"Momma, I'm tired of doing homework," Cady said to Cynthia who was standing behind her, cleaning the kitchen counter top. Cynthia had had the day off and had picked up Cady from school. Roger had been home working in his office in the morning, but with meetings elsewhere in the afternoon.
"I know it seems like a lot at six-going-on-seven, but trust me, it's good for you," Cynthia replied.
"But I have to do more than everyone else," Cady replied as she rested her frustrated face on one of her hands and stared down at her homework.
Cynthia walked over and sat across the table from Cady and took her other hand. "Look, honey. We've been over this a hundred times. The work the other students do is just not as challenging as you need."
"It's not harder," Cady replied.
"Let me look at it," Cynthia said as she took Cady's math homework and looked it over briefly. She checked her work for errors. She handed the work back to Cady. "So this is easy for you too?" Cynthia said, seeming to marvel at Cady's abilities.
Cady sighed. "Yes."
"This is fourth grade math, Cady," Cynthia said.
"I know," Cady replied.
"Hmm. Well, maybe next year we can cut down on the amount and increase the difficulty instead. Since it's already the middle of April, it's a little too late to ask Miss Weaver to do anything different. Your dad and I will talk to your second grade teacher before school starts in the fall to see what she can do for you."
"Okay," Cady said. "The other students still make fun of me, though."
"You have to be ready for that, Baby. There are always going to be jealous and insecure people. I know it's hard but you're going to have to try to not let it bother you."
"I try," she replied.
"Well, just keep trying. Remember that you have friends and family, and those are the only people's opinions that should matter to you."
"Okay," Cady replied.
"Why don't you put that math homework away and read me some more of that book you're reading while I finish cleaning the kitchen," Cynthia suggested.
"Okay, Momma," Cady said with a relieved smile and shut her math book with her homework enclosed. She got up from the kitchen table and went into the living room and came right back with a book in her hand. She had been reading Black Gold by Marguerite Henry. She sat back down on the chair with one leg tucked under her and one elbow resting on the table and opened the book to the place from which she had last been reading. She began reading aloud to her mother the story of an unlikely small horse that becomes a racing legend.
A few minutes later, the front door opened and a voice called into the Parsons' kitchen. "Cynthia!"
Cynthia stopped what she was doing and went to greet the visitor. Linda and Julia Martin were both standing at the door. "Linda. Julia," Cynthia said. "To what do we owe this pleasure?"
Cady closed her book and ran into the living room. "Julia!" she exclaimed.
"C.J.!" Julia replied. C.J. took Julia's hand and she quickly escorted her back to her bedroom.
"Thought I'd drop by for a visit," Linda said. "We haven't talked for a while."
"Certainly. C'mon into the kitchen," Cynthia said. Once in the kitchen, she motioned for Linda to sit down at the table. "Would you like some tea?"
"Sure," Linda replied. Cynthia poured them both tea and she joined Linda at the table.
In Cady's room, the two girls were drawing together on the floor. "How's school?" C.J. asked Julia.
"Boring," Julia replied. "And the nuns are mean."
"That doesn't sound fun," C.J. said.
"It's not. How's your school?" Julia asked.
"Boring. Momma and Daddy still want me to do all this homework," C.J. replied.
"Are kids still picking on you?" Julia asked, leaning up on her elbows and looking directly in Cady's eyes.
"Yes, but not as much as before," C.J. said.
"Well, if I was going to your school, and I saw that, I'd bop their heads together," Julia said defiantly.
"I just try to ignore it," C.J. replied. "Momma says they're just jealous."
"Yep," Julia said.
"Recess is fun. Matt and I talk and play together a lot," C.J. said.
"What do you play?" Julia asked.
"We play on the playground and play tag a lot," C.J. replied. "He's a lot of fun."
"Have you been over to his house lately?" Julia asked.
"Not too long ago. Daddy helps his daddy out a lot," C.J. replied.
"Did you ride horses?" Julia asked.
"Yes. His pony. We're still not big enough to ride horses by ourselves yet," C.J. replied.
"Now I'm jealous," Julia replied.
C.J. smiled. "He has lots of animals at his house. He just got a brown puppy."
"I wish Dad wasn't allergic," Julia said.
"Momma and Daddy said I can have a pet when I'm ready to take care of one," Cady said.
"What kind?" Julia asked.
"Don't know yet. I like cats and dogs," C.J. replied.
In the kitchen, Cynthia and Linda were catching up. "Cady was complaining about the extra homework today again," Cynthia said.
"Are you sure you don't want to send her to Julia's school? You don't have to be Catholic to go to school there," Linda replied.
"No offense, but the school would be fine if I could opt out of the religious aspects for her, but since that's not allowed, the school is not an option. Roger and I want her to discover what she believes on her own," Cynthia replied.
"No offense taken. I understand. The nuns can be rather strict too. I'm catholic and it bothers me," Linda replied.
"I have heard some horror stories," Cynthia said.
"Cole and I have had to go up a time or two and set them straight about the discipline ourselves. Fortunately, Julia doesn't get in a lot of trouble very often. Her brother's another story," Linda said and drank a bit of tea. "It's really amazing how smart Cady is."
"Yes. She's smarter than either I or her father was at her age. She's really skilled at all of the three R's. I was better with numbers when I was young and her father was better with reading and writing."
"Then she got all of your best genes," Linda said with a big smile.
"Even though I was good at numbers at her age, she breezed through some fourth grade math today. I was never that smart," Cynthia said.
"Wow," Linda replied. "Numbers aren't my strong suit, I must say."
"How's Julia doing in school?" Cynthia asked.
"She's got straight A's but she's not a budding prodigy like Cady," Linda replied.
"We don't know that officially. I haven't had her tested," Cynthia.
"I think it's rather obvious that it's the case, don't you?" Linda said.
"Seems to be," Cynthia replied.
"If you want, I can talk to a colleague and set up testing for her," Linda offered.
"I might take you up on that," Cynthia said. "How's your work?"
Linda brushed her blonde wavy hair behind her ear and said, "It's challenging at times working with the veterans coming to Rice on the G.I. Bill."
"How so?" Cynthia asked.
"Most of the time, I put my social work degree to work counseling students and helping them get enrolled in the classes that best suit them. Every now and again, I get a veteran with shell shock and it's hard to see them like that."
"I know what you mean," Cynthia said. "I've had to sedate a few in the emergency room a few times myself."
"It's just terrible what war does to these young men," Linda replied.
"Yes it is," Cynthia replied. "But you still see it as rewarding work?"
"Oh yes. The most. Probably not like medicine is for you, but I do enjoy helping young people. I've also started donating some time counseling through Catholic Charities," Linda said.
"That's wonderful. I wish I had time to give back in that way," Cynthia said.
"Nonsense. You save lives all the time," Linda replied.
In C.J.'s bedroom, Julia asked, "Has Matt been to your house?"
"He comes over when his daddy has to talk to mine, but doesn't stay long. There's not much to do here. There's a lot more to do at his house," C.J. replied.
"What are we going to do this Saturday?" Julia asked with a smile.
"I don't know. I can ask Momma and Daddy if we can go to the movies or zoo, or something," C.J. replied.
"A movie would be fun. Are there any good ones?" Julia asked.
"Don't know," C.J. replied, continuing to draw.
"The zoo would be fun too," Julia said.
"Yeah. That would be fun. I haven't been there in a while," C.J. replied. "Daddy and I have been reading a book at bedtime called Wild America. It's about these two men and all of their adventures and the animals and birds they run into. Maybe I could see some of the animals and birds that are in the book, in the zoo."
"Maybe," Julia said.
"So, the nuns are mean, huh?" C.J. asked.
"Yeah. Mass every Wednesday morning is boooorrrring," Julia said. "I already go to Mass every Sunday. I don't know why we have to go twice a week."
"I've never been to Mass," C.J. replied.
"You wouldn't, silly," Julia said with a big grin. "You're not Catholic."
C.J. laughed.
"You could come sometime with me, if you want," Julia replied.
"Maybe," C.J. replied.
"I have my first communion next year," Julia said. "You could come to my party."
"What's communion?" C.J. asked.
"It's when I get to eat bread and drink wine," Julia said.
"You're going to drink wine!" C.J. exclaimed aghast.
"It's just a sip," Julia replied.
"I'm not allowed to drink wine. I thought all kids weren't allowed to drink wine," C.J. replied.
"It's not a lot, C.J.," Julia said. "It's supposed to be Jesus' blood."
"Blood?! Yucky!" C.J. exclaimed.
"I can't explain it," Julia replied. "But I'll invite you to the party afterward."
"That would be a lot better than drinking blood," C.J. said, making an expression of disgust on her face.
Julia laughed.
Roger walked through the front door and into the kitchen. "Hi Linda," he said.
"Hi Roger. How have you been?" Linda replied.
"Never better. You?" Roger asked.
"Keeping busy at Rice. Cole's just as busy at the bank," Linda replied.
"Good, good," Roger said. "So what have you two been talking about?"
"Work, the girls, their schools….The usual," Cynthia replied.
Linda looked at her watch. "I guess I better get back. We're going out to dinner tonight." She stood up and peered around the wall and called for Julia. Cynthia stood up. Roger walked up to her and put his arm around her lower back and kissed her on the cheek.
Julia and C.J. approached.
"Julia, we have to get going. Say goodbye to Cady," Linda said.
Cady grabbed Julia and hugged her tightly. She whispered in Julia's ear, "I'll ask Momma and Daddy about Saturday."
Julia nodded and smiled and lightly patted Cady on the back. Julia walked to her mother and took her hand.
"How's it going, Julia?" Roger asked.
"Pretty good, Mr. P.," Julia replied with a smile.
"Glad to hear it," Roger replied, smiling at Cynthia and winking.
"Let's go," Linda said.
As they turned to walk away, Julia waved and said, "Bye Mr. and Dr. P. Bye C.J."
Cynthia went to the refrigerator and pulled out some containers that held dinner from the night before. "It should only take a few minutes to heat up these leftovers," she said. She turned to Cady. "Why don't you continue reading to us from your book, Baby." Cynthia put the containers in the preheated oven.
Cady grabbed her book and climbed into Roger's lap to read. Cynthia sat down with them at the table. Cady read for several minutes and when she came to the end of the chapter, Roger hugged her and said, "That's really good, Cady. Not a bad book, either."
"Daddy, can you take me and Julia to the zoo on Saturday?" Cady asked.
"Have you talked to her mom or dad about it?" Roger asked.
"Not yet. I'm asking you, first," Cady replied.
Roger smiled. "Did you have anything planned, Cindy?"
"No. I'm free – in the morning," Cynthia replied. "I'll talk to Linda about it tomorrow."
"Speaking of Saturdays, I forgot to tell you… Bill Houston called me yesterday, and asked if we'd like to come to his company picnic at his house next Saturday," Roger said.
"What time is it?" Cynthia asked.
"Late morning to mid-afternoon," Roger replied.
"That should be fine. I have to work the night shift," Cynthia replied. "I can get some sleep in after we get back."
"Great. I'll let him know that we're coming," Roger said.
"Is it for kids?" Cady asked.
"Yes. Some of his employees and his household staff will all be bringing their families," Roger replied.
"Will Matt be there?" Cady asked.
"I believe so," Roger replied.
"Matt just got a puppy," Cady replied.
"He did? What kind?" Roger asked.
"Don't know. Brown," Cady said.
"Ah, yes…the brown kind," Roger said with a smile.
Cady jumped off of Roger's lap. "When can I get a pet?" Cady asked.
"I knew that was coming," Cynthia said.
"Baby, we've been over this before. You're not old enough for the responsibility yet, and your mother and I are really busy," Roger replied. "For that matter, you're busy."
"I can do it," Cady reassured pleadingly.
"Baby," Cynthia replied.
"We can get a cat. They're easier than dogs," Cady replied.
"We live in a busy neighborhood and you'd have to keep the cat inside. That's hardly fair to the cat," Cynthia said.
"Lots of people keep cats inside," Cady said.
"She's got you there, Cindy," Roger said.
"Cats lived in temples in Egypt," Cady said.
"Where did you learn that?" Cynthia asked.
"In the 'cyclopedia under 'Cat,'" Cady replied.
"I see," Cynthia said. She continued, "Indoor cats need litter boxes. Who would clean it?"
"I would," Cady said emphatically.
"Feeding and watering?" Cynthia asked.
"Me," Cady said pointing at her chest.
"Brushing and bathing?" Cynthia said.
"Cats bathe themselves, Momma," Cady replied in a corrective tone.
"Score another one for Cady, Cindy," Roger said.
"You're a big help, Roger," Cynthia said. "Cady, a cat might need a bath at some point. You never know."
"Cats don't like water, Cady. You sure you want to bathe a crazed cat with claws?" Roger asked.
"I won't have to bathe a cat, Daddy. That's silly," Cady replied.
"Okay... if you say so," Roger said.
"I say so, Daddy," Cady said, putting her hands on her hips.
"You look just like your mother right now," Roger said, and winked at Cynthia who shook her finger at him.
"The cat's going to need attention, Cady," Cynthia said.
"That's why I want a pet, Momma," Cady replied.
"Well, Cady, I'd say you can rest your case," Roger said. "You'll have to let the judges decide the verdict."
"I wouldn't expect an answer right away," Cynthia said. "It's a big decision."
"Okay, Momma," Cady said.
After a few more minutes, dinner was ready and the Parsons family sat down to eat.
"Cady breezed through her math homework again, today," Cynthia said to Roger.
Roger looked at Cady. "You did?"
"Yeah. It's not that hard," Cady replied.
"She's working on multiplication," Cynthia said.
"How old were we when we first learned that?" Roger asked, looking at Cynthia.
"Probably around ten," Cynthia replied.
"Why do you think it's so easy, Cady?" Roger asked.
"I don't know. When I worked on the mult'plication tables I just saw the same numbers over and over," Cady replied.
"Patterns?" Roger asked.
"Yeah," Cady said casually and took a bite of her food.
Roger looked at Cynthia with a surprised look on his face. "Maybe we should consider bumping her up a grade or two," Roger said.
"She's too little for that. She's not emotionally ready," Cynthia said.
"Are you sure?" Roger asked and then turned to Cady. "How would you feel about moving up a grade or two?"
"I don't want to. I like my class. I have some friends in my grade. Matt's in my grade," Cady replied.
"I guess a different school is out," Roger said. Cady looked up from her plate with concern on her face.
"Yes. I don't want her to be out-of-touch with the real world in a private school," Cynthia insisted. "I'm just going to ask some other teachers in higher grades for some more challenging homework. She's performing above grade level in reading, writing, and arithmetic, but at grade level in other subjects."
"Okay," Roger said as he squeezed Cady's shoulder. Cady looked relieved. "So, the zoo, this Saturday, huh?"
"Yep!" Cady exclaimed.
"What animals are you looking forward to seeing?" Roger asked.
"The animals in the Wild America book we've been reading," Cady replied.
"Oh, yes. That would be interesting," Roger replied. "Well, I hope Julia's parents will let her come with us."
"Me too," Cady replied.
The Parsons finished dinner, and Roger washed and Cady dried the dishes while kneeling on a chair. Cynthia showered to get ready for her overnight shift filling in for someone in the Emergency department at Hermann Hospital. After doing the dishes, Roger and Cady watched some television together while Cynthia finished getting ready for work.
Cynthia came out of the bedroom dressed for work and wearing her lab coat with the stethoscope in one of the pockets.
"I never get tired of you looking so smart," Roger said with a big grin. He got up and walked over and hugged Cynthia and gave her a kiss on the lips.
Cady jumped off the couch and Cynthia bent over and hugged her. "Now make sure you and your dad stay out of trouble, okay," Cynthia said to her with a wink. "Don't let your dad bake, like last time," she said with a laugh.
"I won't Momma," Cady said with certitude in her voice.
"You two have no faith in me," Roger said.
"That's where you're wrong, Roger. I have faith in you, just not your baking abilities," Cynthia said.
"Well, I swear I won't make anything more complicated than popcorn," Roger said, giving the Boy Scout salute.
"I'll see you two before school in the morning," Cynthia said, and kissed Roger one more time and left to go to work.
After watching some television, Roger drew Cady a bath and she went in and bathed while he worked on a contract in the kitchen. After about twenty minutes, she emerged in her pajamas – a little pink polyester nightgown that went down to her ankles with short frilly sleeves and a lace detail around the neck. She walked up to Roger and handed him her hairbrush. He began brushing her hair.
"Your hair is getting so long. And I do believe it's getting a little darker too. You're starting to look a lot like your momma," he said as he brushed. "Gotta lot of tangles in it today. Must be the spring humidity."
"You're doing it too hard, Daddy," Cady said.
"Sorry, Baby. Momma's usually better at this than I am," Roger replied.
"Just be gentler," Cady replied.
Roger smiled. "I will, Baby. How's this?" Roger asked as he changed his technique.
"That's better," she replied.
After Roger finished brushing her hair, he carried her in his arms to her bedroom and tucked her into bed. They took turns reading from Wild America for a while and then Roger closed the book.
"Are you sure you don't want to be a doctor like Momma? You're really good at math. Better than I was. Doctors and scientists use a lot of math," Roger said.
"I'm sure, Daddy. I wanna be a lawyer like you," Cady replied.
"Okay. I suppose your ability to see patterns will help you in the law just as much as in medicine," he said. "How can you be so sure that's what you'll be when you grow up, anyway? You're only six."
"I just know, Daddy," she replied.
"Still, a lot can change between now and going off to college," Roger said.
She shook her head. "Nope. I wanna do what you do."
"Well, I know whatever you do, you will be great at it. I'm already so proud of you," Roger replied. "It's hard to imagine, but you're already so big, and college isn't that far off…just eleven or so years. In just that short amount of time, I'll be watching you get your high school diploma."
"Daddy, I'm only in first grade. That's a long way away," Cady replied.
"Not from my vantage point," Roger said with a smile. "I'm a lot older than you. Time moves faster for me."
"Time moves the same for everybody, Daddy," Cady said.
"You'll know what I mean – when you're my age," Roger replied.
"When I grow up and I'm a lawyer, I'll take care of you and Momma, like you take care of me," Cady said.
"That's sweet of you to say, Cady, but we're your parents and it's our responsibility to take care of you – even when you're grown up. Your Momma and I will always be there when you need us. In the meantime, you just be the girl you already are, and life will take care of the rest."
Roger kissed her on the forehead. "I love you, Baby."
"I love you too, Daddy," Cady replied.
Roger walked over and turned off Cady's bedroom light and left the door ajar, and returned to the kitchen to work.