9.96 Family Support

Jonathan was sure Juliette meant what she said when she offered them room and board for the interim, but he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. He and Skyla migrated to Janessa’s house for the next night. Having not seen her brother in a month, and hearing the unfortunate news, she was overjoyed when he showed up.

She was even more excited to hear about the baby.

After everyone was hugged, greeted, and debriefed, they went outside and joined Juliana. She was having dinner. Jonathan hadn’t seen his favorite and only niece since before their trip and very glad to see her. “Hey little lady! Did you miss me?”

“Of course, Uncle Jonathan,” she said with her mouth full.

“How could this happen,” Janessa asked. “He’s your best friend!”

Jonathan really didn’t want to discuss it front of Skyla or Juliana, but he understood that it was upsetting to Janessa too. They were family. You hurt one Pruett, you hurt them all. He kept an eye on Skyla to make sure she was ok with the conversation.

“I know we only have two bedrooms, but you guys stay here for as long as you need to. I’ll sleep with Juliana, and Aldo can crash on the couch.”

“That’s very kind of you, Janessa,” Skyla said.

Jonathan and Skyla went back inside and settled on the couch while Janessa cleaned up after Juliana.

“Jonathan…I have an idea,” Skyla said. “You probably won’t like it, but I think it’s our only option right now.”

“Ok,” he said hesitantly.

“What if we moved back into my old house?”

“The trailer?”

“I know it’s not the most ideal solution, but I don’t think we have a choice right now.”

“But…how?”

“We never sold it.”

“Oh. Wow.”

He thought about it. While it was a very viable option, he still wanted to hold out for some answers about his own house.

“Look, Jonathan, I know you’re concerned about our house and would rather not live in a trailer. But, we can’t live in our house without electricity and water! At least not full time. And, in three days, there will be three of us. We can’t keep staying with your sisters. We should just go back to my father’s house until we figure everything out.”

She was right, and he knew it. “You’re so smart, Sky. I’m so lucky to have you.”