A Simple Mistake

Chapter III

Joel watched as Julia meticulously set the table for six guests, all of which would be arriving in less then ten minutes. Julia finished putting the final touches on the luxurious dining room table. The table was coated in a beautiful white tablecloth and light blue china--edges lined in delicate white flowers. Julia moved away from the table and peered over at Joel, whom was admiring her work with a silent grin of approval. She couldn't stop herself from becoming red in the face--her chubby cheeks resembling the shiny shade of a ripe tomato. When she saw his mouth opening, she scurried off into the kitchen to gather up the meal, hoping he didn't notice her obvious color change.

Joel ran his hand across the top of the chair when he passed by them, continuing his inspecting of the decorations, hoping his skittish new patient would approve. He thought about Eli's mother, wondering what could have suddenly converted her mind. Why would she abandon him now after already having him for seventeen year? Joel thought, the simple question gnawing at his brain, the image of the mother causing subtle yet intense hatred to form in his chest.

"Dr. Hayes, is it almost ready yet? I'm dying of starvation," Daisy's voice broke down Joel's thoughts.

"Oh, well, that's not good--thankfully Julia has the perfect remony for you," Joel said grabbing the little girl as she ran into his outstretched arms.
She looked into his eyes and tilted her head, a curious expression taking over her discomfort.

"What is it?"

"Mac and cheese, but not just any--it's a special kind that is guaranteed to vanquish the hunger inside anyone's belly, even eight-year-old girls," Joel said, poking her stomach.
Daisy's face lit up instantly.

Amber came in as the food was being placed on the table, an array of vegetables along with the mac and cheese, which filled the room with a pleasant aroma. Amber took her seat, her eyes filled with joy, yet a twinkle of concern created uneven emotions on her face--which immediately caught Joel's attention. He leaned down, letting Daisy make her way to the table--which she did, an impatient scowl on her little face. Joel tapped on Amber's shoulder and flicked his head, calling her into the hall.
The dining room was starting to fill up with the sounds of various voices, the chatter becoming inconcerensibel gibberish, voices clashing together. Joel turned his attention to Amber, who was nervously rubbing her arm, as if trying to erase herself from the situation.

"How did it go?" Joel asked, arms tightly crossed.

"Fine, he was just like you said--skittish," Amber said, her voice low.

"Anything else?"

"He hates you."

"Did he say that?"

"No, but I can tell--as soon as I even mention your name he tenses up--he changes."

"Changed?"

"He becomes more evasive--he completely shuts down."

Joel nodded slightly, his mind searching through possible scenarios, "anything else?"

"As soon as we got home he ran inside, I haven't seen him since--I think he went in his bedroom," Amber said, looking away ashamed. "I should have gone after him."

"No, I'm glad you didnt... we don't know enough about his behavior yet."

Amber nodded as Joel pressed his hand against the back of her shoulder, urging her back into the dining room, which now contained the last two children--Vincent and Austin.

Joel saw the seat across from his was empty--Eli's seat. He ran a hand through his hair and let a breath escape his lips, a butterfly bumping violently against his stomach.