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Lainey’s shoulders relaxed. “She is. I gave her a pair of leggings and a tunic to wear. After school, I’ll buy her some new clothes. I’ll see if she wants to stop at her house to pick up some of her things, too.”
Before he could answer, he heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs. Phoebe wore black leggings that were a little baggy, and a long, bright blue shirt. She’d rolled the sleeves up, but she looked like a kid playing dress-up in her mother’s clothes. “Good morning, Phoebe. Did you sleep okay?”
“I slept great,” she said. “Didn’t wake up once.”
He suspected she’d probably woken up many times during the night when she was sleeping at the compound. Every tiny noise probably jerked her out of sleep. “Vi made pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Go on into the kitchen and get yourself a plate.” He smiled at Lainey. “You, too, Lainey. I’ll have a cup of coffee with you while you eat.”
* * *
Forty-five minutes later, Lainey and Phoebe sped over the smooth pavement toward Helena. As they passed the compound, Phoebe stiffened and stared straight ahead. Her desolate expression said everything Lainey needed to know about her experiences there.
When they reached the high school, Lainey swung into a parking spot and glanced over at Phoebe. “You ready to do this?” she asked quietly.
Phoebe swiped her palms down her thighs. Swallowed. “I guess.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to wait a day or two? Get some new clothes, settle in at Brody’s place?” Most fifteen-year-old girls were horribly self-conscious about how they looked -- Lainey certainly had been.
Phoebe smoothed her hands down her thighs, and when she gripped her knees, her hands trembled. She bit her lip, and dread filled her expression. Then she slowly shook her head. “I need to go to school,” she said, squaring her shoulders as if bracing for a battle. “I have to keep my grades up so I can get into a good college. Then get into vet school. I’ve already missed a lot of days.”
“I’m impressed that you already know what you want to do,” Lainey said.
Phoebe lifted one shoulder. “I was going to work at a vet clinic in town this fall. Before… before stuff happened.”
“Maybe you still can,” Lainey said. She studied the girl for a long moment. “Were you bullied in school last year?” she asked in a soft voice.
Phoebe jerked her head toward Lainey, her expression shocked. “How did you know?”
“You look like you’re dreading walking through that door,” Lainey told her.
Phoebe lifted one shoulder. “I try not to pay any attention to them. My mom always said they’re sad, angry girls, and that’s why they’re mean.”
Lainey wanted to fold Phoebe into a hug. Take her shopping immediately, so she wouldn’t have to face the bullies in borrowed clothes that were too big for her. But Phoebe had goals, and she’d said she needed to go to school. So Lainey would honor that. “Your mom was a wise woman.” She pulled her keys out of the ignition and dropped them in her bag. “Okay. Let’s get you set up in school.” She watched the girl for a long moment. “If you’re sure you want to start today instead of waiting another day.”
“I do.” Phoebe straightened her shoulders as if putting on her armor. Then she shoved the door open and slid out. Waited for Lainey to come around the car, then walked slowly toward the school.
