Page 9 of Manny for the Alien
When I couldn’t rouse them, I looked at Azalea.
“Um, it’s dinner time.”
She gave me a look.
“Can’t I eat in front of the TV?”
I frowned.
“Does your dad let you?”
“Uh huh.”
Forcing a smile, I turned and get her plate from the kitchen, returning and giving it to her.
“Do you know when your dad is done work?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“He works different shifts all the time.”
“Right.”
I stood there for a moment as she took her fork and started to eat off of the plate in her lap, let attention back on the TV.
Feeling awkward, I ended up bending down and lifting Aster off the couch to take him to his bed, then I came down and took Iris to hers.
I ended up eating alone in the silence, suddenly feeling like I was doing everything wrong.
I had wanted to share a meal with Hyacinth too, but the evening went on and he didn’t come home.
I knew hospitals workers did long hours, but I was still twiddling my thumbs. Eventually, I googled what time six-year-olds were supposed to sleep and then went to Azalea.
“Do you need help with any homework?” I asked.
“I don’t have any today,” she said.
“Okay, then... Bed time, I guess. It’s late.”
I expected resistance, but luckily, she stood up without complaint. I followed, feeling a bit awkward.
Who knew a six-year-old could be so intimidating.
I made sure she brushed her teeth and then got into bed, wishing her a goodnight to which she sleepily replied ‘you too’, before I closed the door.
That wasn’t so bad, I told myself. I’d made it through an entire day with three kids and with no idea what I was doing.
Now what?
I didn’t feel at home here, not yet. Not enough to go relax and watch TV or something.
Instead, I went to my room and slowly began to unpack my belongings.
As I did, I couldn’t help feeling like I had done something wrong today but couldn’t quite place my finger on it. Maybe it was just from being so overwhelmed and out of my depths.
Just as I was setting my alarm clock on the bedside table, the rest of my stuff spread around the room, there was a gentle tap on my door.
My heart leaped at the sound, excited, despite myself to greet Hyacinth.
