The next day, Stephanie thought about having girl talk with Linda about Lisa. She was glad she told her father want bothered her.
Stephanie went to Sportacus.
"Can I talk to you?" asked Stephanie.
"What's up?" asked Sportacus.
"It's about Lisa," said Stephanie.
"The one who has been quiet?" asked Sportacus.
"Yes, she has been having a hard, too," said Stephanie.
"Really?" asked Sportacus.
"Yes, her father was killed in a car accident on Christmas Eve," said Stephanie.
"I did recall when Linda told you that not long ago," said Sportacus.
"I bet she might have a hard time getting used to her mom dating Dad," said Stephanie. "I told Linda I'd talk to Lisa when the time is right. I know how Lisa feels."
"That's a good thing," said Sportacus.
"I worry about her," said the ten-year-old. "Linda said Lisa hated Christmas since her father's death."
Later, Stephanie was in her room.
"You have been out there for awhile," said Sally.
"I was talking to Sportacus about something, I like Linda's kids," said Stephanie.
"They're cute," said Sally.
"But I don't think the oldest one likes me," said Stephanie.
"I'm sure she does," said Sally.
"I know how Lisa feels because that's how we lost Mom," said Stephanie.
"True," said Sally.
"I do worry about her," said Stephanie.
"She probably doesn't like the changes. I suspect she thinks her mom is replacing her dad," said her sister.
"I know. I also wonder if it has something with Robbie," said the ten-year-old.
"You have a good point," said Sally.
They talked for a long time before they went to bed.
The next day, Stephanie was calling Linda.
"I just wanted to ask her about Lisa. I worry about her. She doesn't like me for some reason," said Stephanie.
She had a nice, long talk with Linda and wondered how Lisa was doing.
"You're right to tell me. She has a hard accepting I'm dating again. I can see why: she misses her father," said Linda.
"I also thought it might have something to do with her uncle. My older sister agreed with me," said Stephanie.
"Probably. She doesn't like the changes with that," said Linda. "I worry about you because I know you're not happy about the changes the most."
"I'm like Lisa. I miss my mother although I do like you," said Stephanie. "But I hated the idea of having Robbie as my step uncle."
"I bet, honey," said Linda.
"But, I'm sure I'll have the best stepmom in the world," continued Stephanie. "I told Dad what was bothering me."
"You have a good point," said Linda. "You and I can have girl talk about anything."
"I like that idea. I have Sally to have girl talk, too," said Stephanie. "I miss having that with my mother."
"I bet. It's good to have a nice older sister who cares about you," said Linda.
"I know," agreed Stephanie. "We're very close."
"That's good," said Linda.
"If you guys plan to get married one day, I think I'll tell him I'll only attend or be in it if Robbie doesn't attend the wedding," said Stephanie.
"I don't blame you," said Linda. "He doesn't know about it, so I'm not telling him anything. I don't trust him with you."
"Oh, good," said Stephanie.
"My mother said she won't invite Robbie, either. They have been estranged for a long time," said Linda.
"I believe that," said the ten-year-old.
"You can call me anytime if you want to have a girl talk whenever Sally goes back to college when her Spring Break," said Linda.
"Sounds good," said Stephanie. "I never had a girl talk with my father before."
"Most girls are like when they don't have a mother," said Linda.
After they had a long talk, Stephanie was lucky to have a good stepmom-to-be. She was also lucky that Robbie wasn't going to the wedding, but she's worried how he would react if he finds out. She's scared to be the part of the wedding party now.