Page 77 of Fall With Me
In a week and a half is the fall festival. We have a ton to do still, but I’m confident Dawson and I will pull off an appreciation festival to remember. We decided on the barnat This Is The Place. We’ll have plenty of space for activities inside and out.
Tomorrow we’re getting the items we need for the caramel apple station. Dawson’s garage is full of bales of hay, corn stalks, scarecrows, wreaths, garland, and more. We still need to assemble the thank-you gifts, paint signs for each station, pick up the pumpkins for bowling, buy the craft supplies for the thankful turkeys, get a shelf to display the books for the book nook, and test out the archery kit we bought online.
I’m driving home from work, talking to Kate (the only time we have to chat these days), catching up on both our busy lives.
“We’re swamped,” Kate complains. “Carter’s a mess. I have to work at the office so I can bring him breakfast and lunch or else he won’t eat anything. I’m not sure how long he stays at the office after I leave at seven. I’m worried about him. Can you talk to him?”
My gut goes tight like someone punched me. I’ve been a terrible sister. Yes, I see Carter at the football games, but we don’t have a lot of time to talk. Anytime I ask about work, he says it’s busy as usual. I’ve been too wrapped up in Dawson, Finn, and this festival. “I’ll check in on him. Thanks for letting me know. How’s Blah-blah-Boston?”
“Fine. I’m exhausted by the time I get home from work. We haven’t gone out in a while.”
As much as I don’t like Kate’s boyfriend, I’m sad she’s not happy when I am. “Oh, babe. I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help you? I can make you a smoothie and drop it off later.” I pull into my driveway. The maple tree leaves inthe front yard are bright red. I love the vibrant colors of the season.
“No, I have a massage scheduled tonight. My neck and shoulders are tight and if I don’t loosen ’em up, I won’t make our year-end deadlines.”
My phone beeps. “Oh, hey, Dawson’s calling. I’m waiting to hear if he picked up the pillows and blankets from the store for the reading nook. Can I call you back?”
“Sure thing. Love ya, babe.”
“Love you too!” I click the button on my phone to end my call with Kate and accept Dawson’s call.
“Hey!”
“007, I have a huge favor to ask of you,” Dawson says in a worried rush.
I stay in my car instead of getting out to head inside. “What’s going on?”
“I’m at the office today. Carter just asked to see me, but I need to leave right now to get Finn from school. My mom’s not picking up. Can you get him and hang out with him until I get home?”
This is a huge moment for us. Dawson asking me to spend time alone with Finn says he trusts me. Is comfortable with me looking after the person he loves most in the world.
“Absolutely. Do you mind if we head to the park for a bit? It’s a gorgeous day out. We’ll get started on homework after, I promise.”
“Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll text you when I’m headed home. Thank you, Chlo. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
I grin. “After Finn’s in bed tonight, maybe you can show me.”
“Gladly.”
I pump my fist in the air. “I look forward to it. Good luck in your meeting.”
“Ha. Thanks. I need it.”
Wait… “Is everything okay at work? You don’t talk about it much.”
“Ireallyhave to go. We’ll catch up tonight. Bye, Chloe.”
“Bye.” I stare at my phone for a second. Did Dawson blow me off because I’m Carter’s sister and he doesn’t want to tell me or is he actually late for the meeting? I want Dawson to be able to talk to me about work stuff, but I understand why he doesn’t—ifhe’s doing it on purpose. Something I’ll figure out tonight. For now, it’s time to get Finn.
I’m standing outside what a few other parents told me are the third grade doors, waiting for the bell to ring. A slight breeze dances around me, stirring my ponytail hanging high on my head. A hint of dried leaves rustles across the blacktop. If someone were to ask me what a perfect fall day is like, it’s this moment.
The bell rings. Immediately, dozens of students rush out the double doors. I’m scanning the crowd for Finn’s brown hair andPokémonbackpack. Did I miss him? A girl with blond pigtails and pink bows in her hair comes out with Finn trailing right behind her.
“I’m not saying lizards are better than hamsters, but I wanted to enjoy holding my pet, and hamsters are softer,” says the blond girl.
“Nice.”
I smile. A rush of warmth fills my heart. I love this kid. “Finn!” I wave at him.
