Shifting Read Free Page B

was not the decision they had expected. Jae introduced the twins to his family.
    “This is my mother, Sheila, and my sister, Mireya.”
    “Oh, nice to meet you,” the twins replied, half-heartedly.
    Sheila was a frail woman, with short thin hair. She wore a knee length skirt and apron, with tall tan boots. Mireya was a miniature image of her mother.
    “This situation is dreadful,” Sheila spoke. “However, I must admit I am glad to be able to thank you in person, for everything you’ve done for my family. Helping my son return home, and saving my husband from a fate worse than death. I’m deeply sorry about your uncle. Arnon Jacoby was it?”
    “Yes, it is Arnon,” Meghan corrected.
    Sheila did not respond. An uneasy minute passed as the Gypsies dispersed, most ignoring the twins completely.
    “While here, you are welcome to stay with us, it is the least, and the most, I can offer,” she told them, abruptly taking hold of Mireya’s hand and speeding her frail frame down the walkway. She yelled back, “Make sure you’re home early tonight, Jae.”
    “Yeah, I will, mom.” After she was out of sight, Jae said, “Why don’t I show you around a little, help you get settled in.”
    Before they could begin, the trio noticed someone standing in the shadows of a nearby building. It was Billie Sadorus. Seeing that the crowd had dispersed she strutted over, muttering her satisfaction that the court had made the only right decision.
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    “That took long enough! Don’t see why they couldn’t have done that last night. Keeping two youngins locked up like common criminals! A shame! That’s what it is, a shame,” her voice was raspy as it spoke the same mutterings the twins had heard the evening before.
    “Hi, Billie,” said Jae in an exited voice, after her tirade ended.
    “Glad to have you back, boy. Why don’t you and our new guests come over for a bite?”
    “I can show you around later, you’ll love Billie’s place,” insisted Jae.
    The twins were overwhelmed and not in the mood for visiting, but also did not feel they had a choice. They tiredly agreed and followed Billie down a street called Scrooby, which ended abruptly at a boat-shaped brown shingled cottage; crooked turrets protruded from the sides of the cottage.
    “Make yourselves at home,” said Billie. “I’ll go get us a bite.”
    “Cool house, huh,” said Jae.
    “Where are all her belongings?” asked Meghan, noticing how empty the house was as they stepped inside.
    “Our homes here are replicas. All our real belongings are still on our island, other than what we could bring with us.” The place was empty, with the exception of some simple furniture, and a few trunks stuffed with papers and books, most of which were strewn about.
    “Ah, I see you’ve found my papers. Sorry, I was filing some work. Can’t locate the file I’m looking for,” said Billie, arriving with a tray of cocoa and the most delicious smelling chocolate chip cookies the twins had ever smelled.
    “What do you do for work?” asked Colin curiously.
    “A little o’ this, little o’ that. Mostly I keep track of historical information. I like to collect things. Keep a record of our journey. If you ever have questions about Svoda history, in these papers lie your answers. I keep hoping one of these days my sad excuse for a brother, Garner, will...” she trailed off, mumbling.
    “Garner Sadorus. I don’t think he likes us,” said Colin, forgetting it might offend their host.
    Meghan shot him a glare.
    Billie responded, as if speaking to the air.
    “Not a full day here and already they see how atrocious my brother has become.”
    “I don’t know if I’d say atrocious,” said Colin, trying to make up for his mistake. “But definitely scary.”
    “Exactly! He’s lost touch with reality, that man! I don’t understand what’s gotten into Garner these last few years. He’s changed. Listen to me babbling on about my sibling issues. Eat up, drink up, and