"We'll try to be good," I began, "And, no. Nick didn't get lost. He's.. umm.. at my house I think.." Stacy raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyes. "That boy.. oh my goodness.." She got up and took Beth into her arms, her princess-themed, sparkling, plastic jewelry clattering all over her mother's shoulder. After locating her car keys and cell phone, Stacy was gone. We all sat there in awkward silence for a few moments. "So, Amanda, did you understand what I'm saying to you?" Charlie inquired, pulling himself off of the floor to sit on the edge of the bed. Amanda searched his face. She just wanted a clue, any little detail that could show that this was all just a joke.. just a dream.. anything but the truth. She pinched herself. it hurt. "This is for reals?" She asked back. Charlie nodded his head yes. "Woah," she said, going from sitting up to lying back down. "Just.. woah." Charlie chuckled. "I thought you'd say that," he added. http://ficlets.com/feed/story/33756