Love, Aubrey

Gram returns on Sunday, and Aubrey runs outside to greet her. She tells Aubrey to get her things: they’re going out to eat. Aubrey returns to Bridget’s to retrieve her things and thank Bridget’s mom and Bridget’s dad. Bridget’s dad alludes to the “emergency” they had earlier in the week and brags to Gram that “Aubrey knew just what to do.” 

In the car, Aubrey tells Gram all about Mabel’s cough syrup incident. Then she asks how Mom’s doing. Gram says Mom is doing well. At the diner, she explains that Mom has a job, at a “house for young or expectant mothers who don’t have anywhere to go.” She helps with cleaning and other odd jobs. Gram thinks it’s great that Mom gets to help people. Aubrey asks if Mom is going to visit for Aubrey’s birthday, which is coming up. Gram doesn’t think so—but there is a present in the trunk of Gram’s car. Aubrey understands. She thinks her birthday must be like Christmas for Mom—one of those special-occasion days that’s harder for her to handle than the normal ones.  

Gram asks Aubrey what she’d like to do for her birthday, and Aubrey suggests a party at a pizza place, which Gram thinks is a great idea. She notes that 12 is getting to be pretty grown up, but Aubrey brushes this off. She doesn’t want to be a grown-up.

School starts up again, and Aubrey invites Marcus to her birthday party, which is on March 11. Marcus tells Aubrey he’s going to get her a crystal-growing kit as a present. When Aubrey asks whether this means he’s coming to her party, Marcus just smiles.