“You’re an adult, Hale. They don’t support you or pay for your education. You don’t need to tell them anything. Do you even talk to them?” Grace asked me.
“Um, I talk to Dad a bunch. Mostly it’s me calling for help with my homework. Sometimes it’s legitimate help, other times, it’s just an excuse to talk to him. I… I really miss him,” I confessed, my hands in my pockets. “Him being in another time zone sucks, too. We used to spend a lot of time together. When Mom was busy, I walked with Dad back and forth to campus, because he preferred to walk. Sometimes he’d have lunch with me. I’d help him with things around his lab.”
Mercy squeezed his shoulder. “I miss him, too.”
“Also, we went viral. They’re calling usPack Himbo,” I replied.
Grace started laughing. “I love it. I think you should keep it.”
“I think Carlos wants to make us T-shirts,” I replied.
“I vote for not telling the parents unless they bring it up. Besides, they’re probably going to be more interested in what PhD programs you’re getting in than anything else,” Verity replied.
“True.” I sort of wanted Dad’s advice and reassurance. But if I told him, he’d tell Mumsy. Her disapproval always cut hard.
It was probably her British accent.
I followed everyone down the elevator, and we got in one of their packs’ cars. I gave Verity’s car a look.
“So, can Fiona have her bag charm back?” I asked.
“I’ll give it to her myself. They’re going to be there?” Verity got in up front with AJ, him putting her forearm crutch in the very back. She’d had a stroke a year and a half ago, which had affected her mobility.
Mercy, Grace, and I got in the back.
I checked my phone. I texted them earlier that I’d just meet them there. Fiona had sent pictures of all the furniture.
“Dusty’s already at the arena. Saoirse and Fiona are on their way,” I replied.
“I’m excited to meet them,” Grace added, texting someone.
We parked in the arena parking garage, when a hot pink, midsize SUV pulled in near us, with a bit of a screech.
“That's a cute car,” Verity said.
A moment later Fiona climbed out of the driver’s seat. She wore Carlos’ jersey, leggings and sneakers, along with that cream puff coat of hers. Saoirse got out of the passenger side, dressed like she was going to a business meeting.
“Hale.” Fiona ran over to me and wrapped her arms around me.
Hugging her to me, I pressed my lips to the top of her head. “Puddin’, do you wanna meet some of my sisters?”
“Yes!” Fiona beamed.
“Fiona, Saoirse, this is my little sister, Mercy, who was one of the people who came with the lasagnas to trade for our lives. She brought the scrunchies, made the cookies, and plays skate smash for the Manhattan Maimers,” I introduced.
“I love watching skate smash,” Fiona said. “I played for my academy’s team back in Ireland.”
“I love that. I’ve done a few clinics with my team for one of the local academies," Mercy stated.
Saoirse nodded. “I like watching it, too. Never played, but I do enjoy a good game of crash ball.”
“Oooh. Wow. Respect," Mercy replied.
Crash ball was more of a European thing. It was like skate smash and lacrosse had a baby on rollerblades at an obstacle course.
“Welcome to the family,” Mercy added.
“This is Grace. She’s the oldest of us. She lives in Rockland and works for Compass BioTek,” I introduced.
