Something jumped out of the closet just ahead of us. At first Alex thought it was the abominable snowman - until I recognized the long blond hair as being that of the lady, Anna's, and not a yhetti who had taken a wrong turn somewhere.

Her face was flustered and she grinned broadly. It seemed to me just a wee bit fake. "What is it honey?"

"God, Mom, you nearly gave me a heart-attack," the boy grumbled.

"Well I'm sorry. Maybe you shouldn't sneak up on me like that."

"What were you doing?" he asked.

"Nothing," she said, too quickly. He shrugged it off.

"Where's she staying?" he asked, pointing at me. Anna got a confused look on her face.

"Didn't I set her up a space?"

"We're out of beds," he informed her.

"Oh, no," she moaned. She sighed, and looked to the ceiling. "Who is where again, Zac? I don't remember."

"Ez, Zo, Ave, and Jess are in Jess and Ave's room. Mac, Joe, and Sam are in Mac and Zo's room. Tay, Nick, and I are in the basement. Jack and Wendie are in the den," he counted off on his fingers.

"Well, shoot," she mumbled. She thought for a moment, then said, "I guess dear old dad will have to sleep on the couch. You don't mind rooming with me for the week, do you, Alex?"

I tensed up a bit. Their mother? A lady I had never met before in my entire life - well, at least not in my recollection. I think I've met everyone in Nicky's family.

"I...I..." I stammered, looking blankly at the ground and picking at the hem of my sweatshirt.

"I don't bite!" Anna chuckled.

"I guess so," I said softly.

"Good," she said. She turned to the boys. "Go unpack. Pronto!"

I watched as Nicky and long-haired child disappeared around the corner. She looked back to me. "Go see if the coast is clear," she said, gesturing to the open end of the hallway. I crept to the opening, and peered into their living room. There were toys strewn everywhere, but no kids in sight.

"All clear," I said.

She stepped back into the closet and came back a moment later. A mound of boxes lay in her arms. She carefully stepped around me.

"Follow me," she said over her shoulder. I watched with awe as she maneuvered around kids toys with such perfect ease.

I picked up my bags, and hurried after her.