Page 91 of After Anna

Chapter Forty-two

Maggie, Before

Maggie sealed the leftover Indian food into the Tupperware tub, and Noah was upstairs practicing target words with Caleb. Anna had missed dinner, not answering any texts. In the meantime, Maggie had told Noah about the notes, and he’d agreed to let Maggie do the talking when they spoke to Anna about it, tonight.

“Anna?” Maggie heard the front door opening and went to the family room, where a beaming Anna was setting down her book bag, her hair flowing loose to her shoulders.

“Hi, Mom. Sorry I’m late, but guess what, I think I made a friend!”

“That’s great!” Maggie hated to rain on her parade, first thing.

“Her name is Samantha Silas, and she’s in the Poetry Club. And guess what else? They said I could joinPhrases! I’m in!”

“Wonderful, honey.” Maggie got to the point. “But why did you miss dinner? I made vegetarian.”

“Sorry.” Anna puckered her lower lip. “I got caught up with Samantha. She gave me a ride home. I should’ve called.”

“Yes, but lesson learned, right? Next time, you will.” Maggie let it go. They had bigger fish to fry tonight.

“We ate at a pizza place called Morrone’s. Samantha took me, and the food is awesome. And the kids are so much nicer here!”

“Really?” Maggie sat down, gesturing to the chair. “Tell me everything.”

“Okay, sure.” Anna’s face lit up, and she plopped on the chair, crossing her legs in the long dress. “The Poetry Club is so much better. Anybody can join. You don’t have to submit. Samantha was showing me some of her poetry, and it’s really amazing.”

“That’s wonderful.” Maggie worried about the Island of Misfit Toys. “Is she one of the girls in the cafeteria yesterday?”

“Yes, she’s a badass. She hassleeves.”

“Doesn’t everybody?” Maggie asked, confused.

“No,tattoosleeves.” Anna giggled. “She knows a really authentic Japanese artist.”

“You’re not going to get a tattoo, are you? Please don’t.”

“Don’t worry.” Anna grinned.

“Thank God,” Maggie blurted out, and they both laughed.

“I’m really sorry I missed dinner.” Anna’s expression softened. “You made vegetarian?”

“Yes, Indian, but even Ralph didn’t beg for it.” Maggie felt the ease between them return. “Did Samantha miss dinner, too?”

“No, she gets her own dinner. Her parents are divorced, and her mother is never home. Samantha doesn’t have, like,anyrules.”

Terrific, Maggie thought, but didn’t say, and Noah started down the stairs.

“Hi, Anna!” he called out, cheery. “How was the first day of school?”

“Great.” Anna looked up at him. “Sorry I missed dinner.”

“Sure, next time just give us a call.” Noah crossed to the couch and sat down beside Maggie, loosening his tie. “Anna, listen, I’m really sorry about last night. I behaved terribly. I was out of sorts and I took it out on you and your mother.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that.” Anna smiled shakily. “And I’m sorry that I didn’t ask before I bought the car.”

“That’s great, thanks. And if you need a driving refresher, I’d like to take you. It’ll be fun.”

“Okay, great.” Anna smiled, happily.