Page 6 of Dad's Best Friend Scientist
I wonder what exactly Zena is doing. However silly I think it is I can’t deny I’m amused by the idea that the little girl is “communicating with the dead.” I remember once when she was a child, and she was afraid to go out to the yard because she thought there might be ghosts. Well, apparently, she’s outgrown her fears.
I also think about my mom. Mom never believed in psychics before and I’m still baffled by the sudden change. Is it really because of loneliness? Or the fear of death? I can’t help but hope that Mom knows the truth, but she’s just humoring Zena because of her kindness. Maybe Mom uses the séances as an excuse to have Zena come over? It’s certainly possible because my mom used to dote on the little girl. Whatever the reason, Mom is lonely and I should come home more.
I recall Mom mentioned a few days ago that her friend Betty suggested she move into a retirement house. She asked me what I thought about it and I told her it was a good idea because living close to her friend and among people, her age would be good for her.
But in fact, I was sad about the possibility of Mom moving out of the house. If Mom moved, we’d for sure sell the house. I already own a condo near work and spend weekday evenings there. It would make no sense for me to keep this large house only to come back once in a while over the weekends and holidays.
I was born in this house and although I haven’t been home often lately, it’s always my sanctuary. I’ve got friends in town, too, although I don’t visit them as often as I used to. The last time I went to John‘s house was…damn, months ago, on New Year’s Day.
I have some friends in LA too, but they’re mostly colleagues from work, and I don’t have deep connections with them.
Damn. I run a hand through my hair with frustration. What is this about? I’ve become nostalgic like an old man. I’m only forty-two. But I feel old, especially in front of Zena.
Speaking of the devil, the little girl suddenly materializes into the yard. She glances around as if looking for someone. She can’t see me easily because I’m behind the rose bushes, but I can see her easily. She looks so lovely in the plain t-shirt and shorts. Again, her topless image flashes in my head and my dick twitches.Stop it, David, and pull your mind out of the gutter. I admonish myself.
I pretend to be reading my book, knowing she’ll find me soon.
She gets close to the roses but doesn’t seem to be looking for me. She sniffs the roses instead, looking deep in thought.
I observe her, forgetting my pretense, and become curious. What the hell is she thinking about?
“Is there anything wrong with the roses?” I ask her.
Chapter 7
Zena
I find David at the front lawn, reading in a lounge chair. The sight of him, even from a distance, makes my legs weak. He’s changed into a t-shirt and jeans, but he looks even hotter than earlier.
I walk toward him with a thundering heartbeat. Although I love this guy, I’ve always been afraid of him as well. He’s taciturn and seldom smiles. It always feels like he’s my science teacher or something. Recalling what I’ve done earlier, I’m even more embarrassed.
I’m about three feet away from him when my courage fails me. I can’t face him, let alone speak. I should just go home and tell Linda to talk to David again. But what if he tells her to move to the retirement home? It isn’t something she wants. Oh God. What am I supposed to do? I pretend to look at the roses around me and try to decide what to do.
David suddenly looks my way. “Is there anything wrong with the roses, Zena?”
“Oh no!” I say with a nervous chuckle. Damn. “They’re just so pretty. Linda spends a lot of time tending them, you know?”
“I know,” he says with a shrug. “By the way, she speaks about you a lot. Thanks for spending time with her.”
I blink. That’s new. I’ve been doing this for years and it’s the first time he acknowledges the fact. “Oh my pleasure,” I say. “I like being here.”
“You do?” His eyes flash with new interest.
His intense eyes make me shudder and I drop my gaze.
“My mom said you dropped out of college?” he asks, forcing me to look up again.
“No I didn’t,” I say. “I got my associate degree in nursing. I’m an ADN now and I’m working at the town hospital part-time.”
He narrows his eyes. “What’s wrong with a bachelor’s degree?”
“Nothing. I just don’t want any more schooling.”
“But it’ll make a difference on your pay.”
He’s right, but I shrug. “Just a few dollars per hour. I’m happy with what I get. More money, more trouble…”
He presses his lips together, obviously not liking what I say. “Are your parents okay with it?”
