Page 18 of Stolen Kisses

Once we’re on the road, I decide to start my inquiries. “Can either of you tell me what happened?” I glance at the boys in the backseat as I ask the question. Austin’s still whimpering, so I have to wait for Lachlan to gather his thoughts to tell me.

“My parachute man landed on the roof and Austin was trying to get it back down for me. The gutter came loose and he slipped. Then he fell to the ground and hurt his arm. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault.” He starts hitting his head again and if he wasn’t strapped in, I’m certain he would be pacing.

“Lachlan. Please stop hitting your head. It’s not your fault. It was an accident.” I keep my voice calm and soothing. Austin’s always been a climber. If I left the chair out at the table, he’d climb on it to get on top of the table. I had to have eyes in the back of my head once he learned he could get higher by climbing onto the furniture.

“Yousaid not to let it go on the roof. I let my parachute man go on the roof. Itismy fault,”he shouts at me. I need him to calm down while I’m driving.

Austin butts in trying to reason with his brother. “The wind blew it the wrong way, Lachlan. It wasn’t your fault.”

“I should have been more careful. Itismy fault.” At least he’s stopped hitting himself and he’s not shouting. I’ll take that as a win.

Using my Bluetooth, I dial Mom. “Hey, Love. How’re the boys?”

“Hey, Mom. That’s why I’m calling. It’s nothing major, but we’re on our way toMercy Vale.” Mom’sgaspcomes across the line clearlyand I can imagine her hand flying up to her mouth. “Austin’s had a fall. I think he’s sprained his wrist. Would you mind meeting me there to take Lachlan back to your place? I don’t know how long this will take and I don’t want Lachlanto beput in a situation that will be difficult for him to handle.”

“Of course. I’m on my way. See you soon.”

She disconnects the call before I can thank her.

“I’m sorry, Mommy,” Austin whispers through his whimpers.

“You don’t need to be sorry, Baby. It was an accident. Sometimes accidents happen.” It’s hard to console him properly while I’m driving. It’s times like these I miss having a partner.

“But now Lachlan’s upset and we have to go to the hospital andNanahas to come get Lachlan and you don’t know how long this isgonnatake and I’m hungry.” Half-watching him in the rear-view mirror, my heart breaks as his bottom lip trembles and tiny tears trickle down his chubby little cheeks.

“We can get something out of the machine to eat. It’s all okay. I promise.” I hope I can keep this promise. I work hard to keep my promises to my boys and I’ll be most upset if I can’t keep this one.

“But there won’t be anything that Lachlan will eat,” he whines. I’m so proud of how he’s worried for his brother.

“Lachlan will be okay because he’ll be going home withNana. Remember?”

We pull into the parking lot at the hospital—thank goodness we’re finally here. Lachlan follows me toward the entrance as I carry Austin to the front emergency doors. Mom’s already standing there. She lives closer than we do, so I knew she would beat us. The relief is instantaneous. Knowing Lachlan will be taken care of and I can focus on Austin’s care and comfort.

“Thanksfor coming so quickly, Mom.” She rushes forward, kissing Austin on his forehead and ruffling Lachlan’s hair. He pulls away from her touch because he’s already agitated.

“Of course, Love.Youokay?” She studies my face closely. She knows me so well that she can see how well or how badly I’m doing just by studying my face. I have trouble hiding how I feel. I’ve always been that way.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Or I will be once I know what’s wrong with Austin’s wrist. I think it’s a sprain, but I want to be certain.”

“Better to get it checked out. Poor littleguy. Okay, well, I thought it best if I take Lachlan back to your place.”

“That’d be great, Mom. I really appreciate it. Lachlan’s upset because he feels as though this was all his fault.” Mom takes Austin from me, so I can crouch down to speak with Lachlan.

“Hey, Buddy.Nana’sgonnatake you home. Okay?” He doesn’t look at me as I speak, which is not unusual, butat thismoment,I needeye contact to ensure he understands. “Look at me,please.” I wait for his eyes to make contact with mine. “We’ll be home as soon as Austin’s arm is fixed up.”

“Okay.” He moves next to Mom so I take that as his agreement. I kiss the top of his head and then take Austin inside, knowing that my big boy is in good hands.

We’re greeted by a clerk at the front desk. “Good afternoon, what seems to be the problem?”

I go on to explain what I think the problem is with Austin’swristand answer what seems like a million questions about health insurance and Austin’s medical history.

“Okay. I’ll get the triage nurse to take a look. Please take a seat in the green section.” I guide Austin to a pair of seats out of the way and look around to see how many people are here before us. Surprisingly, it’s not too busy. Maybe we won’t be here all that long.

“I’m hungry, Mommy.”

“I know, Baby. I’ll get something for you from the machine. Stay here.” The sandwiches are always a bit risky from these machines, so even though it pains me, I’ll have to choose a not-so-healthy snack. I choose a giant cookie, that’s the size of my hand and a bottle of water. “Here you go, Baby.”Openingthe cookie, Iplace it on a tissue on my lap for him.

“Thank you, Mommy.” He nibbles on the cookie, slowly working his way through it until it’s all gone. I’m impressed—it was a big cookie.

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