Page 71 of Damien
My poor baby.
My heart aches seeing her in pain. There’s nothing worse than knowing something is wrong, yet knowing there’s not much I can do but let it run its course.
When I enter the bathroom, her hair’s in complete disarray, and I realize I didn’t get it out of the way earlier.
Fuck. Now she needs a shower.
Gone is the strong, proud, boisterous kid that I’m usually blessed with. In her place is a tiny, weak girl needing her momma. “I’m here, baby. Let’s get these clothes off you and get you in the tub. I’ll make it quick.”
Within a few minutes, I have her showered, dressed in jammies, and her hair pulled out of her face. She’s usually so independent, it’s hard seeing her so reliant on me. Don’t get me wrong, I would be here no matter what, but having a sick child definitely makes you appreciate when they are well.
By the time we get her into bed, she’s spent. Her head hits the pillow, and she’s out before I can even pull her blankets around her. Instead of using her thick comforter though, I lay that aside and pull over a fleece blanket instead.
Leaving her door open, I return to the bathroom to clean up and disinfect. Knowing I may need more towels, I take any dirty ones we have and shove them in the wash. Checking on her one more time, I see she’s still sound asleep.
When my phone rings, I’m relieved to see it’s Damien.
The moment the phone connects, I hear his worried voice. “Everything okay?”
Sighing, I plop onto the couch. “It will be. Jules likely has the flu. I’ve got her cleaned up and in bed, so we just have to wait it out and let it run its course.”
“Anything I can do?”
“No. Not really. I’ve just gotta be here to wait it out with her.”
“Do you have saltine crackers and bottled 7-Up? That was my mom’s go-to when one of us got sick as a kid.”
“Ugg… no, I don’t,” I admit. “None of us have been sick in ages.”
“Tell you what. I’ll run by the store and pick up a few things for you. Anything in particular that would be a treat for you?”
Oh my heart… “That is so sweet of you. But you don’t have to.”
“Vanessa,” comes out stern with little room for argument. “I’m doing it.”
“Okay. Crackers and soda would be amazing.”
“What about you, Van? If I’m left to my own devices, you’ll end up with half the store,” he says in warning.
The thought alone makes me laugh and is just what I need in this moment.
“All right… all right. No buying half the store. Maybe pick me up a caramel macchiato on the way along. I know it’s late, but I need to stay up for a while to make sure she’s okay.”
“Got it. I’m hopping in my truck now. If you need anything else—text me.”
“I doubt I will. But thanks for offering.”
“I’m serious, Van. You need anything… you let me know.”
I settle into the couch. “I will, Dame. Thanks.”
It isn’t long before Damien knocks quietly on my door. At first, I’m afraid to let him in, but when he reminds me that he’s likely already been exposed, I agree.
Taking a sip of coffee, I settle into Damien’s side on the couch. “Ahhh… thank you. This is amazing.”
“I just wish I could do more,” Damien says as he squeezes me in a side hug. “Do you think she’ll sleep through the night?”
“It would be amazing if she did, but I highly doubt it.”
