Trudging back over pebbles and sand

Vada scrambled some eggs and made toast for Joey while he was in the shower.

Honestly, he was a sight to be seen. She shook her head, thinking what had he been up, too?

Of course, her own life was one class after another these days. She didn't even have time for Alo, who went to Denver with his brother to get the family stuff sorted out with his Dad. Of course, his dad was in total shock to know he had another son, after all this time. Needless to say, his dad was furious and Bear wasn't much better.

She did feel bad for Alo, but she knew the best she could do was to have long talks with him on the phone before bed. She kept telling him it was going to be OK. But those felt like empty words now. Especially, when she saw Joey, looking like a drowned mouse.

He put on the sweat pants and old summer reading program tee. She set the eggs and toast before him at the table. He kept watching the plate as if the food might move.

"Joey." She looked him in the eye. Yes, his pupils were a little dilated.

"Huh?" He looked at her as if she might be asking him a trick question.

"Are you HIGH right now?" She wanted to know, as her frown mounted in a small circle while she watched him.

He slightly, shook his head, no, but she wasn't sure she believed him. Finally, he started to eat, but then he winced hard, as if he'd forgotten something. Like..maybe his medication.

"Can..can you not..tell Xander about this?"

Vada only sighed, she hated keeping secrets.

"Please." His little yelp was mournful.

She nodded.

"I'm..I'm afraid, they'll kick me out..and..and I'll never see Dakota, again." He was in tears.

Vada pressed her lips tight. She'd have to think on this. Yes, her brother had a room. Smed had moved. He lived in the same apartment complex that his sister and her boyfriend lived in. Smed wanted to make sure his sister had someone to go too, in case she had a falling out with the boyfriend.

"Are you going to keep doing..stuff like this?" She was stern.

"No." He shook his head. Whatever had happened must have frightened him.

"Do you want to tell me, what's going on?"

He shook his head, no.

"Well, you'll have to pay rent." She crossed her arms.

"Yeah, of course."

"I don't allow anyone over, after eight." She informed.

He nodded. He promised nobody would be coming over.

"I'll miss Dakota." He said. "But, I need some time to just work, you know."

Vada nodded as if she understood.

"OK," She told him she only made one meal a day, and that was dinner. "You'll be on your own, the rest of the time." The library was only a few blocks away. "Have you thought about getting your driver's license?"

He made a face, as if it made him nervous to think about driving. He said walking would do him good.

"Well, as long as you don't get in the car with just anyone." She glared at him.

He nodded, again.

Vada nursed her bottom lip. She wanted to help him, but not too much.