He pulls it out of a bin and hands it to me.
“Thank you.”
Making my way back into Arlo’s room, I sit down on the chair next to his hospital bed and plug his phone into my charger. Instead of nursing my hurt feelings, I should have asked more questions about the kids because I don’t even know where to start. And knowing where to start will be almost impossible if I can’t get into Arlo’s phone.
Within a couple of minutes, the screen powers on.
I breathe a sigh of relief. One worry down, at any rate.
As soon as it’s powered up, I swipe up to unlock it. Fuck. What’s his password?
Tapping the phone against my palm, I think on it. I can’t remember any time he’s told me the passcode, and I don’t recall seeing him enter it.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Taking my own phone out, I shoot off a text to Luca and Austin.
Me
Do either of you know Arlo’s passcode for his phone?
Luca
Why are you going through his phone? Is he awake?
Me
He’s not awake, no. And I’m trying to take care of something for him.
Luca
I don’t know. I’m sorry.
Austin
Me neither. Keep us updated, though.
Me
Will do.
With a sigh, I stare at Arlo’s phone.
I try his birthday. Nope.
I wonder… I type in mine. The screen unlocks, and my heart slams against my ribs. Fuck. His passcode is my birthday?
“My sweet baby boy.” I brush my fingers over the back of his hand, letting the warmth of his skin soothe me for a second. “What am I gonna do? I don’t know how to get ahold of your caseworker.”
The sound of footsteps catches my attention, and I glance over to find a teary-eyed Theo standing in the doorway of Arlo’s room.
“Hi,” he croaks out. “Is he…” His throat bobs as he swallows. “Okay?”
“I hope.”
Theo makes his way across the room, then nods toward the hospital bed. “Do you think I can sit beside him?”
I nod, my throat threatening to close up. Arlo has so many people who love him, and that makes my heart full. It’s all I want for him. Well, and for him to wake up. I really want that too.
