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My Coffee Mug The first time Elliot used the mug, Jordan flipped out. “Did I say you could use it?” she yelled. Elliot looked up. “Um, what?” “My mug! Give it back,” Jordan said, slipping from her angry voice to the really scary one, the quiet one that meant she was completely and totally livid. “I never said you could use it, and if you don’t give it back, I’m leaving.” Elliot blinked in surprise. “I’m sorry?” she said, still not entirely knowing what was happening. “Have your mug back?” She handed her the mug. Jordan immediately wrapped her hands around it, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. “Don’t use my mug,” she hissed, turning on her heel and storming out of the room. Elliot stared after her for a full minute before it dawned on her. “Oh, shit.” - The second time Elliot used the mug, she at least had Jordan’s permission. “Jordan, everything else is dirty,” she said, pouting slightly. “I promise I won’t hurt it.” Jordan glared at her, studying her. “If anything happens to it, I will hurt you,” she said eventually. “And if you ever expect to use it again, you better start helping out around here.” “Thank you,” Elliot said quietly, pouring boiling water into the mug. She wasn’t quite sure, but she thought Jordan might actually be considering letting Elliot help raise Jack, something that had previously been completely off limits. She sat back down next to her, tentatively resting a hand on her leg. Jordan didn’t look away from the TV, but she smiled, almost imperceptivity. “Yeah, yeah,” she mumbled. - By the fourth or fifth time, it was almost a tradition. Elliot would give Jack a bath, read to him and tuck him in. She’d stay until he fell asleep, occasionally even singing to him. Jordan would always have tea ready for her once he fell asleep and whatever they ended up doing, they’d do it with steaming hot tea. “Jordan?” Elliot asked softly, looking at her over the steaming tea. “Don’t talk, Barbie,” Jordan said. “But I just–” “No,” she interrupted. “Just don’t.” Elliot fell silent, looking at the mug in front of her. Jack’s Mom, it said, above her favorite picture of him. She smiled; she really did love the kid. They both did. |
My 40 Snapshotsby Nicole Merrill |
