Page 105 of Hale Yes
“Is she nice?”
That’s a loaded question, kiddo.
I’m not sure how to answer without lying, so I keep it neutral. “She’s not the nicest mom in the world, but she’s not the worst either.”
“Okay,” she says, holding the popsicle in her mouth with one hand and picking up her pencil with the other. I sit in the chair across from her and watch her draw two stick figures, one taller than the other, as she intermittently sucks on the frozen treat.
She works diligently, adding curls to the shorter figure, and then she gives us both glasses. I think I know where she’s going with this.
“Is that Uncle Helix and me?” I ask, and she nods before adding two circles to my body.
“Those are your boobs,” she informs me before sticking the popsicle back in her mouth and adding a lot more hair to my head. I have to turn my head and stare at the wall for a long moment to hide my laughter.
When I look at her drawing again, Helix is holding something long and…Sweet Jesus! Is that a dildo?
“What is your uncle holding?” I ask tentatively, almost afraid to hear the answer.
“A test tube,” she tells me, in her bestduhvoice before handing me the popsicle. “Here, hold this.”
I diligently do as I’m asked, relieved that the drawing is still relatively PG rated. Reece tears out the picture with the utmost care and smiles with red-stained teeth as she holds it out.
“You can have it.”
“Thank you,” I tell her, switching the popsicle for the sweet drawing. “I’ll put it on my refrigerator at home.”
“Really?” She seems pleased by this. “You want to see some of my other work?”
“I would love to.”
She flips through her sketch pad and shows me various drawings she’s done, mostly of her family, including her dad, aunt, uncles, and grandparents.
“Who is that one?” I ask, pointing at a stick figure with boobs and a huge bubble head.
“That’s Jordie. She’s wearing her helmet.” Reece looks up at me with intent seriousness. “I think Jordie is so pretty. Do you think my daddy thinks she’s pretty?”
Yikes! Not sure where to go with that one, so I go for diplomatic.
“I think everyone thinks Jordie is pretty.”
Helix’s phone rings and Reece checks the display. “That’s my dad. Again.” She answers and puts it on speakerphone. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Baby.” His voice sounds frantic. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m good. Auntie Nicolette brought me a cherry popsicle, and it feels nice on my throat.”
I cringe, hoping Phoenix doesn’t think I prompted her to say call me that. “Hi, Phoenix,” I say sheepishly.
“Nicolette, thank god you’re there,” he gushes, sounding relieved and panicked at the same time. “How is she? You’re a medical doctor, right? Do you think my Reecie is okay?”
I press my hand to her forehead again and notice she seems marginally cooler than a few hours ago. “I think the shot helped. Her temp is lower than earlier, and the pharmacy just delivered some meds for her. I’ll make sure she takes it.”
Phoenix’s voice calms a bit. “Okay, thank you. I’m trying to get home, but there’s a storm here, and they won’t let the plane take off.”
“You’re being fussy, Daddy,” Reece pipes up. “Uncle Helix said we’re going to chillax and watch movies. Oh, and Dr. Clark said I can swim when the sun goes down because the cool water will feel nice.”
“Okay, baby, but don’t overdo it. I’m so sorry I’m not there. Daddy is trying so hard to get back. I promise.” His voice sounds full, like he’s holding back tears.
“Fussy, Daddy,” she sings in a playful but scolding tone, and I can hear him chuckle on the other end.
