The Starting Line: Friends To Lovers

by Jennifer Hartley

  And what a year it has been so far.

  Jude’s at the studio, helping out for a couple of days. After dinner Friday night, the snowstorm moved in, and a couple of the instructors had to call out due to poor driving conditions. As he moves around the dance floor, listening to coaches call out instructions to wee little dancers, his mind starts to drift.

  He needs to stop by and ensure Luke has enough firewood, then go by the property and give Eric an update on how the roof is coming now that the weather has cleared. He should also probably try and make dinner for Cynthia since she’s been working crazy hours at the hospital with all the bad weather.

  So much to do, so little time.

  “Jude!” He turns to see his mom, red in the face with mild irritation. “I’ve been calling you for a solid minute. You okay?”

  “Yeah, sorry. Distracted. What can I do?”

  “Take the next group for fifteen minutes. I’ve got to get in touch with the coach for the U-12 football team to see if they’re still on for later.”

  “Got it.” Jude wrangles the group of kids and gives instructions for a fun activity that’s excellent at working on form and technique. He loves being on the dance floor; he really does. But it really and truly isn’t the same without Hailey around. Almost like it’s lost its appeal, which he finds surprising. Not only that, but they always divvy up duties, one excelling where the other does not, perfect complements.

  Once he wraps up, he heads to the office to check in with his mom. “Heading out,” Jude says as he leans against the door jamb. “Cynthia said she’d love to meet up for dinner this week. It’ll have to be early though; she’s on nights.”

  “No problem.” His mom nods from her desk. “Pick the time and place, and we’ll meet up. Just me and your dad.”

  “Sounds good, have a fun afternoon.” Jude heads outside, turning his face against the blustery winds, the chill setting into his bones. He heads to Luke’s for a quick visit and then goes home to cook up a quick dinner.

  Up until recently, he’s only ever gone to Cynthia’s. It’s more out of convenience than anything else. She lives in town, it’s close to the station and the hospital, and it never really occurred to him until after he spent the entire weekend at her place that they never go to his.

  The roads had been non-navigable, and he decided to rough it out at Cynthia’s instead of making the trip home. She alternated between 12 (more like 14-16) hour shifts at the hospital to cramming in as much sleep as possible when she could. Of course, during one of those evenings, they had ‘the talk.’ It was much less awkward than he was expecting, but that didn’t take away from the fact that he was getting a little antsy.

  Tonight will not be that night, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make her dinner. She works her ass off and barely complains; she’s practically indefatigable. Jude secretly wonders if she uses speed or something, but he suspects it has more to do with her ADHD. He turns on a football game and gives Eric a call, then sets about making some pasta. When she arrives a half-hour later, dinner is ready to go.

  “It smells amazing!” Cynthia enters the kitchen and gives him a quick kiss before taking off her scarf and coat. Her hair is down again, and she’s wearing what he assumes is a ridiculously expensive sweater based on how soft it is. “Need any help?”

  “No, just take a seat at the table and pretend like you’re interested in football. Deal?”

  She laughs at him, rolling her eyes. “Are we good for dinner with your parents?”

  “Yeah. Mom’s looking forward to it.” Jude sets two full plates between them, pours two glasses of wine and then takes a seat. “I’ll make sure to keep it brief since I know you’re already freaking out.”

  “I’m not freaking out,” Cynthia drawls out the last word, her accent catching. “I just don’t have the greatest experience with parents. That’s all.”

  “You’re saying this based on interactions with your ex-husband’s parents, who sound like quite the family.”

  “They’re practically southern royalty, so yes, it was an adventure.”

  “Well, I hate to break it to you, but my parents are pillars of this community,” Jude smiles facetiously. “I’m pretty much a king around here.”

  “Right, I bet you are,” Cynthia rolls her eyes. “I bet you’ve eaten with the Queen of England too.”

  “As a matter of fact, I have!” Jude grins widely watching as Cynthia makes a face of utter disbelief.

  “Yeah, okay. And when did this occasion arise? Was this before or after you traded recipes on bread pudding? Or maybe you went to a pub and shared a pint?”

  “Oh, you’re going to regret that,” Jude replies as he rises from the table and heads to his guest room, Sunny trotting close behind. He digs around in the closet until he finds his certificate and a picture of him and Hailey mingling with the royal family.

  “I don’t believe it,” Cynthia covers her mouth in shock, staring at the certificate and the photo. Sunny barks in excitement, spinning in a circle. Jude grabs her bone and sends her into the living area to settle down.

  When he returns, Cynthia glances up at him, cheeks a little pink as she tries to hide her embarrassment. “You know, sometimes I forget that you have this whole other life. It’s so strange to me.”

  He watches as she looks at the photo, eyebrows drawing together. “This is Hailey, right?” She points at Hailey in a long green gown, Jude nods. “She looks a lot like Miranda Middleton.”

  Jude smiles. “Yeah, she gets that a lot.”

  He’s not sure why, but he doesn’t mention Hailey very often when he’s with Cynthia, and she never inquires. It’s possible that she doesn’t fully understand the Hailey & Jude image and their impact on the community. Granted, he hasn’t done much to fix her impression.

  Not only that, she’s still never seen a clip of them dancing. She always claims that she’s got more important things to do than look him up on YouTube. Which is probably true. Part of him doesn’t want her to. Part of him wants a relationship with someone that is completely separate from everything he has with Hailey. This is the first time he’s ever been able to make it a reality, and he wants to see where this can go.

  “She’s very beautiful,” Cynthia remarks quietly. She says it the same way one would as if they were commenting on the weather or the color of the sun. When she looks up at Jude, she smiles, shaking her head as she hands back the photo.

  “Alright, I’ll eat humble pie. Any other surprises? Have you met Yoda or are you a secret member of Star Fleet Command?”

  “Ha. Hardly.” Jude shakes his head as he takes the certificate and photo back to his room. What Cynthia lacks in knowledge about sports, she more than makes up for in geek lore such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings. The best thing is that she plays video games. No, she wins video games and makes him look ridiculous.

  They spend the rest of the evening curled up on the couch, talking and staring at the fire. Exhausted, Cynthia drifts to sleep beside Jude, her hand curled up at the bottom of his shirt. He wakes her up in the early hours of the morning, asking if she wants to stay on his couch or go to bed. She follows him to his room, and assumes the exact same position on his bed, nestling into the covers.

  When he wakes in the morning, it’s to another foot of snow on the ground and soft kisses on his neck. He gets a whiff of minty fresh breath and immediately wishes he had some mouthwash.

  “I called out of work,” she whispers as she slides her hands under his shirt. Jude hums sleepily as her fingernails scrape against his skin. His eyes shoot open as her hands drift lower, and realization strikes. She called out of work.

  “Are you sure about this?” He turns looks down at her with heavy-lidded eyes.

  “As sure as I’ll ever be.”

  “I understand you are leaving in three days?” Sister Rosa asks from across the table. Hailey nods at the woman she’s spent the last week getting to know. She’s thin, but made of steel, wears a slow, wide smile
and has a gentle laugh that sounds more like a whisper. She’s a remarkable person, having lived through 20 years of Kony’s reign of terror, losing most of her family, yet she still holds on to her faith and belief in education for everyone. Her cause is simple, but she is as complex as they come.

  In true Ugandan hospitality, everywhere Hailey’s gone with Sister Rosa, people stop what they are doing and invite her into their homes, greeting her kindly with a handshake and an inquiry into her health and family. If there’s one thing Hailey’s learned how to do since she’s arrived, it’s how to be a better active listener. These people share themselves in bits and pieces, over meals and walks and lessons. But it is a trade; she must always provide a little of herself in return.

  She talks of her family, the most common relationship for others to grasp. Her crazy brothers are an easy topic, as well as the antics of her and her sister. Seeing as she considers Jude to be as close as family, she shares him as well, though not as often.

  “Have you enjoyed your time here?” Sister Rosa sips her chai, surveying Hailey quietly.

  Hailey smiles brightly. “Very much. Having the opportunity to meet many of the rehabilitated defectors, seeing how their families reach out and embrace them has been very enlightening.”

  “There is still much to be done, however. And not just here.”

  “I agree, such a long road for them all,” Hailey replies. “But you’ve already done so much with so little. The sewing school? Helping develop the scholarship program? You are solely responsible for the construction of three schools. Remarkable.”

  Sister Rosa shrugs, unaffected as she casts her gaze outside to her two nephews, aged 7 and 4, playing with Dee. The boys are polite and quiet around Hailey, both rather shy. But when they are outside, they run and play, spinning in circles until they collapse on the ground with laughter.

  “Henrique mentioned that you were interested in our vocational programs for the women here. There is a need for more, certainly, especially as families reclaim the land that was taken from them. The programs assist a lot with the local economy.”

  “I was wondering if there was a way to combine the adult literacy program with a vocational program. Co-locate them near a school so the women are near their children and can go home with them at the end of the day.”

  Sister Rosa considers for a moment and nods. “It is possible. I must look into it. Henrique will contact you if I find anything.”

  Just then, Marta and Henrique enter the common area carrying the boys over their shoulders. Marta spins around with the youngest, Isaiah, laughing in delight. The older nephew, Terrea (Hailey is uncertain if that’s his true name), hangs onto the back of Henrique, his legs dangling.

  They drop to the ground in a playful heap, breathing heavy and smiling. Marta looks up from the ground just as Dee comes inside, trotting over to lick faces.

  “Aw, yuck. Henrique, get your dog!” Marta calls out, sitting up quickly as she wipes off her face.

  Hailey calls Dee over first, whispering at her to sit. As with all puppies, she does as instructed for approximately ten seconds before forgetting and running off.

  “Why does she listen to you, and not to me?” Marta scowls petulantly as she takes a seat on the bench next to Hailey.

  “Because she bribes her with kisses and table scraps,” Henrique quips as he picks up Isaiah who sticks his arms out like an airplane, flying around the room.

  “I knew you were a clever one,” Marta states as she wraps an arm around Hailey, grinning at Sister Rosa. “Do you like this one, Sister? Should we keep her?”

  Sister Rosa gives a wide smile and a gentle shrug. “I think so. But will she keep us?”

  “Keep us? Can you keep people?” Terrea asks as he climbs onto the bench beside his aunt, earning a wink from Hailey. “That doesn’t seem very nice.”

  “Perhaps not, but we mean to keep in our hearts, little one,” Sister Rosa replies. She glances over at Henrique, who is still puttering around the room with Isaiah. “Henrique, I was just talking with Hailey about the vocational program. What do you think?”

  “Well, even though there are a few in place for women, they are not everywhere and I believe having the right combination of interest, investment, and vision are all that’s needed. If Hailey can get Dr. Hackney to buy off on it, she’ll have the vision and investment part down.”

  “Well, we’ll see.” Hailey admits quickly. “There’s a lot of work that remains before I can make any headway.”

  “Ah,” Sister Rosa waves her hand in a dismissive fashion at Hailey, “the work will always be there. If not you, then who?”

  Marta bumps her shoulder with encouragement as Hailey looks at the table, picking at her fingernails. “An excellent question.”

  Two days later, Hailey rises early and piles into the truck with Marta and Henrique. They kindly offered to suffer through the six-hour journey on rough roads to deliver her to the airport in Kampala for her return flight late that afternoon. Just as before, Dee sits in front with Henrique, delighted to be going on a long and bumpy adventure. Marta is remaining behind in Uganda, having only just begun her year-long stint in this region for her doctoral studies. She will also spend time in Rwanda, Kenya, and South Sudan as well.

  When they arrive in Kampala, it’s a stark contrast from the gentle hills of the rural country they left behind. Now it’s the vibrancy of thriving areas, urban shantytowns, and overwhelmingly poor living conditions of the city. It’s colorful and smelly and a bit too much action for Hailey’s taste.

  Hailey exchanges information with Henrique, gives Dee a long hug, and then wraps her arms around Marta who is a blubbering mess.

  Henrique stands behind Marta, rolling his eyes at his sister. “If you need anything, just send us an email. It’ll take about 24 hours to turn around, but I’ll do what I can on my end to answer any questions for you.”

  “Good, I appreciate it,” Hailey replies as Marta pulls back and gives Hailey a soggy kiss on both cheeks.

  “Let me know that you’ve landed properly. I want copies of the pictures we discussed. And if I don’t get at least one email a week from you, I’ll assume it’s because you’ve locked yourself inside your room and crumbled beneath all the pressure,” Marta states with a watery smile.

  “I promise. I expect emails from you as well. Don’t forget to send me updates on the new school. Oh, and I want to know if Terrea ever gets the hang of that bicycle.” Hailey frowns, sad to leave her friends. She turns to Henrique and gives him a quick hug, then reaches inside the jeep and gives Dee another kiss on the head, ignoring her soft whine.

  She grabs her bag and hefts it over her shoulder, only turning to wave once before she enters the airport. Even though it took most the day to get here, she still has another twenty hours of travel before her. She checks in, grabs a soda and snacks at the convenience shop, and heads to her gate. It’s not until she’s on the plane headed home via Frankfurt, that she lets the tears fall, quiet and fast.

  “I swear to God, Jennings. If you don’t chill out, I’m going to send you outside to go wash the ladder truck with a toothbrush.”

  Jude scowls at the Captain as he takes a seat on the couch in the common area. Carl drops onto the couch beside him, looking at him like he has two heads. “You’ve been like this for the past four days. At first, I thought it was because you finally got laid, but now, I can’t even tell. What’s up?”

  Jude elbows him in the arm, looking around to make sure no one heard him. “Hailey’s flight is due to arrive any minute.”

  “Oh, is that right? She’s finally coming home. I was beginning to wonder if she was having second thoughts about getting hitched. I’m not that ugly am I?” Carl teases as he sucks in his slight beer belly.

  “Yes. Yes you are that ugly,” Jude shoves him as he stands again and starts pacing. “I can’t handle this weather, man. I need to go outside and run around or something.”

  “No kidding. Maybe you should go scrub down the t
ruck with a toothbrush.”

  “Ha ha, how about no.” Jude replies. He glances at the clock on the wall. Hailey sent a group text from Frankfurt informing everyone of when she’d be arriving. Up until that point, he’d been pretty chill. But once he received her text he’s been going nonstop. Before he can say anything more, the dispatch tone goes off and he gets roped into a call.

  When he finally gets off work, it’s three hours later and he’s a little pissed. Pulling up in front of Hailey’s home, he takes a minute to calm himself. He’s still in his work clothes, having skipped his shower due to his excitement, but now regretting the fact that he smells like a sweaty mess.

  “Whatever, it’s not like it matters.” He climbs out of his truck and walks to the front door, knocking quickly.

  “Jude!” Ms. Morgan opens the door, smiling at him. “Come on in! Hailey’s upstairs in the shower. We fixed up a plate for you, if you’re hungry.”

  “I am, actually,” Jude smiles as he receives a hug, removes his boots, and continues into the kitchen. “Sorry I smell so bad. I just got off work.”

  He enters the kitchen and shakes hands with her brothers and father, all gathered around the table. He spies a pie and some angel food cake on the counter and glances at Hailey’s mom who smiles at him. “Yes, that’s for you.”

  “Aw, that’s so kind of you, thank you very much.” He brings her in for yet another hug, excited.

  Hailey steps out of the shower and rings out her hair, utterly exhausted but happy to be home. The cold was a rude awakening, but her mom was thoughtful enough to bring her jacket to the airport. When she got home her family had all come together to have a great big dinner.

  She considers making this a new holiday, musing over her peculiar craving for salad and all things green and healthy. The larger towns in Uganda had plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, but that required a trip to acquire and wasn’t easy to come by. She’s never longed for a tomato so much in her life.