Shooting Stars 01 Cinnamon Read Online Free PDF

and not a pair of eyes.
I knew Daddy was lying, but I didn't know why. It never occurred to me what the reason might be. Maybe I was spending a little too much time in my make-believe world,
"We'd better head home," he said. "You've got schoolwork to do. I'm sure, and there is really nothing else we can do here tonight."
"I want to go see her one more time." I said. "You might only disturb her more."
"I might help her be comfortable in an uncomfortable place," I countered.
I could hold my gaze on Daddy so firmly that he would be the first to look away. Mammy taught me how to do that. You actually think of something else, but keep your eyes fixed on the subject.
"All right, but make it quick," he said. "I'm going to make a few phone calls."
He left and I went back upstairs. Mommy had been given a sedative to help her sleep, but she was still moaning and turning her head. I took her hand in mine and spoke softly to her.
"Mammy, it's me. Don't you feel a little better now?"
"Baby... born too soon," she muttered.
"What?"
"Little Sacha." She opened her eyes and looked up at me. Then she smiled.
"Cinnamon! How is she?" she asked. "What have they told you?" I shook my head.
Now she believes she has given birth, I thought, but to a premature baby.
"I know she'll be all right. I know it. She's in the prenatal intensive care unit, but premature babies can do fine. You tell me how she's doing, all right? Tell me," she insisted, squeezing my hand tightly.
If I told her the truth. I thought she'd come apart right before my eyes, her hand crumbling in mine like a dry fall leaf.
"She's doing fine. Mommy. She's getting bigger every moment."
She smiled.
"I knew it. I knew she would. How wonderful. How beautiful. She is beautiful, too, isn't she. Cinnamon? As beautiful as you were when you were born. I'm right? Aren't I?" she asked with a
desperation that nearly took my breath away,
"Yes. Mommy. she's beautiful,"
"I knew she would be. You've got a little sister. How wonderful, Wonderful," she said relaxing, her eyes closing and staying closed. Her breathing became regular. At least she was relaxed and at ease for a while.
Set. I told myself, you can lie better than anyone you know. Sometimes, that comes in very handy.
Maybe you will be a successful actress, after all.
Daddy and I rode back in silence, mine growing out of the soil of sadness and fear. Daddy looked like he was in deep thought, probably worrying about a stock he had recommended today. Lately. I felt that my father was a guest in his own house, and when he looked at me, he was surprised to discover he had a daughter. It's almost as if he thinks he's having a dream. His whole life-- my mother and I. all of it-- is just a passing illusion. He would blink hard and we would be gone, I thought, I almost wished it were true.
"How's school?" he asked suddenly. It was as if the question had been stored for months in a cupboard in his brain and he had just stumbled upon it.
"School?"
"Yes, how are you doing in your classes these days?"
"Fine, Daddy. I've been on the honor roll every quarter," I reminded him.
"Oh, right, right. Well, that's good. Cinnamon. You want to get yourself into a fine college like my alma mater. NYU. It's important." He looked at me quickly. "I hope this unfortunate situation Ivon't have a detrimental effect on your school grades. I know it can," he said. "You've just got to be strong and take care of business, consider priorities."
"Mommy's wellbeing is my priority," I said dryly. I wanted to add, as it should be yours, but I kept my lips pressed together as if I were afraid my tongue would run off on its own and say all the things I had been thinking for months and months. Thoughts, words, screams, all were stored in my mouth, waiting to pop out like bees whose hive had been disturbed and sting Daddy in places he couldn't reach. That way, he'd wake up to what had been happening all this last year or so since Grandmother Beverly had moved into our home and invaded