Page 19 of Uproot

We fall silent, and I think we are all feeling the same heaviness knowing we are going to have to, once again, tell him bad news tonight.

"What's wrong?" Edison asks, looking between us confused.

"Nothing little man. How about we go ahead and have dinner together. Helen is on her way over too," Beckett says, taking Edison's hand.

We all go to sit at the dining room table, and Beckett pulls out a chair for me to sit down, while Edison takes the seat right next to me. The table is set beautifully with plates and lovely silverware. Beckett and Dragana bring over the water glasses for everyone, and Beckett pulls out Dragana’s chair as she sits down across from me.

Soon Beckett goes into the kitchen and comes back out with two platters of food. One platter has a creamy chicken and the other holds a tasty looking pasta. The front doorbell rings as Beckett tells us to get started, and he leaves to answer it.

I help Edison put food on his plate, and Beckett comes back in with Helen. She greets Dragana and Edison quickly, then nods at me before sitting down next to Dragana.

I can't really get a read on her. Even though she is polite enough in the few interactions we have shared, I can't help but feel like she doesn't really like me for some reason. I wondered before if she and Beckett had something going on, but the way he interacts with her makes me think that they don't.

I know being here just maybe isn't the most ideal situation for her as opposed to being in New York in her own home, and at their office. Plus I know that Beckett is stressed out with everything going on with his family, and that may be hard on her too.

I try to shake off my insecurities about her, remembering that whether or not she dislikes me doesn't matter. Beckett isn't mine, and neither of them will be staying here permanently.

I focus back on the food in front of me, and talk to Edison, not letting my mind dip any further to inconsequential things.

11

Selah

After dinner, Beckett and Dragana clean up while Edison pulls me by the hand to take me on a tour of the rest of the cabin. He excitedly brings me to his bedroom, going through a suitcase to show me the things Beckett brought for him.

"I even have my own big bed here! Look!" he chirps, running over and jumping on it.

I laugh, loving the big smile on his face. "That is a really great bed, Edi! It looks super cozy," I respond.

We make our way back to the living room and Beckett is already there waiting for us. He gives me a look and I realize it's time for us to have our talk. I go to sit down on the sofa with him.

"Where did Gana and Helen go?" Edison asks, as he plops down in between us.

Beckett takes in a breath, resting his elbows on his knees and folding his hands together. "Helen went back to her cabin, and Gana went out in the backyard for a little while," he explainscalmly. "Edison, Ms. Selah and I need to talk to you about something important."

I reach over to hold Edison's hand, and Beckett takes the other in his. He begins to slowly tell him the bad news about his mother. Gently explaining to him that she won't be returning like we had all hoped.

"So..she went to heaven? Forever?" Edison asks, his eyes welling up with tears.

I rub his back, and Beckett nods, gently stroking his hair. "She did Edison, yes. And I'm so sorry that you won't be able to see her again. I know I can't take her place, but I want you to know that I'll be here for you. Dragana will be too, and we will do our best to take care of you," Beckett says reassuringly.

Edison stays silent, looking down at the floor, and I exchange a look with Beckett, deciding to step in.

"I know this is so hard for you, Edi. You have had a lot of tough news the past few days, and it's ok to feel sad," I add quietly.

Tears start running down his face and my heart sinks. I quickly go into my purse to take out my small pack of tissues, helping him blow his nose.

Beckett hesitates for a moment, but then gets up and lifts him up in his arms. He gives him a tight hug, closing his eyes as Edison continues to cry quietly. I stand up and rub Edison's back gently, fighting back my own tears.

"I-I thought she was going to come back since my dad went away! One of them always stays," Edison protests, hiccupping as his tears continue to fall.

Beckett pulls him back so he can look him in the eyes. "I know that if she could come back she would, Edison. And I'm sorry your dad is gone too, but I promise that I'm going to do what I need to do so I can be the best caretaker for you," he explains calmly.

Edison rubs his eyes, giving Beckett a doubtful look, " You will stay here? Will we live in this house together?" he asks.

Beckett sets him down on the ground, and glances over at me, "No, Edison. You will come to live with Gana and me in New York when you finish Kindergarten with Ms. Selah."

Edison's shoulders tense, panic taking over his face, "But I don't want to leave Upwood! My friends are here, and I don't want to leave Ms. Selah!" he cries.

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