Page 26 of Halloween with a Daddy
Amelia: I need you. Please call me.
I let out a sigh and look at Bethany. She’s so peaceful and may sleep for a few more hours if I don’t wake her up. My conscious won’t let me. I pick up her phone, walk over, and give her a gentle nudge.
“Good morning.” She looks up at me with a smile, then immediately yawns.
“I’m so sorry to wake you up, but you got a text message. It looks important.” I put her phone in her hand.
“How long have you been up?” She stretches as she reads the message.
“Not long.” I place a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll go start breakfast so you can call your friend.”
I don’t know what Amelia wants, but Bethany said they were close. I walk to the door and barely get down the hallway before I hear the door open behind me and Bethany motions for me to come back.
“What’s wrong?” I ask as I approach, noticing a worried look on her face.
“Amelia was in an accident last night.” Her words are hurried. “She needs me to bring her some clothes to the hospital. Oh my god, I…”
“It’s okay.” I put my hands on her shoulders. “How bad is it?”
“It doesn’t sound bad, but all she has is her costume and they’re supposed to release her.” Bethany turns away and walks into the bedroom, quickly gathering her things. “I have to go.”
“Hey.” I put my hand on her shoulders. “She’s in the hospital. If it’s not bad, she’ll be fine, and if it is, there’s nowhere better for her to be. Take a moment to breathe and then we’ll go.”
“You’re coming with me?” She turns with a look of surprise on her face.
“If you’re going, I’m going.” I nod. “I’ll drive you.”
“Thank you.” She steps into my arms and hugs me. “I’m still waking up and my head is foggy.”
“Hop into the shower.” I point to the bathroom. “A few minutes will not make a difference and I’ll get some coffee made.”
“Okay.” She nods in agreement and scurries towards the bathroom.
I’d love to join her in the shower, but she’s got more important things on her mind right now. I go downstairs where I find Mark sitting at the table with two women, both of whom seem more interested in him than the breakfast he’s cooked.
“You made coffee, thank god.” I ignore them and grab two cups.
“Uncle Edgar.” Mark says proudly. “Let me introduce you to Tiffany and…”
“Angela!” The other girl announces proudly, not picking up on the fact Mark was struggling to remember her name.
“Hi ladies. I’m Edgar. Nice to meet you both. I’m in a bit of a hurry, so I apologize we can’t get to know each other better right now.” I say, already pouring the coffee.
“Two cups of coffee, Uncle Edgar?” Mark smirks at me.
“I’ll explain later, but right now, I have to go.” I nod to the trio and immediately head for the stairs.
I’ll have a conversation with my nephew when we’re alone. He’s pretty proud of himself right now, but he’s going to regret it if he gets that kind of reputation in a small town like Willow Grove. I’ve just got too much on my mind to worry about it until things are sorted with Bethany and her friend.
I rush to the stairs, but by the time I get there, Bethany is waiting with her hair still wet and her costume haphazardly reassembled. I hand her a cup of coffee, dig my keys out of my pocket, and motion for her to follow me. She pauses for a moment to glance in the kitchen, shakes her head and I see a slight eye-roll as we head out the front door.
See, that’s the problem. When you treat women like that, the best one in the world will think you’re a fool.
“We need to stop by Amelia’s apartment.” She says as I open the passenger door for her.
“That’s fine.” I nod. “Just tell me where to go.”
Bethany doesn’t say much on the drive to Amelia’s apartment. I let her have the time that she needs. I’ve been there before. When a friend calls, you drop everything. It doesn’t matter where you are, what you’re doing, or who you’re with. Bethany is a friend anyone would be proud to have, and seeing how much she cares about Amelia makes her even more endearing to me.
