Page 16 of Uproot

She sets him up at the computer area, and puts headphones on him. By the time we make our way over to her desk together, he is already lost in the game, clicking away in a daze while Selah and I go to talk.

9

Beckett

Isit in a chair close to Selah so that I can explain the situation to her without the risk of Edison somehow hearing us.

"What's going on? Did you get some news about Edison's mom?" she asks quietly.

I give her a shorter, less detailed account of what Antonio told me earlier today. Her face goes from concerned, to stunned the further along into the story I get. She holds a hand over her heart, her eyes glossing over with tears when I'm finished.

We both look over at Edison who is lost in his game, completely unaware of the serious conversation we are having about how his life has changed indefinitely.

I reach over to the box of tissues on her desk and hand her one. She dabs at her eyes, and murmurs, "thank you", trying to compose herself.

"My goodness. I'm so, sosorryBeckett," she whispers, her voice wavering. "I was really hoping for a better outcome than this."

"I was too. I'm going to need to talk to Edison about this, Selah. And this is not my wheelhouse. Not in the slightest," I explain, leaning over and placing my elbows on my thighs. I run both hands through my hair, feeling the exhaustion of the past few days hitting me. I get lost in my thoughts until her soft voice breaks through my frustration.

"Can I be there when you tell him?"

I look up at her, feeling relief flood over me, "I'd love it if you could be there. He trusts you, and you know him better than anyone else does, Selah. Could you come by this evening while I speak to him?" I ask gratefully.

"Of course. Yes," she agrees without hesitation.

"Uncle Beckett! I got a new high score!"

We both turn to see Edison smiling proudly over at us, the headphones that are a bit too big for him still on his dark, ruffled hair.

Something in my gut twists seeing the innocent, cheerful expression on his face. Everything is changing for him but he still finds joy in the simplest things. I could learn a lot from this kid.

Part of me envies his optimism, wondering if I ever really had that. I do realize right then that I want him to keep him just this happy and innocent, even if it means making a few sacrifices in my life for now.

"Did you?" I ask, getting up and going over to see him.

I study the computer, seeing his score. "That's awesome, Edison. Great job," I say, putting my hand on his shoulder. "How about you go get your bag and we can head back to the cabin, ok?"

"Ok," he agrees, taking off his headphones and running over to the cubby area.

Selah comes over to me, wringing her hands anxiously. I can tell that the bad news is weighing on her, and part of me feels like an asshole for dragging her further into this mess. But I know how much Edison cares for her, and having her help is essential right now.

"Thank you again, Selah. I'll see you tonight. Will around 6 o'clock work for you?" I ask.

"That will be just fine," she responds, giving me a tender smile.

"Alright then," I say, going over to get Edison, and heading out the door.

When we get to the car, I make sure that Edison is buckled in correctly, then call Helen as I get in my seat and start the car. She answers on the first ring, as always.

"Hello Sir, I was just going to call you. Is this about the email from our accounting firm? They are really adamant on getting a new date rescheduled to have your monthly meeting," she answers, getting straight to business.

"No it's not about that, Helen. I need you to pick up some things for me from that grocery store, Reece's. I want to make dinner for all of us tonight," I say, turning out of the school parking lot and heading to the cabin.

"Dinner? For..youto cook?" she questions, sounding confused.

"Yes Helen. Formeto cook. Me man. Me use stove and oven. That isn't such an abstract concept, is it?" I ask sarcastically. "Edison's teacher is going to be coming over for dinner, and I want to make something to return her hospitality to us."

"She is?!" Edison chimes in from the back seat.

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