Page 70 of Like A Daydream
“Sogood,” Harper says, and then she launches into an explanation about the other kids at her table, how she and a boy named Oliver decided they’re best friends because they both love the color red, how Danielle packed her a crunchy peanut butter sandwich, and how Ainsley and JT went to the bookstore to see her and brought her a brand-newDukes of Hazzardfolder for her homework.
As she’s talking, Andrew brushes his teeth and listens intently. Her excitement can be felt through the phone
“Will you call tomorrow so that I can tell you about my day again?” she asks, and Andrew can practically see her bouncing up and down as Danielle stands to bring her to her room.
“I can’t make any promises,” he says, “but I’ll try to call you as much as I can.”
“Okay,” Harper says, nodding as she climbs into bed. “Can you help momma tuck me in?”
Danielle’s breath catches, and Andrew feels a lump grow in his throat.
“As long as momma doesn’t mind holding her phone while she says goodnight.”
“She doesn’t.”
Andrew laughs, and Danielle carries him along to Harper’s room, making sure to tuck her in and leave her night light on for her. Andrew blows her a kiss as Danielle closes Harper’s door.
“Night, bug!” Andrew says, one more time, clearing his throat to get rid of the lump that’s formed in it.
He misses them. He misses them so much it physically hurts. He hadn’t realized how much of his life had been re-shaped to fit in the quiet moments until he wasn’t in a space that allows for them anymore.
Danielle carries him down the hall, flipping the lights off as she goes. He crawls under his blankets, six hundred miles away.
“She called you mom,” Andrew says softly, after Danielle has shut herself in her room. He barely gets the words out before she bursts into tears.
He wishes he could reach through the phone and hug her.
“D,” he says softly.
She wipes her eyes, sniffing loudly as she climbs under her blankets.
“I’m sorry,” she says, voice thick, “I just didn’t expect that. And with you gone, I think I’m just overly emotional right now.”
“Don’t apologize for having emotions,” he says, “that’s a huge thing that just happened.”
“I was hoping it would,” Danielle said, “but not this soon. It’s only been a couple of months, and she might not have even meant it.”
“Harper isn’t a kid who just says anything,” Andrew says, “not something that big. She’s probably been thinking about it for at least three days.”
Danielle sniffs again, offering a watery smile. “I’ll have to ask her.”
“Or you can just… let it happen,” Andrew says, “you can keep it a big deal for yourself, but let her think it’s normal.”
She lays on her side, her phone leaning against something so she can pull the blankets over her.
“Iwish you were here,” she says, so softly that he barely hears it. “I could really use a hug right now.”
“I know,” he replies, “I wish I could have stayed another day. I have interviews and practice starting bright and early tomorrow.”
He settles into his pillows, matching her position and laying on his side. He sets his phone on his nightstand, leaning it up against his lamp so he can still see her as he plugs it in.
While she’s distracted, he sends a quick text to JT.
Andrew: I didn’t realize being away would be so hard
JT:because you love two people, not just one
JT:and by two I mean Harper and I, of course
