>> STUTTER-SHOOK AND UPTIGHT <<

[Filter: Casey]

It isn't fair.

Karia's trying to keep me out of everything going on with Carmen. I've asked her a lot if I can do something to make her go away, but Karia just always says it's her problem and she doesn't want me to get involved. I've told her I'll be okay but she doesn't listen.

I don't think she realizes how dangerous Carmen is. If she really did all of that to Leslie, then Karia can't afford to push me out of this. Isn't that right? I think that's right.

[Filter: Karia]

Do you think if you told Carmen that I'd work for her instead that maybe she'd finally stop bothering you and Mom all the time? She came by again today and she and Mom had a big argument. I just want her to go away. If it makes her leave you and Mom alone I'll do whatever she wants.

I really wish it'd stop raining already!! I think most people have gotten used to it but it's still kind of depressing. And I still get soaked whenever I go out to pick anything up for Mom. I think everybody's just putting up with it now instead of complaining, but I still wish it'd stop.

Are you and Casey gonna come out for dinner again soon Karia?? It's been a while is all. I think we all miss you here.

[Filter: Casey]

I don't think we should tell Karia about this but I found a note from Carmen for her when I got back from getting groceries. Mom was busy so I don't think she saw it either. But it's more of the same stuff. Only it says some things like "I know you'll regret it if you don't come back to the business" and "this is what you wre meant to do" and other stuff.

I really wish she'd go away.

Hey Karia? Are you busy?

She came to the house again and she and Mom are having a big argument. If you're busy I can find something to do but I thought maybe we could go do something together while this is happening maybe??

Sorry if you're too busy. I just don't really want to be here while they're fighting ...

[Filter: Karia]

So did you talk to Mom yet about the dinners?? If you haven't yet then I'm going to!! I think it's a great idea and we ought to do it!!

Karia!! Casey!!

Mom said I should invite the two of you over for dinner tomorrow if you want to come! She's making a big meal because it's almost Dad's birthday and she wanted to do something special before she had to take any jobs or anything. So she told me I should write and ask you if you guys wanted to come!

She said you can bring other people if you want but just say how many so she knows how much food she has to make!

[Filter: Karia]

What do you and mom keep talking about, anyway? Mom never wants to tell me when I ask her. But it looks important. Is it important? You can tell me. I won't tell anybody.

It's Wednesday and I have a question.

Everybody gets mad sometimes. I really try not to but sometimes things are just so awful and I don't want to -- to deal with it anymore. It's hard. So I just go out walking sometimes, just by myself. I'm older now so it's okay for me to do that, even though my Mom gets upset about it still. She worries a lot.

What does everybody else do when they're upset? To make themselves feel better I mean. I can't think of anything besides what I'm already doing. But I bet not everybody does it.

[Filter: Me]

Good. I'm grown up now. I don't need her to take care of me anymore. I can take care of everyone by myself. I can take care of Ma Mom and make sure P Dad gets better. I can do it on my own.

[Filter: Public]

It's not as loud in Norey anymore now that the holiday's over. It's better quiet.

You didn't even have to get me anything, Karia.

I'm almost grown up now. Even Mama says so...