Getting Home

Part 14

True to his word, Jorge had gone upstairs to start the shower.

I led Henry by the hand up the stairs. The bathroom was surprisingly large—and the most up-to-date room in the house after being remodeled a few months ago... something I'll always remember because of how often Jorge had come to use my bathroom to primp and preen and do whatever he did. The new walk-in shower was spacious and roomy, with earthy-colored really fancy tiling, all encased in glass that was already steaming up.

Also true to his word, Jorge was sitting in the corner of the bathroom.

"Jorge—out," I said.

"Aw, but chica," he said, pouting. "Really going to do me like that? Your own best friend?"

"Yes. Out."

"Ugh. Fine." Jorge stood up haughtily. "Let me go find some clothes for the King and Queen Ava." He continued mumbling as he left the bathroom, trailing off. "Always with the putas and pendejos..."

"Okay, anyways," I said, turning back to Henry.

And realizing I didn't know what to say.

"So..." I started. "You really should get cleaned up. You know what a shower is, right?"

He cocked his eyebrow, inquisitive.

"You know... like washing your body? With water?" I pointed to the shower, then pantomimed running my hands over my arms and legs.

"You mean... bathing?" Henry said.

"Yes!" I almost clapped my hands together. See? I told you—Henry really was getting better.

Or maybe he's just learning.

"Okay, so..." Now I really didn't know what to say. I began to pick nervously at my sweater. "You... you have to take your clothes off."

He just stood there. The water coming from the shower was a soothing, relaxing sound.

"You know, clothes off?" I took my sweater off to show him... it was getting hot, anyways.

Sure.

I turned around. "I'll be right outside the door, okay?"

"Why?"

"Well... you know. Privacy."

"Privacy?" He sounded confused.

"Yes. Like, you have to get..." I swallowed dryly. "...naked. It just means I'll leave the room so I don't see it."

"Why?"

"It... it might make you uncomfortable."

"Why?"

"Well, because..." It was a good question, I guess. If it didn't bother him, would it bother me? I'm as curious as the next girl, but getting naked in front of someone else? I already felt myself blushing.

That would be mortifying.

"It can be embarrassing, I guess," I said.

I expected another "why," but instead he just shook his head to himself.

And started taking his clothes off.

He really is changing... becoming more aware. Soon he won't need me anymore.

True to my word, I started for the door.

"Please, don't go." His voice was confused and anxious again.

He's alone, lost, and scared... I guess I wouldn't want to be alone either.

"Alright, Henry," I said. "I'll stay."