?

Actually, Scarlet said. We havent had a chance to talk to him.

And I dont suspect we will for a while, I said with a grin.

Im staying away from his apartment My dad cringed and smiled at the same time.

We fell into a comfortable silence. Scarlet nibbled on the garlic bread and my dad had another glass of wine. Ever since I was little, my dad had two glasses every night. That never changed.

Your wife and I had a talk the other day, he said while he swirled the wine in his glass.

Shes taken, Dad.

He smirked. She invited me to stay here permanently. And Im considering extending my stay for a while, maybe a year, unless you arent okay with it.

Okay with it? I asked incredulously. Dad, you can stay as long as you want. We both love having you here.

Thats very generous of you, he said.

You dont even need to ask. This is your home, man.

His cheeks tinted. Thanks.

Besides, I like knowing Scarlet isnt alone on most days. You can keep an eye on her.

Keep an eye on me? she asked with irritation.

You know what I mean, I said. Like, go to the store with her and stuff like that.

You want me to babysit your wife? he asked with a laugh.

This was going south. Dad, I want you here as long as you want to be. We both love you, and not just because you help Scarlet. Stay as long as you want. But I do expect you to babysit on Friday night so I can take my wife on a date.

Babysit? he asked. Im going to be partying, man.

I raised an eyebrow. Really?

He shrugged. Maybe.

I laughed. Ill believe it when I see it.

We finished dinner and I helped Scarlet with the dishes. We did everything as a team, even housework. That was my motto. The last thing I wanted was to alienate her to do wifely chores, like that was her role. I knew she was a feminist.

We sat together on the couch and watched a movie. Scarlet cuddled in my side and rested her head on my chest. I used to party all the time, even a Tuesday, but this was so much better, hands down. I didnt realize cuddling with a wife under a blanket could be so thrilling.

My dad fell asleep on the couch, snoring in front of the TV.

Ill get him to bed, I said.

She moved off me and kept watching TV.

I shook my dad. Pops, time for bed.

He stopped snoring and opened his eyes. Sorry. Pasta puts me to sleep.

Its okay. I just dont want you to hurt your back.

He yawned. Im going upstairs.

Good night.

My dad moved like a sloth up the stairway. I came back to Scarlet then ran my fingers through her hair.

What were you really doing with Mike? she asked.

I smiled. Howd you know I was lying?

I know when you lie, Sean.

But I never lie.

Thats exactly why.

My hand rested on her neck. I picked out an engagement ring with him.

Are you shitting me? She sat up, eyes wide.

Nope. He had it engraved and everything.

Wowthat was quick.

I said the same thing but he sounded sure.

She smiled. Thats great. Mike deserves his happily ever after.

Yes, he does.

That was really sweet that he took you.

I felt the emotion in my throat. It was.

Hell turn to me for certain things, but Ill never beat you, Sean. Youre his brother.

I guess he does love me after all, I said quietly.

She kissed my cheek. He adores you.

I shrugged. Hes alright She snuggled into me again.

Theres something I need to tell you but I didnt have a chance.

What? she whispered.

I arranged a lunch date with my parents but my dad wasnt interested in something more.

Im sorry, Sean.

But my mom told me something What?

She went to the doctor and found out she had a brain tumor. Its benign and not cancerous but it was the culprit for her mood swings and anger. Shes on medication now. Thats why shes been so different.

Scarlet sat up again. Is she going to be okay?

Shes fine. Its nothing to worry about.

She slapped her forehead. Everything makes sense now.

It does, I said. Now I feel guilty for yelling at her so many times.

Its not your fault, Sean. No one would have known that.

I guess.

Does your dad know? That would change everything. He would go back to her right now.

I sighed. She doesnt want him to know. He isnt in love with her anymore and she wants to win him back on her own. She says she doesnt want him out of obligation.

ButIm sure Andrew still loves her.

I know he does. But my mom doesnt think so.

Are you going to tell him?

I shook my head. Its not my secret to tell.

Well, what if they never get back together? Hell never know.

In that case, Ill tell him. But Im going to give her a chance first.

Scarlet processed what I said for a long time and I did the same. A lot of things were changing and they were changing fast. She and I were the only thing that was unaffected.

3.

Hazel When I saw a cockroach the size of my hand in the bathroom, I screamed and ran out. I locked the door behind me then put a chair in front of it just so the killer couldnt get to me. Then I stuffed a towel under the door so he wouldnt be able to fit his fat body through the cracks.

Eww. Eww. Eww! I paced in a circle, unable to think about the disgusting parasite in the corner of my bathroom. So gross! I didnt want to touch that thing. But I just woke up and now I really had to pee. I hopped on my feet, knowing I had to kill the cockroach in order to use the bowl. We were going to battle, and the urinal was the prize.

But I couldnt do it. Bugs grossed me out. Anything with more than two legs needed to stay away from me. But I didnt know what to do. It was nine in the morning on Sunday. I didnt want to bother any of my neighbors. Actually, I was pretty certain my closest neighbor grew weed on the roof. That wasnt a good idea.

I decided to turn to Flynn. I thought about calling him but I didnt want to wait in the apartment when only a door was separating me from thatthing. So I just went to his apartment.

I knew I looked like hell because I didnt have a chance to brush my hair or wash my face. Oh well, Flynn had seen me like this before. And I didnt have a choice. If I didnt do this, Id be killed.

When I knocked on the door, I heard voices. I was surprised he had company this early in the morning on a weekend. The door opened and I was face to face with a pretty brunette. She was a little older than me, maybe a few years, and her hair was styled perfectly. She had more curves than I did, but then again, who didnt?

The first thing I did was panic. Why the hell was this girl at Flynns this early in the morning? Why was she so pretty? He didnt have a sister, so they werent related. I immediately feared the worst. He betrayed me. Hes a dog just like all the others.

But this is Flynn. Hes different. I forced myself to remain calm and rational. There was an explanation for this. This girl was at his apartment on Sunday morning for a very real reasonshe didnt sleep here.

Did you hear me? she said.

I zoned out for a second. Hi Umcan I help you?

FlynnIm looking for Flynn.

Hes in the bathroom.

Oh. I tried not to cry. That tended to be my initial reaction for everything.

Do you want to wait outside?

Yeah, I said immediately.

Okay. She walked away from the door and sat on his couch.

Flynn came back into the living room.

Some girl is here to see you, she said indifferently.

Who? he asked.