The Office

Twenty-Five

--Scott--

"How're you enjoying your ice cream?" I asked Andrew. I was watching him for the day while Mitch was in court.

"I love it! Thank you Scotty."

"You're welcome."

"Will my daddy be okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"He's in court with dad. Will I lose daddy?"

"No Andrew, you won't. Your daddy is so strong. He's going to fight for you with every fiber of his being. He loves you more than anything."

"I know that. But I love my daddy and I don't like him being upset."

"Your dad upsets him?"

"A lot. He hurts daddy."

"I know he does Andrew, and I really wish he didn't. Your daddy is an amazing guy who your dad certainly doesn't deserve."

"You do. I think you like daddy."

"Oh Andrew. That doesn't matter. Your daddy would never like me like that."

"I bet he does. He's really good at hiding things."

"I noticed. I just don't see him falling for me."

"I do. Him and dad aren't gonna be together anymore. You can be with him." He gave me the sweetest smile a kid could've and my heart just melted.

"Thanks Andrew. We'll see how things turn out."

-

I was putting Andrew in bed when I heard the front door close, "Scott! I'm home!" I rushed down the stairs to see Mitch standing by the door taking off his jacket.

"Shhh. Andrew is asleep."

"Oh, sorry. How was he today?"

"Great. We got ice cream and he got a happy meal for lunch. He had a good time."

"He didn't cause any problems?"

"Not one. He was great all day."

"Well, thank you. I appreciate you watching him for me."

"You're welcome. It's no problem. But I have to go so I can get some sleep for work tomorrow."

"I gotta sleep too. But thank you. Really."

"You're welcome. I'll let you out early enough everyday that you can be home for Andrew."

"Oh Scott. Thanks so much."

"It's not a problem Mitch. I know you need it."

"I do. Now go home and sleep."

"I will. You sleep too."

"I'll try. See you tomorrow."

"See ya tomorrow Mitchy."