The Understorey, Book One of The Leaving Series by Fisher Amelie Read Free Book Online

“Samuel.”
    “No way! That’s my grandfather’s name. I knew there was something about the little guy I
liked.”
The woman laughs but loses the happiness just as quickly as it
came.
    “Well,” Elliott continues, “I believe I’ve got a
few tricks up my sleeve for Samuel here. How about we take a trip
down the baby aisle together?”
    “Oh thank you.....”
    “Elliott.”
    “.....Elliott. Thank you. I am so embarrassed.
I’ve never had to do anything like this before but I’m desperate.
It’s either this or head to the nearest soup kitchen but I don’t
have a car and I don’t want to expose Samuel to the
elements.”
    “I understand...."
    “Karen.”
    “....Only a great mom would brave asking a
stranger for help. I’d be honored to help you guys out. Truly, it
would make my day.”
   Both Elliott and Karen, with Samuel in tow,
headed toward the baby aisle. I decide that this will be the extent
of my eavesdropping, that I won’t risk the possibility of further
humiliation. I am firm in my decision. Maybe another second
wouldn't hurt.
    I crept one aisle over and listened to their
progress.  A little old lady rushed past me in her cart,
eyeing me strangely. I know, I’m insane grandma.
        “So, what does Samuel like
to eat Karen?”
    “Oatmeal. He loves banana oatmeal.”
I hear box after box toss into a cart. Karen laughs.
    “He doesn’t need that much,” she says.
    “ I’m sure he doesn’t but I just want to make
sure. Alright, how about these? I remember when my little sister
was about Samuel’s age she couldn’t get enough of these.”
    “Okay,” Karen says, her voice teetering on a
sob.
    I bring my hands to my face and feel
something wet on my finger tips. Oh great, you’re a sap Julia
Jacobs. I hear Elliott give her some space. I remember thinking
how thoughtful it was for him to want to give her back her dignity
and how that small gesture wasn’t lost on me. Even as vulnerable as
she has made herself, Elliott still treated her with respect, never
taking advantage of her like some men would or treating her like
she’s incapable of taking care of herself or her baby. To him,
she’s just a woman down on her luck at the moment.
        “What size diaper is he in
Karen?” I hear him raise his voice so she can hear him.
    “He’s in a size three now,” she says, then
sniffs.
    “Alright.”
    I hear a box slide underneath the cart. After
a few seconds, I hear him pile things inside. He’s not even asking
if she needs it, he’s just doing it.
        “Elliott,” Karen’s shaky
voice says, “that’s enough. You’ve done more than enough.”
    “You’re denying me a glimpse of what this will
be like in my future,” he laughs. “It’s fun Karen. Gonna’ deny me
that?” He teases.
    She laughs.
    “Alright, well, do you think we have
everything?”
    “I think he’ll be able to eat for a month.” She
sniffs. “Thank you.”
    “Don’t mention it. So, what about you? What will
you eat?”
    “I’m fine. I can figure it out on my own. You’ve
done more than enough.”
    “I believe you,” he says. “Indulge me though.
Follow me.”
    I hear his cart rumbling down the aisle and I
haul my ridiculous feet to the end cap opposite the direction
they’re traveling. When he passes my aisle, I almost trip over
myself racing to the other side, trying to eavesdrop yet again.
Grandma is plainly gawking at me now. I shrug my shoulders and lean
down to get a better grip on their friendly conversation while I
trail him all around the market.
    He gets her all sorts of non-perishables. Smart , I think, but he also gets her a few staples like milk
and eggs. When they head towards the checkout counter I follow
closely and lean near the end cap to listen in.
        They talk about her life
at home, where she works, and what Samuel’s habits and