After her rebirth by Cici

Chapter 24

Hearing Saskia's words, Katniss got all choked up again. The tears she just wiped away started making a comeback.

Life's been a real grind for Katniss. Back when she was with Aurora, she was the baby of the family. Sure, things were tough, but at least no one messed with her. But after she got back to the Manners family, even though they had money, she was pretty much invisible, and only Clara got all the love.

Katniss agreed to Saskia's request, not wanting to stress out Wesley's family, and also to dig into what had led to Saskia's depression and suicide.

Seeing Katniss nod, Saskia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She checked her watch and freaked out-it was already 12:30. She had to hustle home to whip up lunch.

"It's late. I gotta get home and make lunch for my mother-in-law," Saskia said, all flustered. "Katniss, pack your stuff this afternoon. I'll swing by to pick you up after school."

Katniss knew Saskia's mother-in-law was a real piece of work, so she didn't argue, just found the nearest bus to send Saskia off.

Saskia was now a stay-at-home wife with no job and no cash. Every time she needed money, she had to beg her mother-in-law. Maybe that was part of why Saskia would develope depression. No matter what, Katniss had to figure it out. When Saskia got home, she saw her family sitting on the couch, looking all ticked off.

She threw on her apron and apologized, heading into the kitchen to get lunch going.

Kieran Scott stormed into the kitchen, glaring at Saskia as she prepped the meal, and snapped, "Why are you late and not making lunch? We're starving here."

Saskia quickly explained, "I was late 'cause I had to deal with something with Katniss. I'm really sorry. Next time, I'll get the meal ready ahead of time."

face stayed hard as he barked, "You need to apologize to my mom right

flickered, and she bit

Saskia said, putting away the

with your family?" Before Saskia got back, his mom had chewed

to him, which Kieran liked. But she couldn't

my parents were worried. Since I live nearby, I went to check." "Katniss?

didn't expect Kieran to

in college now? Is she seeing

replying, "No, why do you

good. If she's not seeing anyone, I could set her up with someone," Kieran suggested. "My cousin's son is still single. You met him at our wedding. If it works out, it would be great for both families."

way she was setting Katniss up with someone like that. "What do you mean 'mismatch'? If he likes Katniss, it'd be a blessing for your family. Be careful, all that book reading might leave her single

a few more words, he quickly bailed

Katniss about the setup. She might go for it," he instructed Saskia. "Didn't she move out?

coldly, "You hate the kitchen smell. It's hard to clean your clothes. You should

sending Saskia off, Katniss bolted

the coffee shop. This part-time gig was busy but full of interesting stories. But

police station herself. He's

a Manners. She didn't even spare her own brother. No

shut up. Katniss shot them a