Sharing Space (The Complete Series) by Nina Perez Page A

Wisely, she did as she was asked.  When she was out of earshot Crystal giggled.
     
    “She is too through with me.  Hanging out with you is like a lifesaver for her.”
     
    “What’s going on?” I asked.
     
    “I’m not sure.  She seems very distant.  We’ve always been able to communicate, but lately she’s been shutting me out, almost hostile.”
     
    “Hostile?” 
     
    Crystal raised an eyebrow at me and replied, “Oh, girl nothing like that.   I’d have to break her little hands if she ever raised one to me.  She just acts like she can’t be bothered. I offered to take her to a matinee tomorrow after you drop her home and she turned me down, said she would have some studying to do.”
     
    “I wouldn’t worry about it too much.  You know all young girls go through their little phases.  But if it will make you feel any better, I’ll try to talk to her tonight.  See if she’ll open up.”
     
    “I’d appreciate it.  Oh, here she comes.”
     
    We turned to watch Brianna carry a small tray with two tall glasses of tea.  The last drop was barely down my throat before Brianna was once again asking if I were ready to go.  I decided to give in and, after a quick goodbye, we were off. For someone who was so closed-lipped in the restaurant, Brianna was all mouth during the train ride downtown.  She couldn’t stop talking about school and the science fair she wanted to enter.  Her mood changed when I asked about Uncle Troy.
     
    “I’m really worried about Grandpa.  He’s been sick more and more and Mommy has to cover for him at the restaurant a lot.”
     
    I rubbed her back.  “Brianna, your Grandpa has always been a hard worker for a man his age. It’s probably just catching up with him a bit.  Has your Mom mentioned anything serious?”
     
    Brianna turned to look out the window.  Orange lights flashed across her face as our express train whizzed through a station.
     
    “My mother has been too busy to notice much of anything.”
     
    “What do you mean?”
     
    “Nothing.” 
     
    Just like that, the case was closed.  I was curious to know more, but figured I had all day and night to dig further.
     
    Watching Brianna’s face light up as we entered the Children’s Museum was well worth the wait.  There was a space exhibit that I knew would please Brianna, seeing as how Crystal told me she’d taken an interest in astronomy.  We went through the thirty-minute tour and then I treated her to a manicure at my favorite salon.  I managed to convince her that the Rococo Red was a little too adult and that it might be more appropriate if she went with the Cotton Candy Pink.  There was some resistance at first, but when the manicurist informed her that Selena Gomez was a regular at the salon and frequently chose that color, Brianna was all for it. 
     
    After our pamper session, we walked the few blocks to my apartment.  The already brisk day was turning chillier, and we linked our arms for warmth.  While I prepared Brianna’s favorite dinner—spaghetti and meatballs with shredded cheese on top—she took a bath and changed into pajamas. Over dinner we talked about my mother’s upcoming Thanksgiving visit.
     
    “I love when Auntie Adrian comes to visit.  She always brings really cool gifts,” Brianna said while and licked sauce from her finger.
     
    “Yeah, that’s not all she brings,” I replied, handing her a napkin.
     
    “Huh?”
     
    “Nothing.”
     
    “So, what’s it like?”
     
    “What’s what like?” I asked, taking a sip of soda.
     
    “Living with a white man.”
     
    I nearly spat out my Pepsi.  “What do you mean?” 
     
    I was actually worried that Brianna might take my living with a man the wrong way.  It was important that she knew it was a roommate situation and not just shacking up with some random guy.  I figured that she was bright for her age and wouldn’t get the wrong idea.  What I didn’t expect was for her to take an interest