Page 30 of Power Play

Her words sink deep into my core, relaxing me a little. But they’re not enough to calm me down completely. Only Maya’s presence keeps me from losing it. The last thing I want is to scare her.

“But what causes it?”

“It might be genetics, or it might be because of eye muscle weakness, nervous system conditions, or poor vision.”

“What can I do to help her?” I ask pleadingly. My palms are so sweaty, I don’t dare take my phone from the table, afraid it will fall to the floor.

“The next step is to make an appointment with the ophthalmologist. They can help determine what Maya has and what can be done to treat it.” She smiles warmly at me. “I can recommend my colleague Dr. Silver. He’s one of the best in the field, and I trust his judgment.”

“I’d be very grateful. I can come in anytime. Can you please ask when the earliest he can see us is?”

“Sure.”

I wait as Dr. Hernandez makes a few calls. When she’s done, she tells me the details, and I take notes in my calendar. We will see Dr. Silver next Friday. I’m relieved and grateful, but I’m also trying my hardest to keep it together.

We talk some more before Maya and I say our goodbyes to Dr. Hernandez. Maya tells me about a soup she wants to eat and how she wants to go to Angie’s place for a cupcake. I nod absentmindedly as we walk out of the building, and my eyes fall on my car.

I can’t drive. Not in the state I am in.

Calling Drake is the first thing that comes to mind. I suggest to Maya we go buy some cupcakes from the nearest coffee shop. She pouts at first because she wants to see Angie, but once her eyes fall on me, she agrees. It’s like she senses my disturbance.

A few minutes later, Maya is sipping an apple juice, with a delicious-looking cupcake on a plate in front of her. I stand up and go pick up my coffee, dialing Drake. He answers just as I return to the table.

“Hey, Drake. How are you?”

“Hey. I’m good. Angie and I are on our way to meet with a wedding planner. It’s some fancy, exclusive specialist with a long list of clients booked a year out, but she was able to sneak us in,”he says excitedly. The tone of his voice is light and cheerful, the total opposite of what I’m feeling. “How are you?”

“I’m…fine,” I drawl, sitting down. “I’m at a little coffee shop with Maya before we head home after her doctor’s appointment.”

“Oh, right, you told me you were taking her to the doctor. How was it? Is everything fine?”

“Uh-huh.” I lie because I don’t want to make him nervous. This is a good day for Drake, full of hope and future plans. I don’t want to cast a shadow over it. I’ll figure something out. “We have another appointment next week, but it’s all good.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, don’t worry,” I chirp, faking a smile in my voice. “Tell Angie I can’t wait to hear all about the wedding planner.”

“Of course.”

“Talk to you later, Drake. I gotta go.”

“Bye.”

I hang up and glance at Maya. She’s picking sprinkles from her cupcake and putting them in her mouth. The delightful look on her little face warms my heart, and the tight knots in my stomach relax a bit. I’d do absolutely anything for her. Find the best treatment, religiously follow all instructions, take her to all appointments. I’ll find the strength to power through without showing her how scared and worried I am.

Just a little time to collect myself is all I need.

“So what does Bon-Bon look like?” I turn to face Maya, smiling down at her affectionately.

Maya sighs, setting both of her elbows on the table. The dreamy expression on her face makes me chuckle. Some say imaginary friends are a bad sign; it means a child is lonely and needs attention. I don’t see it like that, especially as I know the book I read to her caused Bon-Bon’s first appearance. Maya has friends in her preschool, where she goes three days a week forfour hours. She spends a ton of time with me, with Drake and Angie. Bon-Bon is her friend that she sees in her dreams. A companion who goes on adventures with her, visits places that live in her imagination so she never feels alone.

“She’s a unicorn.” Her eyes roam over me, searching for my reaction.

“A unicorn? Oh, I bet she’s very beautiful.”

“She is.” Maya looks up at the ceiling. “Mommy, her fur is bright pink…like Barbie. And she has a flower here.” She points to her chest. “Your favorite.”

A smile peeks on my lips. With how often I take her with me to the studio so I can work on the bouquets and compositions, entertaining her with stories about flowers while I’m busy, she knows exactly what my favorite is.

---