Page 196 of Unspoken Words
“Ouch. You should go rinse it out.”
“Na, it’s fine. I think it’s gone.”
“Oh, good.” She took a seat on my couch and clasped her hands on her lap. “So I understand Jackson has filled you in on my credentials?”
“Yes. He has,” I said, as I, too, took a seat. “And I must say, on paper, they’re impressive.”
“Thank you. But let’s face it, where children are concerned, ‘on paper’ is only half of it. My guess is that you invited me here today to see if Christina and I hit it off.”
I laughed. “That would be correct.”
“Okay. In that case,” she said, linking her fingers and stretching her hands out in front of her, as if to crack them. “Best I work my magic.”
Madeline removed her shoes, made her way to the floor, and crawled toward Christina where she sat side-legged next to the play gym. She slid her hands under Christina’s arms and picked her up, holding her high above her head and sticking her nose directly into her bum. “Pee-Ew. Someone has a wet nappy, doesn’t she?”
Christina cackled with delight.
“Wanna point me in the direction of her nursery so I can change her?”
“Sure. Follow me.”
I showed her to Christina’s room where she changed her like a pro.
“There you go. All clean.” She turned to me. “Does she need a bottle or some solids?”
“No. Not right now.”
“She doesn’t appear to be tired—”
“No. She not long woke up.”
“I guess it’s more playtime then.”
We headed back to the lounge room where, once again, Madeline laid Christina down on the mat. And as if on perfect cue, she rolled onto her tummy then onto her back again, smiled and said, “Bub bub bub.”
“Well, there you have it,” I said, gesturing to my daughter.
“Have what?”
“She likes you.”
*
The crowd chanted, “Saxon. Saxon.Saxon.”My name a continuous hum throughout the arena. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. I was only seconds away from taking the stage, my palms sweat dampened, my fingers tingling.
Shaking them loose, I wasn’t sure they’d pluck the strings of my guitar, or if when I opened my mouth to sing, the words would come out. Without Ellie, I wasn’t sure I could sing at all.You can do this, Connor. Youwilldo this. For your fans, for Christina … for Ellie.
Stepping onto the stage, the spotlight illuminated my body like a Christmas tree. I drew upon its warmth and let it settle over me before waving to the darkness, the light lifting from my face and revealing the silhouetted audience before me.
“Good evening, Sydney!” I said into my microphone.
They erupted into cheers and whistling, the vibrations from their voices hitting me direct in the chest. My pulse spiked, and I held my hand over my heart, feeling Ellie’s presence and love as I looked to my left.
Madeline stood just off stage with Christina on her hip, her tiny ears protected with earmuffs. I let go of my heart and waved, her twinkly emerald eyes alight as she clapped her hands and waved back, and for the smallest of seconds and most magical of moments, I saw her mother standing next to her.
My Ellie.
My Life.
