Andy
I WIGGLE my bare toes against the carpet, drumming my fingers to the beat that’s taking me to another place. The music playing in the background is creating a lazy feel in the house. There’s no rush to anything or anyone. Just a sense of calm and peace.
The week has rushed by, but now the weekend is here and time has taken a sweet pause. Such a good day to kick back and enjoy the company of those that mean the most to you. I’ve come to feel at home in Kyle’s house. I think I’m here more than he is. When he’s away, I spend most of my time here with Emma and Mas.
“He’s licking me.” Mason giggles and squeals as his new puppy wiggles in his lap, thoroughly licking his face.
“It’s because he likes you.”
“I like him too.” He beams up at me, those brown eyes sparkling.
Blitz is still small for a pit, but I know he’ll grow to be a pretty big guy. Tara made sure to get the best of the litter from a great breeder after Kyle told her what he was looking for. I think Blitz was made for Mas.
“I think your uncle picked out the perfect puppy for you. I like his name too. Blitz is so cool. How did you come up with it?”
He tilts his head, a secretive smile on his lips, seemingly assessing if he’ll share. His eyes hold admiration for whatever he’s thinking. He nuzzles the puppy’s head, then looks up at me with a brilliant smile.
“Uncle Kyle gave him to me when my other uncles were here. Uncle Daniel was teaching me about football. Uncle Beau called him the king of the blitz,” he says, lifting his little shoulders. “I liked it.”
“Nice, great choice,” I say and smile at him.
“You guys are the best. Not every kid knows real-life superheroes,” Mas says matter-of-factly.
I’m taken back. I absorb the look of admiration on his face. Warmth spreads through me, my throat clogs. I’m speechless for a moment. Surely he’s not including me in that number.
“You know superheroes?” I ask to see what’s going on in his young mind.
He nods, giving that sweet smile of his. The puppy barks as if confirming Mason’s reply. They are totally too cute together.
“Yeah, all of my uncles are superheroes. You guys make the world a good place, and y’all are the best at what you do,” he says emphatically.
“You’re a lucky kid,” I say.
“Yup, I sure am. You guys are just like the Greek gods. You all have special powers. Uncle Kyle is like Zeus. He’s a leader. His team follows him. When he shoots the ball it’s like he’s throwing thunderbolts into the net. I think Uncle Beau would be Ares,” he says, tapping his bottom lip. His eyes are alit with his musings.
I’ve learned that Mason can sit for hours watching documentaries and YouTube videos on Greek mythology. Watching him now, I can see this is something that he has put thought into before. He’ll be six this year, but sitting and listening to him articulate his thoughts has me amazed. His thoughtfulness is more conceptual than other children his age. Mason doesn’t just absorb information; he knows how to adapt and apply the facts.
“He goes to battle in the ring. Although, I think Uncle Beau is a nicer version, but if someone makes him mad, all bets are off. Uncle Javi would be Apollo. He looks after the family. He loves everyone. He and Uncle Beau even fight sometimes just like Apollo and Ares would. They’re funny when they do,” he giggles.
I love the way his mind works. I wonder which god he would equate me to.
“Who would I be?” I ask.
“That’s easy! Uncle Kyle loves having you around. He can trust you. You’re funny and you’re smart. At school you always fix all our problems. You would be Hermes,” he says with a sage nod.
I sit completely blown away. I blink a few times as my brain tries to reconcile the fact that this is a young child. His comprehension of Greek mythology is beyond that of some adults.
Hermes had been Zeus’ youngest son. Zeus did love having him around, and Hermes was a trusted problem solver. He got the description for the mythical character down to a tee.
“He’s amazing. Isn’t he?”
I turn to see Emma watching us with a huge smile on her lips. She was in the kitchen with the chef, checking on dinner. We’re supposed to be working on Mason’s surprise for Kyle, while Kyle is at an away game.
“Yes, he truly is,” I reply.
“Do I get to be one of the gods?” Emma asks teasingly.
“Yup, Athena, Ares’s sister,” Mas gives a mischievous grin.
“I’ll take it,” Emma giggles. “Come on, guys. Dinner is ready. We can eat and then get back at it.”
“All right! Food,” I cheer and hold my hand up for a high five.
Instead of giving me five, Mas leaps from his side of the couch to wrap his arms around my neck. I’m surprised, but the warm hug is welcome. Mason still needs so much love and attention. I can see he’s been getting better at school, but there are still hard days for him.
“Love you, Uncle Andy,” he whispers.
My heart squeezes. This is the first time he has ever called me uncle. I embrace him and squeeze back. I’m happy to be included in that number.
“Love you too, kiddo. You’re the best,” I choke out.
Kyle
IT’S BEEN a long day and I have a flight first thing in the morning, but I can’t close my eyes without talking to my little guy. It’s a part of our routine that I refuse to break. His presence has become like glue, keeping me together on my worst days.
“How is our lucky charm doing?” I ask my nephew over the phone.
“He’s doing great. I think he misses you like I do,” he replies.
“I miss you guys too,” I say, rubbing at the tightness in my chest.
Why am I here, when my nephew needs me there? Sure, I have people that I trust helping me, but there are times when I just know in my heart my nephew needs me.
“Can we have a chill day? Just me and you?” he asks with so much hope in his voice.
“I’ll clear a day just for you, promise.”
“Yes!”
I shake my head at his excitement. You would think I just promised him a gallon of his favorite ice cream. I’ll admit, I’m looking forward to a day of chilling out with him.
“Wait, I changed my mind,” he says quickly.
The smile falls from my lips. Mentally I already had tickets purchased for the zoo, the museum, and a trip to his favorite restaurant. I frown at how quickly he changes his mind.
“Oh? You don’t want to hang out with me?” I ask, my shoulder sagging from the pang of disappointment.
“No. Yes. Yeah, I do. I just wanted to know if we can ask Uncle Andy to hang out with us too,” he explains.
I sit silently. I’ve never heard him refer to Andy as uncle. I’ve never told him he had to. I wonder if I’m moving too fast with Andy. This is all new to me. It’s clear that Mas has become attached. Andy has effortlessly become a part of my support team.
“Uncle Ky?” Mas whispers.
“Yeah, buddy. I’m sorry. If you want to ask him, we can. I think he would like that,” I say.
“All right!”
“I love you, Mas. We’ll talk in the morning. Go brush your teeth and get in the bed.”
“Okay, I love you too, Uncle Kyle. We’ll be here waiting,” he says, as if he needs to reassure me.
I hang up the phone and sit to reflect. Andy is a huge part of my life. I just didn’t think all of this would happen so fast. We haven’t taken our relationship to the next level, but where we are has given something special to not just me, but my nephew as well.
My lids might be growing heavy, but my heart has grown full. Sleep will come with contentment tonight. Nodding my head at my thoughts, I give myself over to my dreams.