Page 8 of Bender

“Gonna be cold, Jellybean. Pee quick and tell me when you’re done, so I can lift you back into the truck,” Konrad says.

I watch him take a couple steps to the side of the truck before I lose sight of him. Grey and I both scramble to the open driver’s door to see what he’s doing. Konrad takes off a pair of dirt-covered socks and sets them down about a shoulder width apart on snow that’s so fresh it glows in the winter sun.

“Put one foot down on each of these socks, Sweetheart. It’ll be cold, but not as bad as getting snow on those little piggy toes.” He lifts me up like I’m a doll then sets me down with one foot on each of the socks and his shirt swirling past my knees in the cold wind.

Konrad steps back to the open door of the truck, and I look over my shoulder to watch him take Grey by the chin and turn his face so he can’t watch me.

“Privacy, Peanut. Let our Jellybean go potty without an audience,” he says.

I know what privacy means. Of course, I do. It’s just been so long since I had any sort of dignity, even for something so basic as urinating. Tears flood my eyes as steam from my piss rises from the snow where I squat.

“Done.” My voice is quiet. Timid.

I’ve woken up to a whole new reality than the one I’ve existed in for years, and I’m scared to believe it’s going to last.

“There’s a good girl. Is it okay if I lift you back into the truck? Let’s get you wrapped back up, warm and toasty. We’re almost home, and I’ll get you fed, too.” Konrad waits for my nod before lifting me back to the seat next to Grey.

They work together to swirl the curtain back over me, and for the first time, I really pay attention to what Grey’s got on. He’s wearing the charcoal sweater Konrad had on when he found us, and his lower half is wrapped in a crinkly silver foil blanket.

“I didn’t want to waste time digging out my go-bag to get out clothes, Jellybean. We’ve been in a pretty big hurry. I promise I’ll get clothes for you both once I get you home.” Is that a blush on Konrad’s scruffy cheeks?

“It’s okay, Konrad! Tell him it’s okay, Blu. I don’t need pants. Really, I don’t! I don’t even know what pants feel like. I’m fine!” Grey rushes to say.

Yup. Alternate reality for sure.

Chapter

Eight

BENDER

Grey and Blu are so busy craning their necks to look out every window that they pay me no mind as I pull out my phone to thumb out a group message to the guys.

Me

Incoming with baggage. Need Ace and Blakely to meet me out front. Only them. Get Blakely to bring my laundry basket from the chair in my room.

Ace

Um, wtf man?

Shaw

Seconding the kid. Also, language, Ace.

Ace

IDGAF language, dad. I’m not a child. I can cuss if I want 2.

Shaw

We’re going to discuss this later, kid. Konrad, wtf?

Me

Just do it. Fucking shit, man.

Ace

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