Mess

05

"Mitch." Scott whispered, shaking me.

I opened my eyes slowly, trying to adjust to the sudden light entering my eyes. Once my eyes were adjusted, I found Summer lying beside me, crying. I quickly looked up at him, but he just shrugged.

"She said she wanted you, not me." He whispered to me.

I have been staying at the house for a week now. My job interview went really well. I'm gonna start working Monday, which is in two more days. The manager and I made a schedule so I can watch Summer while he is at work. Jake, Avi, and Scott all go to work around the same time. Jake is usually the first to come home, which is around 4 or 4:30. I have work at 5, so when Jake gets home, I will immediately get in the shower, put on my clothes, and have Scott drive me, since he gets home at about 4:45. Since I watch Summer for all the morning, afternoon, and some of the evening, the little girl and I have grown close. I do her hair and makeup everyday, which she loves. We'll usually play with her friends and gossip about them. It's kind of our thing. I love it. I like gossiping about all kinds of things. It's fun. Especially with her, since she makes it up on the spot and it's always something new. There's always something new with her.

Since I've been around Summer and a lot, I've learned some things about her that Scott doesn't know. Since she doesn't have a mom, she always worries Scott is gonna die and leave her all alone with no one to take care of her. She has all kinds of nightmares a lot. I have a feeling that the reason she is crying is because of this dream. I grabbed Summer and pulled her to me gently, cradling her in my arms. I looked over at Scott and motioned for him to leave. He looked over at me and Summer, seeming worried.

"Summer honey, I'll be right back. O.K.?" I asked, whispering in her ears.

"O.K." Summer nodded, crying. "Please hurry up."

"I will honey." I said, placing her back on the bed.

I grabbed Scott and pulled him outside the room, closing the door gently so I wouldn't startle Summer.

"Scott, you have to go downstairs." I said, looking at him seriously.

"Mitch, that's my daughter in there!" Scott exclaimed.

"And she's not gonna get any better if you don't leave." I said, looking at him. "Scott, your daughter is already very special to me. I have to help her. The only way I can do that is if you leave until I calm her down, O.K.?"

"Do you know what's wrong?" He asked, looking over at the door.

"I think I might." I nodded. "Scott, you have to trust me on this. Go downstairs for a few minutes. I'll tell you when she is better, but until then, stay down there."

"Are you..... are you sure you can help?" He asked worryingly.

"Scott, I trusted you when I was in my most vulnerable state of mind. Now, you have to trust me." I said.

"I trust you Mitch... but...." He sighed, rubbing his face.

"I know. She's your daughter." I said, grabbing his hand gently, making him look up at me. "But you have to trust me. I know I can help her. You're just gonna have to give me some time. O.K.?"

"O.K." He nodded, inhaling deeply. "I'm trusting you Mitch. Can I set outside the door?"

"Sure you can. Just stay out of sight." I said, before letting go of his hand and walking back into the room.

Summer was sitting on the bed, crying into the pillow. This poor girl.

"Summer, can you turn around and sit up for me baby girl?" I asked her quietly.