Second Chance

Falling Into Place

She playing in one of the tunnels on the playset when I arrive. I can see her talking to her wolf and she's adorable. I snap a quick picture before walking over to Daniel sitting at one of the tables. I slide in next to him and steal a quick kiss from him.

"Hey. How's your morning been?"

"Good. She's been up there since we got here. I was just going to grab her for a quick diaper change and see if she wanted any juice. How was work?"

"Long but quiet. Why don't I grab Bug for you. I wouldn't want you straining your knee anymore than necessary. I have plans for you and that knee tonight."

"Really now? I can't wait." he winks at me.

I grab another kiss before walking over to the playset. All the kids in the tunnels are all going around her as she sits in the middle oblivious to the rest of the world. Reminds me of what Dylan used to do. He still does it now just not as bad and not with toys but with all his files. I head up the few steps and squat down at the entrance of the tunnel she's in.

"Hey Bug. Want to come out and see Grandma?"

She looks over at me and smiles big. "Yea." She starts to crawl over to me dragging her wolf with her. That poor, poor wolf. She really puts him through the ringer.

I pick her up and she starts babbling away. I understand a few words which is progress. She's learning how to talk a lot faster than the boys did. I nod along and agree with her as she babbles away. When we get to the table Daniel already has her blanket and changing mat ready.

"There's my grandkid. Let's get you changed and see if you want something to snack on."

He changes her and sets her up with some juice and animal crackers. I manage to snag her wolf before she can start to feed him. I know she's going to want to try if I don't so I do but with crackers that aren't covered in drool and therefore won't become matted in his fur. I just sit back and watch her and him interact.

I've noticed he's started talking to her different. Not in a mean way or anything like that. But more like he talks to her like an adult more than the baby she is. He's also started asking her to choose between things. Kids don't normally start making choices like that until they're about 18 months. She knows what she wants but some of the choices he gives her shouldn't matter to her at her age. She's only 10 months old and I don't think I've met a baby her age that knows the difference between what kind of cheese they want. I ask about the colors she likes and shapes as well. It's almost as if he's testing her.

"So what's with all the questions and stuff?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you've been acting strange for the last month. Is it still about that missing girl?"

"Thomas?"

Bug looks up and watches us now instead of eating.

"Yeah. Still hung up on her?"

"Yeah. I just have a feeling I know her."

"Could it be because she looks so much like Bug?"

"Maybe. I've been going over everything I could find on her beside what's in the report. I've talked with her doctor and there's just something there that doesn't add up. I just can't put my finger on it."

He goes back to feeding Bug but she's more focused on what we were talking about. There's a glint in her eyes before she seems to go back to normal and start eating her crackers again. His phone rings startling the three of us.

"Hey kiddo. Everything okay?" He looks confused. "That's good but you don't sound too happy about it." He nods his head. "Yeah I can come down. Do you want me to leave Brooke with Lissa or bring her with?" Pause. "Sounds good. I'll be there shortly." He hangs up the phone and turns back to us. He has a strange look on his face. "Hey I've got to run to the station. You mind watching her while I'm gone. Dylan doesn't want her to see what's going on."