Page 43 of Defending A Promise
“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”
“Because they’re green, silly.”
Well, obviously that’s why. How did I not know that? There’s got to be something in his car seat that sets off the questions. Maybe that’s it.
Chapter 17
Riley
It felt good to get back to kickball. Mostly for the social aspect. Working alone and being a mom to a four-year-old doesn’t bode well for the adult conversations I crave sometimes. With this group of girls, I was truly expecting some cliques to form or some catty gossiping to occur, but I’ve seen none of that. Instead, we’re all lifting each other up and encouraging one another. It's refreshing and I'm wondering why the rest of the world can’t be like this.
“It was great seeing you again, Riley,” Brooke says as we walk to the parking lot. “When did you get a truck?”
“Oh, that thing.” I point out the monstrosity in the parking lot. “I’m just borrowing it from a friend.”
“It’s huge.”
I laugh, “I know, right? But I will say, it’s nice when people get out of my way.”
“Oh, I bet! I’ve got to get going. I have a teacher parent conference early in the morning that I need to get ready for. These parents are the type that think their child is perfect and so it must be my fault he’s failing first grade.” She shakes her head. “See you tomorrow?” She asks me.
“I hope so, but not too sure. Good luck tomorrow. Tell those parents off!” I laugh.
“Oh, god, I wish I could.” She giggles. “Okay, then. Be safe and don’t run over any old ladies in that thing.” She laughs as she climbs into her sedan.
“I make no promises,” I call out to her.
Making my way back to Declan’s house, which is how I’ve decided I’m going to call it from now on, I realize how much I’ve missed living in a small town. This small town in particular. Everyone is nice to you and waves as you drive by. The traffic is nothing compared to Atlanta’s traffic. I was so excited to leave here after graduation, but I had no idea how good I had it until I was gone. Now I know, though, and I have no intention of ever moving again.
I pass by the cemetery where my twin brother is buried and I think about stopping by, but I can see the gates are closed. It’s fine. I don’t think I’m ready to visit yet. I haven’t been by since I’ve moved back, but I want to bring Nicholas to meet his uncle. How do you explain death to an optimistic four-year-old? I want him to keep his innocence as long as possible and I’ve been afraid that if I explain death to him, I may do more damage than good.
Being a mom is hard.
It’s dark when I pull into the driveway of Declan’s house, but there are still some lights on, so I know that at least Declan is still up. I think that’s a good thing because we should talk about today. But now I’m nervous.
As I walk into the house, Declan’s walking down the hall from Nicholas’ room. “He’s fed, exercised, bathed, and is lying down trying really hard to stay awake to say good night to you.” He says as he gets a beer out of the refrigerator and holds one up asking me if I want one and I nod.
As I approach Nicholas’ room, I hear him talking to Bella all about his day and I just stand in the hallway listening as my heart warms. I love this kid with everything I have, and I have no idea how the hell I got so lucky with him. Obviously, I’m going to have to get a dog for my little boy. It’s time.
“Hey, Nickels. Did you have fun today?” I ask him as I tuck the covers up to his chin and sit on the side of the bed that Bella’s not on.
“Yes. We had beer.”
I’m going to need more information here. “You did? What kind of beer?”
“The kind you drink, Mommy.”
“Oh, of course. Silly me.” I’ll have to get more information from someone a bit older than four, I suppose. “I want to ask you a question, Nicholas. Is that okay?”
He nods but I can see his eyes are heavy with sleep.
“Do you like it here in Hibiscus Harbor or would you rather go back to Atlanta?”
“I like it here, Mommy, and I never want to leave.”
“You like your school and your teachers? Being close to Nana and Papa?”
He nods again.
