(I own no one. I own nothing. I hope you are all enjoying this. Let me know
if I should go on. I'm not sure where this is going but I think its going
to get dark soon.)
*-*-*-*-*
I lay there in her bed trying to recall the events of the night before. I remembered stopping the member of O'Grady's gang from killing the dark haired one who was known as Alex. I remember hearing Dylan scream and seeing O'Grady himself choking her. I remember the kiss and her taking my hair. I remembered the searing pain in my chest and going over the side of the building but I couldn't remember how I got into her bed.
My arm throbbed worse than my sword injury. I dug around in the night table which was full of interesting trinkets: post cards, rubber bands, paper clips, a small dog with its head on a spring that had a missing eye, a pack of chewing gum, an old cassette tape of Def Leppard that was unwound, condoms in assorted flavors, a small memo pad, assorted ball point pens and the bottle of Tylenol regular strength, I took four and hoped that they would help.
I needed to use the bathroom so I struggled out of bed and hobbled over to the narrow door across the hall. I looked inside and the night before came rushing back, how could it not? My blood was all over. I saw my clothing hanging over the shower and realized that Dylan must have rinsed them out. The floor however was still spotted with blood and I had left large handprints on the door. I started to regret coming here. It wasn't right that I came to her Dr. Wong would have been the better choice. She was sweet to take care of me but she deserved better even if it was a man named Spike. Too bad I was too weak to leave. Instead I crawled back into bed and feel asleep under they soft sheets and blanket that smelled of her.
*-*-*-*-*
They were eyeing me suspiciously even as they agreed they would listen to what I had to say. I smiled and went on talking. "The dead man, the one the police found, that was Seamus."
"Seamus? But Charlie just said." began Nat.
"I know what Charlie just said and I don't know all the details myself but Anthony is alive," I said feeling excited just to be able to say it.
"How do you know that, Dylan," asked Alex suspiciously.
I explained carefully what happened last night after Natalie and Pete dropped me off. They listened as I told them about the open door, the dried blood on the refrigerator, finding Anthony in my bathtub, and taking care of him.
"He's dangerous," Stated Alex simply.
"He saved your life last night and mine too."
"It doesn't change that he tried to kill us before."
"He saved Max.," I retorted. Natalie and Bosley watched us like a tennis match.
"He ripped out my hair and yours too."
"It's what he does. He doesn't do it all the time. He hasn't done it to me so far."
"He hasn't tried to kill you so far either but that doesn't mean he won't." Ok Alex had me there but how could I explain to her that he wasn't like that. That he wouldn't hurt me. He could have easily killed me this morning and snuck out and the police would have thought it was Seamus and never looked for him but he didn't. How could I explain that and have them understand?
"I know you are concerned," I said trying to sound mature, "but I trust him and that has to be enough for you."
"She's falling for the bad guy again," said Alex to Nat over my head.
"Maybe I am but I'm not convinced he is bad." Both of us turned to Nat and Bosley waiting for them to choose.
Bosley spoke first. "I'm ok with you keeping him but if he hurts you he has me to answer to."
Thanks Bos," I said jumping up and throwing my arms around his neck.
"And I want to meet him," he added as an after thought.
"No problem. I don't think he will get going anywhere for awhile. Now the three of us turned to Nat waiting for her reply. Reluctantly she said, "Well as long as he is hurt he shouldn't pose any danger to us. We'll have to decide what to do with him once he is better or at least well enough to be dangerous again."
That was a good enough response for me. I hugged her too. "Thanks, Nat." We all then looked at Alex. "Okay you guys win," she said and smiled "It also answers the question as to who she slept with last night." We all laughed and the tension was gone. I knew that it would take time before they would trust Anthony but time for now is what we had.
*-*-*-*-*
I woke up again and looked at the clock three hours had passed and I heard voices in the other room. I managed to pick out Dylan's, those of two other women, presumably her friends Natalie and Alex, as well as that of a man. I wondered if that was the Spike that Natalie had mentioned. I reached over for the tepid tea that was on the night table and in doing so I knocked it on to the floor with a clatter. The noise brought Dylan hurrying in. "Anthony you are awake." She looked truly happy to see me. No one had ever been truly happy to see me except my mother. I nodded to her and pointed to the floor however Natalie was the one rushing over to clean up the mess I made. I at each of the newcomers and gave her a dirty look. I hadn't wanted her to announce I was there to the world. "Its okay, they just want you to get better. You already know Natalie and Alex." I nodded to each of them. I arched my eyebrow in the direction of the man. "This," she said signaling to the kind looking black man, "is our friend and associate Jimmy Bosley. We all call him Bos." I was confused as I thought Bosley was a white man who resembled the actor Bill Murray. Maybe Bosley was a job title.
"Hey man," he said extending his hand. I reached out grasped it a second and gasp in pain as 'Bos' shook it. "Sorry man." My first instinct was to hurt him but Dylan slipped her small hand into mine so instead I blinked and nodded. Just her touch could make me a better person.
Alex then spoke to me. "You know they mistook Seamus O'Grady's body for yours. How could that have happened?"
I leaned over and dug through Dylan's cluttered drawer locating the memo pad I had seen and several pens as I doubted I would find one that works. I was right none of them did. I then made a writing motion in the air and pointed toward the bathroom. Dylan went and came back with the black fountain pen with gold clip that I always carried. I wrote briefly, "I killed him."
"I assumed that much," said Alex, "but why not try telling us about it."
I wrote, "He woke up. Wasn't dead. Couldn't have him after you. Stabbed him." It was quick and to the point. I looked at Alex. It seemed her approval was the one I lacked. I could understand that after our fight at the mission two years ago, but I had also saved her life on the theater rooftop.
"Ok fine," she said to Dylan. "You can keep Creepy Thin Man." Then to me she said, "Thanks for saving me on the roof." I gave her a nod in reply. "I have to take off Dylan," she kissed her on the cheek; "Jason and I are just going to sit home with a video to night a nice quiet evening. I WILL be back tomorrow to check on you." I got the implied threat in her statement. I also knew she had nothing to worry about.
"Ok I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Bye Nat."
"Bye Alex" they hugged as well. I would never understand all the hugging and kissing they did.
"I'm going to go too. Max, Mama and I have a Clue tournament planned for tonight. It was nice meeting you, man." He said to me. I wrote quickly "Tell Max hello" "Will do, man," he responded. I didn't particularly like him calling me "man" but as long as creepy and thin weren't used I could live with it. He then hugged Dylan too and she gave him a kiss on the cheek and told him good bye. I had been excited this morning when she kissed me good bye, as brief as the kiss had been, but now it seemed she was like that with everyone and my heart sank.
"Hey Dylan," said the thin leggy blond as she sat on the other side of the bed. "Why don't I call Pete, and have him bring Spike over for you to meet. We can help Anthony into the living room and all order pizza and watch TV. There is a Cary Grant film fest on channel 2."
"That sound great doesn't it? I can't wait to meet Spike if he is as cute as you say he is"
"He is. Watch it though. He'll probably jump on you as soon as he gets in the door. He may drool as well but that is just his way."
"Not a problem," said Dylan, "He still sounds cute". I felt puzzled but tried not to let it show.
"Good I'll call Pete and let him know," said Natalie as she stood and went to use the phone in the other room. That left Dylan and me alone.
"Sorry about all the commotion. Do you mind if Natalie and Pete are here?" I shook my head no. She didn't ask about the man called Spike so I assumed she didn't care about my reaction to him. "Do you think you are feeling strong enough? We can make you really comfortable on the couch. If you feel bad just let me know and Ill have them leave." She started to leave the room and I grabbed her with my good hand and pulled her over to me. She looked down at me and touched my hair. I coughed and whispered to her "Thank you". She smiled and leaned towards me, but suddenly Natalie bounced in and said that Pete and Spike were already in the car and would be arriving in a few minutes.
*-*-*-*-*
I thought Anthony did well with everyone. I could tell he was uncomfortable by all of them being there, especially Alex. I was curious as to why he didn't speak. I knew he could. He had said a few words to me since he had been in my apartment. It wasn't the Gettysburg Address but it was a lot for him. I was glad that Natalie had the idea to invite Pete and Spike over. It's not that I didn't want to be alone with Anthony, because I did; I wanted to see if I can get more than three words out of him at a time, but I was also a little bit chicken of having a one sided conversation.
I felt bad that I missed Nat's message completely earlier but I was going to meet Spike. From what she had told me her puppy was a four month old German shepherd with big feet and even bigger ears. I just couldn't understand why Anthony acted weird when Spike was mentioned. Maybe he didn't like dogs. If so he could have written a protest note asking not to have the puppy here while he wasn't feeling well. Nat and I would have understood.
I gave Anthony an extra large Ozzy t-shirt that I had. The picture didn't really suit him but it was the best I could do. We helped Anthony to the couch and gave him the pillows from the bed and tucked a blanket in around him. He didn't complain about our fussing about him. Even though he didn't show it and tried to keep his stoic face I could tell he liked it. I'm under the impression he hadn't had anyone care for him in a long time. Anthony was so long he took up the whole length of the couch. I decided Pete and Nat could have the love seat and I would sit on the floor.
The door bell rang. Nat was busy ordering Pizza. I answered and there stood Pete with Spike in his arms. "Oh my god you are just the cutest," I cried throwing my arms around the puppy. "Thanks Dylan," said Pete as a joke. I smacked him on the arm, "Come on in you two. Nat is ordering pizza; something my house guest has never tried." Pete put down the puppy and it went over to the couch.
*-*-*-*-*
It was difficult for me to get into the living room. The loss of blood made me feel light headed whenever I stood and I had a feeling of vertigo. Sitting up was okay but standing was nearly impossible. Once I was on the couch Dylan brought me a t-shirt to put on. The only good things I can say about it is it was clean, black and fit. The Ozzy fellow on the front wasn't my style at all. Natalie said she would order pizza. I had never tried it before. Dylan handed me a flyer that passed for a menu and asked me what sounded good. I wrote "Whatever you want is fine." She told Nat to, "get the usual".
Then the door bell rang. I heard Dylan gush over Spike. I couldn't see the door from where I was sitting and I hadn't the mobility to turn to look. "Oh my God, you are just the cutest," she said. I inwardly cringed. Suddenly I heard a strange clicking sound on the hardwood floor. Around the corner of the couch bounded a small dog with parts that were way to big for him. It kind of looked like me as a child actually. "Woof" he said and placed his paws on the couch and tried to lick my face. As gently pushed the dog away I got a glimpse of his collar, there written on a bone shaped metal tag was the name, "Spike". I never felt as foolish as I did at that moment.
"Sorry Anthony," said Dylan as she attempted to pull the dog away. It was funny that now I knew Spike was a dog I didn't want him to go. I reached out and rubbed the furry beast behind the ears to show her that the dog was welcome to stay. "I wasn't sure you liked dogs." I shrugged. I wasn't sure that I liked dogs either since I never really had interaction with them. They weren't allowed at the orphanage and the life I led now days wasn't conducive to keeping a pet. "This is Pete," she said introducing me to a tall man with sandy brown hair. "Pete this is Anthony." Pete held out his hand. I reached out with my left instead, I learned after the last time.
"Oh sorry," said Pete switching hands too, "I didn't think about your arm." Dylan had gone into the kitchen with Natalie. "So. Natalie tells me you're an assassin?"
*-*-*-*-*
I didn't think it would hurt to leave Anthony alone with Pete and Spike so I went into the kitchen where Nat was making iced tea. Ok warm tea it turned out that Anthony had broken my ice dispenser. I was really upset, I loved my ice dispenser, it was one of those things I had seen as a kid and said that I wanted to have when I grew up. Then Nat reminded me if it wasn't for the ice Anthony would have probably bled to death in my bathroom instead of laying on my couch petting her dog. That sort of put things into perspective and I added getting the ice dispenser fix to the To Do List in my head which included cleaning the bathroom and finally kissing the man on my couch.
Pizza wasn't a big success. I should have known from encounters with the Thin Man in the past that neatness was part of who he was. Picking up cheesy gooey pizza wasn't for him. I offered him a knife and fork but he held up his arm that was wrapped in the bandage. Ok that wasn't going to work. He wrote "Soup?" on a piece of paper. Nat, the homemaker she is said that she would get it. I could tell Anthony felt bad about not eating what we were having. I offered him a bite but he covered his mouth. I understood that to mean he didn't think he could keep it down. He ate the soup Natalie made and thanked her in writing. Miss Manner's would never be on his case he thanked everyone with a thank you note.
Once dinner was over we settled in and watched the first of the Cary Grant movies, "Bringing Up Baby". Pete and Natalie were curled up together on the loveseat and I was sitting on the floor next to the couch. Anthony reached down and started petting my hair. It was a weird sensation although not unpleasant. I kept waiting for the pull, but he didn't. He tapped me on the shoulder and sat up. I looked at him and he patted the couch. I sat down and he laid with his head on my lap. I caught Natalie looking at me in surprise and nudged Pete, who just smiled and gave me thumbs up. I rolled my eyes at them and continued watching the movie. Soon I found myself stroking Anthony's hair and him asleep on my lap.
*-*-*-*-*
I lay there in her bed trying to recall the events of the night before. I remembered stopping the member of O'Grady's gang from killing the dark haired one who was known as Alex. I remember hearing Dylan scream and seeing O'Grady himself choking her. I remember the kiss and her taking my hair. I remembered the searing pain in my chest and going over the side of the building but I couldn't remember how I got into her bed.
My arm throbbed worse than my sword injury. I dug around in the night table which was full of interesting trinkets: post cards, rubber bands, paper clips, a small dog with its head on a spring that had a missing eye, a pack of chewing gum, an old cassette tape of Def Leppard that was unwound, condoms in assorted flavors, a small memo pad, assorted ball point pens and the bottle of Tylenol regular strength, I took four and hoped that they would help.
I needed to use the bathroom so I struggled out of bed and hobbled over to the narrow door across the hall. I looked inside and the night before came rushing back, how could it not? My blood was all over. I saw my clothing hanging over the shower and realized that Dylan must have rinsed them out. The floor however was still spotted with blood and I had left large handprints on the door. I started to regret coming here. It wasn't right that I came to her Dr. Wong would have been the better choice. She was sweet to take care of me but she deserved better even if it was a man named Spike. Too bad I was too weak to leave. Instead I crawled back into bed and feel asleep under they soft sheets and blanket that smelled of her.
*-*-*-*-*
They were eyeing me suspiciously even as they agreed they would listen to what I had to say. I smiled and went on talking. "The dead man, the one the police found, that was Seamus."
"Seamus? But Charlie just said." began Nat.
"I know what Charlie just said and I don't know all the details myself but Anthony is alive," I said feeling excited just to be able to say it.
"How do you know that, Dylan," asked Alex suspiciously.
I explained carefully what happened last night after Natalie and Pete dropped me off. They listened as I told them about the open door, the dried blood on the refrigerator, finding Anthony in my bathtub, and taking care of him.
"He's dangerous," Stated Alex simply.
"He saved your life last night and mine too."
"It doesn't change that he tried to kill us before."
"He saved Max.," I retorted. Natalie and Bosley watched us like a tennis match.
"He ripped out my hair and yours too."
"It's what he does. He doesn't do it all the time. He hasn't done it to me so far."
"He hasn't tried to kill you so far either but that doesn't mean he won't." Ok Alex had me there but how could I explain to her that he wasn't like that. That he wouldn't hurt me. He could have easily killed me this morning and snuck out and the police would have thought it was Seamus and never looked for him but he didn't. How could I explain that and have them understand?
"I know you are concerned," I said trying to sound mature, "but I trust him and that has to be enough for you."
"She's falling for the bad guy again," said Alex to Nat over my head.
"Maybe I am but I'm not convinced he is bad." Both of us turned to Nat and Bosley waiting for them to choose.
Bosley spoke first. "I'm ok with you keeping him but if he hurts you he has me to answer to."
Thanks Bos," I said jumping up and throwing my arms around his neck.
"And I want to meet him," he added as an after thought.
"No problem. I don't think he will get going anywhere for awhile. Now the three of us turned to Nat waiting for her reply. Reluctantly she said, "Well as long as he is hurt he shouldn't pose any danger to us. We'll have to decide what to do with him once he is better or at least well enough to be dangerous again."
That was a good enough response for me. I hugged her too. "Thanks, Nat." We all then looked at Alex. "Okay you guys win," she said and smiled "It also answers the question as to who she slept with last night." We all laughed and the tension was gone. I knew that it would take time before they would trust Anthony but time for now is what we had.
*-*-*-*-*
I woke up again and looked at the clock three hours had passed and I heard voices in the other room. I managed to pick out Dylan's, those of two other women, presumably her friends Natalie and Alex, as well as that of a man. I wondered if that was the Spike that Natalie had mentioned. I reached over for the tepid tea that was on the night table and in doing so I knocked it on to the floor with a clatter. The noise brought Dylan hurrying in. "Anthony you are awake." She looked truly happy to see me. No one had ever been truly happy to see me except my mother. I nodded to her and pointed to the floor however Natalie was the one rushing over to clean up the mess I made. I at each of the newcomers and gave her a dirty look. I hadn't wanted her to announce I was there to the world. "Its okay, they just want you to get better. You already know Natalie and Alex." I nodded to each of them. I arched my eyebrow in the direction of the man. "This," she said signaling to the kind looking black man, "is our friend and associate Jimmy Bosley. We all call him Bos." I was confused as I thought Bosley was a white man who resembled the actor Bill Murray. Maybe Bosley was a job title.
"Hey man," he said extending his hand. I reached out grasped it a second and gasp in pain as 'Bos' shook it. "Sorry man." My first instinct was to hurt him but Dylan slipped her small hand into mine so instead I blinked and nodded. Just her touch could make me a better person.
Alex then spoke to me. "You know they mistook Seamus O'Grady's body for yours. How could that have happened?"
I leaned over and dug through Dylan's cluttered drawer locating the memo pad I had seen and several pens as I doubted I would find one that works. I was right none of them did. I then made a writing motion in the air and pointed toward the bathroom. Dylan went and came back with the black fountain pen with gold clip that I always carried. I wrote briefly, "I killed him."
"I assumed that much," said Alex, "but why not try telling us about it."
I wrote, "He woke up. Wasn't dead. Couldn't have him after you. Stabbed him." It was quick and to the point. I looked at Alex. It seemed her approval was the one I lacked. I could understand that after our fight at the mission two years ago, but I had also saved her life on the theater rooftop.
"Ok fine," she said to Dylan. "You can keep Creepy Thin Man." Then to me she said, "Thanks for saving me on the roof." I gave her a nod in reply. "I have to take off Dylan," she kissed her on the cheek; "Jason and I are just going to sit home with a video to night a nice quiet evening. I WILL be back tomorrow to check on you." I got the implied threat in her statement. I also knew she had nothing to worry about.
"Ok I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Bye Nat."
"Bye Alex" they hugged as well. I would never understand all the hugging and kissing they did.
"I'm going to go too. Max, Mama and I have a Clue tournament planned for tonight. It was nice meeting you, man." He said to me. I wrote quickly "Tell Max hello" "Will do, man," he responded. I didn't particularly like him calling me "man" but as long as creepy and thin weren't used I could live with it. He then hugged Dylan too and she gave him a kiss on the cheek and told him good bye. I had been excited this morning when she kissed me good bye, as brief as the kiss had been, but now it seemed she was like that with everyone and my heart sank.
"Hey Dylan," said the thin leggy blond as she sat on the other side of the bed. "Why don't I call Pete, and have him bring Spike over for you to meet. We can help Anthony into the living room and all order pizza and watch TV. There is a Cary Grant film fest on channel 2."
"That sound great doesn't it? I can't wait to meet Spike if he is as cute as you say he is"
"He is. Watch it though. He'll probably jump on you as soon as he gets in the door. He may drool as well but that is just his way."
"Not a problem," said Dylan, "He still sounds cute". I felt puzzled but tried not to let it show.
"Good I'll call Pete and let him know," said Natalie as she stood and went to use the phone in the other room. That left Dylan and me alone.
"Sorry about all the commotion. Do you mind if Natalie and Pete are here?" I shook my head no. She didn't ask about the man called Spike so I assumed she didn't care about my reaction to him. "Do you think you are feeling strong enough? We can make you really comfortable on the couch. If you feel bad just let me know and Ill have them leave." She started to leave the room and I grabbed her with my good hand and pulled her over to me. She looked down at me and touched my hair. I coughed and whispered to her "Thank you". She smiled and leaned towards me, but suddenly Natalie bounced in and said that Pete and Spike were already in the car and would be arriving in a few minutes.
*-*-*-*-*
I thought Anthony did well with everyone. I could tell he was uncomfortable by all of them being there, especially Alex. I was curious as to why he didn't speak. I knew he could. He had said a few words to me since he had been in my apartment. It wasn't the Gettysburg Address but it was a lot for him. I was glad that Natalie had the idea to invite Pete and Spike over. It's not that I didn't want to be alone with Anthony, because I did; I wanted to see if I can get more than three words out of him at a time, but I was also a little bit chicken of having a one sided conversation.
I felt bad that I missed Nat's message completely earlier but I was going to meet Spike. From what she had told me her puppy was a four month old German shepherd with big feet and even bigger ears. I just couldn't understand why Anthony acted weird when Spike was mentioned. Maybe he didn't like dogs. If so he could have written a protest note asking not to have the puppy here while he wasn't feeling well. Nat and I would have understood.
I gave Anthony an extra large Ozzy t-shirt that I had. The picture didn't really suit him but it was the best I could do. We helped Anthony to the couch and gave him the pillows from the bed and tucked a blanket in around him. He didn't complain about our fussing about him. Even though he didn't show it and tried to keep his stoic face I could tell he liked it. I'm under the impression he hadn't had anyone care for him in a long time. Anthony was so long he took up the whole length of the couch. I decided Pete and Nat could have the love seat and I would sit on the floor.
The door bell rang. Nat was busy ordering Pizza. I answered and there stood Pete with Spike in his arms. "Oh my god you are just the cutest," I cried throwing my arms around the puppy. "Thanks Dylan," said Pete as a joke. I smacked him on the arm, "Come on in you two. Nat is ordering pizza; something my house guest has never tried." Pete put down the puppy and it went over to the couch.
*-*-*-*-*
It was difficult for me to get into the living room. The loss of blood made me feel light headed whenever I stood and I had a feeling of vertigo. Sitting up was okay but standing was nearly impossible. Once I was on the couch Dylan brought me a t-shirt to put on. The only good things I can say about it is it was clean, black and fit. The Ozzy fellow on the front wasn't my style at all. Natalie said she would order pizza. I had never tried it before. Dylan handed me a flyer that passed for a menu and asked me what sounded good. I wrote "Whatever you want is fine." She told Nat to, "get the usual".
Then the door bell rang. I heard Dylan gush over Spike. I couldn't see the door from where I was sitting and I hadn't the mobility to turn to look. "Oh my God, you are just the cutest," she said. I inwardly cringed. Suddenly I heard a strange clicking sound on the hardwood floor. Around the corner of the couch bounded a small dog with parts that were way to big for him. It kind of looked like me as a child actually. "Woof" he said and placed his paws on the couch and tried to lick my face. As gently pushed the dog away I got a glimpse of his collar, there written on a bone shaped metal tag was the name, "Spike". I never felt as foolish as I did at that moment.
"Sorry Anthony," said Dylan as she attempted to pull the dog away. It was funny that now I knew Spike was a dog I didn't want him to go. I reached out and rubbed the furry beast behind the ears to show her that the dog was welcome to stay. "I wasn't sure you liked dogs." I shrugged. I wasn't sure that I liked dogs either since I never really had interaction with them. They weren't allowed at the orphanage and the life I led now days wasn't conducive to keeping a pet. "This is Pete," she said introducing me to a tall man with sandy brown hair. "Pete this is Anthony." Pete held out his hand. I reached out with my left instead, I learned after the last time.
"Oh sorry," said Pete switching hands too, "I didn't think about your arm." Dylan had gone into the kitchen with Natalie. "So. Natalie tells me you're an assassin?"
*-*-*-*-*
I didn't think it would hurt to leave Anthony alone with Pete and Spike so I went into the kitchen where Nat was making iced tea. Ok warm tea it turned out that Anthony had broken my ice dispenser. I was really upset, I loved my ice dispenser, it was one of those things I had seen as a kid and said that I wanted to have when I grew up. Then Nat reminded me if it wasn't for the ice Anthony would have probably bled to death in my bathroom instead of laying on my couch petting her dog. That sort of put things into perspective and I added getting the ice dispenser fix to the To Do List in my head which included cleaning the bathroom and finally kissing the man on my couch.
Pizza wasn't a big success. I should have known from encounters with the Thin Man in the past that neatness was part of who he was. Picking up cheesy gooey pizza wasn't for him. I offered him a knife and fork but he held up his arm that was wrapped in the bandage. Ok that wasn't going to work. He wrote "Soup?" on a piece of paper. Nat, the homemaker she is said that she would get it. I could tell Anthony felt bad about not eating what we were having. I offered him a bite but he covered his mouth. I understood that to mean he didn't think he could keep it down. He ate the soup Natalie made and thanked her in writing. Miss Manner's would never be on his case he thanked everyone with a thank you note.
Once dinner was over we settled in and watched the first of the Cary Grant movies, "Bringing Up Baby". Pete and Natalie were curled up together on the loveseat and I was sitting on the floor next to the couch. Anthony reached down and started petting my hair. It was a weird sensation although not unpleasant. I kept waiting for the pull, but he didn't. He tapped me on the shoulder and sat up. I looked at him and he patted the couch. I sat down and he laid with his head on my lap. I caught Natalie looking at me in surprise and nudged Pete, who just smiled and gave me thumbs up. I rolled my eyes at them and continued watching the movie. Soon I found myself stroking Anthony's hair and him asleep on my lap.