Page 95 of Body and Soul

“What’s your favorite dinosaur? Mine’s a T-Rex!” he said, practically vibrating.

I thought for a moment, trying to recall one that wasn’t a T-Rex. “The one with the big spiny tail.”

“Stegosaurus!” he exclaimed, stomping in place before bouncing onto the bed, sitting cross-legged. “Can we play dinosaurs, Eli? Please? I never get to play with anyone 'cept Az.”

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was still early, not even seven o'clock. Shit. I was supposed to be at the studio soon, but with Dex out… He might’ve been in an adult body, but he was clearly a child. I couldn’t leave a child unattended in Shepherd’s apartment, could I? Gavin would know what to do. I should call him before deciding.

“Let’s deal with breakfast first, huh?”

“Okay!” he exclaimed, leaping off the bed and darting out of the room.

I took advantage of his absence to run a hand through my sleep-mussed hair and rub my eyes. Meeting a new alter was always jarring, especially in the morning, but Dex's enthusiasm felt refreshing. I reached for my phone on the nightstand and found Gavin's number. He picked up on the second ring. “Eli,” he said, his voice crisp and alert despite the early hour. “Is everything OK?”

“Hey Gavin. So, Dex is here. I don't really know what to do with a kid.”

There was a brief pause. “I see. The most important thing is to keep him safe and occupied until I get there. I’ll leave right away.”

“Okay. Any advice in the meantime? He's asking to play dinosaurs.”

“Indulge him as best you can. Dex doesn’t get much time in control, so he’ll be eager to play. Just keep him calm and content. He has coloring books and toys in his room, or you can watch one of his shows. He can’t watch TV, but there are some VHS tapes. Do you know how to work a VHS?”

I sighed, suddenly feeling old. “Yeah, I can figure it out.”

“Good lad,” Gavin said, sending a small thrill through me. It wasn’t quite like when Shepherd called me his good boy or Keres called me little rabbit, but I liked it. “I'll be there soon. Call if you need anything.”

“Will do. Thanks, Gavin.” I hung up, tossed the phone aside, and groaned as I got out of bed. I pulled on sweatpants and a t-shirt and headed into the hall, pausing at the open door to the locked room—Dex’s room probably, since I’d never seen Shepherd go in there.

He was in the kitchen, reaching into a high cabinet. Snacks were strewn across the countertop. “Dex, buddy, whatcha doing?”

Dex spun around, grinning as he held up a box of Pop-Tarts. “Breakfast!”

I chuckled. “I see that. But how about we eat something real first and save the Pop-Tarts for later?”

His face scrunched in a pout. “Aww, but Pop-Tarts are the best!”

“I know. If you eat a good breakfast, we can have Pop-Tarts while we watch a movie later. Sound good?”

Dex’s eyes lit up. “Can we watchThe Land Before Time?”

I smiled, remembering it from my childhood. “The Land Before Timeit is. But first, breakfast.” I opened cupboards. “What do you want, Dex? Cereal, oatmeal, or eggs?”

Dex bounced on his heels. “Can we have Fruity Pebbles?”

I grinned at his enthusiasm. It was strange to see such pure excitement on Shepherd’s usually stoic face. “Fruity Pebbles it is.” I grabbed the colorful box and two bowls. “Can you get the milk for me, bud?”

“Okay!” Dex darted to the fridge and returned with the milk jug. He watched intently as I poured the cereal and milk. “Az never lets me have this much sugar for breakfast,” he said, eyes wide as I handed him a heaping bowl.

I shrugged and poured my own. “I won't tell if you don’t.” I winked at him.

Dex giggled and dug into his cereal with gusto. I leaned against the counter, eating my own while watching him with amusement and unease. I’d never been great with kids, even as one. But for some reason, Dex was easier.

After breakfast, I stepped into the bedroom to call Cherry. She picked up on the third ring, her voice raspy with sleep. “Eli? Everything okay?”

“Hey, Cherry,” I said, watching Dex dart around the living room, gathering plastic dinosaurs. “I hate to do this last minute, but I can’t come in today.”

“Oh?” Cherry teased. “Did somebody have a late night with a certain tall, dark, and handsome dom? I won’t judge.”

My face heated. “No, it’s not that. I mean, yes, I was with Shepherd last night, but...” I trailed off, unsure how to explain Shepherd’s DID. “Something came up, and I have... babysitting duty today.”

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