Survive and Conquer

by Andrew Grey

  “He’s good, and things are going well. Chase brought me dinner when I sprained my ankle a few days ago.” Newton had it in a brace, which helped a lot, but getting around was still more painful than usual. “We watched a movie, and then I was tired and the kids were in bed, so….”

  She grinned. “Are you telling me you finally got some? ’Cause your sex life is about as interesting as six hundred miles of Nevada desert at twenty miles an hour. That’s wonderful.” She smiled, and Newton grew serious and met her gaze.

  “No. He saw me upstairs, and then after a kiss that would stop time, he went home.” Newton figured Chase was trying to be nice and considerate, but Newton was seconds from bursting whenever Chase was nearby.

  “He went home?” She clicked her tongue. “That’s interesting.”

  “I know. I mean, there’s never going to be a time when the kids aren’t around, and we can’t spend our lives with the kids at the sitter or away at camp or something. I don’t quite know what to do.”

  “Tell me about it. Kids are the world’s best birth control, let me tell you. But I think what you might try is making arrangements. Get the kids in bed and close their doors. Then set up your bedroom as an enticing love nest—pillows, a great duvet. Make it inviting and sumptuous, and put a lock on your door. When you’re in there, yeah, you’ll need to be quiet, but it should be a haven, and Chase needs to know he’s welcome there.”

  “Should I send him an engraved invitation?”

  “Don’t be a smartass. But invite him to stay and tell him what the deal is, or ask him over and have him bring a bag and then tell him what you’ll make for breakfast.” She wagged her eyebrows. “Not everything is perfect, and Chase certainly can’t read your mind. So tell him what you want. I bet he wants the exact same thing.” She winked at him. “Heck, if you were into women, I’d be interested in you.”

  “Thanks,” Newton said, rolling his eyes. “If I were into women, you’d have ended up a man, and we still wouldn’t have the right equipment, more’s the pity.”

  Jolene snorted and stood to leave. “That’s pretty good. You need to work on your snappy comebacks.” She paused with her hand on the door. “I’m serious. If you’re interested, then woo the guy. It really works, and guys like to be wooed just like girls do. It also helps to tell him where he stands. We all like to know that. That angsty teenager stuff really just sucks.” She opened the door and stepped out of the office.

  “Yeah, it does,” Newton said, but she was gone before he could say anything more.

  He grabbed the file and read through it more thoroughly, then made some notes on the things he had to do, including meet with the in-laws to check the veracity of their claims. He also needed to schedule another home visit with the mother and son to check on things from their end. This smelled fishy to him, and he wanted to get to the bottom of things. Based upon the sheer number of calls to child services, his supervisors were going to want a reason why the child wasn’t in protective custody, but given the circumstances, Newton had cause to be suspicious, so he added his thoughts into the online file, along with his plan to investigate the claims further. That would do for today, and he’d have to get on it first thing Monday. But he had a number of cases he wanted to put to bed before the weekend, so he got on those.

  “IS MR. Chase going to come to the zoo with us?” Rosie asked as she bounded in on his bed the following morning. Rosie always woke with such energy. She was his instantly awake and happy baby.

  Newton checked Eric’s heart monitor app to be sure everything was okay and got his mind in gear. “I don’t know.” He then sent Chase a text. “He might have to work today.” Newton had asked him earlier in the week, but Chase hadn’t known how much he was going to do at the office.

  His phone buzzed with a message. I’m at work right now. What time are you going?

  Late morning. There’s a Red Robin near there that the kids like. I was going to take them there and then go to the zoo. Newton yawned, and Rosie watched expectantly. He was about to say he didn’t know when he got another message.

  I have about two more hours of work here. I can come over after that. He sent a row of smiley faces.

  “Is he coming?” Rosie asked, pushing her glasses higher on her nose.

  “Yes. Chase is going to come.” Suddenly Newton was as wide awake and excited as Rosie. “Go get dressed and then wake your brother.” Rosie bounded out of the room, and Newton sent another text. I was wondering what you’d like for breakfast tomorrow morning. I make some pretty mean morning food. He pressed Send and held his breath.

  The display remained still, no message or even the little bubbles to say Chase was writing. Newton got out of bed, determined not to watch the screen as though he were desperate. He used the bathroom, and when he returned, there was a message on his phone.

  I love all things breakfast. With grinning faces this time.

  Newton smiled to himself, even as his nerves kicked in, a million questions running through his head. Will I remember what to do? God, what if he’s disappointed? Has it been so long that my body has forgotten how? Newton knew he was probably being damned silly, but he was keyed up. His body wasn’t as lithe and supple as it used to be. Granted, he wasn’t ready for his dotage either.

  “Dad,” Eric called, pulling him out of his thoughts and back into the moment. “I can’t find my blue shoes.”

  Newton sighed. “First thing, you need to brush your teeth and clean up. Second, they’re where you left them last.” He pulled on a pair of light sweats and went to see what his kids were up to.

  COFFEE, HE desperately needed coffee. Newton started a small pot as he put bowls, cereal, and milk on the table. He cut up some bananas for Eric and Rosie, doing his best not to inhale. He hated them with a passion, so he avoided bananas if he possibly could. But it seemed he was in the minority as far as his family was concerned.

  Cartoons began playing in the other room. “Eric, turn off the television and come in here and eat.” He knew his kids so well. “Rosie, stop playing in the bathroom and come down. Breakfast is ready.” Yup, he had eyes in the back of his head.

  The kids trooped in. “Did you put…?” Rosie started. “You did. I love bananas.” She grinned at him because she knew he hated them.

  “Yes. The things I do because I love you.” Newton kissed the top of her head. “Now go ahead and eat your breakfast. Remember that Chase is going to come to the zoo with us and we’re going to get some lunch, but not until later. So eat well.” He poured milk for Rosie and then let them eat, trudging back upstairs so he could get cleaned up and dressed. Damn, he needed coffee.

  By the time he was dressed and cleaned up, the kids were done, and he put the rest of the food away. Both of them had put their dishes in the sink, which was a God-ordained miracle. They were watching cartoons, so Newton took the chance to sit down in his favorite chair for a few minutes with his coffee. His ankle was getting better, but he’d put his foot brace on, and that would provide added rigidity and support if he was going to be walking through the zoo.

  How long Newton relaxed, he wasn’t quite sure. It was a wonderful morning, and Newton had had one hell of a week, so he closed his eyes and rested until the doorbell rang. Eric hurried by him to open it and let Chase inside.

  “Can we go to the zoo now?” Rosie asked as she bounced next to the sofa.

  “Yes. We can go. Turn off the television and put your toys away.” He got up, using his cane to take some of the weight off his foot.

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Chase asked. “It hasn’t been that long since you hurt yourself.”

  “I know. But I promised the kids we’d go, and they’ve been looking forward to it. Since it’s autumn, Eric can do more because it isn’t too hot or cold, and I don’t want to deny him if I can. I’ll have to take it easy, and I can rent a scooter if I have to.” Newton smiled. “I’m glad you’re going to come with us.”

  “It sounds like fun. I haven’t been to
the zoo in years.” Chase hugged him tightly as Rosie and Eric got their things.

  “Do I need my monitor?” Eric asked.

  “Yes. Get your bag so we can put it in the car. Then you need to put on jackets in case it gets chilly, and we can go.” Getting two kids ready for a trip anywhere could be a trial, but today seemed to go well, and soon enough they were all in the car and on their way.

  “How was work? Did you get done what you were hoping?” Newton asked Chase.

  “Yes. Did you have a good nap?” Chase teased.

  “I was just resting my eyes and waiting for you.” Newton tried not to yawn. A nap, even for a few minutes, was a rare thing, and he had enjoyed it.

  “I was waiting for you too,” Rosie said from her car seat. “When we get there, will you lift me up so I can see everything?”

  “We’ll make sure everyone can see. I promise.” Chase grinned, and both talked as he drove, their excitement growing.

  “I wanna see the penguins,” Rosie said. “And the bears and elephants.”

  “I want to see the snakes,” Eric piped up.

  Rosie ewwed and said, “I don’t like the snakes.”

  “How about if I take you to see the birds while your dad and Eric see the snakes?” Chase offered.

  “But I wanna see the birds too,” Eric said.

  Newton groaned. “We’re all going to stick together. Rosie, you can hold my hand when we see the snakes, and Eric isn’t going to take too long.” He hoped that would make both of them happy. Sometimes things could get to be so complicated. “Now, there isn’t going to be any fighting. We’ll have fun, and there isn’t to be any whining either. It’s going to be a great day. Okay?”

  “Yes, Daddy,” Rosie answered, with Eric following along.

  “They’re good kids,” Chase said.

  “Yeah, but it’s been a long week.” Newton’s ankle was aching, and by the time he got to the restaurant, parked, and had slid into the booth, his foot was killing him. He kept it to himself and managed to use the area next to the wall to put his foot up. That eased some of the pressure, and he sighed, opening the menu and helping the kids order.

  “You look pale,” Chase said.

  “I’m a little tired, I guess.” Newton decided what he wanted, and they all placed their orders with the server.

  Their lunch was nice, and the kids ate, colored, and talked while Newton sat back and tried to make the best of what was turning out to be more difficult than he had expected. As long as he sat down, he was fine, but after lunch when he stood again, the dull ache returned. Still, he got into the car and drove them to the zoo.

  Newton ended up riding the smallest, most cramped scooter he’d ever seen. It barely had enough room for his foot, but allowed him to get around so the kids could look at all the animals. Chase was so good with them, and Newton rolled along in the chair, having Eric sit occasionally, as they went ahead. It wasn’t the kind of day he would like to have had, but he had promised to take the kids, and Newton did his best to keep his promises.

  “Can you watch the polar bear with us?” Rosie asked.

  Newton nodded, following her into the exhibit, where the four of them could see the bear as he played in the water. Rosie pressed her face to the glass to get a better view, and Newton sat next to Chase, leaning slightly against him.

  “Maybe we should go get ice cream so you can sit, then go home. You’re in a lot of pain, and don’t tell me you aren’t. I can tell by your face.” The scooter wasn’t exactly comfortable, and he was having a hard time finding a position that didn’t make his foot throb.

  “Okay.” Newton was too tired to argue, and Chase was great at getting Eric and Rosie to agree. They left the zoo after a stop at the gift shop and to return the scooter. Chase drove, and Newton sat in the passenger seat, his leg stretched out, breathing deeply, the aching subsiding with less activity.

  At the ice cream stand, Chase got the kids cones and got Newton a strawberry sundae and brought it to him. He was so grateful. Having someone take care of him was pleasant, and once he was done and the kids were back in the car, he leaned his head back, closing his eyes.

  Newton had never given much thought to how nice it was having another adult around.

  Chase took care of the kids and made sure they all got inside the house, then helped Newton to the sofa, got his foot on a pillow, and took off his shoe and brace. “You need to take better care of yourself.” He checked Newton’s foot over, his touch so gentle and caring.

  Newton expected Chase to make his excuses and go on home, but Chase wandered into the other room, and soon Newton heard squeals and laughter from Rosie and giggles from Eric. Whatever they were doing, the kids seemed happy and to be having a good time.

  “How about watching a movie?” Chase offered. “Your dad’s foot is hurting and he did too much by going to the zoo, so we all need to be extra careful and good. Okay?”

  Newton couldn’t see them, but Chase’s voice was bright with a touch of depth underneath.

  “Mulan?” Rosie asked loudly, and in his mind’s eye, Newton could see her jumping up and down in excitement.

  “How about something else?” Chase offered.

  “Spider-Man,” Eric said. “I don’t want to watch Mulan or Cinderella again. How about Cars?”

  Rosie didn’t seem to object, and both kids came into the living room. Rosie climbed onto the sofa with Newton, sitting by his legs, looking worried as her thumb made its way to her mouth a couple of times. Newton didn’t scold her, because she was a big girl now, but she did pat his foot a few times and say something gentle that he didn’t catch. Chase put the DVD in the player and sat down in the chair near Newton’s head, reaching over and holding his hand for a few minutes.

  Newton just let go. He’d been holding on to the kids, to being a parent, and in that mode for so long, he really didn’t know what exactly he was feeling, but some of the tension and worry that had been part of him for so long slipped away.

  “I’m thirsty,” Rosie said.

  “Then you and Eric get something to drink. You can have juice or milk,” Newton offered, and both kids hurried away. “Thank you for not running for the hills,” he said softly. “I know this is a lot more than you bargained for, and—”

  Chase got up and cut him off with a kiss, sending Newton’s pulse racing and his mind on a flight of fantasy that he wished wouldn’t end. It all pulled to a stop when Rosie and Eric returned, and Chase started the movie. Well, everything except the hand-holding, which ended at some point in Radiator Springs when Newton fell to sleep.

  When he woke, it seemed they had agreed on another movie, because Planes was playing. Both kids were enthralled, and Newton wondered where that had come from, since they didn’t have it on DVD.

  “I have Netflix, so I signed into my account. After this it’s Cars 2.” Chase set plates on the coffee table with chicken nuggets and tater tots. Both kids ate and watched, and Newton shifted to get comfortable again. Chase put ice on his foot, which was feeling somewhat better now. “I ordered something for our dinner. It will be delivered pretty soon.” He smiled, and Newton’s stomach rumbled at the thought of whatever delectable feast Chase had in store.

  The movie ended, and Newton sat up, feeling a bit like a sloth after lying down for so long. “You both need to get ready for bed,” he said, to groans, but the kids were both sluggish and tired, and went upstairs without further complaint. They had all had a busy day.

  A firm knock sounded on the door. “I’ll get the food,” Chase said, going to answer it.

  “What are you doing here?” a familiar voice demanded, and Newton groaned.

  “Mother, what’s going on?” He got his cane, leveraged up to his feet, and hobbled over.

  She barreled her way inside. “I decided that I had to see what was happening here, and it looks like I got here just in time.” Her eagle-eye glare alternated between him and Chase. “Where are the kids? Are they upstairs?”

  “Keep
your voice down. They’re getting ready for bed.”

  She headed to the stairs. “I’m packing some things for them, and they’re coming home with me. Elder Marcus says that sometimes we have to take matters of salvation into our own hands.”

  “Stop,” Newton said firmly. “The kids aren’t going anywhere with you, and you need to leave. This whole idea you have in your head is nuts.” He pointed to the door. “You’ll do no such thing.” Newton’s head began to ache, and his foot hurt again, heart pounding in his chest. He felt as though he was going to topple over at any second. “I don’t know what’s going on in your head, but it’s bullshit. You have no rights here. I’ve met with child services, and there is no issue. Rosie and Eric are well cared for and happy.” He stepped closer. “Just because you don’t like that I’m gay and Elder Marcus is egging you on, doesn’t mean you have any rights here. I suggest you leave now. I will have the police called, and you will be escorted off the property. If I have to, I’ll get a restraining order, and if that happens, you will never see them again.”

  She put her hands on her hips, staring at him the way she used to when he was seven and had taken a cookie without asking. “You won’t do that. Those are my grandchildren, and—”

  “They’re my kids, and I love them and would never do anything to hurt them. Now, as I said, you need to leave.” He opened the front door. “Your religious beliefs and those of this ridiculous Elder Marcus have no place here. Just because you think something doesn’t make it real or right.” He stood firm, wondering to himself what had happened. This was not like the church he’d been raised in. Yes, they had very strong beliefs, but largely Jehovah’s Witnesses were pacifists. They spread their word, but they were rarely as forceful and combative as this guy seemed to be. Either that or his mother was taking his messages and twisting them into whatever justification she seemed to want. “You need to think about what you’re doing, Mom.” Cooler heads needed to prevail somehow. This was going down a road that neither of them was going to be able to stop if they continued to escalate.