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“Is that something you really need a trained aide for or could anyone stay with him?”
She turned her whole head toward me now, her brow furrowed. “It’s nice to have home health, but it would probably be okay if it was someone else for a little while. Faye has stayed with him for me before.”
“How about me?”
“What about you?”
“Could I stay with him while you work?”
Her eyes widened before she looked away. “I don’t need your help.”
“Obviously you do.” I gave her a pointed look. “You are in my vehicle as we speak.”
Her jaw worked. “It’s really okay.”
“Ellie.” I sighed as we pulled into the parking lot of the office. I pulled into a spot and turned off the engine before facing her, leaning in. “I get that you don’t like me anymore. I don’t blame you for that and I will leave you alone if that’s what you want. But I also still care about you. I want to help you. Take it. No strings attached.”
She blinked at me, something stirring in her expression. A few moments passed before she finally spoke. “Fine,” she said, voice tight. She glanced at her dad again, her face softening. “As long as you’re sure. He’s…basically non-verbal.” Her teeth caught her bottom lip. “He can write a little if you give him a pen and paper in his good hand. Not much, but some. They were hoping he’d get his speech back eventually, but I think he got frustrated that the words he wanted to say wouldn’t come out of his mouth right.”
Her cheeks pinked, as if she was embarrassed.
“I’m sure, Ellie. He’s been through a lot. You both have. I can help for a few hours.” I wanted to reach out and touch her hand, but I resisted. She abruptly looked away.
“Thanks,” she said, and without another word she opened the passenger door and exited my Jeep as fast as she could.
I sighed. It was going to take a lot of time if Ellie was ever going to start trusting me again. I hoped this was a small, but important step toward that. As much as I wanted her friendship, I think she might have actually needed it more.
