Chapter 88
It had been a long day for Howie. In fact, he’d actually left long before Sarah had even woken and now, all he wanted to do was spend a quiet evening with his family. Closing the door behind him, he turned quickly knowing Jesse was headed to greet him.
Sure enough, he turned just in time as she jumped into his arms wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Hey, ‘Princess’! How was your day?”
“It was awesome, Papi! Ms. Lee let me make something for Mami’s birthday in art class today.”
“Very cool! So, where is your mom?” asked Howie as a door slammed in the bedroom.
“In the bedroom,” answered Jesse rolling her eyes.
“I take it she’s not in a good mood?” frowned Howie as he set Jesse down.
“You could say that! She looks like Uncle Kevin when he’s mad.”
“Have you done something to upset her?”
“No, sir. She’s been like this ever since I got home. I got all A’s on my work and I did my homework when I got here. I also unpacked my lunchbox without her telling me. Did YOU do something?”
“I don’t think so,” mused Howie as they headed to the living room. “I sent her flowers today since I left before she got up and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to call. Maybe something happened at the center.”
Coming from the kitchen, Ilse said, “Sarah didn’t go to the youth center today and she’s been in her ‘mood’ since before lunch today.”
Sarah emerged from the bedroom wearing a sweat suit and running shoes. One look told Howie that the slammed door was just a taste of her mood.
"You going for a run, ‘Angel’?” greeted Howie as he tried to kiss her.
“Obviously,” growled Sarah.
“Want company?” Howie was praying she’d say ‘yes’ so he could talk to her and hopefully find out what was wrong.
“You’re not dressed and I’m not waiting,” and she was gone.
“Papi, is she gonna be okay?”
“I hope so, ‘Princess’,” answered Howie as he watched Sarah cross the walk to the beach. Looking down at his daughter, he knew he had to reassure her so he asked, “Do you need help with your homework?”
“I’ve
already done it. Would you play a game with me?”
“Sure. We can play until dinner,” and Jesse led him to her bedroom.
The time slipped away and before he realized it, dinner was ready. As Jesse helped Ilse get dinner on the table, Howie went to look out the window towards the beach hoping to see Sarah but there was no sign. It was almost dark too and he was worried.
“Do you want to wait for her?” asked Ilse softly.
“You and Jesse go ahead and eat. I’m going to watch for her.”
“You’re worried about her, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t be quite so worried if I knew what had happened to upset her.”
“I’m sure she’ll talk to you as soon as she comes back. I’ll keep everything warm for you.”
“Thank you.”
Howie went to get a beer and then went out on the balcony to watch for his wife. As he watched and sipped on his beer, he listened to Jesse prattling on about her day at school. It didn’t help though. Sarah was first and foremost on his mind right now. He really wanted to fix this for her but for now, all he could was wait.