Read Revenge of Cornelius for Free Online Page A

she'll at least
think about it," Mira replied.
    Bobby smiled.
    "Oh, by the way, I just remembered
something. Rosie's going over to a neighbor's house tomorrow, so
she definitely won't be coming with us. She's met a new friend
named Alex and is really looking forward to spending some time over
at his house with his mom."
    "I see. Well then, it'll just be you
and me," Bobby declared with immense anticipation.
    "I guess," Mira said stoically. She
felt it was the least she could do for the poor guy who was so good
to her father. Nothing more, nothing less.
     
    * * *

    "So are you having a great time
today?" Sara asked Rosie. They were sitting at the front window of
the ice cream parlor at a beautifully glazed, circular table. Rosie
had just taken a huge lick of her ice cream cone.
    "I had a blast, Nana!" she managed a
response with some of the butter pecan still caked up on her
tongue. "And this ice cream's great too!"
    Michael and Sara laughed.
    "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself,
pumpkin." Sara put her elbows on the table and rested her chin atop
interlaced knuckles.
    Michael suddenly grimaced as he
pressed onto his left, lower back.
    "Are you all right, honey?" Sara
asked.
    He glanced at Rosie and saw the
concern in her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Probably just a pinched nerve
or something."
    "Are you sure, Pops?" Rosie
asked.
    "I'm doubly sure, pumpkin," Michael
nodded with a smile.
    The little girl continued licking her
ice cream—this time, not saying very much.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    6
    _________________
     
     
     
    Mira and Rosie made the long walk up the Benjamin's driveway the
following morning. The child had stuffed a few play items in her
backpack that she was eager to share with Alex. Mira noticed that,
unlike the other day, only one car sat in the driveway. It was a
shiny, black Cadillac with a convertible top. The emerald green
Buick was missing.
    She stooped down and checked Rosie's
face again after ringing the doorbell.
    "Oh, hi. You've arrived!" Andrea said
upon opening the door. A plain, burgundy dress with short sleeves
was partially hidden behind her pink and white floral apron. Alex
was standing excitedly next to his mother.
    "Yes, Ma'am," Rosie replied softly,
glancing shyly at Alex.
    "Hi, Mrs. Benjamin. I hope we're not
too early. Hi Alex." Mira smiled.
    The little boy waved his hand
cheerfully.
    "By no means are you too early,"
Andrea replied. "Come on in, Rosie."
    Mira kissed Rosie on the cheek as she
released her hand.
    "Bye, Mom. Love you!" The little girl
hurried inside to join Alex.
    "Have you had breakfast yet? I made
pancakes," Andrea asked Rosie who then looked back at her
mother.
    "Can I, Mom?"
    Andrea seemed puzzled.
    "Yes, you may, Rosie," Mira answered.
She looked at Andrea. "She's had breakfast already, but she always
manages to find space for pancakes whenever the opportunity
presents itself. She absolutely loves them."
    "Oh, I see why she asked you!" Andrea
chuckled.
    "Yes, Ma'am."
     
    "Well, would you like to come in for
coffee or tea?"
    "I would love to, but I have to help
my mother with a few chores," Mira explained.
    "All right. Well then…I'll see you
later. Don't worry about Rosie; she'll be fine."
    "I'm sure she will. Thank you so much
for having her come over, Mrs. Benjamin. I'll be back for her in a
few hours."
    "You take your time, dear." Andrea
smiled. She watched Mira descend the porch steps, then she quietly
closed the front door.
    Andrea followed the children who had
already taken their seats at the breakfast table. "Alright then.
Let's dig in, people!" she said, sitting down and dishing up
pancakes for the kids. Rosie was already feeling quite at home and
was anxious to show Alex her toys.
    About twenty minutes later, Andrea
told them: "Wash your hands before heading upstairs,
okay?"
    "Yes, Ma'am," Alex and Rosie responded
simultaneously.
    They hurried into the downstairs
bathroom and Rosie waited while Alex quickly washed up. From her
peripheral vision, she thought she had