Silence is not Golden

Vol 3 Part 9

14 March 2017
Saturday 4:30 pm

Colin: We’re here. Mind helping with Jude’s things?

Riley: be right down.

Riley throws open Jude’s door and helps him out of his car seat. She turns around to go upstairs.

“Really? He’s all you're carrying?” Colin asks.

“He’s all I care about carrying. What else should I take?” Riley asks, offering an arm.

Colin slides the diaper bag over her shoulder.

“Good?”

Colin smiles and nods.

Riley goes in the house and remembers Colion’s never been to her room so she must direct him. Booo.

“Why did you bring his playpen?” Riley asks.

“Because your room probably isn’t baby proof and he’s been getting into everything this month.”

“That’s fair.” Riley laughs when they make eye contact. “Anyway, up to my room.”

She leads the way. Colin immediately goes about setting up the playpen.

Riley plays with Jude. Even getting some response this time.

“All done. Give me my child.” Colin says.

“But...”

“No buts, I want to get this started so we can go.”

“Fine.” Riley says, handing Jude over.

----- ----- -----
Cole

14 March 2017
Saturday 4:45 pm

I pull some toys out of the diaper bag. Ri hands me some more.

“Those aren’t his toys.” I state, confused.

“I brought them when we decided you would be bringing him. I kinda hoped he could play with them whenever you both come over.”

That’s really sweet.

“Okay. Thanks.” I say instead, putting them in the playpen with Jude. Who attacks all the toys.

“Are we ready to do this?” She asks, organizing some makeup.

I walk over and sit down. I see a brand new eyeliner.

“This new too?” I ask, picking it up.

“Yes. Sharing eye makeup can share some nasty germs so I brought you your own.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Now listen to some music and relax.”

Ri turns on some country music. She unwraps the eyeliner and starts with foundation.

“I swear you barely need this. And I’m jealous.”

“I have a morning and night care routine.”

“Same. Now I’m more jealous. Your skin is perfect.”

I laugh in reply.

“Moving on to eyeliner. This will feel rather strange. But bring out your eyes.”

I nod, preparing myself.

It doesn’t quite tickle. But like Ri said, it simply feels strange. Ri starts humming.

“What song is this?” I ask.

“Sarabeth. The one I wrote about in the note. Which I never gave back to you. My apologizes.”