Maximus Fifteen: Renewed Friendship

Soleil and I spend most of our nights sitting together wondering when we'll get news about Patrick. It's only been a few days since he's gone missing, but his birthday is tomorrow, and it's making the fact that he's not here even harder. We've both been going to work still, despite it, and trying not to let this incident consume us to the point where we can't function. Tonight is just another one of those nights where we're sitting together trying to make each other feel better. Tonight is different though because the doorbell rang.

Soleil and I looked at each other, nervous about whether we would be getting news about Patrick, and then more nervous about what that news would be. Even though he had come into our lives accidentally, we were glad that he had. Soleil squeezed my hand tightly before we both got up and approached the door. I put my hand on the doorknob and turned it.

"Look who I found!"

To our relief, Luther walked in with Patrick. Apparently everything I had told him about Jade that day was enough to locate her crazy ass. It turns out she was trying to use Patrick to get me to be with her, which was a really stupid plan.

"Daddy! Mommy! I missed you!"

"Thank you so much, Luther!"

"It's my pleasure, even though it's just another day in the line of duty for me."

Luther hands Patrick off to me and says he has to get back to work. He's definitely stayed one of my good friends despite our less than smooth introduction when we first met.

In the months that followed Patrick's return, he was unwilling to go outside and he no longer asked to go to the park. I didn't blame him for not wanting to, but I hoped that he would figure out a way, in time, to get over his fear. Soleil and I don't want to baby him because we feel like it wouldn't benefit his growth at all. Patrick behaved and went to school, but he always played inside after he got home, even if I suggested we go outside to play catch.

---

"Patrick, are you okay? How was school today?"

"Yes, Momma. I'm okay. School was the usual."

"Daddy and I noticed you don't play outside any more. Are you afraid?"

"Actually, yes. I don't want someone to take me away again."

"Patrick, I know that a bad thing happened to you on one of the times you went outside, but you remember all those other times when it was fine, right? I mean, do you remember?"

"Yes I think so. It's not a very strong memory, but I remember you and Daddy taking me to the park and having fun. I guess I just thought that since I'm bigger now and I can keep myself safe that it would be better for me to just stay inside."

"Well, Daddy told me that you don't want to go outside even if he's going to be there. Do you feel like he wouldn't be able to protect you?"

"Um, yes, I mean, I think he would protect me. I guess I just wasn't ready yet."

"Okay, that makes sense. Daddy and I don't want to push you if you aren't ready, but can you promise me that you will try to learn how to play outside again? Going outside every once in a while is good for your body. You don't have to stay for very long if you get scared, and one of us will be there with you, but I don't want you to grow up knowing nothing but living in fear."

"Oh. Okay. I'll try."

"Thank you, baby. You're a good boy."

I felt a lot better after my talk with Patrick and told Max about it. I had hoped for the most part Patrick would be fine, but I wasn't surprised that he had a little bit of emotional damage from being kidnapped. I knew that he wouldn't have escaped completely unscathed suffering something traumatic like that at such a young age, but I had wishful thinking, I suppose. I did think that he seemed pretty normal considering what happened.

Helena and I are going dress shopping, and it's the first time since that day that I will be hanging out with her for the whole day. I hope she doesn't drive me too crazy. I'm trying to be as supportive as I can because for once, this day is about her.

"I don't know about this one. I don't like the black. I should be wearing all white. Don't you think so?"

"Well, Helena, if it were me, I wouldn't be too worried about the color thing, but if you don't like it, you should try something else on."

"I don't like how tight it is, either."

"Oh, Helena, you look so pretty in that dress."

"It seems too flashy."

"Are you kidding me? Helena, your wedding day is all about you. You can be as flashy as you want! You need to have some confidence in yourself."

"Okay, but I have one more to try on and then it's your turn."

The third dress Helena put on fit her like a charm. She looked so pretty in it, and from the look on her face, she liked it just as much as I did.

"Soleil! This is it. This is my dress. It's all white, and I don't feel fat in it."

"You look beautiful, Helena."

"Okay Soleil, it's your turn. I have two dresses I picked out for you."

"What do you think?"

"Hmm... it looks good on you, but let's face it, a paper bag would look good on you, Soleil."

"Ha. Helena, thank you for the compliment. I'll try the other one on and then you can choose."

"I think I like this one better. It looks more formal than the other one."

"Okay."

"Is Patrick still okay with being the ring bearer?"

"Yes, he's fine with it."

Helena looks down at the floor. Over time, she has actually come to understand that it was her fault that Patrick disappeared, causing a feeling of guilt to consume her any time his name is brought up in a conversation.

"Helena, it's okay. I already forgave you for what happened. You don't have to worry. Patrick doesn't have any ill feelings towards you. See? He's fine."

I looked over at Patrick, who had been doing his homework while sitting by one of the big mirrors. We were going to get his tuxedo fitted today as well.

"Patrick? Babe, are you at a stopping point so we can pick a tuxedo for you?"

"Yeah, sure, Momma. OoOoo, Aunt Helena, can I look like James Bond?"

Helena laughs as she looks through the racks of clothes. I think she's lightened up a little bit because of her upcoming wedding. She's still got that low self esteem and guilt that creep up once in a while, but she seems a little happier these days.

"Well, Patrick, I'll see what I can do about that."

When Patrick came out of the fitting room, he ran towards the mirror and had a very surprised look on his face.

"Aunt Helena! This is perfect! Can we get it? Can I wear it to your wedding?"

"Of course you can. I picked it out, so it means I like it too. You look great, Patrick."

"Thank you so much, Aunt Helena!"

After we all picked out our wedding attire, we headed to the cash register to pay for the clothes. I was glad that I had a day with Helena and Patrick that went smoothly, and I had renewed hope for my friendship with Helena as well as knowing Patrick was going to be okay.