"Becoming responsible adults is no longer a matter of whether children hang up there pajamas or put dirty towels in the hamper, but whether they care about themselves and others -- and whether they see everyday chores as related to how we treat this planet."
Eda LeShan
After everyone had left to prepare for work Lindsey helped her mother clean up.
"You know, Linds, you've had a different attitude lately." Catherine cautiously began. "You've really helped out with Sadie the last few days and I'm really proud of you."
"She's fun, and she doesn't care if I'm wearing makeup, or if I have a boyfriend or all the other stuff that all my other friends talk about. Yeah, she's 5, but she's fun to be around and just play with." Lindsey said. Lindsey couldn't remember the last time her mom told her she was proud of Lindsey. It made Lindsey feel good.
"You have a boyfriend!" Catherine asked shocked.
"Mom, pul-eese! Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you his name cause you'd have him arrested or something." Lindsey whined.
"Well, it's my job to look out for you. I know things have been rough for a while, but I want you to know I love you very much. No matter how much trouble you seem to get into." Catherine said sincerely.
"Yeah, I guess it really wasn't to smart to try to hitchhike." Lindsey admitted quietly. "But did you really have to take me to the morgue? Like, gross."
"I was scared. I wanted you to know what could happen. I see to much of it in my job, and I never want that to happen to you." Catherine said.
"Hey mom, about your job…" Lindsey slowly began. "Do you think I could maybe start staying at home by myself instead of going over to auntie's since you're not getting home as late as you use to?"
"Well, Lindsey, you are kind of young."
"Mom, I'm going to be fourteen in two weeks, and in the fall I'm going to be in high school." Lindsey whined.
"I know, don't remind me!" Catherine quipped, Lindsey laughed. "But really Lindsey, do you think you can be responsible enough to stay at home by yourself? Your attitude has changed a lot over the last few days, and I'm proud of you, but staying home alone is a big deal." Catherine wasn't sure weather she was comfortable of the thought of Lindsey alone in their house.
"I can handle it Mom, trust me." Lindsey said proudly.
"I'm trying to baby." Catherine responded.
"Well maybe after you realize how responsible I am staying home alone, I could maybe baby-sit for Sadie. You know, they sometimes offer a baby-sitting course at school, I could take that and know what to do." Lindsey said hopefully.
"Well, after we establish that you're responsible enough to stay at home alone, maybe you could start baby-sitting, but Sadie's only going to be with Sara till the end of the weekend." Catherine tried to explain.
"Why?" Lindsey looked at her mom confused.
"Sadie was part of a case that Sara was working on. They didn't have anywhere for her to go for the weekend, so Sara took her. Sadie's going to probably go to a group home Tuesday morning." Catherine replied tentatively.
"Well, if Sara should adopt her, she already loves her." Lindsey responded.
"How do you know this?" Catherine asked. She had seen how Sara had become attached and protective of Sadie, but she wasn't sure about if she loved Sadie.
"Sara looks at Sadie the same way you look at me. That type of love. Not the type of love, like, when you look at Warrick." Lindsey simply explained.
"Lindsey!" Catherine's face was red. First her friends, now her daughter.
"Mom, please, I saw you guys kissing the other night when he dropped you off. You know, the night auntie was staying here. My room faces the driveway, duh." Lindsey teased.
"You shouldn't have been up so late, young lady!" Catherine couldn't believe she had been caught. They thought they were being careful.
"Whatever mom, you were still kissing him." Lindsey continued her taunt. Knowing she couldn't win this conversation, Catherine tried to change the subject.
"You know, raising a child is hard. I know one thirteen year old blond that is particularly hard." Catherine stated. "I don't know if Sara could handle Sadie on her own."
"But we could help. And I could baby-sit. And Greg, and Nick, and Warrick could help too." Lindsey had become set on the idea that Sadie was going to stay right where she is. Catherine was amazed with Lindsey's perceptiveness.
"Well, I'll talk to Sara later, ok?" Catherine said. She was proud of her daughter wanting to help someone in need, and was happy being able to have a conversation without yelling at each other, for once. "Since you want to be responsible, how about we do a test run tonight. But there are some ground rules."
"You're really going to let me stay by myself!" Lindsey said excited.
"Yes, but there are rules. No buddies, no boys, and no booze. Got it! And I'm going to be calling to check on you." Catherine stated.
"Ok mom, I promise, you'll be proud of me." Lindsey said willingly.
"Baby, I'm already proud of you, I just worry because I'm your mom. It's what I do."
"Yeah, that and kiss Warrick." Lindsey laughed as Catherine tried to glare at her as she ran into the house. Catherine knew she was going to worry with Lindsey staying home alone, but she wanted to encourage the sudden positive attitude change.
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