They went home that night, and made simple microwavable dinners. They sat in front of the TV, and watched the last of the movies that he had rented. Daniel had to remind himself that he had to return those tomorrow morning.
Violet was so excited about her room, she could not stop talking about what she was going to do. “When was the last time you had a room?”
When Daniel asked her that, she put her fork down, and just shook her head. “Hard question.”
And with that answer, Daniel didn’t proceed to push her any further. When the movie was over, Daniel had switched it to the news. With Daniel and his recliner chair, and Violet on the couch, it was such a peaceful night. The snow was melting, and it should have been a little bit warmer tomorrow.
Daniel had no idea what she was going to do tomorrow. He was hoping that his brother could hire her. That he could use some extra help. Later that night, Karl had called. Daniel went to the other room, realizing that Violet had fell asleep on the couch.
“Hey brother, so I got some news.”
“Yeah? What is it?”
“So, Lily-“ Karl was cut off by his wife. Daniel hurt some muscle lean in the background, Lily telling her husband that she wanted to say the news also. They both chimed in, and screamed into the phone, “We’re pregnant!”
Daniel’s mouth had dropped. It was a lasting that he expected, but his face broke out into a huge smile. “Oh my goodness, congratulations you guys! I am so happy for you. I know you’ve been trying for such a long time.”
Lily had taken over the phone. “It is way too soon to tell if it’s a boy or girl, and we just got back from the doctors. I am only seven weeks along, but it is so exciting. You’re going to be such a great uncle.”
“I’ve always wanted to be an uncle,” Daniel laughed. “So, when the baby gets old enough for me to babysit, you know I’m loading it with sugar right before sending them home.”
“Well, we don’t have grandparents to do so, supposedly it’s your job to drive us crazy,” Lily laughed.
“You guys are going to be great parents. You’ll be amazing.”
Daniel and Karl spoke again after Lily was done. They spoke for a while. Talking about doctor appointments, and the first ultrasound, the excitement, how they found out. “Karl, I am so happy for you.”
“I’ve never been happier.”
“Why didn’t you guys tell me sooner?”
Karl waited for a second. “Daniel, don’t tell Lily I told you this, but she’s had three miscarries before.”
Daniel’s mouth hung open a little. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it was Lily’s wishes not to tell. This one will go great. I know it will. I really do,” Karl said. Daniel didn’t won’t to farther his excitement, to take away his brother’s moment of happiness.
“Yeah, me too.”
“Oh, Daniel.”
“Yay, brother?”
“I was thinking about that girl today, what we were talking about. I really thought about it. I cannot pay for wages, you know that. But, if you are willing to . . .”
“Yes, of course.”
“I just need to check her birth certificate and the normal information.”
“Karl, I don’t think she has any of that.”
“So . . . under the table type thing?”
“Please,” Daniel begged. “I’m going to help her, she needs it.”
“Daniel, may I ask you a question?”
“Yes, of course, anything.”
He heard a long sigh. “There are millions of homeless people. Why did you want to help this one?”
Daniel knew he didn’t mean anything offensive, but he could not help to ball up his fist in frustration. “She . . . I really don’t know, Karl, I really don’t. I just feel like I have to do this. I have to help her.”
“If that’s what you think. We have to go. Love you brother.”
“Love you too.”
When Daniel told up the phone, he looked at the time and decided it was too late in the night. He decided it was probably best for both and go to bed. So he went over to the, turning the TV off, and lightly shaking Violet.
She jumped, and gave a slight scream, looking around nervously. Daniel jumped back, caught off his guard. “What? Where? What’s . . . oh, Daniel. Hi, where . . .”
He regretted waking her up. The fear that was in her eyes, the look of pure confusion. She looked like a scared little puppy. “Hey, you are okay.”
Violet put a hand to her forehand and nodded. “Yeah, I am.”
“We should get going to bed. But you can sleep out here if you want.”
“No, no,” she said, kicking the blanket off. “I’m going to my room. Goodnight, Daniel.”
He watched her walk up the stairs, and closing her bedroom door. Once she was inside, she put her head against the door. She was trying to claim herself down. She had felt so silly, so childish.
She tried to shake it all away. She tried telling herself she was safe. She tried telling herself it was okay.
Everything was going to be okay.
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