Page 57 of Strangers She Knows

“Do you like being a botanist?” Rae was really curious. The island was so different from the Washington coast; same ocean, but the plants, the sea birds, the predators, the field mice and the marine life entertained and amazed her.

“You know, I do. I didn’t know if I would, but it’s pretty jazz.” Miranda sounded reflective, then she straightened. “You should go now. If we see each other, we’ll wave from a distance.”

Rae didn’t want to leave. “You know, if my dad okayed you being here, I don’t know what difference it makes if I talk to you.”

“Your mother—”

“She’s such a drama queen!”

Miranda gave a surprised laugh. “She is, isn’t she? What’s she done now?”

“Her brain surgery was two years ago. At least. Today she pretended to black out. Then she pretended she couldn’t speak. All to make me stay inside and to get my dad’s attention.” Rae knew she was wrong. She didn’t care. “I am so tired of her being first!” She felt surprised that had burst from her. Then she realized—it was true.

“Brain surgery is a big deal.” Sensible adult reasoning.

“I know. But the doctor says she’s fine. That’s why we came here, now that she’s better. For bonding time.”

“You need to bond with your parents?” Mara asked, clearly incredulous.

“No! I mean, no! And what about me? What about my friends?”

“It’s almost like they don’t want you to have friends.”

“Right!” Loneliness caught at Rae’s throat, and she gave a quick, hiccupping sob.

“It’s not fair. Like you said—drama queen.”

After her outburst, Rae felt better, and she really felt better knowing she wasn’t the only one who thought her mother was faking it. With that, her decision was made. “What exactly are you doing? What are you putting on the paper?” Because if she was going to keep this friendship a secret, she should at least learn something. It would keep her from feeling the teeny, tiniest bit guilty. Although she would have to work on not imagining what her grandmother would say.

“I’m finding the particular tidal pools that were studied before and counting the anemones and other living creatures in the pool. See?” She showed Rae the charts. “The state of California wants to know how rising water levels are affecting the plants and animals on the island. I’m counting birds, too, taking notes of the species and the number of nests.”

“I thought you said that you’re a botanist.”

“So?”

“Botanists study plants.”

Miranda’s bright blue eyes narrowed and got a hot spark that made Rae draw back.

Then Miranda smiled, that warm, interested, sympathetic smile. “Aren’t you a smarty? The Di Lucas only allow one scientist on the island every year, so it has to be someone who knows a little bit about all the ’ologies.” She twinkled her fingers. “Botany, marine biology, zoology, ornithology… I even know a little archeology in case I come on the ruins of a prehistoric human settlement.”

“Oh. That makes sense. Except—why do we only allow one scientist a year?”

“You know how it is with rich people.”

“I’ll talk to my father, explain we need to allow more scientists to—”

“No! No, it’s okay. The island is so pristine, we don’t want a bunch of people tramping around ruining the, um, grasses.”

“But if we allowed people who specialized in one science, isn’t there a better chance they’ll discover something wonderful?” That made sense to Rae.

“Yes, and there’s a chance they’ll accidently stomp on something else they don’t recognize. Really, don’t ask your father. This job is important to me. Promise you won’t tell.”

“I promise.” But Rae was disappointed—and for the first time, she had second thoughts. As paranoid as her mom was, Rae knew it was because she loved her. Maybe she shouldn’t have promised not to tell about Miranda.

Before she could ask if she could cancel her promise, Miranda teased, “Besides, we’re not really seeing each other, are we?” and smiled so brightly her teeth glinted.

“I said I wouldn’t say anything.” Rae glanced at her watch and gasped. “I have to get home.”

---