the day after tomorrow

"Dad might have a cow when he finds out about Clyde," Ellie said on the way over to Ben's place as Ben drove over the rocky dirt roads.

"Tell him cats are theraputic," Ben said.

Ellie felt somber then wondering what would be there when she got home. Had her Dad already moved out? It sounded as if her mother was with her sister for good now. At least until the babies were born. That would take ages.

"You OK?"

"Yeah." Ellie wondered what she'd say if her mother called. There were so many words of hate that had built up inside her, yet she knew it would do neither of them any good if she said them.

Clyde stayed steady in her arms as she stroked his back.

"He's really a good riding cat. Loves to take rides," Ben said, explaining he'd rescued Clyde a couple of years ago when he was living at a fraternity house.

Ellie smiled as they rode up to his house. She went straight in. It felt so good inside. Cold in fact. She didn't hesitate to turn on the TV when she plopped on the couch.

"I've even missed Life with Derrick, " Ellie told him as she flipped through channels with the remote. "And I hate that show. Well, not really, but you know what I mean."

"I guess I should leave you two alone then."

"No." She clicked off the TV and sat there with Clyde purring on her stomach. "I want to know you. I do. We're family, and I think everyone should know. I don't like secrets."

"It could complicate things."

"Maybe, but I think my Dad would want to know. He's not a bad person. Usually, he's the last to figure anything out, though. Guess that's what happens when you're trying to be the bread winner. I know I take him for granted, but he's busy and well, this last time Mom left, he was a wreck. I was really afraid he was gonna fall off the deep end, you know."

"Sounds like you're on your Dad's side." Ben got them something to drink from his fridge.

"Maybe I am, but Mom hasn't really given me much of a chance, lately," Ellie said. "I'm starting to think she doesn't want me to like her, anymore. When she told Rex where I was, I was furious. How could she have done something like that? Him of all people."

Her cell rang then. She looked to see it was Eric.

"I kind of have to take it," she shrugged then.

"Are you excited?" Eric asked immediately.

"I guess." She wasn't sure what he meant. Possibly being home in a few days.

"We're coming," He said and Ellie could here his smile in his voice.

"Oh really, so where are you?"

"Not that far away."

"You're kidding, right?" She smiled.

"Would I kid you?"

Ellie looked out the huge window then behind the couch. There was a bellowing cloud of white dust in the air. Clyde went running for cover.

"How did they even find you?" She looked at Ben. Ellie wasn't expecting them until day after tomorrow.

Ben just smiled. Ellie couldn't even comprehend the thrill she felt knowing Eric was here. She ran outside. Perhaps an idiot, but she didn't care.