Something Old, Something New Read Online Free PDF

asked, “Hey, what’s up?”
    He moved a few steps farther from the others before saying quietly, “Just wanted to let you and Ms. Bernadine know that I’m searching for my birth parents.”
    That was not what she’d been expecting to hear, but having lived with these exceptional kids for two years, she was learning to expect the unexpected. “Have you talked to the Paynes about this?”
    He shook his head. “No.”
    â€œNo?” she asked gently. “Why not?”
    He shrugged as if not knowing what to say. “I don’t want them to think I don’t appreciate them.”
    â€œThen tell them that. They’ll appreciate the honesty. Do you want to live elsewhere? Is that what this is about?”
    â€œNo,” he countered quickly. “Not at all.”
    â€œThen you should tell them that, too.”
    He looked down at his shoes and then back up into her eyes. “Okay.”
    â€œWhen did you decide to do this?”
    â€œA few nights ago. Leah thinks it’s a good idea, too.”
    Lily scanned him for a silent moment. “So are you doing this for you, or for her?”
    â€œMe,” he replied without hesitation. “She just helped me think some things through, like what if my parents are both dead, or if they turn out to be bad people like Crystal’s dad.”
    Lily nodded understandingly.
    â€œBut I wanted you to know in case an e-mail comes through, or something comes in the mail to Ms. Bernadine, or somebody shows up from CPS. I already registered my name on some of the sites I researched, and I posted my birthday and place of birth. That’s all, though.”
    â€œAre you sure you’re going to be okay with the outcome? This might turn out to be wonderful, or something that breaks your heart.”
    â€œI know, but I want to know. I’m tired of not knowing who I am. Zoey knew her mom, and so did Crystal. Devon had his grandma. Amari and I are the only ones who don’t have a clue.”
    Lily’s heart went out to him. “Does Amari know about this?”
    â€œNot yet. I haven’t told him either, but I will. Maybe later tonight on the phone.”
    â€œOkay. I’ll let Ms. Bernadine know, but I want you to promise me that you will sit down with the Paynes and tell them what you’re doing. They’re your parents, Brain. They should know, and will probably want to help. Promise me,” she echoed, making sure he met her eyes.
    He nodded tightly. “I will. I promise. I’ll talk to them after school.”
    She gave him a quick hug. “I’m rooting for you on this. If there’s anything Ms. Bernadine or I can do, let us know.”
    He gave her a smile. “I promise that, too.”
    She gave him another quick, tight squeeze. He nodded good-bye, and she resumed her journey to her car.
    But as she crossed the parking lot to where it sat, someone else called her name. Once again, she stopped and turned. At this rate, Bernadine was liable to fly off without her.
    Gary Clark was waving at her from the driver’s side of his sweet new Buick. He’d gone to high school with her and Trent, but lived now over in Franklin. He drove slowly over to where she stood.
    â€œHey, Gare. How are you?” The last time she’d seen him had been over the summer at the dedication of the new school.
    â€œBeen better.”
    â€œWhat’s the matter?”
    â€œJust enrolled the girls in school here. We’re moving back to Henry Adams.”
    Before Lily could form a reaction, he added, “And you may as well know, Colleen left me. She wants a divorce.” His pain was obvious.
    â€œI’m so sorry.” Colleen was his witch of a wife. Lily had known her in high school, too.
    â€œHow in the hell am I supposed to raise two teenage girls alone?” he asked, and ran a hand wearily over his tired face.
    â€œShe’s not asking for custody?”
    He blew