I did. It took a while but I finally got it!
Dealla
I’m glad, genuinely. I didn’t want to presume you’d actually search for it, but you did! I also didn’t realize how cruel you might think it was until I got home.
Holden
Not cruel. Definitely interesting.
So anyway, hi. I figured out your code and I texted you.
At least I hope you left it for me and not the guy at the coffeeshop.
Dealla
Nah, Tristan has my number. We’re friends.
Holden
That’s cool.
So what are you up to?
Dealla:
Just relaxing. It’s been a LONG day.
A whine then cry comes from behind the closed door of my bedroom, and I drop my phone to the couch. Rushing into my room, I use the glow from the nightlight to guide the way to Ashton’s bed. He struggles against my hold as I lift him to my chest, and I frown as he stretches toward the floor. My gaze follows his reach, finds the stuffed animal halfway under the bed. I set Ashton on the mattress and duck down to grab the purple lion. He takes it happily, cuddling into it, and lies down once more. I run my fingers over his soft hair and start singing his lullaby.
Twenty minutes later, he’s asleep again, and I make my way back out to the living room. My phone screen lights up with a game notification, and I chuckle when I see the other four notifications that have come in the time I was away. I unlock my phone and dismiss the game alert before moving on to the texts.
Holden
Yeah, I know how it goes. I’m glad to have the next week of not going anywhere or doing anything.
Just so you know, there’s a time limit on hotel room service
I’m hungry
Did you fall asleep?? Lol
Dealla
I’m so sorry. Ash woke up, and I had to get him back to sleep.
Holden
No worries. Even if you HAD fallen asleep. He sleeping well now then?
Dealla:
Yep! He just needed Lionel the Lion.
Holden
Good to hear! Can I ask who Ash is?
I stare at the text for a long minute. This is usually the part where everyone runs away. Even if all I work toward is friendship, rarely does anyone stick around long after they find out about Ashton and my role in his young life. But if I want a chance at knowing someone, at having a friend, it’s a risk I have to take.
