Wednesday, April 17, 2013

little pains of life



Camille didn't know where to start. Several things seemed to be getting the best of her, lately.

Honestly, she needed a lot of sleep for starters. But that didn't happen. No, she'd wake in the middle of the night worrying about Joe. Wondering what he'd think if he knew the baby was Down Syndrome.

She didn't know why she didn't tell him. She'd waited weeks to hear back from him. And nothing. It was like he was invisible. Then one night his phone call woke her. Joe was in jail.

She was frantic. Honestly, she thought she might have a heart-attack. She wasn't even sure she was awake. What if she were dreaming?

"What happened? What do you want me to do?" She was upset. She couldn't help it.

He'd been in a fight. It seemed he had a gambling problem. She also found out he had a problem with anger management. He'd lost his job.

"I never wanted the kids to know." He told her he'd been bi-polar for a good long time. "That's why I've stayed away." He wasn't calling to ask for her help to get out. He was calling to ask her if she'd help with Derrick. He wanted her to be his guardian.

"Yeah, of course, I will." Camille promised. Although, she was sure Josie would go off the deep end about it. Besides, Derrick was almost eighteen. Still, he needed a home. A real home.



"I did talk to your Dad," Camille nodded now as Derrick asked about him. "In fact, we..we even talked about you."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Um," she cleared her throat. "He asked me..if..if I could...."

"What?" He looked at her wide eyed as if he should be worried.

"He's in jail."

"What?" Derrick dropped his breadstick in his spaghetti then.

"I dunno, how..long..He's in Vegas."

"Vegas?" Derrick winced a scowl as if that could not be good.

"I know you don't like living at brother's. And Kyle's busy with his own kids. And..and you're so grown up, but still... I promised your Dad I'd be here for you." She sighed, hoping this wasn't a mistake. "You, could have your own room here."

Derrick almost cracked up. "Are you serious?" He shook his head. "What's Josie going to think?"

"Who knows." She shrugged. He gave her a hug. She thought he might be crying, and he wasn't letting go of her, anytime soon.

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