Page 26 of Uproot

"There will be lots of popcorn. Might even get crazy and throw some candy in there too," I say, raising an eyebrow.

She lets out a sweet giggle that makes me smile, "Well I can't really turn that down, can I?" she says.

"I'd take that invite if I were you," I respond. "I'll come get you around 6?"

She shakes her head, "I'll drive. You all aren't too far from me," she says.

I nod, knowing that if it gets too late that I will just drive her home. "Edison, say goodbye to Ms. Selah," I call over to him.

He runs over and gives her a hug, and when they part, I open her car door for her, waiting until she gets inside.

"Buckle up, sweetheart," I say, waiting until she secures her seatbelt in place.

"I'll see you soon," she says looking up at me.

"I can't wait," I respond, before closing her door.

15

Beckett

Ilook around the living room one more time, making sure that everything looks perfect for our movie night.

I had Edison go in his room with Dragana after we finished dinner so that I could set everything up and surprise him.

I found some large bowls in the kitchen and filled them up with microwave popcorn. I used some smaller bowls to put some candy treats into them that Edison picked out at Reece's. Skittles, M&M’s, and licorice are all set up and waiting, and there are bottles of water and juice boxes as well.

I picked up some grapes and watermelon slices from the store also to balance out the influx of junk I've set out for all of us, but if Edison doesn't want that tonight it's ok. The whole point of this evening is to continue to try to lift his spirits, and let him have a new experience.

I made sure that there were plenty of pillows and blankets set out, and closed all of the blinds and curtains in the room too.

I finally go to the bedroom and get him and Dragana so that they can see everything. Edison darts over to me from where he was playing with Ruffy, and I laugh as he nearly knocks me over, trying to get into the hallway.

"Slow down little man. You need to wash your hands before we get started, ok?" I say, pointing to the bathroom across the hall.

"Ok!" he shouts, running over and getting on his step stool to turn on the water at the sink.

Dragana comes beside me, placing a hand on her hip, "Do I need a ticket to attend this theater tonight?" she teases.

I chuckle and close the door behind her, "Not necessary ma'am. You have VIP access," I respond, motioning for her to follow me.

We walk into the living room and Dragana's eyes widen as she takes in my setup. She whistles, nodding her head in approval, "This is very nice for a little movie night," she says, moving to make herself comfortable on one of the sofas.

"Edison said he's never had one. So I needed to make it perfect for him," I shrug.

She doesn't respond and when I look over at her she is giving me a suspicious look that I'm all too familiar with. "Are you sure this is alljustfor Edison?"

"It's for all of you," I respond dryly, already knowing where this is going.

"Mmhmm," she says, smirking at me.

Edison comes racing in and stops short as he takes in everything in the living room. "Wow! This is so cool, Uncle Beckett!" he yells, unfreezing and running over to hug me.

I wrap my arms around him, feeling the same relief I keep experiencing every time he is happy. It's a strange feeling that I'm growing to enjoy. "You're very welcome," I mutter, rubbing his shaggy hair.

The doorbell rings and his smile grows impossibly wider, "That's Ms. Selah!" he exclaims.

He runs ahead of me as we go to the front door, and I unlock it, revealing the woman that I seem to not be able to get enough of.

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