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“It was okay.”
Ambersaid, “It’s always tough starting in a new school. But you’ll make friends, Zoe. You always do.”
“Yeah,” said Zoe, staring dejectedly at the tabletop.
Decker studied her. There was something in his head he wanted to say, but for some reason he couldn’t make it come out. Then it occurred to him that he had superimposed his dead daughter’s face over Zoe’s. He looked away, rubbingat his temples.
Okay, Decker, that is definitely not healthy.
“Where’s Frank?” asked Jamison.
Her sister made a face. “Work. Something came up. He should be here soon, though.”
“Sounds like a tough job,” said Decker.
“Well, at least it’s a good-paying job,” said Amber. “And one that’s not backbreaking. Even though we already did some renovationson it, once Frank gets established here, we’re thinking about selling our current house and buying a larger place. There are some beautiful old homes here sitting empty. They just need some TLC.”
Zoe looked at her mother in a betrayed fashion. “Does that mean we’ll have to move again?”
Amber looked nervous. “It won’t be for a while, sweetie.”
Despite this assurance,Zoe slumped back in her seat looking sad.
Noting this, Jamison said, “How about you open your presents now, Zoe?” She pulled two boxes from her bag and set them in front of her niece.
Amber said, “Alex, you didn’t have to do that. You’re paying for dinner already.”
“A birthday means presents,” said Jamison firmly, her gaze on Zoe.
Zoe immediately brightened.“Which one should I open first?”
“I think the one on the right. The smaller one.”
Zoe very carefully unwrapped the paper. Revealed was a small wooden box. She gripped the lid and glanced up at Jamison, who nodded encouragingly.
Zoe opened the box. Inside was a necklace with a cross on the end.
“Wow.” Zoe slowly took it out.
“Want to know somethingneat about that necklace?” said Jamison. Zoe nodded as her mother helped her put the necklace on.
“It was given to me by my aunt when I turned six, just like you.”
“This…this was yours?”
Amber said, “I thought I recognized it.”
“But, Aunt Alex, I can’t take your necklace.”
“Yes you can. Because it’s not really my necklace. It’s been passed downin our family for seven generations. So now it’s your turn to wear it. And when you get older, it’ll be your responsibility to pass it on to someone you love too.”
Zoe looked up at her aunt with a face full of adoration. “That is so awesome.”
“Thatisawesome,” interjected Decker as he glanced at his partner.
“Thank you,” said Jamison, beaming. “Okay, open the otherone.”
Zoe unwrapped the other present, revealing a book.
