Craig walks in carrying a tray of sausage. “Since we’re telling it like it is, you should know we don’t always eat like this, or I’d need much bigger pants.” He pats his nonexistent stomach.

I follow Sarah’s lead and take a bagel.

“Is Jen still coming over tomorrow night, or is Ally my new babysitter?” Sarah asks.

“Oh, no, we’re canceling,” Paula replies.

“Canceling what?” I ask.

“Well, every Sunday Craig and I have dinner with a group of friends, but we aren’t going to go this week.”

“I’ll watch Sarah,” I offer. “I don’t mind.” Plus, you know, I’ll be here anyway.

“Also, I’m eleven and I don’t need a babysitter,” Sarah adds.

I didn’t have a babysitter when I was eleven. Or ever, really. I’d usually get home from school, make myself a snack, and do homework. Dad spent most nights and weekends with me. If he had something, I’d go over to Marian’s.

“I babysit all the time back home. I have a lot of regular customers and can get references if you need them.”

Did I just offer up references to babysit my half sister?

I sure did.

“You know, in case you know of anybody looking for a babysitter,” I add to try to cover up my blunder. Honestly, I wouldn’t fault them for asking for references because they don’t know me. I had spent more time over at the Dorns before I was allowed to be alone with their kids than I’ve been here (tomorrow will be four stars, which is how I’ve decided to look at it instead of days). “Anyway, I’d like to get a job.”

I can’t have Craig and Paula keep paying for things. Plus, I need to save up for that out-of-state tuition.

“I think your focus should be on settling in here and your schoolwork,” Paula states with a nod like the matter is settled.

“You know,” Craig begins, “I think it would be nice to give the sisters some time alone. Family bonding and all that.”

“Yeah,” Sarah agrees. “Let me and Ally have some pizza-eating and movie-watching sister time.”

Craig and Paula aren’t the only ones taken aback that Sarah seems to want to hang out with me.

“That sounds great,” I add. Even the idea of babysitting gives me a jolt of my past life. The old Ally. She’s still in here somewhere.

“Fantastic!” Craig claps his hands together. “I’ll call Charlie and let him know we’re in.”

Paula only nods in response, like she doesn’t trust us to be left alone.

“I was thinking tomorrow for lunch that I’d do some grilling for the big game. Isn’t that what you usually do when you watch Packers games, Ally?” Craig asks.

“Yes.” I’m touched he remembers and wants to help keep whatever traditions I can.