Cut Me Free by J. R. Johansson Page A

than I have all day.
    We walk the rest of the way down the stairs, and Sanda’s hand is shaking when she knocks. In less than five seconds, Rachel flings the door wide open and grins.
    â€œHi! I was thinking about you all day, but Grams said I had to wait until you got settled. You seem settled. Want to see my room?” She gives Sanda no time to answer, grabs her hand and drags her into the apartment. Sanda follows in stunned silence, but then a grin spreads across her face.
    Janice wipes her hands on a towel and walks out of the kitchen. She waves for me to come in and I close the door behind me. Her apartment makes mine look like a barren wasteland. It’s warm, cozy, and clean, with the exception of a few dolls and toys scattered about. It is lived in—like a home.
    As I stand in the doorway, I count the locks on it. There are only four. One of the windows is open to allow in a breeze, like an invitation. This apartment is at street level. It’s so easy to break in. Can I really leave her here when it’s this vulnerable?
    â€œWell, that didn’t take long.” Janice gestures toward the next room where Rachel is showing Sanda a dollhouse. The blond girl keeps handing Sanda dolls and is talking a million words a minute. I smile as Sanda struggles to hold about fifteen dolls without dropping any before Rachel giggles and takes some back.
    I have my answer. If Rachel is safe here, Sanda can be, too. Besides, having a friend will be so good for her. “They’ll have fun together,” I say.
    â€œShe looks better.” Janice’s gaze is piercing and I turn away. “Than last night, I mean.”
    â€œNew clothes will do that for a girl, I guess.” I hurry on before she can ask questions. “We were planning on inviting Rachel up to our apartment.”
    Janice shakes her head. “They’re fine here, if that’s okay with you. I’m sure we have more toys, anyway.”
    â€œWell, I was hoping I could take Rachel off your hands for an hour and give you a break, because then I kind of need a favor tonight.” This is even more uncomfortable than I expected. I’m not used to asking for help. And I don’t like needing it.
    She doesn’t say anything, waiting for me to finish.
    â€œI got a job working at a restaurant and I need to go in for training in an hour.” I look back toward Sanda again and she grins and waves. “I was hoping she could stay here with Rachel while I’m gone. I’d be happy to pay you.”
    Janice watches me for a moment before nodding. “No need to pay or to watch Rachel first. It’s actually nice for me, too. I get more done when someone else can entertain Rachel for a little while. Your cousin is always welcome.”
    I start to let out a breath of relief, but she holds up a hand and the air stops in my throat, choking me.
    â€œOne problem though.” She leans forward and whispers, “I don’t think you ever told me her name.”
    â€œOh, right.” I remember to keep breathing. “It’s Sanda.”
    â€œGreat. Sanda will be fine here until you get home.” Janice pats my shoulder and I hold perfectly still. “What time does your shift end?”
    I give her an apologetic wince. “It’ll be a little late, between ten and eleven. Are you sure you don’t want me to pay you for babysitting?”
    She shakes her head. “I’m sure. I’ll send them to bed at nine anyway, so any time after that really doesn’t count. Rachel has an extra bed in her room for when her dad is home on leave. If you bring down some pajamas for Sanda, you can just carry her up when you get home.”
    I’m speechless. I expected Janice would watch Sanda if I paid enough, but not this kind of generosity. There is nothing I can say, but I’ll make this up to her somehow.
    â€œThank you.” I can see it in her eyes as she nods. Janice knows how much