Page 75 of Damien
“It’s… too far… don’t wanna walk.”
In a split-second decision, I bend down and haul Vanessa into my arms. Of course, the stubborn woman chooses now to protest again. But I just ignore her. His bed is made and at this point—I could give two shits what state his room is in. Pulling back the covers, I gently deposit Vanessa onto the bed and assure her I’ll be right back with a bowl. I’m grateful to see there’s a bathroom off his bedroom, so she won’t have to travel across the house in this state.
Thankfully, Vanessa crashes the minute her head hits the comforts of his pillow because I’m not arguing with her over this. There’s no way I’m letting her curl up around a toilet when I can help her to bed.
Once I get her settled, I quickly check on Jules again. She’s out like a light as well. I change over the towels in the wash to the dryer then stain treat each set of sheets to wash. After that, I scour her bathroom and fold towels from the dryer when they finish, so I can switch over the sheets. Seeing that Julia’s blankets need washing as well, I throw those in next. Hopefully, by the time either of them wakes up, I can have their house back in order.
Just as I’ve finished folding the last towel, Julia stirs on the couch. When she sees me, I’m blessed with an adorable grin. “Dame? Why are you here?”
“It seems both you and your momma need my help. Is that okay with you?”
Julia nods slowly. “Did Momma get sick, too?”
“Yeah. How are you feelin’?” I ask, wondering if she needs anything.
“My tummy feels like I may be hungry,” she says, rubbing it softly.
“Want to start with some crackers and soda? If you can keep a little of those down, I’ll get you something else.”
She nods, and I hurry to the kitchen to retrieve them.
By the time I return, Jules looks a lot better. She’s sitting upright, and her grogginess from sleep has disappeared. Handing her the bottle of 7-UP, I warn, “Now don’t drink this too fast. Just a couple of sips for now.”
As she warily looks at the food in front of her, I send a silent message to the universe hoping she’s over the worst of her illness.
After a few sips, she hands it back to me with a quiet, “Thanks. Can we watch a show?”
“What do you have in mind?” I ask, sitting in the over-sized chair beside her.
She gives me a look that would have been accompanied withDuh,in my days and says, “Descendants… of course. Hand me the remote, and I’ll start it.”
As soon as she has it in her hands, she uses the voice demand to cue it up. I’m impressed by her ability to navigate as well as she does. Before I know it, the opening lines are starting. Needing to make sure she’s comfortable, I ask, “Can I get you anything?”
Sheepishly, she looks in my direction and pauses before quietly asking, “Will you snuggle with me? Momma or Unks always rub my back to make me feel better when I’m sick.”
Okay… I can do this. “I’m all yours,” I offer as I stand to sit on the couch beside her. She lifts her pillow and points for me to sit on one side, so I take her lead. As soon as I sit down, she plops a pillow in my lap.
She’s a lot like her momma in that she knows what she wants, I suppose. As she adjusts her blanket, I can’t help but notice she’s wearing an over-sized tee that must be Vince’s. As soon as she adjusts the blankets around her legs, she turns on her side to watch the movie. Just when I think she’s settled, she turns her head to look at me. “Dame?”
“Yeah?” I ask, wondering what’s wrong now.
“You gonna rub my back? Momma does it in small circles.”
Shit. I’d forgot about that.
Quickly, I do as she asks, and her body relaxes immediately.
Not having watched a Disney movie since I was a kid, I absentmindedly rub circles along her spine as I immerse myself in the movie. The songs are catchy, and the plot keeps my attention as I do what I can to be here for Jules.
When she falls asleep, I don’t even think about moving because there’s no way I’ll risk waking her up. She needs her rest after the night she’s had. When the movie ends, I quickly click on the sequel. Who knew I’d want to find out what happens next to the kids of main characters from my youth. Kicking my feet onto the coffee table in front of me, I relax further into the couch.
The next thing I know, I feel someone touching my face.
Startled, my eyes pop open, and I’m blessed with a much better form of Vanessa staring back at me. Her hair is fresh from the shower, and she’s changed into a pair of leggings and t-shirt.
“Hey, you.” I smile in greeting.
“Hey, yourself,” she whispers back. “I see Jules woke up and subjected you to her shows.”
