[b][i]Chapter One[/i][/b] [right]3.[/right]

	Cole snatched the goodies off of the floor, too angry and admittedly shocked to fully register what had just happened. He entered the room that the girls were in, unintentionally opening the door so forcefully that its handle hit the wall with a loud bang. Jenna immediately curled into a ball, hands over her head. The pencil and notebook that was in her lap slid to the floor, and she peeked out of hiding when she realized she was safe. Penelope turned to Cole with a wide grin, round glasses perched at the tip of her nose.

	“Hey,” she said, looking up at him. “What do[i] you[/i] got?”
	
	“Treats,” he smiled softly, handing one to Jenna, making sure to be extra gentle, and then one to Penelope.

	“Wow!” Penelope gasped, turning the bun over in her hands. She tugged at its plastic wrapping and it popped open. She sniffed it curiously. “It doesn’t smell like anything. Where did you get it?”

	Cole began to feel skeptical about the snacks. He knew most plastic-wrapped baked goods from Buddy’s Convenience were a bit stale and flavorless, but that wasn’t what concerned him. He knew where [i]he[/i] got them from, but where did Dillon get them from? How was he sure they came from Buddy’s? He wouldn’t put it past his brother to give them something that would harm them, but then again, why would he? Cole let the thoughts fade.

	“Dillon bought them,” he said softly, deciding not to take the credit. He watched Penelope take a bite and felt his heart beat quicker. She hummed happily, obviously enjoying the flavor. He looked over and was surprised to see that Jenna had already eaten the entirety of hers. She grinned at him widely. Cinnamon buns were her favorite and it had been so long since she’d last had one. It was a delicacy.

	“Tell him thank you,” she said pointedly. She’d heard them arguing. The walls were thin, and she already knew Dillon left. He wasn’t significant to her. She didn’t love him any more than she was socially obligated to. And even though his absence meant nothing other than that the police would stop knocking on their door (you know, [i]maybe[/i]), she still was upset with Cole for handling it the wrong way.

	“This is yummy,” Penelope said between bites. “Tell him thanks!”

	Jenna watched Cole hug their little sister and then come to pat her on the shoulder. He knew she didn’t like hugs and he respected that. He looked into her blue eyes and sincerely whispered, “He’ll be back. He’ll be fine,” without knowing if he believed his own words.

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