"Denny!" I have to stop myself from checking every inch of my grandson when we get to the police station. He rushes into Stevie's arms signing furiously and crying against her heart "Shhhhh, it's alright sweetheart grandma and grandpa are here, you're going to stay with us" she says the words outloud then signs them the best she can soothing Denny's tears. The policeman who called hands over a piece of paper for me to sign releasing Denny to our custody. "He told our translator that his mom got into a fight with her boyfriend, he hit her before they left for dinner." Brilliant. Drugs and violence, just what a growing child needs to see.
"Where are they now?" I'm so upset I'm shaking "They couldn't pay up at the diner so they ran, they must have decided to go somewhere Denny wouldn't be welcome. I assume a dealers house" the officer shakes his head hitching his thumbs in his belt "This is apparently the third time they've pulled a stunt like this and left him somewhere without paying. He's such a good kid, it makes me so angry to know they'd just leave him" him and me both.
"Let's get him home Linds, it's almost two in the morning. If there's still a bill left over, I'll pay it-" I try and stop Stevie but she shakes her head opening her billfold "How much did they owe the restaurant?" the officer scratches his neck but hands over a receipt for twenty-six dollars. They left a child in a twenty-four hour diner for twenty-six bucks. Before she can write the check, she's stopped by the officer "You'll have to pay them ma'am, but I'll note in my report that you are willing to pay off the check. They you're kids?" we both recoil at the same time, gathering Denny so we can leave "No, they're...they watch our grandson during the day sometimes" that's the best way I can describe it. No mother would leave their child for a man, especially one like Phanos. And as far as I'm concerned Denny's only parent is dead.
The owner of the diner is star struck to say the least, he refuses Stevie's money but does request a picture with the two of us and an autograph. It's the least we can do, and in return he tells us he won't pursue charges against Mina and Phanos. I do my best to persuade him neither of us is bothered by him having them arrested but in the end he insists. I didn't realize how personal Stevie would take them running out on a server, then it hit me. When she was the only one working it used to happen to her all the time.
"I don't have any pajama's for you little man, but I've got some oversized t-shirts" Stevie's mostly talking to herself as she makes up Denny's bedroom. She didn't expect to have him over so soon so he doesn't have sheets on his new bed, but a few minutes later and he's set to go. "Grandpa, do you live here? I thought you had another house?" Denny looks confused at our current situation, and I don't blame him. I do technically live somewhere else but I'm shaking with Stevie for the night. Maybe longer depending on how long Kristen wants to extend her little trip to her horse retreat.
"I'm visiting, spending the night like you" Smiling Denny jumps under the covers and Stevie and I sit next to him on either side tucking him up "Do you like staying with me and grandma?" he nods hugging a large stuffed bear tightly and yawning "Would you like to stay with us more?" my hands move slowly, unsure of his reaction to my question. He nods again loosening his grip momentarily to sign "You and grandma remind me of daddy. I miss my dad".
I feel like crying, Stevie kisses Denny's forehead gently combing his overgrown hair away from his eyes "I don't want you to be afraid to call us if you're in trouble okay little man?" her motherly instincts having kicked in Stevie scoots closer leaning on her elbow as she signs "I don't like Phanos, he hurts my momma and makes her angry" I don't much care for Phanos myself, but Mina is partially at fault it's not like she's asking for help to leave the guy. I count to ten slowly trying not to be too judgmental about her predicament but leaving Denny the way she did has put a stop to my sympathy for her all but completely.
