Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Chapter 27

The day Savannah left the hospital, the snow had just stopped, revealing a bright, clear blue sky. The trees lining the road shimmered with a fresh layer of ice. Javier drove to pick her up himself, the silence between them in the car heavy and palpable.

Allison sat in the back seat, her breath fogging up the window as she doodled with her finger. Her heart was brimming with joy. Her mom was finally coming home. She drew a little family portrait on the glass, and her face beamed with happiness.

Savannah caught sight of the drawing and felt a sharp pang in her heart. Tears threatened to spill, but she quickly turned her head to wipe them away, then managed a smile. "Allie, your birthday's just around the corner. What do you want as a present?"

Still focused on her window art, Allison replied in her sweet, clear voice, “Mom, I want a Bluey."

“A Bluey?” Savannah asked gently. "Is that a kind of puppy? I've never heard of that breed."

friend told me there's this craft shop

turned to her mom, her eyes bright. “Last week, Olivia and George painted

smile. “Okay, if that's what you want, then

and her mom walked into the craft shop. Having pre-ordered the plain ceramic dog, they didn't have to wait. The shop owner brought it out, and they got to

with the result; her Cinnamoroll

bakery. Savannah carried a cake in one hand and held Allison's hand with

you more than anything." Savannah's words were soft, carried away by the

red from the cold. Her mom often told her she loved her, so she didn't think much of it. In her

struggled to keep her tears at bay. Her precious Allie was still so young, just twelve. How

emotions, Savannah turned away and continued walking. Allison, clinging to her mom's hand, navigated through the

parked there. From a distance, Allison spotted her dad standing in the snow, smoking, his face clouded with sadness and solitude. It was a look she rarely saw. Just as she was wondering about it, Javier

have imagined it. Javier stubbed out his cigarette and, in a hoarse voice, said, "You're