“You’ll always be my baby.”
“Will I go to a new school? I just made some friends, and we never did the sleepover.”
This was something I didn’t get. I never had close friends. My mom wasn’t affectionate, and growing up, I couldn’t help but be standoffish. No matter what anyone said, I blamed myself for what happened at my first school. If I had just tried a bit harder to be cool, fun, easygoing ... anything other than myself.
“And I like Ms. Green and Drew.”
“I know, honey.”
Stupid Drew. He’d made me think I was normal back then, and not the odd duck out. He made me feel wanted.
Darla sneaked up on my cheek with a kiss. “But I love you the most.”
At least I knew I hadn’t repeated history. I gave her love and affection, unlike my mom. Although, I’d just taken her father away from her for the second time.
“You’ll have friends no matter where you are, Dar. You’re so lovable.”
“I like my new ones. That’s it, but yeah ...” Her words drifted off, as faint as the light of the TV. Her breathing evened out and she relaxed, her weight sinking into my chest.
Most parents complained about sleeping with their kids. They took up too much room. They snored. They kicked. They needed their space.
Not me.
I fell asleep thinking of how much I loved my daughter, and how I at least did one thing right in life.
“Mom, Mom.”
Someone shook my arm.
“Hmm?”
“Mom.”
This time the shake was a little harder.
“Darla! You okay?” Instantly awake, I popped up in bed like I’d been struck by lightning.
“There’s someone knocking on the door.”
That’s when I heard it. A few raps on the door, followed by a hand smacking the wooden surface.
“Go into the bathroom,” I told Darla.
Once she was safely inside the bathroom with the door closed, I walked over and looked through the peephole. On the other side was a big guy, maybe six foot four, a golden beard covering the lower half of his face and a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. Next to him was Drew, also sporting some scruff, wearing ripped jeans and a ratty polo shirt. He didn’t look good.
“Jules, I know you’re there,” Drew called out. “I can see the shadow of your feet under the door. Open up.”
I opened the door just a crack, but left the chain securely fastened. “Who the heck is the big guy?”
“Russ. He helped me find you.”
“Is he a lawyer?”
“What?” Drew pressed his face near the crack, coming close enough to smell my breath.
I whispered, “A lawyer? Someone who’s here to take Darla away?”
“Fuck no.” He stepped away from the door and raised his hands in the air. “I’m not trying to take Darla away, Jules.” His eyes were wide, and his words came out in short breaths. He seemed offended at my accusation.
