Paper Cranes

by Nicole Hite

  “We’re here,” he said proudly.

  Thank goodness. I needed to be snapped out of this sexual fog.

  Lee’s house was exactly how I had imagined it - white rancher, black shutters and bright red door. The backyard was fenced in where I could just make out the outline of a swing set and tree house.

  “I know it’s not much, but it’s home,” he said quietly.

  “I absolutely love it.”

  Lee exhaled, “Thank goodness.”

  “Are you serious? Why would you think I would care where you lived or what type of house you had?”

  “I was afraid considering you live in the fucking garden district.”

  “That’s not my house. JoJo’s house is far too big and incredibly impersonal. Your house has charm, which is far more then I can say about her house.”

  Lee smiled as we made our way to the front door. Stopping just short of the entrance, I bent down in his flowerbed to get a closer look of a cleverly painted Saints garden gnome.

  “It was Jackson’s idea,” he piped up.

  “Well, I love it. I may just steal it!”

  “Jackson would be devastated,” he grinned. I couldn’t understand why he would think I would judge him so. If anything, it made me appreciate him even more.

  Placing the gnome down, I noticed a concrete slab settled nicely in the bed. On the slab was writing and a tiny handprint. “I love you, Daddy,” was barely legible, but the smashed hand in the cement was distinct. Pressed into the plaster were tiny marbles and rocks of all colors of the rainbow. I had never seen something so sweet before.

  “Jackson’s Father’s Day present from last year. Dad helped him. I’ve got a pretty crafty kid,” he beamed with pride.

  “For a five-year-old, he’s one hell of an artist!”

  “Yeah, he’s pretty remarkable if I do say so myself. Takes after his dad.”

  “Wanna show me around,” I followed him into his house.

  Immediately once you enter the house, you were hit with a sense of peace. As soon as you walked through the door, all of your worries were left on the doormat. His home was warm, inviting and smelled like cinnamon apple candles. Each wall was covered with pictures of Lee, Gage and Jackson at all stages in their lives.

  “It’s not very big, so the tour will be nice and short,” he snickered.

  Missing our touch, I laced my fingers through his again as we made our rounds. He reciprocated my gesture by giving my fingers a little squeeze and a wink.

  “This,” he motioned, “Is the man cave…or the living room.”

  Amazingly enough, the room was spotless. I suppose having Jackson at his grandparents must be pleasant for Lee and his dad occasionally. It gave them ample time to clean. That or he was exceptionally immaculate, but what five years old is?

  The couch was tattered and perfect to accommodate the two men and little boy. Years of Sunday football had broken in the brown, plaid couch. A giant Saints fleece draped the couch as a toy chest sat under the window, filled to the brim with action heroes.

  Looking around the room, there was Saints memorabilia all around. Football helmets here, posters there, not to mention picture frames decorated with ticket stubs. They really were diehard fans, and yet, Lee had never once begged for tickets. Just another testament to the man he was.

  Approaching a picture, I pointed to a portly gentleman with a gold and black painted face.

  “Is that your dad?” I questioned with a grin.

  “Yep. Good ole’ Grandpa Jim.”

  “You two look so happy,” I smiled echoing their demeanor.

  “It was a great day, but then again, any day with dad is a great day,” he smiled.

  “You’re really close, aren’t you?”

  “He’s my best friend. I mean, who can say that about their parents?”

  “I wish I knew,” I gazed intensely at the photograph.

  “Well, clearly, there is a lot of Jim to go around so I’ll share the geezer with you. How does that sound?” he tried to make light of the situation.

  Lee may be unaware at how powerful his statement was, but deep down, it meant the world to me. I tried my best to keep calm and not unravel before him. This was neither the time nor place to have a meltdown.

  “Now come on, we have more to see,” he clutched my hand and directed me around.

  “Lead the way, boss,” I smiled.

  “That is the washroom,” he pointed, “the bathroom is there. We only have one so I’m apologizing already.”

  I chuckled as I noticed the childlike decorations. The walls were painted light blue with a bright yellow ducky mat just outside the bathtub. The shower curtain was a cluster of rubber ducks, while the sink had a matching soap dish. A miniature toothbrush sat cockeyed where only tiny hands could reach, as a step stool was pushed up under the sink.

  “He wanted a super hero bathroom, but of course, I had to intervene. Gotta keep some sort of dignity about us,” he laughed. “Besides, his room is a walking Marvel comic.”

  The next door was covered with, No Girls Allowed, signs. Opening the bedroom door, the smile that spread across Lee’s face was undeniable. This was his baby boy – his pride and joy. The walls had Fat Heads of super heroes and these really rad lights that appeared to be bursting through his walls. It was, by far, the coolest kids room I had ever seen.

  “So where is your room?” I encouraged.

  He directed me to the last one on the right, past Jim’s room.

  “Remember what you said. You can’t make fun of me,” he grinned.

  “Promise,” I smirked, “Now open up.”

  Slowly opening the door, Lee revealed his inner sanctum. He had a gorgeous, black, four-posted bed, navy comforter with striped pillows. The nightstands were filled with books of all varieties. What drew me in was the 38” x 38” portrait hanging on his wall.

  “Is…is…is…that real?” I stuttered.

  “I wish. I saw it in a catalogue and bought a reprint.”

  Staring down at me was an Andy Warhol replica of Howdy Doody. I suppose to the uneducated eye, this would seem a little funny, but not me. It was fucking amazing.

  “Holy. Shit!” I screeched. “I’m obsessed with this piece. I…I can’t get over how remarkable it looks.”

  “You’re not making fun of me, are you?” he smirked.

  “Hell no. Lee, this is incredible. Nice taste, Daniels. Can we just stand here all night and look at its magnificence?” I chuckled as my belly let out a loud roar.

  “That,” he pointed to my stomach, “is a no. I’m thinking food and movie?”

  “Please!”

  Lee suddenly picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder as he made his way into the kitchen.

  “Put me down you Neanderthal! My butt is probably hanging out of my dress!”

  Smacking my butt, “Not like I haven’t seen your cute little panties already today.”

  I pounded on his back before he placed my feet on the ground. Feeling a bit jostled; I teetered on my feet trying to find my balance.

  Before I realized it, Lee cupped my face and placed a kiss on my welcome lips. There was no fighting this feeling or how happy it made me feel to be with him in that moment. His lips were heartfelt and appealing. I hadn’t realized how desperately I missed them on mine.

  I didn’t want to deny my body this mind-blowing feeling. The warm sensation of his perfect lips sculpted and molded to mine as they collided. Just like our hands, our lips were meant for one another. After all the sex talk today, I could easily take this man without shame or remorse.

  I pressed my body against him, clutching onto the back of his neck. He dragged his supple lips down my neck, licking and nibbling his way to my ear. I hitched my leg around his sturdy limbs, clutching his hair. His beard tickled my cheeks as he made his way to my ear.

  “If I can’t have you, can we at least be kissing friends?”

  I could feel his grin on my neck as I giggled at his comment. It seemed ki
ssing would have to do for now. It was probably for the best, regardless. But, that didn’t mean I wasn’t going to entertain the idea. I have had a piece of the Lee pie and I craved more. Just like Lee had said tonight, even kissing is a very intimate interaction between two consenting adults.

  Yeah. We were only two consenting adults who have not gotten laid in a very, very long time.

  Lee removed his palm from my cheek, wrapping it around the back of my head, pulling me closer to him. Our tongues tangled and danced to the rhythm of our heartbeats, just like our bodies once did on my porch. Dipping me back, I could vaguely hear the metal springs of the screen door open and close. But that didn’t matter. What mattered was the explosion of colors I was seeing behind my eyelids as Lee stroked my tongue back and forth.

  I was about to say fuck it and drag him to bed, but as quickly as it had all started, it stopped even faster. I heard the abrupt cough of an older gentleman, announcing his presence. Lee pulled away hesitantly, as he pulled me to an upright position.

  “Who’s that kissing Daddy, Grandpa Jim?”

  “That, Jackson, must be Kat,” he chuckled.

  Saved by the bell.

  Mortified, I slapped Lee’s arm to remove me from his embrace. This is not at all how I wanted to meet Jackson or his dad. And why the hell were they here anyway? Jackson was supposed to be at his Nana and Pop’s and Jim on his fishing trip. I must look like a two-bit hooker right about now.

  “Please to meet you, sir. Nice meet you, Jackson,” I knelt down to shake his tiny hand.

  Eyeing me speculatively, Jackson surveyed me from head to toe.

  “You’re way prettier then Dad said you were,” he giggled.

  “Well, you’re way more handsome then your dad gave you credit for.”

  “See Dad! I told you I was cuter then you! Kat even said so!” he chuckled as he clutched a crotchet Panda Bear.

  “Yes, son. You’re right, you’re always right,” Lee smiled.

  “Who’s this little guy,” I tugged on the bear’s ear.

  The panda was worn; clearly the effects of a rough and rowdy boy. Jackson shoved his tiny finger into the bear’s crotchet belly button, twirled his finger and withdrew a stream of stuffing.

  “His name is Gus. Gus likes it when I play with his belly button lint,” he squealed with joy.

  “Can I try?” I offered.

  Jackson removed his tiny digit as I delicately tickled the bear’s tummy with my finger.

  “He likes that,” Jackson approved.

  “Well he must if he has a little boy like you to look after him. We were just about to watch a movie, Jackson. Want to watch one with us?”

  “YES! Dad, can I? Kat said I could!”

  “Sure, but I want to see you in your pajamas and teeth brushed. Don’t make me do a smell check!”

  “Eww Dad! That’s so gross. He doesn’t make you do that too, Kat? Does he?”

  I laughed hysterically as I answered Jackson, “I’m afraid not, Buddy.”

  “See Dad, it’s totally weird!”

  With a sneaky expression, I leaned into Jackson’s ear to whisper something only he could hear. With wide eyes, he tossed the teddy bear on the couch and raced into the bathroom.

  “Wow! I’ve never seen him hustle like that before,” Jim gaped.

  “What did you say to him?” Lee smirked.

  “I said if he changes into jammies and brushes his teeth, I would take him to the pound to play with the puppies.”

  “You’ve done it now, Kat,” Jim laughed.

  “Why is that?” I grinned.

  “You won’t be able to get that kid to shut up. He’s been obsessed with getting a dog for years now,” Jim chuckled.

  “That’s totally fine with me. Lee told me about his affinity for dogs, plus I’m a sucker for visiting the shelter pups.”

  “Just be careful. Before you know it Jackson will have cast his own puppy dog eyes in an effort to get you to adopt one,” Jim grinned.

  Sliding into the kitchen like Tom Cruise in Risky Business, Jackson was ready for movie night. He had on Hulk pajamas, and a giant grin. His hair was a wreck like he changed while trying to brush his teeth at the same time. He was adorable.

  “Did you brush your teeth?” Lee asked the little boy.

  Tilting his tiny head to the side, he gave his dad an annoyed glare.

  “Yes, Dad, gosh! Here, smell,” he ran to his dad. Breathing in his face like a dragon, he was giggling.

  “Yep, fresh as a daisy. Guess we have to keep him then,” Lee joked as he scooped up the kid into his arms. Tickling him, Lee blew raspberries on his belly, making Jackson squeal in delight.

  “STOP. DAD. AHH. YOU’RE. EMBARRASING. ME!”

  “Nonsense, you’ll always be my sweet little baby,” he cradled the boy like a tiny tot, rocking him back and forth.

  “DAD! I’m not a baby! I’m a big boy now. Even Nana said so!”

  “Well, if Nana said you were, you must be,” Lee winked at me.

  “Yep, she’s the smartest girl I know. No fence, Kat,” he joked. He was so serious it was hysterical.

  “Ohh, is that so? And, it’s pronounced “offence”, buddy.”

  “You knew what I meant,” he whipped sarcastically. What a little smartass – my kind of kid.

  “Why don’t you run into the living room and pick out a movie while Grandpa Jim, Kat and I talk.”

  “But I wanna talk too,” he whined.

  I knelt down to meet Jackson eye-to-eye.

  “Hey, Jackson, I thought you said you were a big boy?”

  “I.am,” he pouted.

  “Well, I heard they only let big boys in at the shelter. Only big boys, who pay attention, follow the rules and listen to their parents. Sure sounded like you, but I’m not so sure now.”

  “I’m the best big boy there ever was, Kat. I’m going to pick out a movie now,” he grinned widely.

  “Awesome, buddy. We won’t be long. Pick out a good one,” I chuckled. “Oh, and Jackson…I like Clue too.” His little smile doubled in size as I gave him a sly wink.

  “I think you just made a new best friend, Kat,” Jim smiled. Jim’s smile was so warm and inviting. He was a pudgy old man with a receding hairline. The little hairs he did have were white as snow and curled just like Lee’s. He wore coveralls to accommodate his round tummy. He had a face no one could get mad at; round cheeks, button nose and almond shaped brown eyes.

  Walking to my side, placing a hand on my hip, Lee reached behind me to retrieve a popcorn bowl.

  “You’re amazing with him. How did you get so good with kids?” Lee asked.

  “I keep dozens of them trapped under my staircase at home. They’re pretty quiet most of the time, but don’t make any sweets or they get restless.”

  “She’s funny, son. You’re really funny,” Jim laughed as his plump tummy bounced up and down with each laugh.

  “Why thank you, Sir. I’m sorry for your welcome home party. This knucklehead here was just being a…”

  “Aggressive dumbass?” Jim interrupted.

  “Well, I was going to say butthead, but hey, if the shoe fits.”

  “What the hell? I’m standing right here and making us popcorn at that!” Lee pretended to sound irritated, but deep down, you could tell they were a tight family.

  “Oh shut up, nothing offends you,” I joked as I poked his side.

  “Very, very true,” he winked.

  All of a sudden, we heard a crash of DVD’s cascade to the ground from the living room.

  “Daaaaaad, I made a boo-boo!” Jackson’s little voice echoed through the house.

  “Don’t touch anything. I’m coming,” he shook his head as he rolled his eyes. “I’ll be right back.”

  Watching him walk away, I felt a ping in my chest of what could be. This could be my life…if I wasn’t sick, though. Who was I kidding?

  “Never a dull moment in this house. I hope you’re accustomed to chaos, Kat,” Jim chortled, “cause we
got a lot of it.”

  “This is cake compared to the eighty or so giant babies I deal with on a daily basis.”

  “That’s right. Lee said you worked for the Saints. That’s got to be exciting work.”

  I grinned just thinking about Lee talking about me to his dad and son. There was something so touching about him wanting to share with them my very existence.

  “It’s incredible. Time consuming, but I’ve worked very hard to get to where I am today.”

  “You gotta keep the lights on somehow I guess,” he grinned.

  You could see the tired lines in Jim’s face. The man probably hadn’t had a day’s rest in years.

  “I feel I need to apologize for Lee. I should have reminded him to turn his phone up after the meeting. You shouldn’t have had to leave your trip just to pick him up,” I said giving him a weary stare.

  “Oh, honey. I would do just about anything for those two in there. There will be plenty other times to catch fish. The love of family only comes around once, maybe twice if you’re lucky,” he winked.

  Jim patted my hand as he reached into the fridge for a bottle of cherry soda.

  “You want one, honey?”

  “Yes. I would love one.”

  Jim popped our caps, tossing them into the trashcan.

  “Lee talks about you a lot. He’s pretty fond of you. I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time.”

  I swirled the fizzy pop around in my bottle, feeling suddenly awkward. How do I respond to something like that? How was I supposed to tell him, “Hey, I know your son caught feelings but..OH..did I mention I’m dying?” For all I know, he already told him.

  “He’s okay I guess,” I tried to play if off.

  “He wears his heart on his sleeve, bebe. Be gentle with him…but if he gets out of line, feel free to smack him around. I give you permission,” he laughed as he squeezed my bicep. I laid my hand on is, admiring the years of wear and tear on his fingers. He smelled just like Lee – oil and pine.

  The microwave went off with a bing as Lee came into the kitchen. Placing a kiss on my cheek, Jim made his departure.