"No, but I never want you to forget that I'm grateful for you," she said as she wiggled out of my arm.
"Well, you were just what I needed in my life and I'm glad that we can make up for lost time," I said as we stopped in front of the school.
"It's not your fault. We can't pick our parents," she said with a rueful smile.
"We can't. But let's make the best of it from here on out," I told her with one more little hug. "I'm not embarrassing you right now, am I?"
"What? No, I've waited for fourteen years to have a mom that would do things like this… or give hugs," she answered in a whisper.
That broke my heart. How could my sister be so cruel?
“I’m here for all the hugs and spoiling,” I promised.
She grinned. “Bye, Aunt Bea.”
"Have a good day," I called after her as another round of nausea hit.
I waited until she was out of sight before I sprinted back to our cabin. I wasn’t one of those people that ran for fun, but there was no way that I was going to throw up in front of Phoenix's school.
I’d barely made it to the front door, my hand brushing the knob, but I couldn’t hold it back any longer.
The poor flower bed.
Once I was finally done heaving, I grabbed the hose and sprayed off the flowers and grass, trying to figure out what the hell I’d eaten to cause this.
Phoenix was obviously fine, so it, clearly, wasn’t dinner.
After I wrapped up the hose, I went directly to the bathroom and brushed my teeth again, making a mental note to buy a new one. I don't know what grossed me out more, brushing my teeth after I threw up or using the same toothbrush that I did this morning.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror and winced at the black circles under my eyes. I slept well, maybe it was just from this virus.
There was no time to dwell on it, though. There was work to get done and I promised Phoenix a book and pizza night. At least I knew my besties would come through for me.
I picked up my phone and sent a message to Dani,
Me
Hey, can you pull a set of Percy Jackson books for me?
Dani
Yep, once I get to the office.
Me
Thank you! I need some Wrigley snuggles today, are you bringing him?
Dani
Yes, I wanted Phoenix to meet him today. Too soon?
Me
Not at all. She'd love that, but I get to hold that sweet boy first.
Dani
You got it.
