Page 9 of The Manny

“It’s just socks and stuff.”

“I’d have sworn it was an elephant.”

“Nope.”

Mrs. Jones stood awkwardly near the kitchen table, smiling stiffly. I got the impression she wanted to be on her way, but wasn’t sure how to leave gracefully. I hoped she’d stay a bit longer, seeing as she was the only person in the room who Mia knew.

“Mrs. Jones, why don’t you sit and have some juice?” I said, forcing a smile.

Thomas nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Jones. Have some juice with us.”

She grimaced. “Oh, well, I’d love to, but I have a plane to catch.”

I scowled, but wasn’t sure what to say. She worked with children, how could she be so clueless? I’d have thought she’d have more compassion for Mia’s situation. When she’d first arrived, she’d seemed fond of the child. Now she couldn’t wait to leave?

“Surely you can sit for a few minutes?” Thomas said firmly, giving her a pointed look. “I’m sure Mia would appreciate you staying just a tiny bit longer.”

“It’s not that I don’twantto stay.” Mrs. Jones’ cheeks turned pink. “I suppose I could have a little juice.”

Mia nodded silently.

The older woman took a seat across from me, and Mia moved slowly to the table. Without looking at the child, Thomas pushed one of the glasses in her direction.

“Better hurry and get yours, Mia, before Uncle Jack drinks all the juice.” Thomas’ tone was playful.

“Excuse me?” I said, frowning.

Thomas leaned toward Mia and said softly, “Uncle Jack likes to hog all the juice for himself.”

I chuffed. “I’m happy to share my juice with Mrs. Jones and Mia. I’m not so sure you deserve any, Thomas.”

He grinned. “But why? I’m such a nice boy.”

“If you say so.”

Mia crawled up in the chair next to Mrs. Jones and took hold of the glass Thomas had offered her. She must have been really thirsty because she guzzled the juice quickly.

Since the child looked less stressed I began to relax a little too. I hated admitting it, but having Thomas here truly did make me feel better. Maybe he was annoying, but he had an open relaxed energy that seemed to soothe Mia.

“Are you in school yet, Mia?” Thomas asked.

Mia shook her head. “Nah, uh.”

“Aren’t you going to enroll her?” Thomas glanced at me questioningly.

“She turned five after the cutoff date.” I shrugged. “She’ll start next year.”

“I see. Well, we can start you on some of your ABCs and things like that. That way when it’s time, you’ll be ahead of the game, Mia.” Thomas refilled her juice glass half-way. “How does that sound?”

“Good.” She reached for the glass. “I… I like art.”

“Then we’ll be sure to do some painting and drawing.”

Mrs. Jones sipped her juice and casually glanced at her watch. She widened her eyes and bumped the glass down. Scraping back her chair, she stood. “I’m so sorry. I really must be going. My boss booked my flights so close together, I have no time to spare.”

Mia widened her eyes and her breathing picked up speed. Panic washed through me. Was she going to start crying? My stomach swirled with anxiety as I watched the child struggling to contain her emotions.

Noticing the child’s distress, Thomas rose and went to her. He knelt down near her. “It’s okay, Mia. There’s no need to be scared.”

---