my head. “Is Xander—”
“Xander’s fine, Mom,” I reassured her, sliding my eyes to Hailee. She gave me a small nod, my brother clinging onto her like a spider monkey.
“Why don’t you and Hailee take him into the den while I call Doctor Kravis?”
“Are you sure—”
“Cameron, now, Son.” Dad glanced down at Mom and I realized he wanted to protect Mom’s privacy and dignity.
“Sure, if you need me, just shout.” I went over to Hailee and Xander. “Come on, let’s show Hailee your toys.”
The second we stepped into the den, Xander wriggled out of Hailee’s arms and plopped to the floor. “Ome on, Ailee. You ike Aze?”
“Aze?” she mouthed at me.
“Blaze and the monster machines.”
“I, uh, I don’t know that one.”
I smiled, watching as Xander grabbed her hand and pulled her further into the room. And it occurred to me I wasn’t the only one smitten with Hailee Raine. She listened patiently as Xan got her up to speed on all things Blaze. When he was absorbed in the game, Hailee crept away, coming over to me. “Is your Mom going to be okay?” she asked.
Moving to the couch, I waited for her to join me. “Honestly,” I confessed. “I don’t know.”
“What’s wrong with her?”
“She has postpartum depression and anxiety.”
Hailee’s brow crinkled and I knew what she was thinking. “But I’m not sure that’s all there is to it,” I admitted. “Dad said she’s getting some tests.”
“What tests?”
“I’m not sure.” I buried my face in my hands, rubbing my eyes with the heel of my palms, letting out a shaky breath. I’d seen Mom lose it more times than I could count; I’d seen her in puddles of tears, sobbing about something as trivial as burning the dinner. I’d watched her unable to get out of bed for days on end, complaining she was too exhausted. But I’d never seen her unresponsive like that before.
“Hey.” Hailee’s fingers brushed my arm, coaxing me to meet her steady gaze. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”
I stared at her, lost for words. She’d offered to be there for me, just like that. No judgement. No questions or ulterior motive.
It was more than I deserved and yet, I wanted to take it. I wanted to pour my heart out to this girl.
“Cameron?” Dad’s head appeared around the door. “Can I borrow you for a second?” His eyes went to the girl beside me. “I’m sorry, how rude of me. I’m Cameron’s dad, Clarke. You’re Jason’s sister, Hailee, right?”
“Yes, Sir, it’s nice to meet you.”
“I wish it was under better circumstances. My son said you got into a little bind last night and he helped you out?”
“He did,” her voice was quiet.
“Well I’m glad you’re okay. Cameron?” His gaze flitted back to mine, and I got up, following him into the hall.
“Is she okay?”
“Doctor Kravis wants us to go straight to Rixon General. Katie is coming by to pick up Xander—”
“Dad, I can watch—”
“You should get Hailee home and then go over to the Bennets’, okay?” He gripped my shoulder, squeezing gently. “I’ll call you as soon as we know anything.”
“Okay.” I ran a hand down my face. “I’ll get Xander’s bag packed.”
He nodded. “She’s going to be okay, Son.” Dad gave a little sigh and walked off down the hall. I went back into the den to find Hailee on the floor playing racing cars with Xander. I watched them from the doorjamb, a tightness in my chest. She was smiling, letting my little brother run his red car over her legs.
As if she felt me watching, Hailee’s eyes lifted to mine and she smiled. “Hi,” she mouthed.
“Hey.” I stalked toward them. “Guess what, buddy? Katie’s coming to pick you up.”
“Atie, I ove her.” He gave a little clap and began clearing up the pile of cars. Hailee helped and in no time, there was no evidence of their game.
I scooped Xander up and threw him over my shoulder, toddler-laughter filling the room, easing some of the pain I’d felt at seeing Mom like that. “Are you okay to wait for Katie to come and collect him and then I’ll drive you home?”
“Okay.” Her expression slipped, but I didn’t have time or energy to try to decipher it.
The drive to Hailee’s house was quiet. I was lost in my thoughts; worrying about Mom, feeling guilty over Xander being with Katie instead of his family. Instead of me. And something had changed with Hailee. It wasn’t so much what she said but everything she wasn’t