Familiar Ground

by Michelle Lynn

  “How did it go? At least she’s something nice to look at,” he comments, and I roll my eyes.

  “My niece, Dani, is awesome. She’s the cutest thing ever. As far as Leah,” I begin, and Marcus looks at me confused, “the aunt,” I clarify and he nods again, “she’s really cool. I took her and Dani to my parents’ today. We had a lot of fun—,”

  “Whoa…hold the phone.” He puts his hand up in the air. “What do you really need to tell me here?” He smirks. “Your damn face is doing something funny when you talk about the aunt. I can’t figure it out, if it’s the girl or the aunt that’s giving your face that funny look.” He peers over at me, and I raise my beer to my face a little more. “It’s the aunt. She’s hot and all, but Adam, she seems like some icicle that would never thaw even in a hundred degrees weather.”

  “Get off of that. Just because she doesn’t like you doesn’t mean she’s some ice queen.” I take a deep breath in, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Polly coming over with our food. She places it down and smiles.

  “Thanks, Pollyanna,” Marcus teases her, and she gives a mean smirk back before leaving. “She’s so touchy today, what’s what up with that?”

  “I’m pretty sure, it’s you,” I say, popping a chip in my mouth.

  “Never mind Prickly Polly, your mind is already too occupied with Lacy Leah. You see how I changed that. Made her seem delicate.” He laughs at his own joke while I stare at him, clearly annoyed. “Okay…okay…so are you gonna nail her or what?” he asks through a mouth full of food.

  “No, I’m not going to nail her. I can’t do anything with her,” I remind myself and him.

  “You want to, though?” He nods his head while smirking at me. I remain quiet and begin eating my wings. “You do. You want to nail auntie,” he says a little too loud for me and a few heads turn.

  “Shut the fuck up! She isn’t my aunt,” I defensively murmur between us, and he chuckles.

  “What’s your plan?” He disregards everything I’m trying to communicate.

  “Nothing,” I tell him, shaking my head while bringing a wing up to my lips.

  “Pussy,” he calls me while turning his attention to the television.

  “What the hell is with you tonight? You’re being a jackass to everyone,” I ask, and he quickly turns his focus back to me.

  “I’m always a jackass, man. Where have you been the last four years?” I continue eating, ignoring him staring at me. “It’s the girl. You’re just being all defensive and stuff about her.” He nods his head and smiles, as though he just uncovered some damn secret.

  “No, I’m pretty sure you’re just an asshole.” I fix my vision on the television in front of us, watching the two teams walking out on to the field.

  “Maybe, you’re right.” The conversation ends, and we focus on the best distraction—football.

  Marcus and I watch the game, cheering on our respective teams. He has a few more outbursts when the Packers score, making him almost get into a fight with a Bear’s fan. Luckily, Polly was able to calm the other customer down. The last thing I’m in the mood for is a bar fight. In the end, the Bears win it thirty-six to twenty-eight, making Marcus livid.

  “Get your blue and orange out, buddy,” I kid, slapping him on the back.

  “I’ll have to dig it out of the attic, since it’s been over two years.” I’m glad he still has his sense of humor.

  “Well…start digging,” I joke. “Tomorrow I expect to see number fifty-four highlighted on your chest for everyone to see.” Standing up, I grab my phone, giving it one more look before shoving it in my pocket.

  “You leaving already?” he asks as I toss a bunch of money on the table.

  “Early morning tomorrow,” I say, cocking my eyebrow at him. “Maybe you should consider.”

  “Nah, those two Cutler twins need some Packer in them.” He glances over at the girls, who are giggling to each other while eyeing Marcus.

  Clapping him on the shoulder. “Have fun man.” I shake my head.

  “Don’t hurt yourself too much? With those calluses you’ll need more lotion, jelly, or whatever’s your usual pleasure.” He follows me, and I ignore his comment. When he stops by the two girls, wrapping his arms around each one, I continue to the door. “Dream of Lacy Leah—maybe in some leather.” He chuckles, and I turn around, watching him escorting the two girls to the table I just occupied with him.

  The streets are dark with the lamps leading the speckled path down to my apartment. Drunken college guys and girls fill the sidewalks, screaming and laughing from the win of their home team. Opening my apartment door, I toss my keys on the small kitchen table, shrug off my jacket, and plop on the couch. I’m exhausted from everything. Letting my head rest on the back of the cushion, I turn on the television and watch some show about Alaska. The thought maybe that’s where I should go. Maybe I’d be able to find a job up there. Leaving Chicago was my plan once upon a time. Up until my parents lost their daughter, leaving me as all they have. There’s no way I could do that to them now. A sense of responsibility to stay close to them will always be present. Now with Dani, it would make it even harder.

  My phone is never far away, even though odds of someone calling me to the rescue aren’t there anymore. It stays in my pocket, still rests on my nightstand every night, and it’s the first thing I check when I get up in the morning. Old habits are hard to change. My mind continues to flow through my life’s upheaval this past couple of weeks. My sister’s dead, I have a niece, and I’m starting to like her aunt a little too much for my liking.

  My phone vibrates, and I slide it out of my pocket.

  Leah: Would you mind picking Dani up on Wednesday?

  Me: Sure, what time?

  Leah: It just has to be by 6, I should be home by eight or so.

  Me: No problem. Do you want me to bring her back to my place?

  Leah: If you don’t mind, I’d prefer you to bring her here. I’ll leave a key in her bag.

  Me: Sounds good.

  Leah: Thank you so much.

  Me: You’re welcome.

  It’s amazing how a person’s name on your phone can change your mood instantly. Two days, and I’ll get my fix of Dani and Leah.

  My fingers tap on my steering wheel to the beat of the music playing from my radio as I drive over to Kiddie Camp Daycare. Leah has assured me she’s written my name on the list. I have to say I’m surprised at how excited I am to spend a few hours with a three-year-old.

  Arriving at the black gates with the child’s crayon drawing sign, I know I’m in the right place. I press the round black button, and a lady asks me my name. After giving it and telling her who I’m here for, a buzzing sound blares out of the speaker. As I jog up the cement steps, the door opens and an older lady blocks my path.

  “Adam McAllister?” her stern voice asks, and suddenly an ashamed guilty feeling comes over me, as though I’m nine and being punished for pushing Jimmy on the playground.

  “Yes, ma’am. That’s me,” I reply in my most innocent and respectful voice. Attending catholic school your whole life allows you to change voice tones second by second.

  “I’m Mrs. Connie. You’re Dani’s uncle, I presume?” Her eyes roam up and down my body, and I’m thankful I stopped at my apartment to take a shower after work, even if it was purely for Leah’s benefit.

  “Yes, ma’am. Um…did Leah inform your office I’d be picking Dani up today?” I roll back on my heels, feeling uncomfortable more every minute.

  “Yes, she did. Dani’s just finishing her drawing. Come on in,” she says, motioning with her hand, finally allowing me through the doorway. I have to say, I’m relieved this lady is such a hard ass. She makes me feel safer with Dani being here.

  “Thank you, ma’am,” I graciously say, taking in the colorful walls.

  “So, tell me about yourself, Adam?” she asks in a nice voice as I follow a step behind her down the hall. We pass classrooms filled with kids, playing with small plastic kitchen
ettes or pushing cars around every surface.

  “Well…I just graduated college last May. I’m working for Thompson Contracting.” My eyes veer from side to side, taking in everything around me.

  “Leah has filled me in on some of Dani’s story. She’s adjusting quite well. Even starting to talk more to the teacher and the other kids.” She turns back to me and smiles.

  “That’s good to hear—,” I’m about to say more, but she places her hand on my forearm and raises her finger to her lips.

  “Shh…” She points to the baby room. Turning my head, I find women in rockers with babies filling their arms, while others are in cribs sleeping. Seeing all the small babies, has me wondering what Dani was like as a baby. How did Cassi take care of her? The thought if she used while pregnant revolts me.

  After we pass the ‘quiet zone’ I spot Dani at a table in the room at the end of the hall . She’s concentrating hard on the picture in front of her. Then she puts her crayon down and leans back in her chair. Mrs. Connie stops me before we’re about to enter and steers me over to a window. Dani watches the other kids mill around, playing from toy to toy. No smile crosses her face, and eventually she goes back to coloring, ignoring all the chaos surrounding her. At this moment, my heart breaks for Dani. Her quiet demeanor and shy persona are holding her back from having fun with other kids. I can almost see how badly she wants to join in, but just doesn’t know how. I’m not sure why I never thought of it before. That she probably hasn’t had any previous interaction with children.

  As though Mrs. Connie can see the recollection across my face. “Are there any other children in your family?” I shake my head, keeping my eyes glued to Dani. “Well, like I said, she’s starting to come around. It will take some time. Believe it or not, her watching the other kids is a very good sign.”

  I swallow, attempting to choke back my tears of sadness for her. “Thank you,” I say, “for everything. Leah found a great place for her,” I compliment her facility.

  “Should you need anything, please, let me know.” She turns around and brings me into Dani’s classroom.

  “Hello, Miss Karen. This is Dani’s uncle, Adam McAllister.” She walks in the room, and Dani’s eyes shoot up. A small smile creeps on her face, and I match hers ten-fold.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Karen,” I say, holding my hand out. She’s a petite lady with short dark hair, most likely in her thirties. She smiles and places her hand in mine.

  “Hi, Mr. McAllister,” she greets me.

  “Adam, please,” I suggest, and she nods.

  “Dani, are you all done?” She rises to her feet and walks over to Dani, reaching for the picture.

  “Yes,” Dani softly answers.

  “It’s beautiful. Shall we give it your uncle?”

  “Yes,” Dani replies and takes it from her teacher’s hands and walks it over to me. It’s an image that I have no idea what it could be, and I don’t want to embarrass her by asking.

  “I love it, thank you,” I tell her, and she smiles at me and stands by my side.

  “Go get your backpack, sweetheart,” Miss Karen instructs her, and Dani follows the directions.

  One little girl with red-haired braids comes over to her, and Dani stares forward, as though the girl isn’t there.

  “Bye, Dani,” she says, but Dani doesn’t respond, instead she grabs her backpack and walks back over to me.

  “Dani, can you say goodbye to Gracie?” Miss Karen asks, and Dani’s eyes dart to the teacher’s and then back to the ground. “Have a good day you two.” Miss Karen relents, and we file out of the room.

  Following Mrs. Connie down the hall, Dani walks a few feet to my right. The quiet, awkward atmosphere has me fidgeting with my keys in my pocket. By the time we reach the door, it’s like the heavenly gates.

  “Bye, Dani,” Mrs. Connie says.

  “Bye,” Dani tells her and then focuses on her feet again.

  “It was very nice to meet you, Adam. Please, stop by anytime.” She holds out her hand, and I shake it. I escort Dani out the front door. “Oh and Adam,” she draws my attention back to her. Turning around while Dani walks down the steps. “I’m very sorry for your loss.” She bows her head.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Connie. Have a great evening.” I allow the door to shut behind me, and I jog down the steps to join Dani. We open up the black gate and start walking down the street to my car. “Dani, can I have your backpack?” I ask her, and she wiggles her arms out of the straps and hands it to me.

  I dig through the pockets and find an envelope with my name written in the most girly handwriting. The heavy weight of it tells me the key to Leah’s apartment is enclosed. After I get Dani all strapped into her car seat, I make my way to my side of the car.

  When I turn the ignition, Dani screams in excitement. “Uncle Adam, you’re car goes roar,” she remarks, and I can’t smother the bellow of laughter.

  “Yeah, it does,” I agree, staring back at her through the rearview mirror.

  “Why?” she asks, meeting my eyes through the reflection.

  “Uncle Adam likes a lot of horsepower.”

  “You have horses?” she asks, and I laugh again.

  “In a way, I guess.” I smile, and her lips turn up in response. “Now, little girl, what do you want to eat?”

  “Fries,” she says, and since I’m not about to deny my niece any wish, I accommodate.

  “McDonalds it is.” I pull out of the parking spot when Dani’s screams again, but this time it’s not because of my car.

  I shoot through the drive-thru to make it faster, and we get back to their place by five. With full hands I open the door to their apartment, and Dani rushes in, tossing her backpack by the door. The first thing I smell, besides the grease from the bag I’m bringing in, is a light vanilla scent I’ve come to know as Leah’s. After placing the bags and drinks on the counter of the breakfast bar, I venture back toward the door and grab Dani’s bag, placing it on the bench.

  Setting up Dani’s nuggets, fries, and milk, she comes over and begins eating. I’m just about to sit down and eat, when I find a note from Leah. It’s labeled instructions, and I scan through it, reading the designated times she’s been doing things. Then I crumble it up and toss it in the trashcan. If I can handle a thirty-five thousand pound piece of equipment, I can easily accomplish getting a three-year-old to bed.

  The last thing I wanted was to disrupt Adam’s week and ask him to pick up Dani, but if I don’t do my research project, I won’t be graduating. The thought of Jason watching her had crossed my mind, but I feared how it would go or if Jason would even agree. He’s smack in the middle of pledge season, so his free time is few and far between.

  Adam texted me, letting me know he’d picked her up and they were on their way home after picking up McDonalds. I smiled, since Dani loves her fries and she was probably ecstatic that he took her there.

  Since my research partner was sick, we cut the session short. When I get off the train, instead of walking¸ I decide to cab it back home. It’s starting to get dark earlier with winter approaching and, even with my pepper spray, I don’t feel safe when passing the alleys alone at night.

  I glance at my phone right before the cab pulls up to my apartment. Seven o’clock, so I’ll get there just in time to relieve Adam and get Dani ready for bed. Paying the cabbie, I climb out and jog up the stairs to my apartment after picking up the mail. Shuffling through the envelopes mindlessly as I place my key in the locks, each clicks open. With the mail in one hand and the other hand on the doorknob, I hear Dani’s loud laughter from the other side of the door.

  When I twist the knob, I scan the living room, but it’s empty. So I walk into the kitchen and place the mail and my bag on the table, deciding to follow the laughter. Dani wizzes by me, her curly hair flying behind her. Then, she notices me, and her feet pat faster against the floor and she grabs my leg, hiding herself.

  “Come out, Come out, wherever you are,” Adam hollers down the hall, and when
he turns the corner and finds me, he smiles, and I return it. His eyes focus on the movement behind my legs.

  “Hey, Leah,” he greets me, and I can’t help but notice how attractive he his. He’s got that sexy stubble, showing he hasn’t shaved in a couple of days. His low hanging jeans and fit t-shirt has me unconsciously licking my lips.

  “Hi, Adam.”

  “Have you seen a little girl around here? She’s about yay high.” He places his hand down to how tall Dani is. “She’s hiding from me.” He winks, and it takes everything in me to stay upright from that one action.

  “Hmm…I’m not sure,” I kid, and Dani giggles from behind my legs, gripping my pants tighter with her hands.

  Adam looks down again, with a smirk across his face. “There you are!” He grabs her, picking her up, and tossing her over his shoulder.

  “Uncle Adam,” she screams, playfully hitting his back while squealing in laughter.

  He swings her around, and my stomach clenches, thinking her head will surely hit a wall or the television. “Wait, I lost her again,” he jokes, pretending to look behind him and to the side.

  She peers over to me and smiles, as though he really did lose her. Finally, she relents. “I’m right here,” she says, and he continues his charade. “Uncle Adam, you’re holding me.” She shakes her head, and he slowly brings her forward.

  “There you are. I was afraid I’d lost you, and Aunt Leah would never forgive me.” He sets her on the ground, and she comes over and hugs my legs.

  “Hi, Aunt Leah.”

  “Hi, Dani.” I place my palm lovingly across her hair.

  “Uncle Adam took me to McDonalds, and I got fries. Then I finished them, so he gave me some of his,” She begins to divulge all of their evening together. “Then he gave me a cookie. Did you know McDonalds has cookies? We could have gone there the other night, instead of making them,” she rambles, and I wonder where on earth did this girl come from? She looks up to me, and I give her my sole attention. “They were better than the ones we made,” she whispers, and Adam coughs out a laugh.