McGee: Drawn to Life! (Special)

Chapter Fourteen

At the house, McGee had taken the opportunity to slip out of his sketchbook to catch a glimpse of anything other than the white void he'd made his sanctuary for well over a week now. He had found a comfy corner of the window pane to sit against, a small hand pressed to it longingly as the outside just seemed to grow increasingly out of his reach: first no Ellie, then no school, now he was just stuck it seemed in the old study that he was sure Nicholas would even forget about altogether once the baby arrived.

He watched the horizon with knitted brows, seeing the clouds rolling in slowly over the neighborhood houses

MCGEE:
Rain clouds...? Really?

*He sighed, leaning back into the woodwork with defeat.*

 Leave it to mother nature to bring me down, too, eh?

*He blew some blond strands out of his face in boredom for a bit, making a mental game plan for his coping skills for the impending boredom that would ensue. However, just as he was wallowing in self-pity, he heard a familiar voice chime up near the top of the staircase, startling him.*

Crud, it's Tamara...!

*He quickly tucked himself behind the window curtain in case she popped in. However, to his surprise, he heard a set of laughter ring through, both females.*

[Wait... who's--?]

TAMARA:
--Nick said we could start without him. Chances are he's just going to agree with whatever I want--

*She leaned into the woman beside her.*

--until it sounds expensive.

*Both girls chuckled.*

But he does love the planogram you sent us last week! You were spot on with the colors we had pictured in our heads! We were at the hardware store for hours over color swatches but nothing stuck out to us; should've called you sooner!

*They stood in the hallway for a moment.*

DEBRA:
Oh trust me, picking the perfect color scheme is an art in itself, I'm sure your husband would feel the same way. It took me a while to figure out the perfect colors for my niece's room and I didn't have nearly as generous of time to do so! 

TAMARA:
How is she doing by the way? Is she settling in? I know that sorta came on unexpectedly for you...

DEBRA:
As does most things when it comes to my family I'm afraid.

*She sighed, rolling her eyes.*

Nothing she did wrong of course. Ellie, like me, is just an unfortunate outcome of circumstances beyond our control, but I think this new start is what she needs, although she's been a bit melancholy again lately. She seemed to have a good week but then went back down. I worry if maybe I'm doing something wrong.

TAMARA:
*She placed a soft hand on the woman's upper arm.*

 I'm sure it's just her way of adjusting. You'll see before you know it, you'll be chasing her around town making sure she comes home before the street lights turn on come summer! I know I'm new to this whole becoming a parent thing, but---

*She continued to console Debra as they walked into the nursery.*

MCGEE:
*And just like that, the color, life, and light in his eyes returned.*

 Did she say, Ellie..?!

*Without a plan, he hopped onto the pull cord of the window, sliding down it before running to the door frame. He peered around the corner, seeing the women's shadows on the wall as they moved around the neighboring nursery.*

That must be her Aunt then...!

*He listened for a bit more, keen to hear how his beloved was doing a week away from one another. And from what he could gather, it wasn't great.*

DEBRA:
*She set her things down, hands on her hips as she shook her head.*

It's been such a roller coaster, Tamara. Sure, she was withdrawn at first and I was braced for that. Then she started coming around and I got maybe too hopeful?