Chapter 3
Mom looked really upset after Dad yelled at her.
She lowered her head, her eyes red with tears. "I was only trying to do what's best for both kids.
"Your mom spoils Jamie so much he thinks he can do anything and never get caught.
"I could only use Lily to keep him in check.
"He can't stop getting into fights.
"I've already talked to Henry. Lily will stay with him for a few days.
"It's just a scare tactic for Jamie. Henry won't hurt Lily."
I let out a sigh of relief.
I knew Mom would never really leave me behind.
Just like before, it was all to freak Jamie out.
It really hurt earlier, but now I had forgiven Mom.
Dad clenched his fists as he looked at Mom, unable to stop shaking.
"Did it ever cross your mind that Lily might be scared?" he asked.
My nose stung.
I was really scared earlier.
But now that I was home, I wasn't afraid anymore.
I got to be with Mom, Dad, and Jamie again.
"Lily and Jamie are thick as thieves. She would be brave for Jamie. And I swear it's the last time.
"Once Jamie drops this last bad habit, I'll repay Lily for everything she's had to take on these past years," Mom said, her voice choked up.
She wiped her tears, her face full of grievance. "I've sacrificed so much for your family all these years."
Seeing Mom cry tugged a little at my heart.
I lowered my head, suddenly feeling down.
Maybe I shouldn't have come back.
I turned to leave.
Then I heard Dad's voice, thick with emotion. "But today is Lily's birthday."
I froze in place. Mom and Dad didn't speak either.
The air grew heavy with silence.
"I regret it," Mom said, jumping to her feet. "I'm going to bring Lily home."
Dad nodded in agreement.
As they were about to leave, I rushed forward, desperate. "Mom, Dad, I'm back. I'm right here."
But they didn't notice me. They walked right past and out the door.
Jamie rushed over and grabbed Dad's leg, holding on tight.
"Dad, please get Lily back. I swear, I'll never fight again," he cried, tears streaming down.
I drifted in front of him and pulled a silly face, hoping he'd crack a smile.
"Don't cry, silly. We both got tricked," I said. "Mom didn't give me away."
Jamie couldn't see me at all, and he didn't hear a single word I said.
Dad pulled Jamie up, his face stern. "This is the last time Lily has to cover for your screw-ups.
"From now on, any trouble you get into, you have to deal with it yourself.
"All these years, Lily's been taking the fall for you. You have to be good to her, got it?"
Jamie nodded like crazy. "Okay, Dad. Hurry and bring Lily back. Henry looks terrifying."
Dad nodded. Jamie finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alright, let's hurry and bring Lily home. It's her birthday today," Dad said.
A smile finally came back to his face.
My heart felt all warm and fuzzy.
Everyone loved me.
Mom didn't just love Jamie like Lucy Lewis next door always said.
Next time I see Lucy, I'd talk back to her sharply.
"Jamie, let's go bring Lily home," Dad said.
I blinked, totally confused.
I was already home, wasn't I?
I waved my arms like crazy, reaching out to grab Mom, Dad, and Jamie.
"I'm right here," I called out.
Mom suddenly felt a chill and glanced around the room.
"Why does it feel so cold all of a sudden?" she said. "My arm feels extra chilly."
Dad nodded. "Looks like it's starting to get cold. Let's hurry and get Lily home."
Before heading out, he closed the window. "This should keep it a bit warmer. Lily hates the cold."
He didn't notice I was standing right in front of him.
He walked straight through me.
That was when it hit me.
Why couldn't they touch me or see me?
This felt like those supernatural dramas on TV.
A chill shot through me.
This was what it was like to be a ghost.
I froze, stunned by that thought.
I was so out of it, I didn't even notice when Mom and Dad took Jamie and left.
When I finally came to my senses, I heard the car starting up outside.
I quickly floated over and slipped right into the car.
In the back seat, Jamie sniffled, his voice thick with worry. "What if Henry hurt Lily or something?"
Mom and Dad froze.
"That's not going to happen," Mom blurted out. "I've already talked to him. He won't hurt Lily."
Even though she said so, she couldn't stop shaking.
Dad didn't say a word, but he drove much faster.