The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 41 - Order Out of Chaos

That week, Friday morning came as early as it usually did. Zackary's fever came down during the night and stayed down, so that by morning he was feeling much better. So much better, Greg wondered if Susan might decide to send him to school. She considered it, but decided another day of rest was a better idea.

"Remember, you have soccer tomorrow and you want to be rested for your game. I can take you by the school this afternoon when I go to pick up Jessie so you can get your assignments," Susan suggested, but Zackary only groaned.

"I don't want to spend all weekend while Matt's here doing homework!" he complained.

"Would you rather go to school and risk being sick again?" Susan asked. "If you have homework you can get it done and still spend time with him this weekend. If you're sick, you're going to have to stay away from him completely."

Zackary frowned. "Okay, I'll stay home. Do I have to stay in bed?"

"Not if you don't want to. Maybe you can work on unpacking some of your boxes? Put some of your things back into your dresser?" Susan suggested.

"Yeah, I can do that," Zackary agreed. "What time is Matt going to be here?"

"Mid-afternoon," Susan said. "Mitchel's bringing him."

"Okay," Zackary said.

"Mama, am I going to school?" Jessie asked.

"Are you feeling sick?" Susan asked. Jessie shook her head. "Then you need to go to school. Come on, let's find your clothes."

"Papa, are you going to make breakfast?" Jessie asked Greg who was dressed and standing in the hall.

"I can, if you'd like Mama to help you," Greg said.

"Yes. I want a girl to help me today," Jessie explained.

Greg arched his brow. Normally Jessie seemed oblivious to the fact of gender, but apparently not today. Susan exchanged a look with him and shrugged slightly.

"Come on, Jess," Susan said. "Let's see what we can do."

They ate breakfast as a family once Jessie was ready, and Susan walked her to the bus stop, waiting with her until it came before returning home.

c

The house seemed very quiet when Susan arrived home again. There was only a slight rustling sound coming from the master bedroom, and she followed it to find Greg focused on emptying the remainder of the half-empty boxes into their dresser.

"Hi," she said as she entered the room.

"Hello. Did Jessie get off to school okay?" Greg asked.

"Yes. She doesn't like being at the new bus stop by herself. I don't blame her. It's pretty isolated and exposed," Susan commented.

"Perhaps we can take her to school on occasion if Zackary isn't going for some reason," Greg suggested.

"Maybe. Shall I start on the closet after I check on Zack?" Susan suggested.

"That depends. Do you want to go with me to turn in the key? We're supposed to meet our landlord at the farmhouse in an hour, remember?"

"I do, but that won't take long and we do have an hour before we need to leave," Susan reminded him.

"In that case, I think starting on the closet is a very good idea. I believe we will feel better able to face whatever comes our way if our own space is more or less in order," Greg said.

Susan paused. "Is that a philosophical comment on life or simply an observation on the move?"

Greg paused what he was doing, looking up. "I meant it in regards to our move, but you are right. Such a statement could apply to our life too." He arched his brow. "Fascinating."