The Storm Comes Before The Rainbow

•14•

You all ready to become detective as shit?

Pete pours a second helping of Cocoa Puffs into the bowl and walks back over to the couch.

"Have you gotten the mail yet?" Patrick flops next to him, grabbing the spoon and taking a bite.

"No." Pete waits for Patrick to set the spoon back down. "Why?"

"I ordered something and I'm waiting for it to come. I'm concerned it got lost in travel. It's from overseas."

Pete takes a hearty bite. "Go check."

Patrick sits idle for a moment before standing. It's 5pm. Patrick usually sleeps until 12 but he and Pete both woke up at 3. He's positive he looks terrible but at this point, who cares. "Can I wear your slides?"

"Do they fit?"

Patrick slides his socked foot into the shoe. It's not terribly large but it's sure to slide off more than it should. "Nope." Patrick steps out and tugs on his sneakers.

"Love you!" Pete calls to Patrick as he walks out.

"Love you too!" Patrick shuts the door soon after.

Patrick walks through the quiet halls. He's standing at the elevator when a door opens behind him.

"Marv! Sweetie, come here."

A gorgeous toddler waddles out from the open door. Her mother is gorgeous as well, tall and striking. She's wearing some basic jeans and t-shirt but looks like she's about to walk a runway. If only Patrick would look that stunning in a t-shirt and jeans. Marv runs straight over to Patrick and tugs on his sweats, gurgling happily.

"Omigod, I'm so sorry. She's super social like her dad." The mother brushes a brown lock from her face. She picks up Marv and bounces the toddler on her hip.

"She looks just like you. Very pretty." Patrick smiles at the mother and then to Marv, who gives her best grin back.

"Aw, Thank you. Say thank you Marvel."

Ah, her name is Marvel.

Wait like the comics?

"Thank oo." Marvel mumbles.

Both Patrick and the mother laugh.

"Meagan." She extends a hand to Patrick.

"Patrick." He shakes her hand.

Marvel starts to cough violently. Her lungs sound awful. Patrick winces slightly.

"She's been sick for the past two days." She shakes her head. She bounces Marvel on her hip and kisses the toddlers forehead. "I feel so bad."

The elevator opens and they step inside.

"Aw, no. I hope she feels better soon. Is it a cold?" Patrick presses the lobby button.

"Thank you. We're not sure what it is. Her dad is pretty sure it's just a cold but I'm taking her to the doctors to be sure. She's my only baby girl." Meagan hugs the toddler.

"Aw." Patrick smiles.

"Do you have any kids?"

"Nah, not yet."

"You're still young." She smiles.

The door opens up and both walk out.

"I hope she feels better!" Patrick gives both of them one last grin.

"Thank you! Have a great day." Meagan and Marvel exit the apartment building.

Patrick turns and walks into the mail room. He uses the key to open the box and he pulls out several papers. Lots are bills and spam. Then there's once that has no return address.