A World Unknown

Chapter 4 Meeting Rick

Some time later, Ty found me inside, still chatting with Chrissy and her kids. Her son, Mitchell, was a bit older than me and had his girlfriend, April, by his side. Their daughter, who was Anna's age, played nearby with a carefree smile. As our conversation continued, I discovered that Chrissy and Mitchell had taken in numerous kids over the years. Most weren't their biological children but kids they had rescued from the streets, offering them a safe and loving home. Mitchell shared how his mom had always opened their doors to those in need, and he had followed in her footsteps as he grew older."They always had a home here," he said, his voice filled with quiet pride. "It just felt natural to keep doing the same thing."Their calming and inviting demeanor made it easy to understand why so many kids would find refuge with them. The warmth and kindness they exuded were like a beacon, drawing in those who needed it most. Ty came through the door like there was a fire outside and he needed to get away.

"Hey, I was looking for you," Ty said as he stumbled past me, sitting at the table. "Are you ready to go?" he asked, looking around and nodding at everyone in the room. I had been so comfortable, chatting with Chrissy and her kids, that I had lost track of time. Realizing it was a good idea to head home, I got up from the table. April jumped to her feet, her eyes bright with excitement. "You have to bring Anna over on your next day off so they can meet her, and we can all get together again!" she exclaimed. As I walked out the door, Chrissy hollered after me, "Now, you come back any time, you hear?" I thanked her and assured her that I would, then headed to my car with Ty following behind. I was glad to have met some really cool, down-to-earth people, even though I didn't get to know Ty all that well. Lost in thought, I was caught off guard when Ty asked, "Do you want to go back to my place with me?" It surprised me since we hadn't spent much time together, and he was clearly drunk. I politely declined but still offered him a ride home. The drive to his house was awkwardly quiet.

When we finally arrived, Ty asked, "Would you like to come in and meet my dad? I know he would love you." I thought about it for a second and agreed, but not before telling him, "Yes, I'll come meet your dad, but I'm not staying the night. I still have to get home to my daughter."I followed him up the steps to his dad's house, which was a large, rustic-looking place with an older kitchen. Ty's dad, Rick, happened to be standing at the top of the stairs, looking to see who was outside.

"Hello," I greeted him with a smile. He looked at me, then at Ty, and asked, "Where did you find this beautiful girl, Ty?"

Instantly blushing, I answered before Ty had a chance. "I met him at Wyatt Store. I just moved here from Connecticut. He was showing me around and introducing me to some people."Rick shook his head approvingly towards Ty and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, leading me inside. The house was quite large, with a rustic kitchen that was a bit messy with groceries that hadn't made it to the cabinet yet. A toddler ran around being goofy, and we soon heard a baby fussing in another room. Excusing himself, Rick went to check on the baby but returned before I had a chance to make my way to the door. He stopped me and said, "Lizzy, is there any way you could help me for a minute before you go?"As I turned around to ask what he needed, Rick was carrying a cute little blond-haired boy who looked to be about Anna's age. I couldn't help but giggle when I noticed duct tape on his diaper.

Rick must have noticed my amusement and started to explain. "I can't seem to get these darn diapers to stay on. I've tried everything, but I'm afraid a pin like the old diapers I used on my boys will come off and poke him. The duct tape is about the only thing I could find that he won't crawl out of."

He outstretched his arms so I could take the baby. "I'm sorry for asking you this the first time meeting you, but he needs his diaper changed, and I can change it, but they won't stay on."

"Of course," I said, smiling at Rick. "I can help. Where are your wipes and diapers?"

Leading me into the living room, he showed me where they were. The living room was just as big as the entrance room and kitchen, with toys scattered all around for the kids to play with. A flat-screen TV played cartoons, and there was a spot on the couch that looked as though it belonged to Rick.After changing the baby's diaper, I showed Rick how to properly use the Velcro straps so the baby wouldn't crawl out of it. Rick laughed, thanking me multiple times before I finally made my way out the door and climbed into my car to head home.

It may not have been a traditional date, but I was beyond thankful to have met a few good people. Now I knew I had some friendly faces to hang out with if I ever got bored up on the hill. Pulling into Mom's driveway I see her sitting there with dad on the patio with her book on her lap and her feet kicked on the ottoman. I know they heard me pulling in because simultaneously their heads both snap towards my car. They had questions coming from both of them before I could even get out of the car. Since Anna was in bed I sat with them for a few telling them about all the people I had just met especially old man Rick. After I finished i made my way to my soft bed to get a good rest before my shift in the morning.