Page 6 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Your point?” Amy places her fist on her hip.

My eyes flicker from one to the other. “We’re older; besides, he has no idea who I am.”

“Or that you’re madly in love with him.” Denise snickers when Amy snorts.

“Or that you dream of humpin’ his brains out.”

“Some best friends y’all are. I’m never telling you another thing. Ever!” I stomp away as my face begins to glow. “That’s the last time I trust anyone with my secrets.”

I walk into class, slumping into a seat in the back of the room. I grab a folder and begin to fan my face; it’s as red as a beet. The seats around me are quickly filled as the final bell rings.

Mrs. Ortiz stands as she scans the classroom, marking the attendance sheet as she does. There’s a knock on the door, drawing everyone’s attention. Our guidance counselor, Mrs. Schoer, whispers something to the teacher.

Mrs. Ortiz glances at me. “Charlee, Mrs. Ortiz needs to speak with you.”

I’m stunned as I hesitate to move. Sliding from my seat, I stand and grab my things, my hands shaking as I do. The class watches as I make my way to the front of the room and out the door with the counselor.

“Charlee, your uncle’s here to pick you up. They’ve had to take your mother to the emergency room.” Mrs. Ortiz takes my hand as my body trembles. We turn the corner to find my Uncle Bill waiting at the office door.

He smiles but there’s no light in his eyes. “Hey, sweetheart. She’s okay, but we think you should be there; we’ll get Theo after.” He wraps his arms around me in an effort to comfort me, but I know there’s more to come.

“Let us know if we can do anything, Mr. Olson.” Mrs. Ortiz turns to me. “Charlee, I’m here for anything you might need.”

Dude, you’re freaking me out. It’s all I can think, so I nod with a wary half smile.

“C’mon, Charles.” Uncle Bill grins.

“Are we going to get Theo?”

He holds the door open for me. “Your mom wants to talk to you first, then we’ll meet Theo at home.”

A sharp pang makes me catch my breath as we walk down the steps. An uneasy feeling creeps over me, for whatever reason, and I know my life’s about to change.

“Uncle Bill?”

He looks at me over the top of the car as he unlocks the door. “Yeah, Charlee?”

“Please know, if Mom needs it, I’ll do it.”

“We know, baby.” His face softens, but I know it’s just the beginning. “I’ll let her explain.”

The car ride over to the hospital I reflect on the past ten months. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in November, and it’s been the biggest battle we’ve faced since my dad walked out on us.

“Here we go. Let’s stop by the front desk and see if they’ve got her in a room yet,” Bill says as he pulls into a parking spot.

“Have they said how long she’ll stay this time?”

He looks over at me as we shut our doors. “No, but I suspect a few days.”

“I’ll make sure Theo has everything he needs. I know you need to get back to Aunt Linda.”

A small smile plays on his lips. “We’ll work it out.” He stops by the nurses’ desk. “Hello. Has Mae Wright been sent to her room yet?”

A lady with long black hair runs her fingers over the keyboard. “She has, room 415.”

“Thank you,” Uncle Bill replies. “Let’s go, kiddo.” He points toward the elevators, and we walk that direction.

I adore my uncle. He and Aunt Linda live in North Carolina. They’ve always taken time for us since my dad left, traveling as much as possible when we’ve needed them. I think he feels responsible for us since Mom’s his baby sister.