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But she got up.
And I got to cop a feel.
Time was going by so fast. It was February and Aubrey was well into the track season. She didn’t have one problem making the team. Our morning runs paid off, she made varsity right off the bat. She was up for all-state champion that weekend and her aunt couldn’t fly in for the competition. Aubrey said she wasn’t going to bother her mom with it, she knew she was busy.
I knew the real reason.
She didn’t want to be disappointed.
The team had been practicing late most days. Sometimes I stayed and watched. Other times I went and surfed with the boys, but I always came back to pick her up. I took her to and from school everyday.
I walked up to the nurse’s station at the hospital.
“Hello, how can I help you?” the receptionist greeted.
“Hi, I’m looking for Dr. Owens.”
“Oh, you’re in luck.” She looked away from her computer screen. “She just got out of surgery. She’ll be in her office. Go past those double doors towards the ER.” She pointed down the hall. “Once you get there take the elevator up to the fourth floor. Her room is 479.”
“Thank you.”
I made my way up toward her office, pausing for a minute before knocking on the door.
“Come in.” She smiled when she saw me. “Dylan, what a nice surprise. Is Aubrey okay?” she worried.
“Yea and no,” I honestly spoke.
She placed her hand over her heart and breathed out, “Have a seat.”
I did, looking around her office. She had pictures of Aubrey everywhere, and I immediately wondered if Aubrey knew about it.
“So what do I owe the honor for this unexpected visit?”
I smiled. “I’m not sure if you knew that Aubrey made states for track.”
She leaned her back against her chair, her happy expression quickly faded. “No.” She shook her head. “I didn’t. She didn’t tell me.”
“Yeah, she—”
“It’s harder to keep tabs and know what’s going on with her here,” she interrupted out of nowhere. “Back in California I knew everything. Her dad or aunt would tell me everything. Sometimes Aubrey, but usually not,” she informed.
“She needs you,” I stated. “With all due respect, ma’am,” I added.
She nervously chuckled. “I know.” She fidgeted with her fingers for a few seconds. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but you’re a good young man. I like you, Dylan. My daughter is happy. I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time. I guess, I don’t know, maybe it’s why I don’t worry about her, as much I should. Since I know she has you. Thank you for taking her under your wing.”
“It’s been my pleasure,” I simply stated.
She affectionately nodded. “It’s hard to do this single parenting thing. I’m probably doing a really shitty job, huh?”
“I—”
She put her hand up in the air to stop me. “Don’t answer that,” she paused. “I’ve always been the provider. That was my role. Aubrey has never wanted for anything. It didn’t matter what it was or how hard it was to get, it was hers. Her father and I used to fight about it all the time. The only reason I haven’t bought her a car is because I’m scared,” she admitted out loud for what seemed like the first time.
“I’m terrified something will happen to her. She’s my whole world, Dylan. My reason for living. I love her. I love her more than anything in this world. Please know that.”
“I do. So does Aubrey.”
“You really are a good guy. Look at you lying to make me feel better.” She looked down in her lap, thinking about what she wanted to say. “It’s hard to be her mom in the way that she needs me. That’s not a cop out, I swear to you it’s not. I just don’t know how. I tell myself everyday when I look in the mirror. I say today is going to be the day. I’m not going to work so much. I’m going to get to know my daughter. I’m going to be there for her. I’m going to do all those things I know she needs. All those things that I want.”
