“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.