Page 7 of Medusa

“What?” Jaden was pulled further into the cafe by long fingers with even longer red nails. “Oh no.”

CHAPTER3

“Rawr!”Damien roared in Maddie’s ear, making her head pound.

“Are you a dinosaur?” she asked, staving off further shouts.

“I’m a Damiosaur!” the three-year-old declared proudly.

“Wow! And what does a Damiosaur eat?” Maddie asked.

Gosh, her charges were cute.

Damien thought about that. “He eats mac and cheese!”

“What a coincidence! That’s what we’re having for lunch today!” Maddie checked on Alexander and Atlanta, who were investigating the contents of the toy box, and Hestia, who was changing Lyta’s diaper. “Would you like to help memakeit?”

“Yes, please!” Damien said with a huge grin.

“Excellent. Can you put away the dinosaurs and wait for me at the kitchen door?” Receiving an affirmative nod from the child, Maddie moved toward the toy box excavators. “It’s going to be lunchtime in about twenty minutes, okay? Alexander, do you think you can show Atlanta how to put toys in the box?”

Alexander sighed. “At’ta know how.”

“She’s still very little. She needs to be reminded. Atlanta, new game!” Maddie injected excitement into her voice as she picked up a stuffed toy. “Can you help the bunny walk into her home?” She gave the bunny to the baby, who giggled and made it bounce in front of her. “That’s right, hop the bunny into the toy box!” Maddie pointed, enforcing the concept.

Atlanta pulled herself to standing, using the side of the box for support, and hopped the bunny through the air until it reached the box, dropping it in with a flourish.

“Oh, great job sweetie! Do you see any other toys that belong in this home?” Maddie asked. She nudged Alexander with the back of her hand and he picked up a rattle, giving it to the baby, who stuck it in her mouth. “Where does the rattle go? Can you put it away?” Maddie prompted.

Atlanta took a moment to think that concept over and then dropped the rattle on top of the bunny.

“Yes!” Maddie encouraged Alexander to continue the game. “Remember to use your words, honey. Get excited for her when she does it, encourage her when she’s struggling. Hestia is here to help you, okay?”

“‘Kay.”

“You’re such a great help. Thank you so much, Alexander.” Maddie beamed at him, which made him smile back before turning his attention to his job.

The two women exchanged nods and Maddie headed for the kitchen. Damien was waiting for her beside the gated room, drawing on the chalkboard wall with green chalk. “You may open the gate now. Thank you for your patience.”

“What are we putting in it?” Damien asked, popping the locking mechanism and struggling with the enclosure.

“We have zucchini, mushrooms, and bacon in the fridge,” Maddie said. “I can fry that up while the noodles are boiling. What do you think?”

“Can I use the knife?” Damien asked, eyes shining.

Maddie laughed. “Only with supervision.”

“I know,” Damien said with a heavy sigh.

“But first, we need to make the pasta. Can you get the pot and the frying pan after you wash your hands with me, please?”

“Yes!”

With Damien’s help, Maddie had the water on the stovetop and the bacon sizzling in the frying pan in no time. She’d cut the bacon into baby-bite size before cooking it and then guided Damien’s hand while he carefully cut the zucchini sticks into small pieces.

“Are you going to help me pour the noodles into the pot?” She watched as he climbed onto the step stool beside the stove and slowly poured the noodles into the now boiling water.

“Do you mind if I finish up the zucchini, or do you want me to help you with the last bits?”

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