Jim picked the girls up the next day as planned. The air was cool and crisp, a sign of early Fall, but the sun was bright with the promise of a beautiful day, and fortunately, there had been virtually no damage done to the zoo by last month’s storm.
Off they went, big Jim, Joletta and little Annie. They all loved the zoo and went frequently as it was only a short drive to the park complex, and the cost to go was minimal. The giraffes were, hands down, Annie’s favorite, and so they were the very first of their animal friends to get visited by the little group. The baby could hardly be contained as she struggled in Jim’s arms to get closer to the long-necked beast with the soft brown eyes, not in the least bit frightened by them, although the difference in their size was great.
“I guess it’s been a pretty exciting week for you and your mom and Annie, hasn’t it, Joletta?” Jim spoke as he held Annie on his shoulders for a better view. “Would you like to talk about it?”
“I just couldn’t believe it when I answered the door the other day. My aunt looks so much like Mom. She’s pretty don’t you think. She’s smart too! She writes a column for a newspaper, and she’s a real photographer. She’s even had pictures published in magazines. She photographs a lot of different things. She told me that the next time she comes to see us, she’s going to bring her equipment with her and take pictures of us.”
“Did she tell you my grandmother had been killed in a car accident?”
“She did, Joletta. I’m so sorry to hear that. Are you doing, OK? I know you didn’t know your grandma, but I’m sure it is really sad for you anyway.”
“Yeah, I guess it is. I don’t know exactly how I feel about it. I’m really worried about Mom though. She cried when Beth told her about it. I didn’t even think she liked her mom, but I guess she did.” Joletta’s voice trailed off, and she turned her head away from Jim as she rubbed her hand across her eye to keep a tear from escaping.
“It’ll be all right, Sweetheart. Your mom is a strong person, and so are you.” He swung Annie down from his shoulders. Joletta slipped her hand into his. He smiled and squeezed it gently as they walked down the manicured pathway to see the seals.
“Did she tell you about the letter?” Joletta hesitated.
“The one from Joe. My real dad.”
“She sure did honey. I think she is pretty concerned about how it could affect you. She’s never really had to share you before, at least in the way you would with another parent.”
“Oh, Jim, Mom shouldn’t ever worry. I could never love anyone more than I love her.”
It was nice talking to Jim. He always seemed interested in whatever Joletta wanted to talk about. Things had changed a lot since Joletta had first found out about Jim and her mom.
She realized that just because they had fallen in love, it didn’t mean the end of the world. Things were even better now than before. In ways, he was easier to talk to than Mom. Mom was always so worried that Joletta might make mistakes, and sometimes she treated her like a baby.
Jim treated her almost like an adult. Well, not quite, but he was fun to do things with, and he always respected her opinions on things.
Jim interrupted her thoughts.
“How is the school year going so far? High school is a really big step, isn’t it?”
“It was really scary the first week, but now I’m getting used to it. There are so many more students at Central, and I don’t know many of the kids. Tina is only in one of my classes, and I don’t even get to have lunch at the same time with her.”
“Is she the only friend you have? I thought the rest of the eighth graders graduated, also.”
“Well, yeah. She is just the only best friend I have there. I wish Tiffany went there too. Tina’s brothers, Jacob and Derrick, go there, but they’re older and don’t know I’m alive.”
“I bet you’ll make a lot of new friends. It’ll be fun. Are you planning to play any sports? Or are you going to try out to be a cheerleader?”
“I’m going to join the choir and probably run track in the spring. Mom says it will be OK, as long as I keep my grades up.”
“That would be a lot of fun for you.”
Jim smiled and leaned down to tickle Annie under the chin. “Want to go get some hot dogs and a milkshake?”
“We’re going to have to get Annie home before long for a nap, or she will be a bear this evening and Mom wouldn’t be too happy about that.”
Joletta laughed and nodded her head. “Wave bye-bye to the monkeys, Annie. We’re going to get something to eat.” Joletta pushed the stroller along as Annie waved and clapped her hands.
“Your mom tells me that Susan is coming home from the hospital the day after tomorrow.”
“Yeah, Mom and I are fixing a special supper, and everyone will be coming over.”
“I know. I’m invited too.”
The cheerful conversation continued until they arrived at the hot dog stand.
Jim smiled as he watched Joletta helping her little sister. He was so proud of these girls and hoped it would not be long until he could make them a part of his family. It was becoming increasingly hard each time he had to leave them and go to his lonely apartment.