Posted by hummingbird on 11/18/2013, 7:30 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
CHAPTER FOUR
It was the last day of November and a perfect autumn day. Indian summer had arrived, and Nora was busy raking the last of the leaves that had fallen across their yard. The tree branches were finally emptied of their autumn splendor, and a pile of that splendor was strategically placed at the foot of Drew’s sliding board.
“Ready Buddy?” Bo asked his grandson. Without hesitation, Drew scootched himself down the slide to tumble into the awaiting leaf pile at it’s base. He disappeared for only a moment before bursting out of the leaves, giggling as Grandpa threw more leaves upon him.
Nora smiled at her husband’s antics as he played with the child. Bo was enjoying these times with Drew...times he had missed out on with Matthew and his other sons. She laughed aloud when he took his turn on the slide and Drew threw the leaves on him! If only he knew how much it turned her on to see him play with the boy. She thought it one of the sexiest things in the world to see a man genuinely enjoy spending time with his children...or his grandchildren as the case may be.
It felt good to be outside working. They had been so busy preparing the house and making their final move. It didn’t take long to feel at home again and to fall into a pleasant routine. Drew was a big part of that routine. Destiny had been great about letting them spend time with Drew. If only they could get Matthew to see the need to spend time with him too. She knew he was missing out and would regret it someday. But; right now, he didn’t see the need, and that made her very sad for him...and for Drew.
The sound of tires in the drive made them turn. It was Matthew and Michelle, his new girlfriend. Bo and Nora didn’t know Michelle very well yet but were anxious to get acquainted with the new girl in their son’s life.
“We’re in the back yard,” Nora shouted out as she saw them make their way to the door. They came around the corner of the house holding hands. “Good to see you. What are you two up to tonight?” Nora asked.
“We’re going to the movies,” Matthew replied. “Just thought we’d stop and say ‘Hi’ since I haven’t talked to you this week.”
“I’m glad you did. How are you Michelle?” Nora asked.
“I’m fine...thank you, Mrs. Buchanan,” was her brief response.
“Please, let’s forget the formalities. Just call me Nora,” she said.
At that moment Drew bounded up, breathless and smiling, with a breathless Grandpa close behind him.
“You wanna kick da ball?” he asked Matthew, giving it a kick himself.
“No, not now Drew. And keep that ball away from my shoes...it’s a little muddy,” Matthew said, a little too harshly.
The smile quickly faded from Drew’s little face. Michelle, noticing, piped in, “I’ll kick it with you a few times. How about that idea?”
“K,” he said, happily, “Come on!”
Drew led Michelle to the yard and gave the ball an awkward kick. She caught it and kicked it gently back.
As they continued to play, Nora and Bo spent the time talking to Matthew and catching up on what was happening in his life.
“Michelle seems to have a way with kids,” Nora commented as they watched the two play.
Matthew rolled his eyes. “As opposed to me? Is that what you’re insinuating, Mom?”
Bo spoke up. “I don’t think your mother was trying to be insulting, Matthew. She was just complimenting Michelle’s way with children.”
“Whatever,” Matthew spouted. “Anyone can be good with a kid if they only have to do it for a short amount of time.”
“Matthew, I…” Nora began. But she was cut off in mid-sentence.
“Michelle, we better get going,” Matthew shouted. “We don’t want to be late.”
“Looks like I need to go now, Drew. It was fun playing ball with you,” she told him tousling his hair. A disappointed Drew took the ball handed to him. “Bye Meshewl,” he said softly.
After a brief and stilted goodbye, Matthew and Michelle were on their way. Bo put his arm around Nora’s shoulder and gave her an encouraging squeeze. He ground his jaw as he always did when someone hurt Nora.
“Don’t worry about it, honey. Matthew’s just touchy right now. He’s feeling guilty and lashing out with words,” he said.
“I know,” she responded, “but I really miss my son.”
She moved away from Bo and took Drew’s hand. “How would you like it if Grandma pushed you on the swing?” she asked. A beaming smile was the boy’s reply.