Page 44 of Deprived No More

“No. I’m not sure what’s up with that. He’s never not called to check in.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Kat. Men are goofy.”

A small laugh breaks free, and I admit the sensation feels alien but good. She’s right. I’m not sure there’s a better way to describe them. Even if Sam mentioned seeing me with Holden, he could’ve asked me about it last night. I wasn’t doing anything inappropriate. He asked if he could sit, and I obliged. It’s not like we were making out in the corner.

Bzzz. Bzzz.

“Ah. That’s probably him now.” She giggles.

Looking down at the phone, I realize it’s not Nick but the Sievers’ number.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Kat. It’s Jonas. I hate to bother you. Is there any way you could stop by here? I feel terrible asking. But Lilly was cleaning her ears with a Q-tip, and when she pulled back, the cotton portion was still in her ear. We’ve tried everything and can’t get it out. I guess we could take her to the ER-”

“Jonas, don’t be silly. I’ll grab some forceps and be right there. I keep a pair in my bag in the car.”

“Thank you. It’d mean a lot to us to avoid having to make that trip tonight.”

“Of course. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” I hang up the call and explain the situation to Rachel before heading out the door. Given the late hour, I’ll drive as it’s too far to walk alone.

Pulling up in front of their home, I park the car and grab my portable otoscope and the alligator forceps I keep on hand. As I reach the top step, the door swings wide, and Annabelle and her father greet me.

“Thanks again, Kat.”

“Don’t thank me yet. Let’s see if I can get it out first.” I giggle.

Walking into the kitchen, Lilly sits on a stool with a look of total embarrassment.

“Hey, it’s okay. Do you have any idea how many people check into the emergency room for this exact thing? It happens all the time. And to grown-ups.”

She gives me a slight smile, and I explain what I plan to do. Tilting her head, she allows me to take a good look, and I’m relieved to find the cotton is visible immediately, so it will be easy to retrieve. I ask Susanna if she’ll hold the otoscope, so the light is pointed at the ear canal, and I gingerly use the forceps to retract the remaining cotton left in Lilly’s ear.

Everyone cheers as I drop it onto a napkin on the counter, and I turn to make my way back home.

As I reach the door, Jonas meets me, giving an awkward, “Thank you.”

“Really. It’s no problem,” I say, patting him on this arm before heading to the car.

“So, how did it go?” Rachel asks.

“Fine. Came out without any trouble. Jonas is just so socially awkward. It’s odd when you think of him with Susanna. She’s so easygoing.”

“Well, you missed Nick. He called right after you left, and I told him what happened.”

“How’d he sound?”

“Like Nick. Why?”

“I don’t know. Something feels off.”

“Well, you two need to clear the air once he’s home. The kids and I will head out right after breakfast. On Sundays, we get laundry done and make sure all homework assignments are complete. So you’ll have time to figure out a game plan. Just talk to him, Kat.”

“I know you’re right. I’m so glad you were here this weekend. I’ve missed spending time with the three of you.”

“Same. But next time, why don’t we leave the kids with Nick and the two of us go to Saude Creek?”

The following morning, after polishing off eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit, we say goodbye to our weekend guests. I’m struck by the thought I could’ve missed out on times like these had Rachel and I not repaired our relationship the way we did years ago. So much was left unsaid in my youth. I’d always felt she was the golden child, and she was jealous of my independence and tenacity. Keeping your feelings tamped down causes nothing but havoc. I cannot let something similar seep into my marriage.

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