Rubber Ducky by Julia Talesco (romantic novels to read txt) 📕

I sat and stared at my mom's portrait picture of herself, silently wishing she was here to help Heather and me. 'Some things just happen, Jacob. Be strong and take care of those you love,' I thought to myself. Because I wouldn't want to cry and be weak in front of Heather. That would be bad role modeling. For the past years, I've been teaching her to stay strong and never cry unless she really needs to. For Heather, she needs to be a strong little girl..

You see, our parents are..not really with us. Our mom passed away, and our dad..doesn't really care about us. He comes in and out of the house, bringing random people inside. Sometimes, he takes his anger out on us. Mostly me. Never would I ever let him hurt Heather. Ever since mom disappeared, I swore to protect her and keep her safe from everyone and everything. No matter what size, or how strong.

"Jacob! Jacob!" In came Heather, bouncing up and down on her tiny feet. "Is it bath time?" Her voice was the kind of cute little voice that matched pink bubble gum and stuffed animals.

Allowing a smile to appear on my face, my eyes left Mom's portrait. "Sure, Heather. Go ahead, I'll get your rubber ducky."

"Yay!" Heather cheered, wrapping her small arms around my legs. Then, running towards our bathroom.

I smiled as I walked towards Heather's small room, bending down towards her toy chest box. Unlatching the lock, I dug around to find her small, yellow rubber ducky. Heather always plays with her rubber ducky. It was something my mom gave me when I was little. When I turned about 14, like I am now, I found it under my bed. Deciding I was too old for it, I passed it on to Heather, knowing she would love it.

"Okay, Heather, I got your rubber ducky!" I called, stepping into the bathroom. "You ready to take a bath?"

Heather giggled, nodding her head as she played around with the bubbles. As a five year old, Heather knew how to do lots of things. When fall comes around, she spots me raking the leaves out front. Soon, she joins in and works her tiny little heart out. I really do appreciate all the help she does, but I don't want her hurting herself because I'm not working hard enough. "Come on, Jacob!"

Chuckling, I bent down, setting her rubber ducky in the bubbly water. "Okay, okay. You really love bath time, don't you?"

"Yep! And you know what song I love singing in bath time, right Jacob?" Her rosy colored cheeks were so cute. "Ernie and his rubber ducky!"

She just loves that song. Ever since she was a little baby, she's been watching Sesame Street. And so far, she's been obsessed with the Rubber Ducky song sang by Ernie. I had a recording of it in my phone. We always played it when Heather was taking a bath. Together, we would sing along. I know a 14 year old singing the Rubber Ducky song is silly, but come on. I'm practically her father or uncle now. Just because our 'father' isn't here for us.

Getting out my phone, I pressed the recording of the song, and Heather started singing.

" Rubber Ducky you're the one
You make bath time lots of fun
Rubber Duckie I'm awfully fond of you."

Sneezing, Heather smiled at me. "Come on, Jacob! Sing with me, please?"

"Okay, for you," I laughed, ready to continue the song.

The both of us sang," Rubber Ducky joy of joys
When I squeeze you, you make noise
Rubber Ducky you're my very best friend it's true
I find a little fellow who's cute and yellow and chubby
Rub a dub dubby
Rubber Ducky you're so fine and I'm lucky that you're mine
Rubber Ducky I'd like a whole pond of you
Rubber Ducky I'm awfully fond of you."

--

I watched as Heather bit into her sandwich. Smiling, I asked,"Is it good? Or do you not like it? I can fix it for you if you want. And if it's too much, maybe I can finish the rest--"

"It's really yummy, Jacob. Thank you, daddy," Heather mumbled into my arm, giving me another hug. "But do I have to eat the vegetables? They look icky and gross. They're green, too!"

Silly Heather.

"Of course you do!" I encouraged. "The veggies are really good for you. It's going to make you taller and healthier. So eat up, okay?"

In cooperative response, Heather nodded. I patted her back softly, giving her a loving look.

Slam!

"Uh-oh," Heather gasped quietly, setting down her sandwich.

I frowned. "Shh, Heather."

Dad's home. Instantly, my eyes flickered to my wrist. There was a bruise, caused from Dad hitting me. I winced, hoping that we wasn't angry this time. "Aah!" Dad's husky voice exclaimed as he stomped into the kitchen, spotting Heather and me having lunch. "Go make me something to eat, Jake. I'm hungry. And make it fast, too."

Quickly, I nodded. But before I headed for the fridge, I whispered quietly in Heather's ear. "Don't move, or make eye contact." Heather nodded, staying silent and quiet as I asked her to.

In a quick 5 minutes, I made Dad a big sandwich with chips on the side of the plate. Handing it to him, he grumbled and gave Heather and me nasty looks before going upstairs and into his room. Slam! went his door. I sighed, clearly relieved. "That was close."

Heather sighed the same way as me, whispering,"That was close, Jake." She giggled, trying to cover her smile with her small palms.

I couldn't help but laugh as well. "You're so silly, Heather."

Text: © 2012 ♥GRANDer♥, unless otherwise stated
Publication Date: 02-25-2012

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