Paper Cranes

by Nicole Hite

“Sure, why not. Just as long as she doesn’t talk back, I think we are good.”

  “You are, by far, the weirdest human being on the planet.”

  “Oh hush! Push play so we can see who killed Mr. Boddy. I predict Colonel Mustard, with the wrench, in the library.”

  “Did you honestly just tell me the end of the movie?” He looked genuinely upset.

  “I don’t know, let’s find out. Besides, there are three different endings. Wait, have you never seen this movie?”

  “The selection seemed quirky, like your personality, so I took a chance.”

  “What’s your prediction then?” I giggled.

  Grabbing my feet, he placed them in his lap. Without being asked, he began rubbing my aching feet.

  “I predict that it will be Miss. Scarlett, with a gun, in the study.”

  “We’ll see about that,” I winked.

  Lee scrunched my toes as we settled in for the hour and a half movie. Each scene was accompanied by gasps and giggles as the classic whodunit hilarity ensued. I hadn’t seen the movie in so long, but still loved the all-star cast of witty comedians. No one made movies like these anymore. It was a shame really.

  As the plot unfolded, the banter wrapped up with the ever-famous “One plus two plus one plus two” scene – my personal favorite. The triumphant horns tooted the entrance of the Chief as Miss. Scarlett is apprehended by Wadsworth.

  “Frankly, Scarlett, I don’t give a damn,” Lee and I said in unison.

  “So you have seen this movie!” I screeched.

  “It just so happens to be one of Jackson’s favorites as well. That, or he just likes it for Yvette the maid. That outfit really doesn’t cover much at all,” he joked.

  “You sneaky little bugger!” I gently nudge his hand. “Where is Jackson now, if you don’t mind me asking.”

  “I don’t mind you asking about him at all. He’s at a sleepover with one of his preschool friends. He’s very independent for his age. As much as I want to keep him little for as long as I can, he’s growing up so fast.”

  “What is he like, Jackson, I mean?” I could feel I was tip-toeing across thin ice by asking this.

  “He’s amazing. He’s incredibly self-reliant and a pistol, way more than I was at his age,” Lee beamed as he spoke of his son.

  “Go on. I like hearing you talk about him.”

  “He loves to chat your ear off, much like his dad. Oh, God, and so fearless. This one time we were riding bikes toward Girl Scout Lake and he took off down a pretty steep slope. I could see it happening in slow motion. His wheels kicked up underneath him, sending him down the steep hill virtually sideways. He caught himself just before the ridge dropped off into the lake. Scared the shit out of me. Guess what he said when I finally got to him?”

  “What?” I grinned, waiting in anticipation.

  “Can we do it again?”

  “No he didn’t. You’ve gotta be kidding me,” I chuckled.

  “Can you believe that? Even scraped up from head to toe, the little bugger wanted to do it all over again.”

  “Sounds like he’s headstrong just like his dad.”

  “We just don’t give up on what we want.”

  Shying away, I couldn’t tell if it was the fever or my blushing that sparked a heat to course though my body.

  “I think his wants and yours are two totally different things,” I laughed feeling ten times better.

  “True. He wants a puppy and I… I want a lot of things I can’t have.”

  Trying to dodge the obvious attempt to bring us back into this, I sounded off.

  “Why can’t he have a puppy? You already said he’s fiercely independent and reliable. Sounds like the perfect gift. If he is anything like his dad, you can be sure that pup will be in good hands.”

  “Well, that would require his grandparents be okay with it as well. They are highly protective and not exactly a big Lee fan.”

  I wanted to ask a million questions, but felt it would be exceptionally invasive. What right did I have to ask about his relationship with his son’s grandparents? None, that’s what.

  “What if you took him to the pound; let him play with the puppies. You wouldn’t have to adopt one, but it will get him used to them if they should change their minds.”

  “Would you go with us?” Lee looked at me, almost pleading.

  “I… I’d love to. That is, if you’re okay with me meeting your son.”

  “Well, it’s been over a month since we met. You haven’t killed me yet, so I’m ruling out that you’re a homicidal maniac. Just in case, I still have your license on file. You know, should I end up in a ditch.”

  “I can’t believe you even had me on the radar for potential homicidal maniac. How rude!”

  “Look, you asked for my ID first, so I don’t want to hear it,” he laughed. “Besides, Jackson is a huge part of my life, and, well, you are too. It’s time you met.”

  My grin must have been a mile wide the way I took in those words.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “Without a doubt in my mind, but first we need to get you better. That, and I don’t get him back from his grandparents for another two weeks. I miss him like crazy.”

  “I can’t imagine loving something so much,” I murmured.

  “Don’t worry, you will someday.”

  “I hope so,” I smiled.

  “Hey, are you going to support group Thursday?” Lee had a strange expression on his face, almost pleading me to go.

  “I guess if I feel better, why? Is it a decent topic?” I asked.

  “I guess you’ll just have to show up to find out,” he smirked evilly.

  “I feel like I’m missing the punchline,” I giggled as I sniffed.

  “No, nothing out of the ordinary. I would make an effort to go though.”

  “Okay, fine. I’ll try I guess.”

  “Dove, I gotta say this, and you can’t hurt me for it.”

  “Oh Lord, what?”

  “Maybe it’s the endorphins, or you wanting to meet my son or something, but you look really sexy right now.”

  “Lee…”

  “No, take a compliment,” he smirked.

  “But I look like shit. My hairs in a knot, I have zero makeup on and I’m pretty sure this shirt has holes in the armpits,” I laughed.

  “I know.”

  “But why,” I questioned.

  “This is when you are most vulnerable –it’s so incredibly sexy.”

  “Okay, killer. I think it’s time to call it a night.”

  “Why do you do that?”

  “Do what?” I asked as I removed my feet from his lap.

  “Take a compliment for crying out loud. It’s not always sexual in nature.”

  “You said I was sexy. How is that not sexual in nature?” I eyed him as I began picking up trash.

  Snatching the trash from my hands, “You. Sit. Rest.”

  “You’re really bossy sometimes.”

  “Okay, so maybe it was a little sexual, but I didn’t mean for it come across that way. Honestly.”

  “What other way could it have possibly come across as?” I chuckled.

  “Can we just drop this? Now I feel like an asshole for saying anything in the first place. Way to go! It’s your fault completely!”

  “Why? I like how frazzled you get,” I smirked.

  “Yet, if I said it again and meant it, you would go screaming for the hills.”

  “Ehhh.”

  “Yes. I’m starting to get to know you pretty well, Dove. I know your little ticks.”

  “If you know me so well, Daniels, what am I thinking right now?” I sat up straight on the couch as I grabbed a tissue for my nose.

  “Hmm, you’re mad that you’re sick and can’t kiss me, but mostly you’re mad that I knew the ending of Clue,” he smiled, pulling my feet into his lap again.

  He was spot on, on both accounts to be honest.

  “So what if I was mad?” I grinned.

&n
bsp; “About which part?”

  “About you knowing the ending of Clue,” I laughed out loud.

  “Dove, if you weren’t sick, I’d clobber you with this pillow right now.”

  We sat for a while laughing at one another. Watched several more movies before I fell asleep again. The entire night Lee had fed me, filled my drink, gave me medicine, and rubbed my feet. The constant attention made me feel so wanted and cared for. Aside from the minor flirtation, the endless consideration for my well-being was wonderful.

  As I drifted in and out of lucid dreams, every once in a while, I would peek to see if Lee was still there. Every single time I peeked, he was right there. He was sleeping straight up on the couch, which couldn’t be comfortable. Yet, he was doing it for me and me alone.

  At about three am, I woke in a heated panic, gasping for air.

  “What? What is it?” Lee immediately woke from his slumber.

  “I…I just had a horrible dream. I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. It just felt a little too real.”

  Lee didn’t ask any questions as he pulled me into his lap. Wiping my sweaty brow, he just stared at me for a while. I could see his beautiful brown eyes tracing each line, wrinkle, and freckle on my face. There was worry or even pain behind those eyes, but he never said what bothered him.

  “Go to sleep, Dove. Nothing will happen as long as I’m here.”

  “Why are you still here?” I questioned.

  “Just go to sleep. You’ll feel better in the morning,” he forced a smile.

  My eyelids grew heavy as he swept away the straggling hairs on my damp forehead. The soft strokes across my head soothed me, as I molded into the muscular crevasses of Lee’s body. A perfect fit.

  I woke the next morning to find Lee had let himself out, but a crane was left perched on my pillow. Scrolled across the wings was, “You are sexy.” At that moment, the only thing I could do was laugh. Of all the times to say I was sexy, it was when I felt the lease bit attractive.

  After suffering, probably, the worst cold of my life, I was up and running like normal just in time for my next support group meeting.

  Lee: You coming to support tonight?

  What was with him and this particular meeting tonight? Had I missed something?

  Me: Yes, Lee. I will be there.

  Lee: Awesome. Need a ride?

  Me: I think you like driving me around.

  Lee: That and I don’t trust that car of yours. You heard what dad said.

  Me: Yeah, Yeah. It’s on its last leg. I get it.

  Lee: Yep.

  Me: I think it’s a conspiracy if you ask me. I think you just told him to say that so you could drive me around.

  Lee: Naww, I’m not that conniving. Well, maybe.

  Me: Maybe it’s time to say goodbye to her although that makes me incredibly sad to say out loud.

  Lee: Oh I love car shopping!

  Me: I think you just like cars in general.

  Lee: True story.

  Lee: So…

  Me: So what?

  Lee: What time should I pick you up?

  Me: How does 6:30 sound?

  Lee: See you then, Dove.

  Lee was certainly adorable with his gentlemanly gestures. He hadn’t pushed the issue of dating since he came over when I was sick. As oddly as it sounded, the absence of his attempts made me a little blue. It was nice to see the guy try so hard. Evil, I know.

  Even though he hadn’t flirted in a while, didn’t mean I was going to let my looks fall by the wayside. The last time he saw me, I had a cold and was a hot mess. I needed to look my best.

  I slipped on a loose dress and combat boots, circa Claire Danes from My So-Called Life. Visions of my youth crept into my mind as I applied my makeup and brushed out my tangled hair. Completing my outfit, I slapped on a velvet choker. Yeah, definitely an Angela moment.

  As I waited, I hung my newest cranes. Sprinkling the paper creatures throughout the branches, I stepped back to admire the dangling creations. The branches were filling up, but I loved them so.

  “KAT! LEE’S HERE!” I heard JoJo scream instead of walking her happy ass up the stairs like a normal human being.

  “Coming!” I yelled back.

  I threw myself down the stairs, racing to see Lee. Once we locked eyes, every bone in my body relaxed. He was my remedy when I was having a difficult day.

  “Hey Angela Chase, you ready to go?” Lee joked.

  “Hell yes! You got it,” I said giving him a high-five

  Giving JoJo a kiss on the cheek, we hurried to the truck.

  “Have fun kids!” Jo shouted from the porch.

  Climbing into the truck, I could still feel the heat encapsulated in the cab. Seconds later Lee appeared at the other door. As soon as he climbed in, I could smell something incredibly delicious – Lee.

  “You’re all spiffed up tonight. You even smell like a boy too,” I joked with shocked expression on my face.

  Clutching his heart, he curled over as if in pain. “Low blow, Dove. I thought I always looked good for you,” he winked.

  “Oh you do, except this time your hair is done, your beard is trimmed and you have on cologne. Got a hot date later?”

  “I can’t look and smell good from time to time?” he actually sounded a little offended.

  “Sure, but don’t change too much. I like when you smell like oil and pine needles.”

  “I hadn’t known I smelt like that, but I’m certainly glad you approve,” he laughed.

  “I’m not completely clueless all the time,” I smirked.

  “So, I kinda have a question for you,” he looked over nervously.

  “Let me have it,” I twisted to look at his facial expressions.

  “Do you want to come over and make dinner with me after the meeting? Dad’s out of town on a fishing trip with his friends. I feel like we are always crowding JoJo. Besides, I think it would be neat to show you where I live.”

  I always wondered what his place looked like, but I didn’t want to invite myself.

  “Yeah, that sounds great,” I smiled.

  “I just have two requests.”

  “Oh shit, what?”

  “I get to choose one of your bucket list wishes, and you can’t make fun of my childhood room,” he smiled.

  “Now I can’t wait to go to your house? What, do you have it all decked out like the Lone Ranger?

  “Sort of. I may have a rather interesting piece of artwork in my room,” he said, avoiding eye contact.

  “You are completely predictable at times, Lee Daniels. As long as it’s not a picture of a naked, cowgirl pinup, I think we’ll be fine.

  “Oh hell no. There are children in the house,” he laughed hysterically, “If anything, they would, at least, have bikinis on.

  “HA,” that doesn’t seem like something you would do.”

  “And why is that?” he looked over in amusement.

  “I tend to think you are more respectful then that,” I grinned.

  “Then don’t look under my mattress” he cackled.

  “Sweet Jesus, Lee. Now I feel I need to see your stash to decide if you have any weird fetishes, or if I should be afraid.”

  “If you wanted to look at my porn, Dove, all you had to do was ask,” he chuckled.

  “Do you really have porn under your mattress?” I actually started to question.

  “What red blooded American male wouldn’t?”

  “So you…,” I begin, terrified if I really want to ask this question or not.

  “Jerk off to them?” He said with a huge grin.

  Fuck. Something about hearing him touching himself sends a jolt of pleasure straight to my core.

  “Fuck, Lee. Why doesn’t that sound so bad?”

  “Cause it’s not, and lighten up, Dove. We’re adults, besides I’m sure you’ve double clicked the mouse before.”

  “Do what?” I laugh hysterically.

  “You know, flicked the magical bean. Played with the little
man in the canoe. Petted your kitty.”

  “HOLY. SHIT. Is that what dudes call it these days?”

  “What should we call it?” He questioned with raised eyebrow.

  “How about the conventional rubbing the clit or even straight up masturbating?”

  I could see this conversation took an odd turn, especially by the way Lee was squirming in his seat.

  “You really know how to get to the point, Dove,” Lee stated. Even though it was dark in the car, I could tell he was at least, mildly amused.

  “What? I didn’t think it was that far off base? Do you look at these magazines or videos…a lot?”

  I knew I shouldn’t be going down this road, but sex is always a fun topic to talk about. Besides, I felt comfortable with Lee. Every day we grew closer and closer, which was comforting.

  “Enough, I suppose. Not nearly as often as I would like, though,” he grinned. “What about you, Dove? I know you’re not getting laid, time to fess up.”

  A flash of embarrassment came out of nowhere. This conversation could go one of two ways – really good, or really bad. Either he’s going to think I’m a complete nymphomaniac or extremely pathetic.

  “You know, like, once or twice…”

  “A week?” he raised his eyebrows.

  “A day,” I blushed. I couldn’t tell if he was appalled or titillated by my confession. I’ve never told anyone this much, and especially if it has to do with my sex drive.

  “I wish you hadn’t answered that,” he chuckled.

  “Oh fuck, you think I’m pathetic, don’t you? I knew I should have lied!”

  “First of all, don’t ever feel like you need to lie to me or anyone just to please them. Second, I said what I said because it’s hot as shit. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, but seeing as we are friends, I suppose it shouldn’t matter,” he laughed.

  “Is that, like, normal or am I a freak of nature?” I grimaced as I began biting my lip.

  “Dove, you gotta stop doing that,” he begged with a chuckle.

  “What did I do?” I asked confused.