Page 43 of Heal
"What about you? How are things at school? Still having issues?" He pulled into the hospital parking lot.
"A few, but mostly just comments in the hallway. It's better than it was. I'll be okay." She sighed. "You told Dad, didn't you?"
Beau's chest tightened. "I did, but only after they asked me to talk to you because you'd been quieter than usual. They could tell something was bothering you. They have a right to know when something like this is going on in their daughter's life."
"I'd tell them, but they always want to fix everything. I wanted to handle this. If it got too bad, I'd let you guys know."
"I know you would, but it's hard not to want to protect you, especially when it comes to this stuff. We all want you safe and happy."
"I am safe and for the most part happy. I'm not mad you told them. I would have only been mad if they'd shown up at school and tried to fix everything."
"They know not to get involved until they need to. We just love you and want to protect you. It's what fathers do."
"I guess I should be glad I have two good dads. I could be like Lisa and not have any." Faith unhooked her seatbelt as they parked.
"True." He wanted to tell her about wanting to adopt them, but he didn't dare until he was sure what Parson was going to do.
"Did you know that her dad's in prison for life for killing her mom?"
Beau's eyes went wide. "I didn't know that. She hadn't told me."
"I guess it happened a long time ago. She said they've been through six foster homes before this last one."
"That has to be hard. I'm glad that so far they've been able to keep Jeff and her together." He came around the car to meet her. "I know it can be hard to open up to your dads, but give them a chance. They worry about you, and while I'm glad you can come to me and talk about things, some of the stuff they should know about. It's going to get harder as you get into your teenage years more, but trust your dads to always have your back and know when to stay out of things." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
He was pleased they made it upstairs to the floor Lisa and Jeff's room was on without anyone stopping them. He usually had to answer questions or listen to another doctor talk about a case. This time he was able to sneak in with Faith without any problem. He knocked on the kids' door before opening it. "You up for visitors?"
"Only if you brought Faith." Lisa smiled.
Beau stepped aside and let Faith go in first, surprised when Lisa flung herself at Faith and hugged her. "I'm so glad you got him to bring you."
Beau winked at Jeff. "Girls." He rolled his eyes teasingly.
"They talk on the phone all night," Jeff told him.
"Do they now?" Beau narrowed his eyes at the girls.
"Not every night," Faith protested. "It wasn't a school night last night."
Beau shook his head, more than aware that Matt had told his daughter no phone after ten. He kept it to himself. He wisely knew to pick his battles with Faith. "So, how are we feeling today?" He focused on Jeff since Lisa was distracted by Faith.
"Good. I watched cartoons all day, and they let me have extra ice cream with my lunch." Jeff smiled as if he'd won the lottery.
"I could use a day watching cartoons and eating ice cream." Beau sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you more comfortable?"
"Yeah, the itching stopped. It hurt to poop today, but not as bad as the other day. Lisa said I had to let you know that." The young boy blushed.
"She's right. That is something I need to know. I'm glad it wasn't so bad. I think you're almost healed. I'm thinking about releasing you two the first part of the week."
That got Lisa's attention. "You can't, they'll split us up."
"I'm working on that. Trust me, we are doing everything we can to keep you both together." He wished he could tell them more. He hated to even hint at anything until he knew more.
"I can't be without him." Lisa stared at Beau, her eyes boring into his, telling him how serious she was.
"I know. Parson and I are working on it. I can't make promises, but we'll do what we can." He had no doubts that Lisa would run away and take Jeff with her if they tried to split them. "I won't do anything until we know for sure. I'll talk to you before any plans are made."
"Promise?" Lisa asked.
