Inside the theater, Hazel bought popcorn and water for everyone, and they got seats in the theater showing their film.
As the movie continued, Hazel checked on Jed and was pleased to see a look of delight on his face.She’d gladly work extra hours next week to make up for this time with him.
###
They’d just dropped off Lucy at The Woodlands when Hazel’s cell phone rang.Lisa.
“Fantastic news!We just got the okay to transfer Jed to the foster care system in Pennsylvania.”
“Oh my God!That’s wonderful.Let me put you on the speaker.Jed is in the car with me now.”
As Lisa shared the good news all over again, Hazel watched Jed’s face light up in the rearview mirror.At the sight of his wide smile, Hazel’s eyes filled.She was thrilled for him and for Lisa and her family.Still, she knew she’d miss Jed and wondered how this would affect the relationship between her and Mike.The idea of fostering children is what brought them together.
###
At home, Hazel went about fixing their dinner.When Mike came in from work, dinner would soon be ready.She’d compromised by making their meal a bit later, knowing Jed had enjoyed popcorn at the movies.
When Mike came into the house, Jed ran over to greet him.
“How’s my ball boy?What did you do today?”Mike asked Jed, who stayed by his side as Mike walked into the kitchen to give Hazel a kiss.
“Hi,” he said, before pulling away.“I’m going to eat and run right after dinner.I have two couples’ matches going on this evening.Hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.Lisa called to say it’s all worked out for Jed to move to Pennsylvania.It’s going to be a low-key evening for Jed and me to celebrate.We might even read a book together.”She glanced at Jed, and he nodded.
A while later, they were sitting at the kitchen table having dinner when Jed said, “I don’t feel good.”
“You don’t have to eat anything more,” said Hazel.“You’ve done quite well.You can go ahead and get started on your bath.”
After Jed left the kitchen, Mike said, “He shouldn’t waste food.”
“I know, but you shouldn’t force a child to eat.This has been an emotional time.Thank God, he knows he’ll be moving with his family.”
“Help!”came a cry from Jed.
Both Mike and Hazel jumped to their feet to see what was going on.
Jed had thrown up all over himself and the bathroom floor and was now kneeling by the toilet.
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m sorry.Let me help you get cleaned up.”Hazel pressed a hand to Jed’s forehead and rubbed his back.“Did you get it all up?”
Jed gave her a sad nod.
“Well, don’t worry about anything.Let’s get you in the tub.Take off your outer clothes and then we’ll start the water for your bath.In the meantime, I’ll start to clean up.”
“Hey, Bud, I have to leave for tennis classes, but Hazel will take care of you,” said Mike, giving him a pat on the back.
“Stay with him for a moment,” said Hazel.“I have to get some cleaning supplies.”
She returned to the bathroom with the items she needed, trying not to gag at the smell.
“See you later,” said Mike, and gave her a quick kiss.
Left alone with Jed and the mess, Hazel drew a deep breath.This childcare business was harder than she’d thought.
###
Hazel sat on the edge of the bed, reading to Jed.She’d always loved reading aloud to her students in class and was pleased to see that she’d helped draw Jed into a book about a boy who took a magical trip to the moon.
