Chapter 43: Is This Wise?

Peter was at the kitchen table, nursing a cup of coffee. With him were Carolina, Leah, and Andrew.

“Leah, can you tell me what’s going on with the four middles?”

“While we were sleeping last night, Nan swapped bedrooms with Abel. They are going back and forth now, moving their clothing and whatnot to their new bedrooms.”

“So, this is with your permission?”

“I haven’t used that word. Maybe, acquiescence. After all, they have been screwing each other outdoors for some time now: Val with Abel, Nan with Ted. I’m just allowing them to bring their relationships inside instead of them being out in the pine trees.”

“I see. Carolina, what do you think?”

“I guess this is the proverbial case of locking the barn door after the horses have escaped. I have to believe they would be finding other places for sex, and they wouldn’t be safe in a back seat parked in some dark place. So, I’ve decided not to block this arrangement, they wouldn’t stop now, no matter what I might say.”

“OK. What about you, Drew?”

“Actually, I’m upset about this. Three reasons. First, we’re not Mom and Dad, but Leah and I have been partners in taking care of the four of them since, well, you know. I’m finding out about this only now, which means Leah hasn’t bothered to include me. It’s happened, and I have no say about it now. This is very, uh, disappointing.

“Second, those two bedrooms only have twin-sized beds, or split-apart bunk beds. We need to switch all of that out and buy two queen beds.

“Third, Abel is moving into what has been the girls’ bedroom. You have forgotten Tania! You’re going to have Abel and Val sleeping together right in front of her? She’s TEN! That is not acceptable. I’m going to her now, and I suggest you all start thinking about HER welfare instead of your fantasies of young lust.”

Drew stood and left the kitchen abruptly. He found Nia where he expected, seated on the far corner of her bed, watching as Nan’s clothes were being taken out and Abel’s clothes were being brought in.

The last time Drew had seen this tragic expression on her face was when she had just been told that her parents were dead. She had her arms wrapped around herself, trying to find a little comfort.

“Nia, honey, please come with me.”

He led her into his bedroom (the one he shared with Leah). What worried him the most was that she wasn’t crying; she was apparently just feeling hopeless.

“Can you tell me what’s wrong, Nia?”

She shook her head.

“Is it because you will lose your spot in the girls’ bedroom?”

She shook her head.

“Nia, I promise, I will make sure you are safe and secure. Leah should have talked to you before all this started. Is that it?”

She shook her head.

“Can you tell me what is making you so sad?”

“Not what, who. Val was my big sister. Now she’s Abel’s girlfriend, and Nan is going with Ted, and I’m all on my own again. Val has got what she always wanted—she got rid of me. Leah didn’t even notice. I’m just in their way because I’m little.”

“Oh, Nia, I’m so sorry. You’re never in MY way; I love you.”

Andrew was completely shocked but understanding. His arms pulled her into his chest, and he held on firmly. His eyes brimming, he blamed himself first for her distress. Nia was slumped against him, her arms hanging at her sides.

Then she started to cry, and he was losing it as well. After a little while, her arms came up and around him to hug him back.

After another minute, Leah knocked gently on the door and stuck her head in. Andrew glared at her and abruptly shook his head. In just a couple of seconds, Leah took in his angry and tear-stained face and retreated, shutting the door behind her.

“So, I understand. I’m listening. What can I do to make this right?”

“I don’t know. Val doesn’t want a little sister, and Leah doesn’t care. I’m only ten, Andrew. I can’t fix anything.”

She had stopped crying and was now just sniffling, but that same hopeless look was back on her face. Seeing it hurt Drew’s heart.

“You have to trust me, Nia. I promise you, I will make this better. For now, why don’t you stay in here and rest? I’ll get your iPad. Is there anything else I can do? Wait, did you have breakfast?”

“Uh-uh.”

“I’ll get you a bowl of crispy rice and some orange juice. Just relax, I’ll bring it in for you.”

“But...”

“Nope, take it easy. I’ll be right back.”

He brought in her iPad and her breakfast on a tray. She couldn’t remember ever being spoiled this way. Her little smile made the effort well worth his time.