Page 74 of When We Were Young

“Okay, so you know we gotta get this x-rayed, right?” I ask.

“No, you’ve done enough, and I’m fine. I’m just gonna ice it and see how it is tomorrow.”

She gasps as she starts to move her hand. Simon’s eyes nearly pop out of his head, and I can immediately see that Lizette tries to hide and downplay her reaction so that he isn’t upset.

“I’m all right, sweetheart. I just moved it the wrong way.”

The way he’s peering up at her with his big blue eyes makes me want to hug him and attempt to comfort him.

I remember how helpless I felt seeing my mom in pain when my dad died, and I know it’s different than a broken bone, but I was also eighteen compared to this little guy, who’s six or seven years old. So, I imagine he’s really frightened.

Damn, Lizette’s so brave, and I can already see that she’s probably an amazing mother.

“Really, Holden. I’m fine. If you could maybe help me turn off the lights and lock up, then I can rest it tonight. I’m sure it’ll be okay in the morning.”

“Lizette…”

“Mama, you gotta go to the doctor,” Simon says.

She opens her mouth, I’m sure to object, but I don’t give her the chance.

“Good idea, Simon. How about this? I remember you’re friends with my niece, Layla, right?”

“Yeah,” he says. His cheeks turn pink.

“Well, I happen to know that Layla is going to be across the town square at the pizza place tonight with the rest of my family. How about I have my brother Harrison—you’ve met him—come pick you up, or I take you over there to hang out with them, and I’ll take your mom to the doctor?”

Simon looks up at Lizette. I can’t quite tell if he’s asking for permission or asking her to rescue him from this guy who’s trying to send him out for pizza.

“Okay,” he says in a quiet voice.

I look at Lizette, and she nods.

I shoot a text to Harrison to see if he’ll come pick Simon up. Then, over the next few minutes, I help Lizette rise from the floor and sit on a stool. It takes a while because of her pain. I run upstairs to get her wallet.

When I return, I’m surprised to find Hayden with Lizette and Simon. He’s kneeling next to Simon, who is holding onto Lizette’s arm. Not only is Simon shyly smiling and giggling, but my brother is actually grinning.

I freeze because I don’t remember the last time I saw my twin brother smile like this. I’m sure that it was before Charlie left him.

When I get my wits about me again and walk over, I smile at Hayden.

“I thought Harrison was coming with Ladybug.”

“I volunteered. I figured it was time to get to know this little guy better,” Hayden says.

After Hayden and Simon leave, Lizette turns to me.

“I really don’t think this is necessary.”

I shake my head and stare at her.

“Why are you so stubborn about this? I’m 95% sure you broke your wrist. If you did, and you don’t get it taken care of, you could make it worse. And if it’s worse, it’s going to be harder to take care of Simon. So, let’s just do this.”

“I could call a ride. You don’t have to take me.”

“Woman, if you don’t get that sassy ass out to my car, I’m going to pick you up and carry you there.”

“You would not.”