When Hell Freezes Over Read Free Page B

a stream of urine directly in Keaton’s face.
    â€œOh shit!!”
    He tried to duck, but it was too late.
    MaLeah giggled out loud. “Ooooo! You said another bad word, Uncie Key!”
    â€œI know, Shorty. I’m sorry and I better not hear you say it either,” he explained as he wiped the urine from his face with a baby wipe.
    She nodded in agreement, then said, “Freddie tee-teed in your face, Uncie Key!”
    He placed a cloth diaper over Fredrick’s naked body and continued to wipe his face.
    â€œYeah, he got me, Shorty. Man! I don’t see how people do this every day!”
    When he finished cleaning his face, he cautiously removed the cloth diaper and cleaned Fredrick’s body. MaLeah watched with curiosity as she handed him the powder and fresh diaper. Fredrick had calmed down a little, until Keaton put the thermometer in his ear. While waiting for the results, he rubbed his round tummy in a soothing manner.
    â€œHold on, little man. I’m just taking your temperature,” Keaton said as he tried to remain calm.
    About that time a beep sounded and Keaton looked at the digital reading.
    â€œDamn…103 degrees! Not good, Fredrick!”
    Keaton now took on a serious tone. “MaLeah! Go get the telephone,” he instructed, trying not to panic. He hardly ever called her MaLeah so she looked at him as if he was talking to someone else.
    He raised his voice slightly this time. “Shorty! Go get the phone!”
    MaLeah sprinted out of the room and brought back the cordless phone. Fredrick continued to cry as Keaton put a fresh diaper on him. He gently put his pajamas on him and picked him up.
    â€œLet’s go get your brother some milk. I have to get his temperature down. Shh, Fredrick! I’m going to take care of you.”
    When they walked into the kitchen, he removed a bottle from the refrigerator.
    â€œMaLeah, hand me that piece of paper on the table.”
    â€œK!”
    MaLeah handed the piece of paper to him as she watched him balance Fredrick and the telephone on his shoulder. Keaton dialed Arnelle’s cell phone, but got an out-of-area message.
    â€œDamn it!!”
    MaLeah covered her mouth. “Oooo! You said another bad word, Uncie K!”
    â€œNot now, MaLeah, and stop being the bad word police. Okay?”
    She smiled. “K!”
    Keaton tried to dial the number again and once more, got the out-of-area message.
    Fredrick’s bottle was almost empty and Keaton sat there trying to figure out what to do next. He knew Craig and Venice were also at the awards banquet so he couldn’t call them for help. As Fredrick continued to suck on his bottle, it soothed him temporarily.
    â€œMaLeah, I can’t get your parents on the phone.”
    She patted him on the leg. “I’m sowwy, Uncie Key.”
    â€œI know. Oh! I can call your Ms. Camille,” he remembered.
    Keaton dialed Camille’s number, trying to stay calm. Within seconds, a female voice answered.
    â€œHello?”
    â€œMs. Camille. This is Arnelle’s brother, Keaton.”
    â€œOh yes! How are you?”
    â€œFine, but Fredrick’s not doing so well. Arnelle and Winston are out for the evening and I can’t get either of them on their cell phones.”
    Ms. Camille asked, with worry in her voice, “What’s wrong?”
    â€œFredrick’s crying and has a fever of 103 degrees. He’s drinking his milk right now, but I don’t know what to do.”
    â€œThe best thing is to get him to the hospital right away. I’m sure he’ll be fine. If I didn’t have the Bennett children, I could meet you there. Look, I’ll keep trying to get in touch with Arnelle and Winston. Call me from thehospital and let me know what’s going on. Do you have MaLeah with you?”
    â€œYes, Ma’am.”
    â€œWell, wrap her up good. It’s cool outside. I’m sure it’s nothing, but we’re better off safe