“Oh, Uncle Dominic.”
I heard her sniffle.
“I’ve already forgiven you, silly. I just really miss you.”
“Me too, honey.”
“Where are you, Uncle Dominic?”
“I’m in New Jersey, but I am planning a trip to Florida very soon.”
“You are?”
“Yep. I just have to talk to your mom to arrange some things. Maybe you can show me around?”
“I’d love that! And I’m a great tour guide. I know everything around here. Hold on!”
I heard Isabella’s voice in the background, asking if she was still awake. Effie made up an excuse that she had to get a drink of water, and she would get back to sleep if her mom would stop interrupting. I laughed at that. A few moments later, she came back on the line. This time, she spoke in a whisper.
“Sorry about that. My mom thinks I’m a little kid.”
“Well, you are a kid, and I probably called you pretty late. Don’t you have school tomorrow?”
“Yeah, but no big deal. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not so sure. I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we say good-bye for now, and you save my phone number and call me tomorrowafter school. In the meantime, I’ll call your mom and see if I can’t arrange a visit.”
“That would be great. I will call you at five minutes after three tomorrow when I get off the bus, okay?”
“I am writing it down in my agenda.”
“Uncle Dominic?”
“Yes?”
“I’m not supposed to tell anyone, but I’m super excited and can’t wait. Since you’re so far away, it’s okay if I tell you, right?”
“I won’t tell a soul.”
She giggled. “I’m getting a baby brother or sister soon,” she whispered. “Mom told me last week.”
Isabella was pregnant. I felt taken aback, left out almost. Like everyone was getting on with the living of their lives, and I was stuck here, in the past, alone.
“That’s great, honey. I’m excited for you.” I hoped she couldn’t hear the effort it took me to say that.
“I’ll be able to babysit her too. And I’m not doing it for free!”
I laughed. “Nor should you.”
“Effie!” I heard Isabella’s voice. “Give me that phone, young lady. You know you’re not allowed to be on it after eight.”
“Gotta go!”
She hung up. I smiled to myself, wondering when we’d finally tell her the truth. Tell her I was her father.
I held on to the phone, knowing it would ring in the next minute, and right on cue, it did. I answered.
“Why are you calling her at ten o’clock on a school night?” Isabella asked.
