Tag Archives: HIV

Out of Sight, Into Mind; chapter ten, part one

I awoke the next day at noon.  I hadn’t gone to bed until the wee hours of the morning as I was too hyped from the two naps.  I went into the kitchen to see what I could dig up.  As I was about to pull some bread out of the freezer, I remembered that I had to be at Julia’s at one.  I raced to the bathroom and jumped into the shower.  The good thing about having an odd schedule was that Matt and I didn’t fight over the bathroom.  He used it around eight in the morning while I rarely needed it before noon.  I washed myself hastily before hopping out of the shower.  Running to my room, I thought about what clean clothes I had.  I pulled on a black cotton skirt and a red tank top before flying out of the house.  It was twelve-thirty, and I was going to have to forgo food until I got to Julia’s.  I just hoped she had something she could feed me.  I also hoped the gang wouldn’t be too pissed that I hadn’t finished my work.

“You’re early,” Julia said in surprise, reaching over to hug me.  She was subdued, and Banana was clinging to her legs again.  “A whole ten minutes.  You’re usually busting in here half an hour late.”

“I didn’t want to be late because I didn’t do my homework,” I said, ruffling Banana’s hair.  “Got any food?”  Julia sighed, but didn’t say anything as she was used to feeding me.  She walked into the kitchen, dragging Banana behind her.  I followed, eager to wrap my teeth around something delectable.

“Hon, I need you to let go of my legs,” Julia said gently, reaching down to unwrap her daughter.  Banana let go, but she immediately transferred her grip to my legs.

“Hey, what’s up, Banana?”  I asked, my voice quiet as well.  It was unlike Banana to be so clingy and not to say anything.  I wondered if she was still worried about her father.

“Nothing,” Banana said, her grip tightening.  She didn’t seem to want to talk about it, so I let it go.

Continue Reading

Out of Sight, Into Mind; chapter nine, part one

“Hey, glad you could stop by,” Julia said, her eyes red.  She looked as if she hadn’t slept in days.

“Hey, girl,” I said, giving her a warm hug.  “Hey, sport,” I said to Banana who was clinging to her mother’s leg.  That was unusual for her as she was an outgoing child, but it could be because of the tension in her mother.  “How’s my best girl?”

“Ok,” Banana said mournfully.  “Mommy’s going away this weekend and leaving me behind.”

“I know, Banana,” I said, glancing at Julia who looked as if she wanted to cry again.  “But you’re staying with me and Matt, and we’re going to have tons of fun.  We’ll eat lots of ice cream and go to the park….You won’t want to go home once the weekend is over.”  I flashed an apologetic look at Julia because I knew you weren’t supposed to bribe a child, but she waved her hand.

“Really?”  Banana said, her face brightening.  “Can we eat banana ice cream?  Like my name?”

“Uh, sure.”  I didn’t know if they made banana ice cream but if they did, I’d find it for her.

“And Uncle Matt will play with me?  I love Uncle Matt!”  Banana said with an enthusiasm shared by many women.

“Yup.  He said he can’t wait to see you.”

“Did you hear that, Mommy?  I get to play with Uncle Matt!”  Banana hugged her mother’s legs as Julia mouthed a thank you at me.

“Baby, why don’t you go put in the Shrek DVD?”  Julia said, gently disengaging Banana from her leg.  Banana didn’t even wait to reply before tearing off for the living room.  We followed, and I watched in amazement as Banana set up the movie for herself.  Kids these days were so technologically advanced at such a young age.

Continue Reading