This Love: A Frank Adler Story

Fifteen

Frank and I sat in an office while Mary waited. This was court ordered to see if our living situation was right for Mary.

"Why do we have to go to this stupid place anyways?" Mary asked.

"Because." I said as she played with blocks. "Because your grandma needs this information."

"Grandmother or Evelyn, Avery."

"Yeah whatever."

"I like Evelyn. She looks like my mom and has a nice piano. But I don't wanna live with her. I wanna live with you two in our new big house."

We were finishing up on moving in. The house was perfect.

"Just be honest, and I promise you you're not going anywhere." Frank said. I smiled.

———

Mary

"So what are Frank and Avery like?" The nice lady asked me.

"They're nice. Avery is my best friend. She does my hair and cooks with me and teaches me new things. She's a nurse so she's gone some nights and long days. But she makes a lot of money for our family. Frank is also really nice. He can be grumpy but he likes Avery and I."

"Are frank and Avery married?"

"Mhm. They just got married a little bit ago. And we're moving into a new house! I get my own room and it looks out on the water."

"Oh boy. That's a big change. How do you like it?"

"I love it. I get to paint my room any color, so I chose blue. Avery and I have been painting it. It's super cool."

"Avery seems really nice."

"Sometimes I wish she was my mom. But my mom isn't around anymore and I understand why."

"Mmm. And what about your friends?"

"Well Roberta's my best friend. I'm moving a tiny bit farther away from her but I can still see her house from mine so it's okay."

"Oh. And how long have you snd Roberta been friends?"

"As long as I can remember."

"Do you two go to the same school?"

"Oh no. She's an adult."

"Oh...do you have any friends your age?"

"No. Everyone my age is dumb. I like being around adults cause they get me."

"Okay. Well Mary. I really enjoyed talking to you."

"Yeah. Do we get to do this again?"

"I am not sure. But if I don't see you again, it was great meeting you." She said. I nodded.

———

Avery

Frank and I sat with Mary on the porch. She was tossing Fred his ping pong ball on the ground. I smiled.

Frank had his arm behind me on the outdoor couch. The sun was setting on the water.

"This house is so perfect." I whispered. Frank kissed my temple.

"Yeah it is." He said. He moved to whisper in my ear. "We have a court date."

I set my hand on his knee. I sighed and looked at Mary.

"When?"

"Next Tuesday. I'm so sorry." He whispered. I nodded.

"It's fine. We can prove that we're good parents."

He nodded. "My mothers tough."

"I'm tougher. I have been by this child's side since she was born. I left my hometown and did everything in my power to keep her safe." I whispered. He nodded.

Frank had a sorrowed look on his face. I rubbed his knee.

I knew he was scared. So was I.

But for now I would love on this little girl as long as I possibly could, and prove that I'm not only a good aunt, but the motherly figure she's wanted.