Chapter 6. In His Room

Iris looked towards Nicholas's house and went up to his door and rang the doorbell. A tall woman who resembled Nicholas but had kind eyes unlike him opened the door. She looked at Iris and smiled.

"Hello, does Nicholas Taylor live here? I'm his friend, Iris Davenport," said Iris shyly. Did she sound desperate? The woman smiled and opened the door wider.

"Yes, Nick does live here. I'm his mom, Pauline Taylor. Please come inside," said his mom, ushering Iris inside.

"Is he unwell?" Iris asked, trying to be casual. Nick's mom smiled at her.

"Nothing serious, Iris. You can go up to his room and see him. It's the first room to your right up the stairs," said his mom.

"Thank you, Mrs. Taylor," said Iris.

"Oh, just call me aunt Pauline, dear," said Nick's mom, and Iris smiled at her.

"Ma, I'm hungry. I'm tired of having clear poo soup," yelled Nick from his room. Iris giggled and aunt Pauline rolled her eyes.

"I'll get you some oatmeal," answ