I cross my arms over my chest, prepared to battle. This is my life, not a movie he can direct as he sees fit.
“She’s nice, Mr. Lenk. Sometimes she gets confused, but that’s okay.” He offers his father a sweet smile, and I watch the iceman melt. It would be attractive as hell if I didn’t want to rip his heart out of his chest for his judgmental behavior.
“I believe you,” Lenkov says. When he’s not being an asshole, his rich voice is as smooth as butter and reassuring.
Doesn’t matter.I pull on the handle and open my door.
“No.” Holding out his hand, he shakes his head. “That’s my job to do.” A dick head with manners. The contradiction is a tightrope and I’m trying not to fall off.
Pausing, I hold my hands up in mock surrender and ignore the little girl who dreamed of a prince charming trying to peer out from the pile of facts and reality I buried her underneath. Lenkov moves like a predator. Every step of his is calculated and purposeful. He’s not a man you cross, but I’d face a squad of assassins for my son. Lifting my head, I step down once he opens the car door.
“Thank you.” I can have manners without being weak. Moving to the back door, I open the door and gather Jaycee in my arms. “Keep your backpack on. You know how boring it can get when I’m talking to the director.”
And all the important things are in there.
“Ok, Mama.” His sweet voice fuels my resolve. I’ll sacrifice everything necessary to maintain our freedom.
***
IHOLD UP A HAND TOhis chest when we reach the hallway. “My aunt doesn’t do well with strangers.”
“And you expect me to sit out here and what? Twiddle my thumbs?”
“No. Just allow us to speak with her for a few minutes.”
“Fine. Anything over twenty minutes, and I’m coming back there.”
“I understand. It won’t take long. My aunt tires easily.” I mix the truth in order to make my lies more convincing. Continuing past the front desk, I wave at the attendant I’ve signed in with and continue to the new room.
“You won’t be seeing us for a while, Aunt Maureen, but the nice people here will take good care of you, okay?” Fighting against the clog in my throat, I brush out her hair carefully as she peers into the mirror with a smile.
“Oh. College girls shouldn’t be worried about visiting. Have fun and live your life.”
I smile at her as I admire the thickness of her white curls. Adding the moisturizer, I remember all the conversations we’ve had in this similar position. My mother’s eldest sister, she’d never married or had children. Living together full time had been a serious adjustment on both our parts, but the unique relationship we’d formed was a beautiful thing. An older sister, cherished aunt who always tells you the truth, and mother figure. She’d become everything to me. In return, I’d dedicated myself to giving her the best possible care I could find.
“I am. Do you remember, Jaycee?” I ask gently.
“Hi, Aunt Reen.” He waves from his seat on the powder blue velvet couch across the room.
“I.” She narrows her eyes and shakes her head. “I don’t. But he’s adorable. Are you babysitting?”
I swallow the hurt, knowing correcting her will only be more painful for us.
“I am.”
“I never had kids, but I’ve always enjoyed them. They’re so honest and creative. I’ll always be grateful for the time I spent with you.”
“Me too, Auntie.” I finish fluffing her hair.
Blinking, she smiles up at me. “Where’s your mother?” Just like that, she’s gone, swallowed back into the shadows of the past.
“She couldn’t get away.” I try not to lie to her.
“Oh.” Her spirit drops, and the knife twists in my heart. I clear my throat as I take in her room. On the ground floor, her window is the perfect exit.
“Auntie, we’re playing a game right now. So we’re going to leave out the window. It’s a pirate adventure thing.”
She laughs. “Always so creative. Okay. I’ll play along.” I kiss her temple, praying it won’t be the last time I see her alive.