“What about her brother?”
“I just left Howard and his wife. They’ll foster parent him and would take Devi too if needed, but I want you to have a say in this.” Beverly held out several stapled pages. “If you’re willing, you could take Devi as a temporary guardian.”
“What’s a temporary guardian?”
“Just what it says. Legally, you’ll take a parent’s place in every way possible until it all gets straightened out. It takes effect the minute the father steps into the courtroom, but he has to sign papers as well. I think you should know that he asked for you specifically.”
Leefe sat abruptly and dug deep for a breath. “God.”
Beverly smiled. “Between us, make sure this is exactly what you want. I’ll oversee this as Devi’s father goes through the system. No matter what anyone decides, this is a blow for the children, and I’m working on therapy sessions as soon as possible.”
“Who’s going to tell Devi about her mother?”
“Us…you hold her, I talk.” Beverly leaned back and looked around the kitchen. “Do you happen to have coffee?”
“What? Oh sure, I’ll make some.” Leefe popped up and went to the counter, beginning a fresh pot of coffee. “I wasn’t prepared for this.”
“To be honest, I’ve been exploring options with both kids since the day Devi was released from the hospital. It never looked as if it was going to have a good ending, but then you could say that about most of the kids here.” She looked up. “I talked with Clary after she’d been at Devi’s place with you.”
“You’ve known Clary a long time?”
“The family and I have been friends forever. It’s odd. I watched you both grow up.” Beverly tilted her head at Leefe. “Do you mind if I ask about you and Clary?”
“We’re getting to know each other?” She’d phrased it as a question somehow, and it sounded weird.
Beverly smiled. “I guess that’s one way to say it.” She laid her hand over Leefe’s. “You are two of my favorite people in this world, but that won’t affect this. Besides, Clary will be going home after the summer is over.”
Leefe swallowed hard. She knew that, but she’d forgotten. “She was really helpful when Devi was in the hospital. As I told you yesterday, she took me fishing for the first time, and then we had my first swimming lesson last night.” She met Beverly’s eyes. “Clary’s a first in so many ways. She makes me laugh and I especially love her words.”
Beverly started rummaging through papers. “She had so much energy as a kid and I never missed her swimming events when she was in school. It wasn’t so much that she was competitive as it was that she refused to quit. You and Clary are alike in one remarkable way. You both love to learn,” Beverly said, rummaging through papers. “Something else. Her parents will be home soon, and you’ll like them too. They’re like Joe and Maureen, taken up a notch.
Leefe’s mind gave a little jerk. Her parents? That was another thing she hadn’t thought of. “She’s coming to dinner tonight. The kids like her.”
“Kids have always loved Clary. She has some sort of crazy woo-woo with them.”
“She told me about the little girl she helped to raise. Hannah?”
“That’s not a good story is it?” Beverly sighed. “It really turned her life upside down, but she’s making progress. I’m in Piper’s group, and I hear Clary asked you to lend a hand.”
“I said I’d help, and I will. I’m looking forward to it.”
“They could use your experience,” Beverly said, separating papers.
Leefe went for the coffee. “I met Piper for the first time, the night we fished. I think she’s too nice for Jesse, but that’s just my opinion.”
“Love is weird.” Beverly shook her head. “Her program is a good opportunity, and a lot of our kids are there. They can use the boost.” She sipped her drink. “Good coffee. Thanks.” She stacked the papers in front of her. “Now, let’s look at this, and I’ll explain the options. Theoretically, Devi’s lost both parents, much like you did. After we talk, go over this again, please. If you have a question, call me.” She frowned at the papers. “The governor is going to cut funding again, so I could use an answer as soon as possible. It doesn’t affect this day care, but it impacts where I place children.”
Beverly’s words, Clary will be going home after this summer, hung like a shadow in Leefe’s mind but she bent to the paperwork in front of her, and concentrated on Devi.
Chapter Twenty-three
Another round of laughter ricocheted through the day care kitchen, and Leefe reached for the empty platter, completely enjoying herself. Clary even had the shy kids talking, and then she turned to Leefe with a smile so warm that her heart almost stopped.
“Okay, kids, let’s scram. They need to clear the table,” Clary said and took the group into the next room.
“You’ve got a friend,” Albie said. “I like her and she makes you smile, a lot.”
There was a loud burst of giggles, and they both paused, leaning back to look. Clary was on the floor, arms and legs straight up in the air, a tennis ball balanced on each foot and hand. The children were counting. “One-two-three…”
Leefe dried her hands and walked to the door to watch the show. At about “eight,” tennis balls fell everywhere. Laughing, the kids chased the balls and clapped. Clary pointed at a boy, had him lie on the floor, and then put the yellow balls on his feet and hands. “One-two-three…” she began, the kids counting with her. Clary pulled Devi into her lap, and they both counted. Jacob snuggled against her. She put an arm around him, and then said something to both kids that made them grin. Devi’s face and neck looked better, but the best thing was her happy face.
Earlier today, Leefe had held Devi while Beverly carefully explained what had happened to her mother and father. Devi had listened without tears, her little face frozen in a scowl. After Beverly left, Devi had wandered outside and sat by the vegetable garden, refusing to play with the other children. Leefe had let her be for a while, and then had her help with the chicken for this meal, but Devi stayed silent. Now, somewhere in the combination of fried chicken and Clary’s antics, the smiles returned.
Leefe went back to the sink. What a simple game. It was probably something Clary had played with Hannah, or just made up. Clary did have something special going on with children. They couldn’t keep their hands off her.
“She’s terrific with kids,” Albie said, up to her elbows in sudsy water.
“She’s just terrific,” Leefe said and put a pan in the cupboard. “Tell me again what the doctor said about Jacob.”
“It’s a chronic ear infection, and we’re going to have to watch him. I left the prescription in the bathroom.” She put the last of the silverware away. “Should I give him a ride to his mother’s?”
“No, I’ll keep him here. His mother won’t give him the medicine. She’ll sell it first,” Leefe said and glanced at Albie. “Take the next couple of days off. After we’re done here, go home and relax. You’ve given me space. Now it’s your turn.”
Later, after everyone was gone, Clary and Leefe read Jacob and Devi to sleep, and then sat on the back porch while Clary read Beverly’s papers. Leefe could hardly keep her eyes off Clary. The white V-neck offered a wonderful view of Clary’s tanned skin, and her brown-gold hair fell forward across her face. She still couldn’t believe this lovely, kind woman had spent the night with her. All day long, she’d been sort of amazed.
Clary glanced up, as if aware of Leefe’s gaze. She took a piece of paper out of her pocket, handing it to Leefe. “Here, hang on to this. I wrote down some things that we need to talk about, but Devi comes first.”
Leefe stuffed it into her shirt pocket and went back to watching.
“Whew.” Clary finally looked up. “Both parents, just like that. How’d she do when you and Beverly talked to her?”
“I held her, and Beverly did the talking, but Devi never once asked what was going to happen next. Beverly said I was a l
ot like that. Stunned. Mute.”
“Did Beverly suggest a lawyer for you?” Clary tapped the papers against her leg.
“No. She simply said to call her when I’d made a decision. I trust Beverly.”
“She has so much going on that she probably didn’t even think of it. The woman goes at the speed of light.”
“We talked about you today. Beverly said she’d watched you grow up, just like me.”
Clary looked up.
“I kind of mentioned you. Us.” Leefe stumbled a little when she saw Clary’s frown, and her heart sank. Clary didn’t want anyone to know?
“Leefe.” Clary pulled her chair close. “You look afraid. I was just surprised.”
“I can’t keep you out of the conversation.”
“I can’t either, and I talked to Beverly a little as well. I’m glad you did too.” Clary had a rock-steady smile on her face. “But how do you feel about you and Devi?”
“I’m not sure. I’m hopeful, but afraid. Maybe I do need a lawyer?”
“Exactly.” Clary held up the papers. “I don’t understand all of this.”
“What about my background? Would a court let me do this, even temporarily? I mean the Ellises, and the home. Would they trust me?”
“Are you kidding? They trust you with these kids seven days a week, year round.” Clary gestured at the house. “They need you in this community.”
Leefe stood abruptly, shaky. Usually, she kept the Ellis family out of her head, but once in a while, all the feelings rushed at her. “I need more iced tea. Do you want some too?” Clary nodded, and Leefe took both glasses to the kitchen. She leaned against the counter and squeezed her eyes shut. Suddenly, Clary’s arms were around her.
“Let’s talk about a different kind of trust. I trust you. With me.”
Leefe turned in Clary’s arms to see her face.
“The almost forty years of me. I trust you with that.”
Leefe swallowed hard. “I couldn’t even tell Devi about her mother without Beverly, and I know she loves her father.”
“You can do this. I know you can,” Clary said with a kiss on her forehead. “Come on. There’s something I caught on those papers out there.” Clary took the drinks and led the way to the back porch. “Devi and her family have social security numbers. Did Beverly mention a search for other people, such as relatives like grandparents, uncles or aunts?”
“No she didn’t.” The moon lit the backyard, and Leefe stared at it for a moment. Beverly had said she could call her anytime. “I’ll call Beverly.” The call went to voice mail so Leefe left a message. She stretched her legs out in front of her, more relaxed.
“What happened to you in there, in the kitchen a few minutes ago?” Clary looked at her over the rim of her glass.
“At Devi’s age, I was always hungry, and not just for food. Hungry for comfort or even a smile. I’d hide until everyone was asleep or passed out, and slept in a closet with the door closed. Did Beverly talk to you about this?”
Clary shook her head. “She would say it’s your story to tell.”
“That last day, when I came home and the house was empty, there was a can of green beans on the counter, the first food I’d seen in the house in months. Then I got sick and don’t remember anything but being cold until the hospital.” Sweat trickled down Leefe’s back.
Clary got up, settled into her lap, her breath warm against Leefe’s cheek. She could smell that soap scent she loved, and leaned back, holding Leefe’s gaze.
“That makes me feel like damaged goods. Devi may too.”
“We’re all damaged, in some fashion.” Clary plucked the paper out of Leefe’s pocket. “We may not have much in common, but neither one of us is a quitter. Read that list I gave you to me.”
“After summer, my parents, and Devi.” Leefe read the list out loud.
Clary rested her head on Leefe’s shoulder. “We don’t have to talk about this tonight, but Devi may change you. Hannah changed me. The second thing. I talked to Mom today, and they’ll be home soon. I want you to meet them. This one,” Clary said, pointing at the paper. “I know you remember that I have to go back to Iowa at the end of summer. Let’s talk about this soon.”
“What’s this? Synchronicity?” Leefe said quickly, avoiding anything about Clary leaving. “Did I say it right?”
Clary laughed. “I forgot I wrote that on there. Another word for your list. It means something that happens, a coincidence of events, or similar things that seem related. I scribbled it down while I was talking to Mom today.”
Leefe bent, looking at the word. “I’ve seen this.”
Clary grinned. “Okay, but now it’s your turn. You owe me a word. No, two words.”
“Yeah, like I’ll find one you don’t know.” Leefe put the paper back in her pocket and settled Clary in her arms. “Could we just sit here, for a while? This is the first time I’ve ever done this with anyone.”
“What do you mean?” The low lights from inside bronzed Clary’s skin, softening her edges. Leefe inched her hand under the white V-neck, resting it on Clary’s smooth stomach.
“Holding you like this, talking. I’ve never done this with anyone.” She looked up at the scatter of stars and moonlight raining over the house, thinking of the creepy alley behind the Ellis house. “Remember the dream of my real mother that I mentioned to you? I look forward to it as much as I dread it.” She told Clary the detail of the dream, the song and the gunshot. She’d never told anyone, not even all the doctors.
“Then it’s a gift isn’t it, to be able to see your mother? Have you tried to find her?”
“How could I? Remember how the dream ends?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“I wouldn’t even know how to begin.” Leefe tightened her hands, wishing with all her heart that they were back in her hammock with nothing between them but their breath.
“I have a good friend in Iowa that can search for your folks for you. I’ve taught his kids in school, but like Devi, this is a decision that’s only yours.”
“Ms. Ellis?” A little voice behind them startled both of them. Leefe started to rise, but Clary held her down.
“Come here.” Clary held out her arms to Devi.
“I dreamed.” Devi let Clary pick her up, and the three of them held each other.
“Do you want to tell us?” Leefe said softly.
“The dog chased us, and Mama fell down. Papa kicked the dog, but the dog bited Mama.”
“And then?” Clary prompted Devi, smoothing her hair.
Leefe thought of the sleeping closet and how she’d told herself stories until she fell asleep. The things no one else wanted to hear. She stretched her arms around Devi and Clary. “What happened?” She urged Devi on.
Devi’s face was no longer afraid. “I woked up.”
“You know it was just a dream,” Leefe said.
Devi collapsed into them, warm and teary. “A dream.” They both held her until she went back to sleep.
Finally, Clary whispered, “Do you want some help getting her back in bed?” They stood carefully, and Clary carried her up the stairs. Devi never even woke up.
“More iced tea?” Leefe said on the way downstairs.
“No, you should get some rest. You look tired. I wore you out, didn’t I?” Clary gently traced the skin under Leefe’s eyes. “Thanks for the great chicken, and I had fun with the kids. What’s your schedule?”
“I’m on for three days. Maybe nights too, depending on Jacob. Albie needs time off.”
“All right, I’ll stop by tomorrow and help. Do you need anything from your house?”
“No, I’ve got enough here, but thanks.”
“How’s Andy doing with the electricity?”
“He’ll be here tomorrow, working in the upstairs. You should see him with the kids. He even asked if he could drop in after he finishes the electrical work.”
“Good. He needs people around him, especially kids. Did he tell you abo
ut his wife?”
“Yes, and that’s sad. He asked if he could be a handyman for us. Guess that means I can leave my toolbelt hanging in the closet. I’ve already got a list for him.”
“He’ll love it.” Clary reached for the door but turned back. “Oh, just a minute. You promised I could see those sketches.”
Leefe went to the office and brought the big sketch pad back with her. “If you like any of these, I’ll frame them for you.”
“Could I keep them a while? No one’s ever drawn me before.”
Leefe nodded and turned the light out as they went out on the front porch.
“And,” Clary said, holding out her hand with the silver crane in her palm, “thanks for this. It’s beautiful, just like you.”
Leefe’s heart pounded, and she searched for words, but found none, so she put her arms around Clary.
“Last night meant a lot to me. You have no idea,” Clary whispered against her face. “I wish I was walking into your house, not to my car. I liked that hammock.” She added a kiss that almost melted Leefe and walked down the steps.
Last night meant a lot. Legs shaking, Leefe braced herself against the house, Clary’s words echoing in her mind. I trust you with me, and she’d said beautiful again. Words she’d never heard from anyone else.
She pulled the list from her pocket, staring at it. Yes, Clary had to leave.
Chapter Twenty-four
With a last wave at Leefe, Clary made a right turn onto the one-way street that ran past the hospital. She turned up her music and schemed how to redo last night in the hammock. It had been hard to say good bye. Leefe had felt warm and close. And tired.
That fried chicken had been out of this world and she’d really had fun with the kids. She’d hoped to discuss Iowa tonight but Leefe had been so anxious about Devi’s paperwork that she’d left the subject alone.
She followed the sharp curve in front of St. Cat’s hospital, and then suddenly hit the brakes. A police car blocked the street, its strobe lights fighting the darkness. Clary engaged her flashers just as Jesse ran in front of her, yelling at several boys and girls. A taller figure, thin as smoke, came out of the alley, swinging a big stick, long and dark, and Jesse went down.
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