I had been in charge barely a couple of hours when the problems began. More like starting to get worse. I drove Bette to the airport that morning after a hour or two of a long and intense goodbye in the bedroom. She left satisfied, lets just say that. The three of us ate breakfast together and Bette went over the rules for Evan to follow. Nothing complicated I could tell from Evans eye rolling. Just listen to everything I say and behave. I laughed at her reaction but quickly stopped when Bette looked at me as if saying not to encourage her behavior. I stopped. Everything simple enough, even the goodbye from the airport was okay. I expecting a show from Evan but got nothing. She hugged her mother goodbye and then grabbed my hand as we stood there and watched Bette board the plane.
Simple, right? Wrong.


On the drive home, Evan sat quietly in the backseat. I tried to make conversation but soon discovered that she wasnt in the mood. Bette had warned me that whenever she would leave for business trips, Evan would sulk. My mission was to break her out of her funk and have a good time with me.

Hey, Ev, sweetie, what do you say to us stopping at the market and loading up on junk food? I mean, anything and everything you can think of. And then maybe rent some movies…
Can Alice come over?
Uh, sure sweetie. Well make it a girls night.
Dana, too?
I think Dana is training right now Ev…but uh… we cant forget Shane.
Yeah… I like Shane.
Alright, then… Ill call them as soon as we get home.
Tina, I can have anything I want?

Uh-oh…loaded question.

Yeah, sweetie, anything.

*****

We made it back to Bettes apartment after patrolling the aisles of the food market with five big bags of groceries. Potato chips, ice cream, cookies, gummy bears and a lot of other treats I have never seen before. I got on the horn to all the girls and didnt have to explain what was happening. They were used to Evan and her mood swings and knew what to do.

We always have a slumber party the first night Bettes away, Alice stated coming through the door that night.

I trusted Alice to rent the movies, since she knew what Evan liked. And as soon as she stepped in the door Evans attitude changed. Back was the happy little girl I knew. Chatting non-stop the entire night. Making all of us laugh when she did a dead on impression of her mother.

Al, what is it that you dont understand or is it that you just cant possibly fathom the concept of minding ones own business? Evan recited in her mothers voice.

Her imitation of Bettes posture and attitude were dead on. Shane and I were rolling on the floor laughing while Alice bit her lip in irritation. She did have a way of pushing you.

Okay, that wasnt exactly funny, Alice scoffed.

Her reaction only caused us to laugh harder.

Quit it guys.
Im sorry Al, but that was hilarious.
Whatever.
Okay, okay… well stop laughing Alice. Right Shane?
I make no promises, she laughed.
Aunt Alice….I didnt mean to hurt your feelings, Evan sort of apologized hugging Alice.
Its okay, munchkin, Alice replied hugging her back.

After the laugh-a-thon, the four of us settled down in front of the television with a picnic of goodies. First movie up… Annie. We danced, we sang, we cried and we sang again. Second movie…The Little Mermaid. I loved it. One of my favorites. After that, as Shane was putting in a third, Evan went to the bathroom but never came back.

Hey Evan, the movie is about to start, Shane yelled.
Nothing.

Ill go get her.

I went to the bathroom to check on her but found it empty.

Evan?

I continued my search and found Evan lying on her bed. Asleep. I stood in the doorway watching her sleep and then decided that she would be much more comfortable with her sweatshirt on. I got her undressed and tucked her under the covers.

Good night, sweetie, I whispered kissing her forehead.

I closed her door but left it open a crack to hear her if she called out.

*****

So wheres the little goober? Shane asked as I sat down on the couch.
Asleep.
She lasted longer than I thought, Alice said.
Well, then… Shane said removing the movie from the DVD player.
Time for the grown up movies, Alice directed.
Grown up movies?
Yeah… sit back, relax and enjoy the show, Shane instructed.

I sat back and waited for the movie to begin. The music came up, followed by the opening credits. The movie titled read….Bound. I had never seen that movie before and was quite surprised by the storyline. Not to say that I didnt like it, the movie was just not my style. And when it was over, Alice and Shane were looking to me for my reaction. Thumbs up or thumbs down. I gave them the middle ground.

It was okay. Definitely interesting.
Interesting? Alice asked.
Yeah, interesting. I dont know what else to say.
Well that doesnt tell us if you liked it or not, Shane said.
No it doesnt.
Well? Alice asked again.
It was interesting, I repeated again.
Cmon, Tina. Speak to us. What did you think?

I had opened my mouth to speak when Evans small whimper saved me. We all turned around to see Evan standing in the hall, rubbing her eyes.

Baby, whats wrong? I asked kneeling beside her.
My tummy hurts, she whined.
Oh baby, I cooed picking her up.
I carried her to the couch and sat down next to Shane. Evan tucked herself into my lap and laid her head against my shoulder.

Hey, sweetie, you feelin okay? Shane asked.

Evan shook her head no.

It hurts bad? I asked.
Uh-huh.
Maybe a glass of milk? Alice suggested.
No, uh.. We need ginger ale. I dont think I brought any this morning, I said.
No problem. Ill go get some, Shane offered.
From where Shane? It like two in the morning.
Someone is open, Al. Ill be right back, Shane said grabbing her keys.

Evan began to whine. I sat up a little and began to rock her and sing the only song I could remember.

Suga pie, honey bunch
dont you know I love you
I cant help myself
I love you and nobody else
in and out my life
you come and go
leaving just your picture behind
and Ive kissed it a thousand times
Suga pie, honey bunch, I started again and this time Alice joined me as back up.

We sang the same part over and over til Evan eyes closed and she was asleep again.

Hey guys, I found the…
Quiet Shane, Alice hissed.
Shes asleep, I whispered.

Shane nodded her head and went to put the soda in the fridge.

No, leave it out.
Kay.

I relaxed against the couch cushions holding Evan tighter against me.

You are a natural, Shane smiled.
Yeah, you are, Alice agreed.

I looked up at my new friends and smiled. Comforting Evan felt natural.

*****