And yet I’m beginning to wonder if I should break the order and tell Charlotte before she gets herself into trouble.
“I never want to again. I’m sorry.” I cock a smile at her. My phone in my pocket starts to buzz, to my surprise. I see the name of someone that peaks my interest.
Chapter 11
Lottie
Mondaysarealreadylongenough as it is, but today especially was not how I needed it to be. I got back to the foundation and just wanted to be around the kids, and my nephew. Finn studies my face, getting the message that it’s a long enough day, my mind distracted.
It’s just us for dinner, as usual. My mind swirls into a void of endless thoughts.
“Did you hear me?” Finn asks again, he must have been telling me about his day but I didn’t hear him.
“I’m sorry kiddo, I didn’t.” I admit, giving him the truth.
“I was saying that I have a book report to do and it has to be on a classic book.” He explains. The light in his eyes, his excitement gives me a reason to smile.
I could bet money on what book he’s going to do. “Any ideas?”
“Peter Pan.”
And I would have won. His fascination started when he was young, but the bed time stories, to the different retellings and spinoffs. He loves Peter Pan, and I don’t blame him. Some days I’d love to fly to the stars and escape where time freezes and the adventures never end.
“I figure you would. Does that mean you’re going to re-read it.”Not like he hasn’t before or can recite it word for word.
He nods his head. There’s something else that is stirring in his head. He plays around with his pasta. “What’s up kiddo? Penny for your thoughts.” I offer.
“You seem distracted,” Perceptive kid. Definitely his father’s son. “I know things are crazy at the agency, the kids have been talking, more like worried I guess.”
“Yeah, they are. But you needn’t worry about it. Just be a kid.”
“I’m ten Lottie, almost eleven.”in March. “I have eyes.”
“And those eyes are meant to imagine and create your own world.”
“Wasn’t it someone that said, be a part of this world and do something great.”
I shake my head, those are not my words, those would be my aunt. “Aunt Lilly said that.”
“Runs in the family.”
“I’ll tell you what.” I start, wiping my mouth from any leftover sauce. “When the world needs a special, smart boy like you to solve their problems. I’ll send the bat signal. You already do enough for the foundation and being the friend I want you to be for your friends.”
“Be a kid.” He repeats my words.
“And fly high and reach the stars.”
He goes back to finishing his dinner. I excuse myself back to the kitchen, trying to find my mind and the thoughts that keep coming into the light.
Our place is not the largest but it's a simple home and in a decent neighborhood, close to the school and not far from the Lighthouse. It’s the appeal of being well lived in that gives it comfort and cozy.
It’s home.
More importantly, it was mine and Finn’s.
My name on the papers and the loan.
My freedom. No one ties me down to owing them anything.
