Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Inside the envelope was a thick stack of cash-crisp dollar bills, neatly bundled.

"Alice, thank you for taking such good care of Lizzy these past few weeks. I know Mr. Fisher already paid you for your work, but what he paid is his business. This is just a little something from our family, to show our gratitude. Please, don't turn us down."

Alice could feel their sincerity, so she accepted the gift with a grateful smile.

That evening, Linda cooked a whole table of Allison's favorite dishes-creamy mashed potatoes, roast chicken, apple pie, and a fresh salad. It was the kind of home-cooked spread that made you feel truly cared for.

Lizzy was finally healthy again, and Allison had just come home from the hospital. For the Owens family, it felt like everything was finally falling back into place.

They all sat around the dinner table, laughing and talking together. The room was filled with warmth and happiness-a scene they hadn't shared in ages.

...

The next afternoon, after Dr. Alice left, Allison stayed home with Lizzy. The two of them curled up on the couch, watching cartoons.

Suddenly, a video call from Watson popped up on Allison's phone.

She hesitated. Watson never called her on video-if something was important, he'd call, but for everyday stuff, he always just texted. This was definitely new.

she accepted the

cousin, with her hair in two neat pigtails and the pink Prada hair clip Allison had given her. Julia's eyes lit

was soft and sweet, like

help but grin.

phone and figured out how to start a

heard Julia's voice and immediately scooted

Julia giggled, waving

chubby-cheeked face filling

play again?" Lizzy

Julia replied, just as excited. "I'll ask my brother to bring me over,

my mom to make something yummy for you,"

want those teddy bear cookies your mom made last

them for you tomorrow,"

two little girls kept

and making

handed the phone to

Julia as much

minutes later, the face on the screen