Ruth and Mikaela entered the house to find Annette slumped over the table with another empty magnum bottle dangling from her hand.
With a shake of her head, Ruth led Mikaela up the stairs.
Mikaela quickly packed a set of night clothes, and her toothbrush in a backpack, and followed Ruth outside.
"Bye, Mikaela. Be good," said Stefan, as he and Anna got into the parked Aventador.
"Bye Mr. Stanislaus, bye Anna," said Mikaela, as Anna waved, a little reluctantly.
Mikaela and Ruth crossed the street, and entered Edward's house.
"Staying the night with Captain Hawkins? OK, be good, Princess. I'll be leaving now," said Ivan, as he and Edward finished arranging the table.
"I wish I could move in with you, Daddy," said Mikaela.
"I do too, Princess. Mr. Stanislaus and I are working on getting that to happen," said Ivan.
"OK, bye Daddy," said Mikaela, giving Ivan a tight hug.
"Bye Princess," said Ivan, and left.
---
Mikaela awoke to the smell of waffles.
