Posted by hummingbird on 12/6/2013, 11:19 am VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
CHAPTER TWELVE
It was Friday night, and Matthew couldn’t stay in his apartment another second. Michelle was working...again. She had stopped by after finishing her shift; but someone called in sick, so she had to return for a few hours. “I’d tell them ‘no’ Matthew, but if I work whenever they need me, I’m more likely to get that management position I’m wanting...and that means more money for school. You just don’t understand how it is for the rest of us being born a Buchanan and all.”
Seemed like money was one of the things they fought about...money and her feelings of inferiority around his friends and family.
He drove past Shelter but didn’t want to go inside. The press had been following the family and taking photos wherever they found them. The last thing that he wanted was to be seen as the uncaring father. Enough people already looked at him that way.
He reflected a moment about Drew, his son. It still didn’t seem real that he could have a son. Strange to think about how a few moments of irresponsibility could change a person’s entire life. But...really, as far as kids go, Drew was a sweet kid. Michelle was helping him learn how to react to and relate to Drew. She was good with kids.
He found himself close to the hotel and decided to surprise Michelle with supper. So he made his way through a drive thru for some burgers and fries. Not a fancy meal, but at least they would have a few moments together. He made his way to the hotel lobby and asked the desk clerk to page Michelle.
“Michelle? Michelle isn’t working tonight,” she told him.
“Well, she wasn’t originally on the schedule,” Matthew explained, “but she had to come in for someone who went home sick.”
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about,” the clerk responded. “Rebecca was scheduled, and she is here. No one went home sick.”
“If you page Michelle, maybe she can explain. I don’t know. I just know she came into work.,” Matthew continued.
“I really didn’t see her come in, but I’ll page her if you like.” She obliged him by sending a page throughout the hotel, but Michelle didn’t respond. Matthew waited ten minutes in the lobby, but she never came. He tried to text her. Nothing. Frustrated, Matthew left the hotel.
* * * * * * *
“What’s wrong with you guys? Can’t you handle a three-year-old kid? Where is he?” Michelle asked angrily.
“We put him back in the bedroom. He was crying and he wouldn’t eat...we just got sick of listening to him.”
“You’re treating him right, aren’t you? I told you guys to be nice to him. He’s just a little boy.”
“Whatever…” replied Marc.
Michelle went back to the bedroom leaving her brother Marc and his cohort Zane to continue watching tv. She opened the door to find Drew playing with the few toys they had given him.
“Meshewl, where you been?” Drew asked.
“I had to go to work, Drew. Remember? I told you I would be going. Have you been good? They told me you didn’t eat supper.”
“I’m hungwy now.”
“Ok. Let’s go to the kitchen. I’ll make you a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”
“K.” Drew scootched off the bed and followed Michelle. “I want my Mommy. Where is Mommy?
“Remember, Drew? I told you Mommy had to go away for a few days. She asked me to take care of you,” Michelle told him as she made him a sandwich.
“But Grama takes care of me when it’s not Mommy….”
“Grandma’s busy, Drew...but you’ll see her in a few days.”
“Grampa too?” he asked with big eyes.
“Yes, Grandpa too. But they told me to tell you to be good and they would see you really soon. Can you do that, Drew?”
“Uh huh,” said Drew as he washed his sandwich down with a glass of milk.
* * * * * * *
Once Drew was asleep, Michelle drove straight to Matthew’s. She could tell he was angry when he opened the door.
“Where have you been? I have been trying to reach you all evening,” Matthew complained.
“I know. I’m sorry. I forgot to charge my phone,” she said as she entered his apartment.
“How was work?” he baited.
“Really busy. The other shift got a little behind, so I spent a lot of time playing catch up.”
“Really?” He looked at her. “Why are you lying to me, Michelle? I stopped by the hotel tonight thinking we could spend your supper break together. They told me you weren’t working.”
Michelle turned away from him for a moment. When she turned around again, she looked upset.
“I’m sorry, Matthew. I guess I should have told you. I had to take a second job. One job just wasn’t enough for my expenses. I just couldn’t make ends meet.”
“Well, there’s no shame in that. At least you’re out there trying. I just don’t know why you didn’t tell me about it. Where do you work?”
“A little restaurant called The Willows. It’s quite a drive from here. Not a fancy restaurant, but it helps pay the bills.”
“Waitressing?”
“No...I’m working the grill.”
“Well, at least now I understand why you’ve been so busy. It’s just that...I’ve really needed you lately...with everything we’re going through with Drew…”
Michelle moved closer to Matthew. “Well...I’m here now,” she said enticingly.
“I’m glad,” Matthew said pulling her into his arms. “I’ve been missing you.”