Chapter 12

12

2023

Janelle stirred the pasta sauce into the beef, and the tantalizing scent of basil and oregano filled the kitchen. Red and white tortellini was one of her favorite recipes from childhood. Even though it would probably give her carb overload, it was exactly what she wanted to ease the strain of the day.

Every time she'd turned around, one of the staff members at the museum was upset about some trivial problem. How did Amanda do it? She knew taking over as director would be challenging, but she hadn't expected this level of disagreements and stress.

A knock sounded, and her front door opened. Maggie walked in and strode toward the kitchen. "Oh, we are in trouble now."

Janelle set aside her wooden spoon. "What's wrong?"

Maggie plopped down on a stool at the counter and sent Janelle a frazzled look. "We told Olivia she has to leave her phone out in the living room to charge at night, but she's been sneaking out there and taking it back to her room so she can talk to some boy named Tony for hours!"

Janelle smiled. "Aww, don't you remember talking on the phone for hours when you were a teenager? That's not really a problem, is it?"

Maggie's eyes went wide. "Well, it might not be if she'd told the truth, but when we confronted her, she lied about it."

Janelle's smile faded. "Oh, that's not good."

"No, it's not."

Janelle swiveled toward the range and turned off the burner. "So, what are you going to do?"

"I don't know! We need some kind of consequence and a better plan for the phone."

Janelle faced Maggie again. "The issue with the phone is important, but lying about it sounds like a bigger problem. Maybe you could talk to her about the importance of honesty and trust."

"Right now, she's not talking to us about anything."

"Sorry." Janelle sighed. "What do you think her mum would say? Maybe Dan should talk to her so you can act as a united front."

Maggie shook her head. "Dan says he doesn't want to bother Diane because she's too stressed about her husband's illness. But I think the real problem is he doesn't want to admit that he's having trouble handling Olivia."

"I can see how that would be hard." Janelle picked up the wooden spoon. "How did you find out Olivia was sneaking her phone back to her room?"

"Last night I couldn't sleep, so I got up to get a snack." Maggie waved her hand. "I know, eating at night is terrible for you, but this time I'm glad I gave in to the urge. When I walked through the living room, I noticed her phone was missing. So, I tiptoed down the hall and listened at her door."

"Eavesdropping, eh?"

"That's a parent's right—or I should say a stepparent's right."

"What did you hear?"

"She was laughing, and then she said, ‘Oh, Tony, you're so funny.' I'm thinking, who is Tony, and why is she talking to him at two in the morning?"

"Did you go in and confront her?"

"No, I decided to wait and talk to Dan. First thing this morning, I told him what I heard, but Olivia was still asleep, and he had to leave for work. We decided to wait until he got home to talk to her." Maggie huffed out a breath. "Why would she lie to us?"

"Maybe she felt cornered and just gave in to the temptation. Or maybe that's how she gets out of trouble with her mom and stepdad."

Maggie held up her finger. "Well, that's not going to work with us."

"What did Dan say when he talked to her?"

"He told her we knew she took her phone back into her room last night. Of course, she said she didn't. Then he said I overheard her talking to a boy. She denied it and said I was making it up to get her into trouble! I about blew my top at that, but somehow, I managed to control myself."

"Good for you."

"Dan didn't back down. He told her, we pay for the phone and if she wanted to continue using it, then she needed to stick to our rules, let him check her calls, and leave it in the living room each night. Obviously, she was not happy about that."

"Did she hand over the phone?"

"Eventually, but first she said we don't love her or trust her, then she added a few more choice words before she threw her phone down and ran out of the room. The last thing we heard was—you guessed it—her door slamming."

"Wow, that's tough." Janelle stirred the sauce, trying to think of some way to help Maggie. "I wonder why Tony wants to talk to her at two in the morning."

"We asked her the same thing, but she wouldn't say much about him."

A prickle of unease traveled through Janelle. "He doesn't sound like a good influence."

"No, he doesn't." Maggie slid off the stool and walked around the counter and into the kitchen. "So ... I was wondering, has she mentioned Tony or any of her other friends?"

Janelle turned. "Not really. We talk a little on our way to and from the museum, but we're just getting to know each other."

"Could you maybe ... ask her about him?"

"What makes you think she'd tell me?"

"She likes you."

Janelle sent her a doubtful glance. "Why would you say that?"

"When she first started volunteering at the museum, she was dragging her feet each morning, but these last few days I haven't had to prod her to get ready. She's up and dressed before I am."

"Just from that you think she likes me?"

"Well, she doesn't seem to hate you as much as she hates us. Maybe she'll confide in you, and you can ... you know ... pass on anything important that you learn."

Janelle put the lid on the sauce and turned down the burner. "I'm sorry she's giving you and Dan such a hard time, but I doubt she's going to tell me her deepest secrets."

Maggie clasped her hands. "Could you just test the water and see if she'll open up?"

Janelle pulled in a deep breath. It might be awkward, but she cared about Olivia, and Maggie was her best friend. She couldn't let her fight this battle alone. "Okay. I'll talk to her and see what I can learn, but don't let that be your only hope for working through these issues with Olivia."

"Oh, thank you!" Maggie gave her a tight hug. "Dan and I will keep working on it from our side, I promise."

Janelle carried her lunch tray toward the booth in the back corner of the café and glanced over her shoulder at Olivia. She'd invited her out to lunch, hoping to strengthen their connection and see if she could learn anything that might reduce the conflict with Maggie and Dan.

She slid her tray onto the table. "This looks like a good spot."

Olivia placed her tray across from Janelle and took a seat.

A shiver of anticipation traveled down Janelle's back as she settled into the chair. She sent off a silent prayer, asking the Lord to soften Olivia's heart and give her wisdom for their conversation. But first, she decided to follow Jonas's example. "Mind if I say a prayer and thank the Lord for our meal?"

Olivia sent her a curious look, then shrugged.

Janelle held back a smile and lowered her head. "Father, thank you for this day and for this food. We're grateful we can take a break and enjoy it together. Please guide our conversation and help us remember how much you love us. In Jesus's name, amen."

Olivia raised her head. "You're not embarrassed to pray out loud?"

Janelle shook her head. "I might get a few odd looks, but that doesn't bother me. Praying before a meal reminds me God is the one who provides everything I need, and it gives me a chance to say thank-you."

Olivia quirked her eyebrow. "You sound like Maggie."

Janelle smiled, pleased Olivia would connect their shared faith. "Maggie and I do have a lot in common, including our belief that prayer helps us connect with God."

Olivia took a sip of her drink and ripped open the bag of crisps.

Janelle poured the dressing over her salad. "How did the art class go this morning?"

"It went okay. But some of the kids were my age, so that was a little strange."

"Why is that?"

"All the kids in the other classes were younger than me. Today, they were my age or older. Most of them were better artists than I am."

"So how did you handle it?"

She munched on a crisp. "Lisa said all I needed to do was hand out supplies and offer encouragement. It was a little weird, but I guess it was all right. I just walked around and told them what I liked about their project. Some of them ignored me, but most of them seemed happy when I said something nice about their work."

Janelle nodded. "I'm glad you found a way to help. The kids in that class all live with foster parents, so they need all the encouragement you can give."

Olivia gave a slow nod. "There's a girl at my school who lives with a foster family. I don't know why she stays with them instead of her real parents."

"There are all kinds of reasons kids go into care." Janelle debated what to say next, then decided to plunge ahead, hoping it might encourage Olivia to open up. "I was in care from the time I was two until I turned eighteen."

Interest sparked in Olivia's eyes. "Really? How come?"

It was still tough to admit her parents' issues, but she'd been through enough counseling to realize their problems were their responsibility, not hers. "My parents struggled with drugs and alcohol, so they couldn't take care of me."

"Wow, that must have been tough."

"I don't remember much about those first two years of my life. After that, I was placed with foster parents. They were kind and treated me well, almost like I was born into their family. They were older, and they've since passed away, but I'm grateful for the time we had together and the loving home they provided."

Olivia studied her with new interest.

"Every child in care has a unique story, but they're not so different than you. They go through some of same things you're facing."

Olivia chewed on her sandwich, looking thoughtful. "Yeah, going back and forth to live with one parent and then the other isn't easy. I didn't want to come to London this summer. But my stepdad is sick."

"How's he doing now?"

"He's still in the hospital, and my mum hates hospitals. It's really hard for her." Olivia sighed. "I guess I get why she sent me to stay with my dad for now."

Janelle nodded and took a sip of her water. "So how is it going with Dan and Maggie? Have you settled into a good routine?"

Olivia's expression clouded. "Not really. They're so strict I feel like I'm in jail."

Janelle determined not to react or defend Maggie and Dan. "I'm sure it's not easy when you haven't seen them for three years."

"Their rules are totally different than my mum's. She trusts me and gives me a lot more freedom."

Janelle nodded to encourage Olivia and keep the conversation going. "How are their rules different?"

"They limit TV and computer time, and with Cole and Caleb there, I never get to choose what we watch."

"I imagine it is different having two brothers to deal with."

"Half brothers." Olivia grimaced. "And Dan and Maggie make me charge my phone in the living room at night. They don't give it back until after breakfast."

"That sounds like a change for you."

"Yes! My mum's not strict about my phone. But Maggie and Dan check it every day to look at all my calls and texts. They're just waiting for me to step over the line so they can take the phone away permanently."

"Their rules may be different than your mum's, but parking your phone in the living room at night makes sense." Janelle lightened her tone. "Everyone benefits from a good night's sleep, especially a growing teenage girl who needs her beauty rest."

Olivia scowled. "So, you're siding with them?"

"No, I'm not siding with anyone. I just think it might help to try and understand their perspective as well as your own."

Olivia dumped the rest of the crisps onto her tray. "They've been grilling me about my friends."

Janelle straightened. Here was the opening she'd been praying for. "You mean the people you're calling?"

"Yes! Why should they care who I phone? It's not hurting them. The bill is the same if I phone one person or twenty."

"I don't think money is the issue."

Olivia sent her a confused glance. "Then what's their problem?"

Janelle pulled in a deep breath, hoping she wasn't making a mistake. "Maggie mentioned you were talking to a boy named Tony the other night."

Olivia's face flushed. "She told you that?"

"Yes. She and your dad don't know Tony, so that's a concern."

"We just talk on the phone. I'm not going out with him. He doesn't even live in London."

"How did you meet him?"

She sighed. "We met online playing League of Legends . We talked about the game for a few weeks, then we connected on Instagram."

Janelle enjoyed scrolling through Instagram and sharing photos and videos with friends, but she'd never heard of League of Legends .

"He's my age," Olivia continued. "We have a lot in common."

"Like what?"

"His parents are divorced, so he gets what that's like. He's funny and caring. We like the same games, shows, and music, so we always have something to talk about. He's a great listener, and he never puts me down or makes me feel dumb. I can tell him anything, and he understands. I've never met anyone like him." Her voice warmed and grew softer with each description.

Warning bells went off in Janelle's head. This guy sounded too good to be true. "Even with all those things in common, you still need to be careful."

"Why? What are you worried about?"

She thought for a moment, trying to put her finger on what was bothering her. Tony sounded like the kind of boyfriend every girl wanted, but for some reason, Janelle wasn't convinced. "Just don't give him your personal information, like your last name or where you live."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Why? You think he's a stalker?" Her sarcastic tone made it clear she didn't appreciate Janelle's advice.

"I don't know who or what he is ... but neither do you, not really."

Olivia started to protest, but Janelle held up her hand. "All you know is what he's told you."

She huffed. "I checked his Instagram account. He looks exactly like he described himself."

Janelle slowly stirred her straw in her drink, trying to think of some way to get through to Olivia. She looked up and met the girl's heated gaze. "I care about you, Olivia. And I wouldn't want anyone to hurt you."

Olivia frowned. "Tony would never hurt me. He's not like that."

She gentled her tone. "I hope you're right."

"I know I am."

Janelle took a sip of her water, praying for the best way to end this part of the conversation. "Can I share one more thing?"

Olivia shrugged. "I guess."

"Your dad and Maggie love you, and even though their rules are different than your mum's, they want what's best for you."

Olivia gave her head a slight shake. "Yeah, right."

Janelle looked down at her half-eaten salad. Had she just made things worse? Olivia obviously wasn't happy Maggie had told her about Tony and the late-night calls. Would she carry that resentment home and pour it out on Maggie and Dan?