October 3, 2002, Willow Park, Calgary, Alberta
Clare sat on the floor in front of the television watching the after school cartoons. Sprawled on the carpet in front of her were piles of finished and unfinished drawings. The sounds of the TV flowed through one of Clare’s ears and out the other; she was more focused on the tiger she was working on. Most days, Clare came home to an empty house while her mom worked; she didn’t mind because she knew her mom was working hard to support the two of them ever since her parents divorced when she was 4. It was around that time that her talent for drawing came out, and she used it as an escape from the chaos surrounding her as her parents’ marriage fell apart.
Elizabeth came home with her arms full of grocery bags. Clare rushed to the front door, stepping on some of her unfinished drawings.
“Hi, mom,” she said, “How was work?” Elizabeth sat the bags on the ground and kissed Clare on her forehead.
“It was boring,” she said, removing her shoes, “just finished some reports and had a meeting. How was school, sweetie?” Elizabeth and Clare took a bag each and walked into the kitchen, setting them down on the counter.
“It was fun!” Clare said, jumping onto the counter, “Today, at recess, this boy, Arthur dared Kyle to eat an ant and he did.”
“Yech,” Elizabeth joked, sticking her tongue out, “Why would he do that?”
“I don't know, but it was really funny.” Clare laughed, “boys are so weird.”
“I know they are,” Elizabeth teased, slowly creeping toward Clare, “eating bugs, and not to mention the cooties.” Elizabeth began tickling Clare. Clare laughed and playfully struggled to get away, running into the living room. Elizabeth went back to putting away the groceries as Clare crept back in. “I see you left some drawings on the floor, what have you been working on?”
“A tiger,” Clare said, “we were talking about Siberian Tigers today during science, so I decided to draw one.” Elizabeth sat at the table and patted the seat, inviting Clare to sit next to her, which she obliged.
“Did your dad call?” Elizabeth asked. Clare shrugged.
“There's a message on the machine, so that might be from him,” Clare said. Elizabeth looked at the machine, seeing the blinking numbers.
“Well, we can find out if you want to,” Elizabeth said. Clare nodded her head and rand to the machine, hitting the big button.
*You have one new voice message*
Hey, Elizabeth, it's Gerald. For some reason, the bank won't let me transfer the support money from my account into yours, so I was wondering if you're home tonight I could swing by and drop it off, as long as that's ok with you. Call me back. Hi Clare, sweetie. I'll see you next weekend, I love you
Beep
Elizabeth shook her head as Clare skipped back to the table.
“Is your dad going on another date this weekend?” Elizabeth asked. Clare shrugged.
“I don't think so, he mentioned going to visit grandma.” Clare said. Elizabeth nodded, then stood up.
“Is all your homework done?” she asked. Clare quickly nodded. Elizabeth smiled and then patted Clare's head. “Can you take out the spaghetti in the cupboard and the sauce in the fridge and place them next to the stove for me? I have to call your dad back.” Clare agreed and Elizabeth walked to the phone and dialled Gerald's number.
Gerald: Hello, Gerald Wolfe speaking.
Elizabeth: Hey, I got your message.
Gerald: Oh, hey. Yeah, I'm sorry about that. The cheque I have won't...
Elizabeth: It's ok, we'll be home tonight, so you can drop it off after dinner if that's ok.
Gerald: Yes, of course. Oh, and I'm sorry that I can't take Clare this weekend.
Elizabeth: How's your mom?
Gerald: She'll be ok, I just have to make sure her paperwork goes through so she can go back to the home.
Elizabeth: Alright, well give her my best wishes for me.
Gerald: Thank you. I'll see you guys later tonight.
Elizabeth: Bye Gerald.
Gerald: Bye
Click
Later that night, 9:13 pm
The doorbell rang just as Clare was crawling into bed; she smiled and waited for Elizabeth to tuck her in. Elizabeth answered the door; Gerald stood on the welcome mat, flapping a cheque in his hands.
“Hey, sorry if this was too late.” Gerald said.
“Not at all, come in,” Elizabeth invited, moving out of the way. Gerald smirked and walked in, removing his shoes. He turned and faced Elizabeth; the two stood awkwardly staring for a moment. Gerald blushed, then handed her the cheque; Elizabeth took it and walked into the kitchen. “Clare, are you all ready for bed?” she called.
“Yes, mom.” Clare called back.
“You wanna go say hi to her?” Elizabeth asked. Gerald looked up the stairs.
“Sure, if that's ok.” Gerald stuttered.
“Of course. Go ahead.” Elizabeth said. Gerald walked up the stairs and down the hall to Clare's room; he lightly knocked on the door, causing it to slide open. Clare's smile grew and she bounced on her bed.
“Daddy!” She called, extending her arms.
“Hey, sweetheart!” Gerald said, rushing over and giving Clare a hug. Gerald sat on the edge of the bed, pointing to his hair, where his left side showed recent signs on being shaved and the right side had the remains of a Mohawk. “How do you like it?”
“There's no Mohawk anymore,” Clare said, giving a fake frown. Gerald twinkled his eyes and made a pity face.
“I know, it's too bad, isn't it?” He said, “but it needed to go sooner or later.” Clare reached over and rubbed the shaved side of his head.
“It feels cool,” she said, giggling. Gerald chuckled and then looked at his watch.
“Bed time, kiddo,” he said, standing up and pulling the blankets to Clare's neck. “I'll go get your mom. Give me a hug and kiss.” He asked, which Clare did, “Goodnight, hun. I love you”
“Goodnight, daddy. I love you, too,” Clare said. Gerald left the room and walked back downstairs. Elizabeth passed him on the way up the stairs, stopping part way.
“You'll call and let us know when you reach Edmonton, and let us know how your mom is?” she asked.
“Of course,” Gerald replied, “And I'll be back on Monday, so I can pick Clare up from school and bring her home if that's ok.” Elizabeth nodded.
“Thanks, that'll be a big help,” she said. Gerald continued down the stairs and to the front door.
“Call me if you have issues with the cheque,” he said, “Goodnight, Liz.” Then he walked out the door. Elizabeth continued upstairs and into Clare's room.
“That was nice of dad to come see you,” she said. Clare smirked and nodded.
“But no more Mohawk,”she joked.
“I know, isn't that weird?” Elizabeth said. “He also said he'd pick you up from school on Monday.” Clare giggled and hugged her mom.
“Mmmm, we have a big day tomorrow, so let's get some sleep,” Elizabeth said.
“Yay, we get to see John tomorrow,” Clare celebrated.
“Yep, and Aunt Clara.”Elizabeth said, “You have a good sleep and I will see you tomorrow.”
“I love you, mommy,” Clare said,
“I love you too, baby. Soooooo much!” Elizabeth said, giving Clare a tight hug. Clare lay back in her bed and snuggled in the covers. Elizabeth gave Clare a kiss and then walked to the door, turning the light off before leaving. “Sleep well, Clare.” she whispered.
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