Alma had been so distracted by her thoughts about the Starling and then by her parents’ announcement about the school psychologist that she’d forgotten to ask permission to go to Shirin’s house.
She finally remembered on Friday morning, right before they walked out the door for school.
“It’s the same kids I’ve been meeting at the library,” she said, trying to sound calm and cheerful. “The Astronomy Club kids. Hugo and Shirin.”
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with those two,” Alma’s mother said. “And we’ve never met them. Or even seen them.”
“We’ve been a little overly permissive,” her father added, “because we wanted you to make friends.”
“They’re really smart,” Alma said, because she knew her father would like that. “And nice,” she added, because she knew her mother would like that. “And we still have a lot of work to do on the project.”
“What if they come to our house?” Alma’s mother offered.
Alma knew exactly what would happen if Shirin and Hugo came over. Her parents would hover around. They would make suggestions when her friends left about how she could smile more or be more talkative. They would listen to her conversations, and then later ask her questions. What did I hear about elements? they would say. And where are these caves?
“The supplies are at Shirin’s,” Alma said. “Maybe we can do her house tonight and our house next weekend? How about that?”
Her parents glanced at each other, eyebrows raised in what-do-you-think looks.
“Okeydoke, Alma Llama,” her mother said, nodding.
“Next weekend,” her father agreed. “Or sooner.”