Locke and Key: Chapter Eleven

The Phone Call

Mari was driving home when she heard Locke’s text alert tone. She really wanted to look, but seeing as she was driving, she had to wait. Fortunately, traffic was on her side and it wasn’t long before she was home and could look at the text.

“Mari, I’m kinda nervous about tomorrow, call me, love ya!”

Mari took a moment to settle herself in and then made the call.

“ Hey Locke, What’s up?” she heard a sigh on the other end.

“Mari, I am getting nervous about tomorrow.”

“Okay, is it anything I can help you with? I am sure you’ll be fine, I mean I’ve seen you with Finn and you are fantastic.”

“Well, yeah, but that is Finn, he’s family and he is only one kid, do you think I’ll be able to handle all of them?”

“Yes,  mi amor, you will be fine and don’t forget that I’ll be there too, I won’t throw you to the sharks Locke, not that these kiddos are anything like sharks, they are a good bunch.”

“I know, Mari, but” he let out a heavy sigh, “ I’m nervous about something else.”

“Locke. You don’t need to worry about that, I know what you are thinking, and trust me, you don’t have to worry. Yes, these kiddos may ask questions about you, but Finn has talked you up so much, they are excited to meet you and your differences will not be a problem.”

There was silence for a moment as Locke stopped to think about it. “Mari, how do you know? Are you sure that they won’t freak out? Are you sure that it will be okay, I mean what if someone is scared? How will I handle that? Mari, I am getting kind of worried.”

“Hon, you are overthinking this.First of all, I was going to discuss how we behave when we have a visitor, and I have a feeling that as excited as Finn is for you to come, the topic of you leg will come up organically. If it doesn’t come up, I was hoping that, if  is okay with you, I would bring it up so that we can talk a little bit about it beforehand so that no one is surprised. Also, if it makes you feel better, please know, if someone does get scared, we will handle it, together. I very much doubt that anyone will get scared, but I will be with you to help you handle any questions. Kids may be very curious, but they also tend to be very accepting once they have an understanding. You will be great, I know you will. Trust me on this one, okay?”

“Okay, I guess I don’t have a choice at this point, huh?” he nervously laughed, “Is there anything that I should be prepared with for tomorrow?”

“Well, I think that you should have a kiss for me when you get to my class tomorrow.”

“Mari, not in front of the kids!”

“I know, I know,  you think you can sneak out a tad early to meet me for lunch so I can have a kiss for dessert?”

“Mari, you may have to accept a chocolate kiss as a rain check, I’m already getting off early, I don’t think “Smoochy time with my girl” will qualify as volunteer time. How about after you get off we meet at my place and you can have all the time you want for kisses with me before we go get dinner?”

“ OooOOOkay, fine. Just so you know, mi amor, I am pouting. I can accept your terms, but I’m still pitching a little fit, even though you are right. Love you!”

“Love you too, Mari. I still have a few things to finish before I leave the office, so I will talk to you later darling, thanks for calling me back, I feel much better.”

“You are welcome, Sweetpea, I love you! Bye Honey Bun!”

“I love you too darling girl, bye.”