Page 115 of Three Not-So-Little Words
When he’s finished eating, he stands up to take his bowl to the sink without being told. Do most kids do that? I feel like most kids wouldn’t do that. I don’t remember Eve being so considerate. Then again, I wasn’t around for a big chunk of Eve’s childhood. I was still a young teenager when she was born, and then, as she got older, I was traveling all the time. I got to be the fun aunt that just popped in and spoiled them before leaving again.
Maybe I can be a little more present for my other two nieces, Beth and Luna. That is, after they get out of the cranky baby phase.
As I look at Colton, I can’t help but think that Drew and Colton’s mom have done a pretty good job with him so far. I wonder what his mom was like. Was she anything like me? Probably not. She seemed to be a pretty good mom, so that probably makes her the exact opposite of me.
He pulls me from my thoughts when he asks, “Do you want to come play with me in my room?”
While that doesn’t exactly sound likefun,I feel slightly honored that he wants to spend time with me.
“Sure. But we have to try to be quiet because your dad is still sleeping.”
He smiles and nods. Once in his room, we start playing with some of his toy cars, putting them on the racetrack and seeing which one will win.
I have no idea how long we are doing it before I notice Drew standing in the doorway.
“Oh, hey,” I say. “Sorry. Did we wake you?”
“No,” he sniffles.
I take another look at him. “Drew, honey, I don’t want you to take any offense to this, but you look like shit.”
“Yeah, Dad, you look like shit.”
I purse my lips together, realizing my mistake. I lean over to Colton. “Maybe don’t say that word…at least not in front of your dad.”
He smiles and nods.
Turning my attention back to Drew, I say, “But for real, are you okay? You don’t look great.”
“I’m no longer thinking that I have allergies. Pretty sure I’m sick.”
“Oh no!” I say. “What are your symptoms?”
“Sore throat. Stuffy nose. Aches and chills. I feel like death. Man, Sandy picked a heck of a weekend to have a colonoscopy.” He turns his attention to Colton. “Hey, bud. Give me just a minute, and I will make you some breakfast.”
“I already fixed him cereal,” I tell him.
“Shit, I’m sorry, Ronnie. I didn’t realize I had slept in like that. I didn’t mean for you to have to take care of him.”
I hold my hand up. “Drew, I made him some cereal. It’s not a big deal.”
“Still.”
“Drew, why don’t you go back to bed and get some sleep?”
He shakes his head. “I can’t do that. I don’t want you to have to look after Colton all day. It’s not fair to you.”
“I’m going to say this as nicely as possible. You look like a walking germ. I’m sure you don’t want to get either one of us sick with whatever it is that you have. That requires you to not be quite so close to us.”
He thinks for a moment. “I just feel bad.”
“You’re going to feel worse if you get us sick. I’ll make sure of that fact because I am super whiny and annoying.”
I can see him having an internal battle, so I add, “Colton and I will be fine. Won’t we, little dude?”
Colton nods before going back to playing.
“I promise if I need any help, I will come get you. Really, I think we will be fine. He’s old enough to tell me what he wants, and although I may not cook, I dang sure know how to order some takeout.”
