Page 1 of Stay with Me
Prologue
Drew – age four
The house was a mess, but Mama wasn’t mad. Drew sat on the floor, playing with his Legos and watching Elmo on TV. Mama said that they were packing special things… Drew wasn’t sure what she was talking about, but Tristan was mad and Julia was crying last night.
He looked around the room and spotted the picture of Tristan sitting on their papa’s lap. Knowing that it was special, Drew climbed the shelf and took it down. He saw his backpack from daycare and put the picture inside. It was safe now. He nodded and went back to his Legos.
That night before bed, Drew was cuddled in the big chair with his daddy. He was reading Drew a story about the fluffy flowers that you blow on. Drew didn’t completely understand everything going on, but Daddy said that Mama would make everything right when they got to their new home.
“What did you do with my picture?” Tristan yelled as he slammed into the room. “I know you took it. It’smypicture of Papa and me. Not yours.”
Drew turned his face into his daddy’s chest and tried to hide.
“Tristan Michael Nolan, you better watch your tone,” Daddy said. He was using his soldier voice, and Drew started to shake. “Shhh, it’s okay, cuddle bug.” His daddy put a kiss on his head.
“But Dad, he’s always taking my stuff. Why can’t he leave it alone?” Tristan wasn’t yelling anymore but he sounded mad. Drew peeked at his brother. His face was red. Oh, no.
Drew pulled away from his daddy and climbed down from the chair. He went to his backpack and pulled out the pictureof Tristan and their grandfather. “Mama said we needed to ‘tect the special things,” he said as he handed it to Tristan. “It’s the mostest special thing, so I ‘tect it.”
Tristan grabbed the picture and hugged it. “It’s mine.” Daddy made a sound that made both boys look at him. Daddy stared at Tristan. Drew wasn’t sure what he was doing but Tristan started to squirm.
“Don’t you have something to say, Tristan?” Daddy asked.
“But Dad, he’s always taking my stuff,” Tristan said.
“Tristan Michael, if you don’t check your attitude, I can guarantee this move will not be pleasant for you.” Daddy wasn’t happy.
“Fine. Thanks Drew.” Tristan didn’t look at them as he stormed out of the room.
“Come here, cuddle bug.” Drew climbed back into his daddy’s lap. “I know you were doing what Mama said. That we needed to protect our special things but next time, ask Mama or me before you put something away.”
Drew thought about it for a minute. He was just trying to make sure that Tristan’s picture was safe. Guess Tristan thought he was too small to keep it safe. He closed his eyes and whispered, “Okay, Daddy.”
§ § § §
Brody – age four
He’d been sitting on the bench for a long time. Mama had given him his backpack and told him to be good and stay put. Brody could see a clock with big and little arms but didn’t know what it said. He was working on his numbers at preschool but he still messed them up. Brody looked over when the door to the store opened, hoping his mama was back. He was hungry. Apoliceman came in and walked over to the girl with an apron on. While they talked, they kept looking over at Brody. Oh, no. He was going to be in trouble with Mama for a policeman watching him. She didn’t like it when people looked at him. Brody closed his eyes. If he couldn’t see them, they couldn’t see him.
“Hey, little man, can I sit next to you?” a man asked. Brody felt the man sit next to him on the bench. He peeked through his lashes and saw the policeman. He was going to bed hungry for making Mama mad again. At least he wasn’t getting a spanking from Hal. Well, he hoped he wasn’t. Mama’s friend wasn’t nice.
“Can you tell me your name?” the police man asked.
“Brody Walker. I’m four. My birthday is March twelve,” Brody said quickly. He’d learned his name at school and knew his birthday.
“Oh, wow. You’re big. Do you know where your house is?” Brody nodded, then shook his head. They were learning about where houses were but he couldn’t remember where his was.
“Do you know your mother’s name?” The man smiled as he talked to Brody. Maybe Mama wouldn’t be mad at him.
“Mama,” Brody said. He watched as the man frowned. The radio on the man’s shoulder made some noise before he pushed a button and spoke into it.
“Copy. I’m on scene and no sign of a woman. Bringing the boy in,” the man said and stood up. He held out a hand to Brody. “I’m Officer Goodman. Do you want to get a hamburger and ride in my car?”
“I can’t leave. Mama will be mad. But I’m hungry and sleepy.” Brody didn’t know what to do.
“It’s okay, Brody. I’ll make sure that your mama isn’t mad. Let’s get something to eat and maybe take a nap. It’s been a long day for me, too.” Officer Goodman looked like a nice man, andBrody’s teacher said that policemen and firemen were helpers. That helpers were good.
Brody slid off the bench and slipped on his backpack. He held his hand out to the officer and walked out the door.
