Water Goddess by Crystal Inman

Author:Crystal Inman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Published: 2015-06-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Daniel instructed Erica to put the red-checkered blanket down and Juan set the ice chest on the corner of it. Then Daniel opened up the wicker basket and began to place the dishes side by side on the edges of the blanket.

There was fried chicken, corn, beans, and rolls. Then Daniel took out macaroni and potato salads.

Erin blinked. “Maria knew there was only going to be four of us, right?”

“Mama knew.” Daniel pulled out two fluted glasses and smiled at her. “But she also knows what a bottomless pit Juan is.”

The boy snickered. “You’re the bottomless pit, Uncle.” He grinned his toothless smile and giggled.

“Impertinent boy.” Daniel chuckled. “Open up the cooler, Juan. You may get one soft drink for you and your sister.”

“Awesome!” Juan reached in and took an orange soda for himself and a root beer for his sister.

Daniel reached in and plucked out a bottle of red wine with a smile. “And this, my dearest Erin, is ours.”

Erin blinked. She’d never been on a picnic before. Not once. And there was this lovely man who thought to bring her along and feed her. To include her in this moment.

She stood quickly. “I’ll be right back.” Erin glanced around and saw the restrooms. She hurried toward them with tears burning behind her eyes. Once inside, she locked the door on the stall and sat on the toilet while tears ran unchecked down her cheeks. She sniffled and tried to steady her emotions.

“Erin?” Erica’s small voice echoed off the walls.

“I’m here, Erica.”

“Are you all right?” The worry was evident in the girl’s tone of voice.

Erin blew her nose and stood to unlock the door. She smiled reassuringly down at the girl. “I’m fine.”

“You’ve been crying.” Erica moved closer and patted her arm. “I’m sorry. Are you sad?”

“I’m happy.” The emotion moved through her mercilessly and had her eyes leaking again.

Erica threaded her fingers through Erin’s. “Uncle Daniel is a good man. He likes you. Do you like him?”

Erin bit her lip and tried to stem the tide of tears. She sniffed. “I like your uncle. Yes.”

“But you’re afraid, aren’t you?” Erica cocked her head to the side. “Because you’re different.”

“Oh, honey.” Erin pulled the girl closer. “My heart hurts from being different. I don’t know what to do.”

The girl’s dark eyes looked up at her in understanding. “I like you, Erin. I know you’re different, and that’s fine. I want to be like you when I grow up. You’re pretty, and you’re smart.” She smiled shyly.

Erin choked back another round of tears and held the girl tightly to her. One emotional breakdown for the day was enough. Two was teetering toward emotional instability. She got herself under control slowly.

“Can you forgive me, Erica?” Erin peered down at her. “I did not mean to make my troubles yours.”

“Are we friends?” Erica’s dark eyes flooded with uncertainty.

“Yes, child. We are friends. You can always come to me.” Erin kissed the top of Erica’s head with a chuckle.

“I’m glad.” The girl sighed.

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