Chronicles of the Living

Chapter 9

     "Are you hungry? Wanna stop anywhere?" Pete asks me from the driver's seat as we pull away from the hospital.

     "No I'm not hungry, we had cake. I do need to stop at the pharmacy when we get to town."

     "Sure thing." He smiles with his eyes still fixed on the road. "Tanya is making birria tacos tonight. Found some recipe online she wants to try."

     "Oh god, take me back." I joke. Yet I do cringe at the thought of her cooking my first meal out.

     "Don't worry Teresa is gonna help her." He chuckles.

     "Thank God." I laugh.

     "Anyway the kids are excited to have you come to stay. Well Lucas is anyway."

     "And Tanya?" I ask. I'm sure his wife isn't too keen on me staying with them for any prolonged period of time.

     "She's happy to have you Tom. We are all happy to have you." He brakes for a red light, the car comes to a stop with a jolt.

     "I know it's a lot for you guys. Thank you for everything." He turns to smile at me, as he does I point to the light that has now turned green.

     The rest of the drive was pretty quiet. I don't think Pete knows what to say to me right now. I don't know what to say to him either. After picking up my prescriptions we made our way to his house. When we got there I was surprised to see my car parked in his driveway.

     "How did you..?"

     "You still keep your keys in above the sun visor? Someone's gonna break into that thing." He interrupts.

     "Well I see you already did." I chuckle.

     "Yeah well it was that or let the town tow it, your welcome by the way." He laughs at me.

     "Thanks Pete." We step outside the car. As we walk toward the door is see it swing open. Then an excited Lucas storms out running toward me.

     "Uncle Tommy!" He runs up to me hugging my waist. I reach down and lift him up hugging him back.

     "Hey buddy." I hug him tightly. When loosen it he leans back staring at me.

     "I missed you!"

     "I missed you too buddy." I look over to see Pete very surprised at my reaction. I realize now this is the first time I showed real affection toward his kids.

     "He wouldn't leave the windows all day." Teresa leans against the doorway looking at me smiling. I smile at the thought of it. He really is that excited to see me again. I thought he'd be afraid of me. I guess Pete was right, kids forget. I just wish adults could.

     "Oh shit we forgot your stuff." Pete turns back to the car opening the backseat door. "I'll bring it in you go inside and get comfortable.

     "Alright thanks man" I thank him while I lower the child down onto the ground. He immediately runs toward the door, looking back to me from the doorframe. Teresa rests her hand on his shoulder while he waited for me to follow.

    We stepped into the house, Lucas immediately ran and jumped onto the couch.

     "I'll go make us some coffee." Teresa walks into the kitchen.

     "Thanks" I sit on the couch next to Lucas who sits in the middle excitedly flipping through cartoons. He eventually finds one turning it on. He stares into the TV screen very intently, it makes me chuckle under my breath. Pete walks into the doorway carrying my clothes and prescriptions.