Page 112 of Losing the Rhythm

“He’s ready for some chanting,” Seth said with a big smile.

“All warmed up,” George said, jumping down and sitting.

Justin and Toby showed up. Toby came running up the bleachers while Justin stayed with Laura to help her up. Her black hair was pulled back in a French braid. She wore a gray and yellow blazer with the sugar maple mascot on the front. I couldn’t see the back, but most likely, she had Paxon’s number on it. Many others were wearing similar jerseys.

“This is a turnout,” she said, sitting next to George.

As soon as they started talking about how they thought the game was going to go, I zoned out, knowing I wasn’t going to be able to understand. As I saw it, my only job was to see him on the field and cheer really loud when he did something good. I was going to follow the others’ lead on when to do that. Plus help George with whatever chant he created for us.

George disappeared with Justin at one point to get us food and drinks. I almost volunteered to go with them, but something in Justin’s expression stopped me. Like he needed some time with George. So I curled my fingers around the edge of the bleacher and kept myself still as they made their way down.

“He’ll be okay,” Laura said, moving to sit next to me.

“How’d you know what I was thinking?”

Laura smiled, but it looked a bit sad. “I have eyes. I know. And he already told me he talked to you about the situation. I already told him he’s mine. I’ll fight for him if I have to, but in this stage in life, his father can’t do shit.”

“We won’t let him do shit,” I said.

The smile on Laura’s face extended, looking real this time. “Exactly. And I have a feeling you’re well adept with the court system already?”

I tried to keep my expression at least neutral, but it wavered and Laura held my hand.

After swallowing, I asked, “Why? Because I’m emancipated?”

“And you were able to protect your mother.”

No one really acknowledged everything I did. I never really talked about it much. I just told people I got emancipated and that I was able to get my mother put into a hospital instead of jail.

“I may be a 911 operator, but I know how the courts can be. Our country is built on red tape and going in circles and never getting anything done.”

That got my eyebrows raised.

“You had to not only prove that you were someone who didn’t need an adult to take care of yourself, but you also had to talk a judge into letting you take care of your mother and help her in the hospital, all thisaftershe already put you in the hospital. That wouldn’t have been easy doing on your own. So I believe you when you tell my boy that you’re there for him, and that you’ll protect him. I can rest easier because of you. So thank you.”

My eyes had to look like saucers by the time she finished talking. I was fighting to not cry.

Laura wrapped her arms around me and pulled me against her. “You’re going to be okay. So will Justin. Everyone will be okay.”

“We all will make sure everyone is okay,” I croaked out.

“Exactly. That’s what family does. Blood or not, we’re all a family unit and we protect each other.”

Family.

I didn’t get it. I never understood it. I never knew what emotions came with it. The fear and anxiety, but also the happiness and warmth. But I was definitely beginning to realize what it really meant.

“What are you doing to her?” Seth asked, his tone a little bit lower.

Laura turned to him with raised eyebrows. “Want to try asking me that again, but fix your tone?” Her sharp tone seemed to remind Seth to calm down.

He cleared his throat, looking a little embarrassed. “Sorry, Aunt Laura.”

“Forgiven.”

“What’s going on?” he asked, this time more gently.

“We’re just talking, nothing for you to worry about,” Laura said.

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