Page 26 of Beautiful Chaos
“I was here last week. I just haven’t felt like visiting as much.”
I share a look with Peggy and Jacob before I turn to Presley. “Is everything okay?”
“Yep,” she chirps, her pigtails bouncing as she skips over to the counter to steal some bacon. She munches on it while answering. “Sometimes I don’t feel like going out.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to see you,” Peggy comments.
“I like seeing you too. You and Jacob remind me of my parents.”
“We do?” Peggy asks, keeping an eye on Presley as she grabs plates from the cabinet. “How so?”
Presley’s shoulder lifts. “I don’t know. You’re just motherly and fatherly like my mom and dad. And you make the best eggs like her.”
A smile pulls at Peggy’s lips.
Presley casually walks to the two mugs sitting on the counter and picks up the one I made for Cat. Before she can bring it to her lips, I stop her by gently taking it away.
“You know better than that, Presley,” I tell her, my lips twitching. It’s not the first time she’s tried sneaking a cup of coffee. “Besides, that’s Cat’s cup, and we both know how she is when she doesn’t get her caffeine.”
Her lips drop into a fake pout, and I have to force back a laugh.
“You’re mean.”
It’s my turn to shrug. “Call it what you want, but you’re still not getting any.”
“Fine,” she grumbles.
“Will you be joining us for breakfast?” Peggy asks Presley.
“Not this morning. I have to go home and do chores or else Mom might make me listen to one of her lectures.” She shudders like it’s the worst thing ever.
Peggy lets out a sputtered laugh, her eyes shining with mischief. “Well, I’m sure you want to avoid that at all costs.”
Presley nods, her expression turning serious. “I do. I always feel so bad when I disappoint her and Dad.”
Peggy’s good-natured composure melts into sadness as she takes in the girl’s words and her sudden change of expression.
“I can’t imagine that happening often. I bet both of your parents are very proud of you.”
“You really think so?” Presley looks at Peggy hopefully.
Peggy smiles and walks over to her. She takes her into her arms, and I barely make out what Peggy says. “I don’t think so. I can pretty much guarantee it.”
“Thanks, Peggy. I hate the thought of disappointing them.” She kisses Peggy on the cheek before stepping back. “It’s time for me to go. I’ll see you next time.”
Before she walks away, she comes to me and pulls out a rolled stack of papers from her back pocket and holds it out. Her latest story to Cat.
“Make sure Cat gets these.”
The three of us watch her walk out of the kitchen, each deep in our own thoughts of the little girl. Sadness seeps into my veins, because as young and innocent as Presley is, she’s been through more than any one person should ever go through. I want to hold onto her, protect her with all my might, but the only thing I can do is be there for her when she visits and hope she comes out on the other side as a whole person.
* * *
Several hours later,after saying goodbye to Cat’s parents, we’re snuggled up on the couch. My back is against the arm of the couch and Cat is on her side between my legs. Her long hair, which was pulled into a high ponytail when she first came into the kitchen earlier, is now down, lying over one of her shoulders.
Her cheeks are puffed out from the big smile on her face as she reads Presley’s latest story. With a laugh, she sets the papers down on the coffee table.
“What’s so funny?” I ask, twirling a lock of her hair between my fingers.