On The Other Side

Chapter Ten: Peppermint Sticks

I kiss mamaí’s tummy before starting my chores, “Just two more months, then I get to meet you,” I whisper this to her tummy, the baby kicks in response. “See, the baby can hear me, it’s excited to meet me too. And guess what else, Dec said Christmas is right around the corner. Do you think Santa will leave me presents?”

“Why wouldn’t he, you’ve been a good little girl, Aggie.” Mamaí kisses my forehead, “Now, off to work with you,” she says smiling.

I skip away, finding Craggy on the canned food aisle. He’s sitting on a small stool, his cane at his feet. His hair is a little bit red, with lots of white in it, an old green cap on, even when he’s inside. The skin on his face full of wrinkles, I like to pull his skin up and down, making the wrinkles move, it makes me laugh and that makes Craggy laugh.
         
“Ah, little one, there you are. How are you this fine morning?” Craggy’s voice is rough and low.

 “I’m good, because guess why?” I’m too excited to wait for him to guess, “In four weeks I get to have a new brother or sister.” I hop from foot to foot, feeling like I might burst.

“That is very exciting, indeed. What are you hoping for most, a sister or brother?”

I scrunch up my nose, this is a ‘portant question, “I thought I wanted a little sister more, but now, I want a brother, because what if her looks like my daidí? If he does, it’ll be like he never left, like he’s still here with us.” Tears come in my eyes, but I swipe them away, “Is that silly that that’s my wish?”

Craggy clears his throat, but his voice is still rasping, “No, Aggie, I think it’s an excellent wish. Come, let me tell you a secret.” I kneel in front of him, he crouches lower, so we’re eye to eye, “Even if your papa isn’t here in this room, he’s still here,” he taps a finger gently over my heart, “He’s right here, always. I think having a brother is a fine idea.”

Grinning, I kiss his knee, making him laugh, “Crag, do you think you could be my new daidí, do you want to marry us and come home with us?”

Craggy’s eyes open really big, he laughs, then coughs a little, “Aggie, I’m too old to marry your mama, but it would be a great honor to be your, let’s say, honorary seanathair, how would you feel about that?”

I throw my arms around his neck, “I would love that a lot. Crag?”

“Hmm?”
          
“Do you think Dec would want to marry us and go home with us?” Crag starts laughing really loud at that question, I tug his pant leg, “But do you? Do you think Dec would want to?”

“We’ll see, lass, we’ll see.” Craggy stands up, his knees cracking, “Come on little one, let’s go sneak a peppermint stick.”

Declan is helping a lady at the counter that has the big machine on it, it dings and makes lots of loud noises, Dec says it’s the cash machine. He told me he’d teach me to use it someday.

I go with Craggy, picking out a peppermint stick, Crag sneaks an extra one in the pocket of my sweater, he puts a finger to his lips, making me grin. I like candy secrets.
           
Declan, finished helping the customer, comes over to the counter, whistling, “How’s my best girl, did you get a treat?”

I nod my head, “Dec, do you want to marry us?” He starts coughing, choking. His face turns as red as my hair, “Well, do you?” I press.

He looks from Craggy, back to me, then looks around the store, maybe looking for mamaí, but she’s outside sweeping the steps. He takes some gulping breaths.

Craggy laughs, says, “The little girl asked you a question, Dec.”

Declan grabs the jar of peppermint sticks off the counter, “Do you want more peppermint sticks, Aggie.”

My eyes get big when Dec hands me the whole jar, “Yes, I do.” I reach my hand in, grab a handful of my most favorite candy, missing the choking look Declan gives Craggy, Craggy’s wink tossed back.