Page 25 of Surviving in Everton

“You’re right. It was too long.”

Rowe laughs again, and now I wish I was the one who caused that magical sound to come out of her beautiful mouth. I turn my head away from the sickeningly sweet duo when I hear the door open yet again. Logan and Violet come rushing into the room talking a mile a minute and I can’t even understand a word they’re saying.

“Hi, Mommy!” Violet calls cheerfully as she enters the living room.

“Hey, baby! Did you have a good day at school?”

“Yes! It was so fun! Did you know I could use my magic towrite?! That’s so awesome! I don’t even have to know how to spell things right! I just tell my magic what I want it to say and it writes it for me!” Violet squeals.

“That is definitely a fun use of your magic,” Rowe agrees. “But you still have to learn how to spell and write, you know.”

“I know that, Mommy,” she huffs and rolls her eyes. “You’re not supposed to use magic for everything all the time,” she quotes her mother’s rule. “I do listen, you know.”

The whole room bursts out in laughter at that.

“Yes, dear, I know you listen. But I’m still going to remind you. That’s my job as your mother,” Rowe insists.

“Ugh, fine. Can I have a snack now? Logan and I are going to go to the playhouse for a very important game. So don’t bother us.”

Rowen cocks her head at her in surprise. “Wow. Where is all this sass coming from today?”

In response, Violet walks over to her mom and gives her a big hug. I can barely make out her whispered answer. “Just trying to distract you, Mommy. Everything will be okay. Don’t worry so much,” she says then kisses her cheek and walks away like nothing happened.

I see Rowe try to discreetly wipe away a tear. “Well, I’m gonna go help them find a snack,” I announce, then follow Violet and Logan into the kitchen.

When I get there, I find Violet slouched over in a chair while Logan digs through the pantry looking for a snack. I walk over to Violet and put my arm around her shoulder. She jumps a little since she was so zoned out she didn’t notice I was there.

“That was very nice of you, Violet. But you don’t always have to be strong, you know. I can appreciate you keeping a brave face around your mom because you know she’s going through a lot, but all this has to be hard on you as well. I’m here if you ever want to talk about anything. I know you can feel other people’s emotions, and you’re so sweet to want to make everyone feel better, but you have feelings too, Sweet Pea. You can’t just bury your own feelings because someone else is struggling. No matter what it is or what’s going on, know you can always talk to me. Heck, you can talk to any of us guys. No one should have to be strong all of the time,” I tell her.

She looks up at me with big watery eyes. “Thanks, Kayden. I know I don’t have to be, but that’s all I’ve ever known. I never had anyone I could talk to, besides my mom. And I couldn’t talk to her about my dad, or how she was feeling because of him. I’m just used to keeping my feelings to myself.” She shrugs.

“Well, you don’t have to anymore. That’s what friends are for.”

She gives me a hopeful, yet confused look. “But you’re Mommy’s friend, not mine.”

“Oh, sweet girl.” I shake my head as I sigh. “I like to think we’re friends. I like you and like spending time with you. Do you like spending time with me? Didn’t you have fun when we played mini-golf?” I ask her, remembering our little date with a smile.

Her face lights up at the mention of mini-golf. “Yes! That was so much fun! Even if youdidcheat,” she accuses.

“I never!” I gasp. “I didnotcheat! It’s not my fault I’m better than you. I mean, it’s to be expected. You’d never played before and I’m a pro. Who knows, maybe next time you’ll win,” I offer with a wink. Her answering giggle is music to my ears. “See, sounds like we’re friends to me.”

“Okay, I guess wearefriends,” she finally agrees.

“Good. And friends let friends help them. Now you know you have someone to talk to. No matter the time of day. You can come to me with anything. Got it?” I reiterate.

“Got it! Thanks, Kay.” She wraps her little arms around me and I hold her tight.

I don’t let go, just stand there holding her close for as long as she’ll let me. It’s clear this kid needed a hug because it’s a pretty long time before she finally pulls away and wipes a tear from her eye.

“Hey, what’s wrong sweetie?” I ask gently.

“I’m just… I’m just so glad we moved here.” She sniffs.

“Oh, sweet girl, me too. My life was awful before you came along. I couldn’t be happier to have you and your mom in my life,” I admit as I run my thumb over her cheek, wiping her tears away. “Your life is only going to get better here, Violet. I promise.”

She nods in agreement.

“Alright!” I clap my hands. “What are we having for a snack?!”

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