Page 9 of Hide and Sneak
Freddie is a nervous kid and the disapproval written on her face is enough to make him start fidgeting. “She didn’t forget me.”
“Of course she didn’t,” I reassure him. “Why don’t you get a juice and a snack from the cabinet while we wait?” There’s nothing like an extra snack to make a kid’s day. He scrambles from his seat.
Mrs. Thomas glances at the clock. “I have a hair appointment.”
“Go ahead. We’ll be fine.”
After a moment of consideration, she purses her lips and nods. “If she hasn’t showed up in another half hour, call me. We’ll need to take steps.”
Absolutely not. She can step her ass on out the door as far as I’m concerned. She’s far too happy to call authorities when they aren’t needed. “Will do.”
Once she leaves, I let a couple more minutes pass before calling Colleen’s number. It rings a few times then goes to voicemail. After leaving her a quick message, I return to sit at the little table with Freddie. Colleen is a single mother and doesn’t have anyone listed as a backup. Hopefully she’ll call soon.
“Do you know where your mom works?” I ask, trying to sound nonchalant.
Freddie nods without looking up from his juice box. “Uh-huh. At the weed store.”
“The weed store?”
“Uh-huh.”
It’s hard to decipher what goes on in a four year old’s head. Marijuana isn’t legal in Kentucky so he can’t mean a dispensary. Unless she works over the state line which I suppose is possible. “Do you mean the flower shop? Or a nursery where they sell plants?”
“Nope. Weed store. Is she going to come soon? I’m getting hungry.”
A few snack crackers are no match for a boy’s appetite. Before I can answer him, my phone rings and shows Colleen’s name. Thank goodness.
“Lila, I’m so sorry,” she babbles, her voice high pitched and frantic. “Kiera broke her arm at school and we’re at the hospital. I’m trying to get one of my neighbors to come get Freddie but no one is answering the phone.”
“It’s okay. How is she doing?”
“They’re taking her back for surgery. I don’t want to leave her, but?—”
“No, don’t leave her.” What a terrible predicament to be in without anyone to help. “I can bring Freddie to you.”
“Oh, you’re a lifesaver. Thank you so much. We’re at Community Hospital. Third floor.”
“We’ll be there in a few.”
Before the new management took over, it wasn’t out of the ordinary for one of the staff to end up taking a child home in rare instances, which is why there’s still a booster seat in one of the storage closets. I’m glad we hung onto it even though it’s now against our policy.
“Okay, buddy. Kiera had a little accident at school and has to see the doctor so I’m going to take you to your mom. Go grab your backpack.”
Relief fills his little face. “Okay.”
Once I have him strapped in the backseat, he asks, “Does the doctor have chicken nuggets? I really need some chicken nuggets.”
I’m sure Colleen won’t be able to get him any dinner that doesn’t come out of a vending machine. “Chicken nuggets sound like a great idea. How about some french fries too?”
“I always want french fries.”
We stop at a fast food drive thru. “What does your mom like to eat from here?”
“She always gets a chicken sandwich and awful fries.”
“Waffle fries?”
“Yeah, those.” He points at the waffle fries on the menu.
