"It's just a day." he repeated for her benefit and continued to guide her down to their bedroom. I waited until their door closed, and then I went back to bed and overslept.,
None of my friends missed the fact that both Heyden and I were late for school. I could see their little minds going a thousand words a minute. I felt like a bull, eager to charge into their red faces of glee and knock those smirks and coy, twisted smiles off them.
Heyden was surprised I was late. too. We were both sent to the office for special passes. Then I explained why and he understood.
"I'm sorry, It must have been a hairy situation. Everything will be all right. I'm sure," Heyden said quickly. At least I finished the song. I can't wait for you to hear it and then sing it."
"Not today. Heyden." I said. "I've go to get home. My mother will need me," I said. He looked more disappointed than I had expected.
"What can you do?" he asked.
"I can't do much maybe, but my being there is important. She would want me there."
It annoyed me that I had to explain, but I would soon discover that was very optimistic.
It would make me think Heyden was right after all, and it would leave me feeling like I was the one who should have suffered SIDS.
6
Pair of Earrings
.
Lila, our maid, told me little Claude was
already home again by the time I returned from school. Surprisingly, however. Mommy's bedroom door was closed. I knocked on it gently, and when it opened. Miguel stepped out and closed the door softly behind him. The moment he turned to me, he pressed his right forefinger against his lips.
"She's asleep," he said. "She wouldn't go to sleep unless I promised to be at her and little Claude's side while they both slept "
"What about your afternoon classes?" "My intern is administering an exam for me in both classes."
"Can I see the baby?" I asked. "Not right now. Hannah. For the moment let's just keep things quiet."
"What happened at the hospital?"
"Nothing remarkable. Your mother might just have overreacted." he said, whispering.
But isn't this something that could happen at any time during the first year and without any warning and something you can't tell by examining a baby?" Miguel raised his eyebrows.
"Done some research, have you?"
"Yes."
"Maybe it's better we don't talk about it." he said. "Let's not keep it on the front burner, always on her mind, if you know what I mean,"
"I just thought she would appreciate my knowing all about it." I said. not hiding my
disappointment. When would I do something right in relation to my new brother and my mother?
"Oh, she would. She will," Miguel said. "But not right now," He gazed back at the door. "I better go back inside." he said. "If she wakes and doesn't find me there..."
"I could sit with her, if you like."
"Maybe later, Right now she's just a stick of dynamite. Oh." he said, just as he reached back for the doorknob. "your father wants you to call him when you get a chance."
"Daddy? Why?"
"He didn't say. Actually, it was his secretary who called for him."