Page 12 of Uproot

Beckett's face hardens and it makes my stomach twist. "No we definitely are not close. I didn't even know that Edison existed. And I have the feeling that if Charlie wasn't arrested, I may not have known for even longer," he explains, putting his hands into the pockets of his slacks.

I nod in understanding, realizing that their relationship is more complicated than I thought, "I'm sorry, Beckett. Hopefully you will have the chance to make up for lost time now."

We go inside and see Edison picking up his things. Beckett takes his backpack and a small bag that I let him borrow that has his clothes in it, while Edison grabs Ruffy, then leaves out of the room to the living room.

Beckett looks around my guest room with a sullen expression on his face, "This is it? He doesn't have any toys. Stuff to color with?" he asks.

I shake my head, "That was all he had in his old bedroom. I was planning on going to get him some things this weekend when I had more time. He has some coloring supplies and maze books I had here that I let him have," I explain, feeling bad that I didn't have the time to go shopping in Charlestown for more items he needed.

I thought the same thing when I packed up his few belongings to bring them to my house. I won't even dare to tell Beckett the condition of the house Edison was staying in with his father, or the fact that Edison was sleeping on a small mattress on the floor in his cluttered bedroom.

Beckett inhales a deep breath, calming his voice, "It's not your responsibility, Selah. It's just shocking that he only has one small bag of clothes and some items for school. I figured a kid his age would have toys, or games. Tons more Ninja Turtle clothes.Something. But I guess with the situation the way it was, I should have known better."

He steps closer to me until he is hovering right over me, his eyes piercing into mine, "I'mnothinglike Charlie, Selah. I'm going to take good care of Edison. I promise. You understand that, right?"

I nod slowly and his eyes move over my face before he takes a step back from me, seemingly satisfied that I believe him. "Good," he says before heading out of the room.

I let out the breath I was holding being so close to him, swallowing hard. I walk out after him, heading to the living room where Edison is saying goodbye to my goldfish.

"I'll miss you, Willy! Be good," Edison says, waving at the fishbowl.

I smile at him, and Edison runs over to give me a big hug. I bend down and hug him back. "I'll see you tomorrow morning at school, ok? You will be just fine with your Uncle Beckett," I assure him.

"Ok," he whispers looking up at me, uncertainty still clear on his face. I rub his head, and he gives me a small smile.

We go to the front door, and Helen is on the other side of it still talking on the phone. She hurriedly gets off when she sees us. "Are you ready Sir?" she asks Beckett, and he nods.

"Yes, let's head out," he says, turning back to me. "Thank you again, Selah. Have a good night."

"You too," I say, stepping out onto the porch with them.

I wave goodbye as they head down the steps, Beckett holding Edison's hand in his, Edison's small backpack slung over his large shoulder.

They both turn back to look at me when they reach the SUV, and my heart jumps as we look at each other. They all get into the car, and I watch them drive away before going back inside and closing the door behind me.

I go into my living room and sit down on the couch, the house feeling strangely silent.

I'm used to living alone, I've been on my own since I was seventeen and have only ever lived with one boyfriend for just two years before we broke up.

But somehow being home alone now that they are gone feels uncommonly empty.

7

Beckett

The alarm beeps on my phone and I take off my glasses, rubbing my tired eyes. I grab my phone next to my laptop and silence it, getting up from the dining room table and stretching.

I've been here working since 5am, trying to get caught up on all of the emails and planning I missed yesterday. Things have been so busy, I haven't had the time to zone in and really focus on the messages my team has been sending to me, and that makes everything else feel off balance.

I just keep reminding myself that I have to be selfless right now and know that what Edison is going through is life changing for him. I haven't had to really factor anyone else into my daily plans that weren't a part of my business for years now, and it's just something I have to figure out how to get used to.

I walk down the hallway of the rental home, passing by the kitchen where Dragana is already up and cooking breakfast, and continue on until I get to Edison's bedroom.

He had a tough time falling asleep last night, and I think that moving into another new home overwhelmed him. I ended up sleeping on the rug in his bedroom until he fell asleep, then waking up in the middle of the night and getting into my bed once he was truly settled. I left the door open in case he started crying, but thankfully he was sleeping like a rock after that.

He's still fast asleep when I go in his room now, walking over to open the curtains, before waking him up. I help him get ready, frowning when I look at his selection of clothes that we brought from Selah's home.

I decide to ditch the ratty looking clothing and go over to the suitcase with the clothes I had Helen purchase and bring with us. I wish I had thought ahead to ask Selah what Edison liked before shopping for him, but hopefully he doesn't mind wearing some clothes without his favorite characters on them for now.

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