Patience

Six

"Are you going to go out and find a job today?" Molly asked me. She was holding Megan, who was crying, and attempting to flip pancakes at the same time. I could tell she was struggling. It was almost comical, but I kept my composure.

"Um, do you want me to hold the baby?" I asked.

"No, no, it's fine. And you didn't answer my question, Lucy," Molly said sternly.

"Sorry, hopefully, yes," I said. Maybe after Axl and I go out for lunch, I can find some place that's hiring.

"When are you going to do that?" Molly asked, putting a plate of pancakes in front of me. She sat down in the chair across the table and put Megan in her high chair. Megan had finally calmed down, and she was now playing with her bowl of cheerios.

"Um, can I go out this afternoon? I was thinking of doing it today." I said as I smeared butter on the top of my small stack of pancakes.

"With my car, I assume?" She asked.

"Yeah," I shrugged.

"Sure. Just do me a favor while you're out," She said, "I'll make a grocery list after breakfast and give you money. Can you get groceries?"

"Yeah, of course. That's not a problem, Molly," I assured her, my mouth full of food,

Molly nodded. "Good thing," She said, "Also, could you do one more thing?"

"What is that?" I asked.

"Could you take Megan with you?" Molly asked, "She hasn't been out in a bit, and I think she needs some sunlight." I knew what she really meant by that is that she needed a break, but I was hesitant to agree. Molly has never left me alone with her before, and I know nothing about children.

"But, Molly, you're her mother. Take her on a walk or go sit out on the porch with her," I countered. I knew I was pushing it by saying that, but Molly just sighed, her shoulders relaxing.

"You're her aunt, Lucy. You don't have an interview, do you?" She asked.

"N-no. Just picking up applications" I said reluctantly.

"Then you can take Megan," She said with a smirk, making me roll my eyes after she turned her back to me. I looked over at Megan, who was smiling brightly as if she was amused by the tension between her mother and I.

***

Before I left, Molly had showed me everything that I had to do to take care of Megan. Before I walked out the door, she handed me a diaper bag.

"Make sure to give Megan her formula soon," She said.

"Are you sure I can't just leave Megan here?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Now Lucy, I'm letting you stay here, so you're going to do me a favor and let me have some alone time, okay?"

"Fine. I'll be back soon."

"And don't forget the groceries!" Molly told me as I was out the door.

"I know, I know!" I called back, but she had already shut it and went back inside.

I wondered what Axl would think of me, considering I was bringing a baby along with me to our lunch date. I hoped he wouldn't be mad, or worst of all; think it's my child. I shuddered at the idea. Nothing against Megan; she's a good baby. I am afraid of scaring Axl.

Why, though? I thought. It's just lunch, it's not like you have any reason to try and impress him.

I parked in the same spot I did the night before, and waited in the car for a few minutes. It was a few minutes past twelve, and I jumped when I heard a knock on the window. I got out of the car and then ran around to the other side to get the baby.