“It’s okay, baby girl.” I whispered. I sat in the rocker and rocked her slowly back to sleep. I heard footsteps coming down the hall and I felt my stomach leap again. I was surprised to see Emilia and Seven in the doorway.
“We’re going to leave you two alone.” Em said, smiling. She came over and kissed Simone’s head and then locked arms with Seven and left. I heard them take a few steps and then stop, and then continue. A few seconds later, Spencer appeared in the doorway.
“Hey. I’ve got to run now. Erica and Kendra are eating. Everyone else is in Jeremy’s room. Make sure everyone gets fed, okay?” he said. I didn’t sense the nice, kind boy I had always known.
“Sure.” I said, not looking at him. Something in his voice had changed, and he wasn’t the person he was yesterday.
“Bye.” He said awkwardly. I half smiled at him, but he was gone.
I ended up spending the entire day in the bedroom with Simone and Joey, and with the other five speeding in and out all day. I left once to make them all a macaroni lunch, but returned soon after.