Heal Me, Love Me

4 - Full House

Asa stretched his back, glanced at the large digital clock above the open window - 3:30 p.m. His niece and nephew would be out soon. The sun beam through the set of the burning hour, and the office felt the warmth of the southern heat. His eyes diverted back on the model building in attempt to progress the project before he called it quits for the day. Near the corner of the towering replica, he glued the miniature tile of bronze to reflect the new building his company contracted. He never thought he would work for a large organization like the school district, but he had to admit the funds came in handy in such a short notice.

There was a double tap at his door, and he answered shortly after, "Come in."

Sara Kim shuffled inside with her noisy heels. With short cropped hair and bangs, she was a cute kid, about 19 years old, and a hell of an ambition. If he ever needed a fill in, no matter how difficult the task, she would take over without a doubt. She attached a sticky notepad on his computer and proceeded to recite her practiced dialogue.

"Mr. Ramos, Mr. Caldwell reported the completion of the sump and tank plastering. He wants to know when the rest of the pillars will arrive," she said, "and Mr. Godwin would like to receive a callback A.S.A.P about the meeting this morning."

Asa tried to fight back a smile.

"Did I say something funny?" Sara asked, her eyebrow lifted.

Asa shook his head. "I'll give him a call. And shoot an email to Caldwell on the receipts we have for the pillars. I doubt it'll arrive later than 6 a.m. tomorrow."

Sara Kim gave a short nod and exited out the room with her clicking heels to announce her departure. Asa leaned forward and began to glue the next tile. His mind flashed back to Caitlin Cataracts Michel crouched on the floor of the principal's office. He couldn't believed that the little preteen he crushed on for almost a decade stormed into his life with such an exhilarating entrance. He knew it was her instantly, despite the ten years he hadn't seen her. Her wild brown curls perked into a neat fro, her hazel eyes were still wide and powerful, and her voice of steady assurance. Her body matured many years in between, with curves that hadn't exist before, and a fierce stance that bellowed in her wake. Yet, he was appalled to witness her lamentation. For Cataracts to be crying for help meant something precarious or fatal struck her core.

What terrified him entirely was how quick he responded to her damsel in distress call. Even after the stretch of time that had passed, how did she secure such a hold on him? Frankly, he wanted to see her right now if he could. The way her fingers pressed into his arms, and her head leaned against his chest. He would've held onto her for hours on an end if it didn't interfere with his business. The ringing sound of his telephone drew him out of his trance.

"This is Asa Ramos speaking," he answered.

"Ah, Mr. Ramos, it's Godwin. I hate to interrupt your work hours, but I sincerely would like to apologize for such atrocious behavior from my employee," Mr. Godwin said in a clipped voice.

Asa placed him on speaker and continued to contour the model of the new building. He responded, "I genuinely believed that your school has a respectful and delightful staff. I'm impressed the way your employee trusts you, which reflects your deep connection to your faculty. It's hardly a reason to apologize for."

Mr. Godwin chuckled. "Well then, I'm entirely grateful."

Asa made an agreement sound. Sara Kim returned into the room and tapped her watch on the wrist. His eyebrows drew in, puzzled, and checked his digital clock. Has 45 minutes escaped in such a short amount of time? Asa thanked Mr. Godwin for considerations and gave him a projected time on when he would visit the school tomorrow. Mr. Godwin gratefully thanked him in return and hung up.

"Did you forget Mr. Ramos?"

"What?"

"The kids had tutoring today."

Asa dropped the materials in his hands. "Shoot, tutoring is on Thursdays?"

"I parked your car in front of the building. I will close the office tonight," she stated matter-of-factly. Sara handed him his suitcase and his car keys. Asa patted her back and promised her lunch for tomorrow. She gave a small smile in return and told him to be off.

Asa arrived at the front entrance of the elementary parking lot. Adrianna and Miguel lounged on the benches with their faces slumped. Miguel, his short and chubby nephew, kicked around the dirt near his feet. Adrianna stared at her older brother, holding back her dirty blonde hair in her small hands. Asa parked as close as possible to them and jumped out of the car to rush over to them. In Spanish said, "Guys, I'm so sorry."

They both glimpsed up to him in sudden relief.

"Whatever. Make no promises about picking us up if you not show up," snapped Miguel, rushed passed him without a second glance. He dragged his feet toward the red LaCrosse Avenir Buick.

Adrianna struggled with the language more, so instead she answered him in Spanish. "Bendición Tío." She embraced him in a tight hug around his waist. Asa put his arms around her tiny frame and they walked together tightly knit. She continued, "Miguel está sufriendo mucho por nuestro Papa."

"Oh mi amor," Asa answered her back, "it'll be a while before he is back to his usual funny self."

"I miss Mama," she said, her eyes closed for a second. "And Papa."

"Me too," Asa said, brushing her hair back softly. "A lot.  Why don't we order some Chinese tonight? We can go to the Puerto Rico place across abuela's house."

Adrianna's eyes gleamed with the idea of eating her favorite food and cheered.