by Jim Proctor
Love you, girl,
Jaz
Then, stacking the pillows against the headboard, she leaned back and opened her reader app. She wanted to finish the book she was reading before bedtime.
* * * *
Serna looked down the street toward Terrin’s house. His parents’ car was gone from the driveway, so they were probably out to dinner now. She smiled. Hurrying down the street, she passed into Terrin’s backyard and entered the woods. After several minutes walking around, looking up, she found his platform. She had expected to find a ladder, or at least a rope. There was nothing. She jumped, but she couldn’t reach the lowest branch. Looking around, she didn’t see anything that might help her. She remembered seeing some lawn chairs on Terrin’s back patio. Hurrying back, she grabbed one and ran back to the tree.
Standing on the chair, she was able to reach a low branch, but it was a struggle to pull herself onto it. Jazeen had climbed up, she reminded herself. Yes, but Jazeen is tall, thin, and muscular. I’m… well, you don’t get boobs like these on a bony-ass chassis like Jazeen’s. Up she went, struggling the entire way.
When she finally reached the platform, she collapsed and rolled to her back, panting heavily. Looking around, she saw a plastic bag with the letter inside. After catching her breath, she got to her feet, pulled the bag free, folded it, and shoved it into her back pocket. She wanted to rest and take in the view, but Terrin’s family might return home at any time. She needed to get the lawn chair back to his patio and leave without them seeing her. Going back to where she had climbed onto the platform, she looked over the edge and wondered how she would get back onto that branch to begin her descent. With a death grip on one of the railing posts, she swung her legs over and lowered herself, her legs flailing in the air for a while before a foot finally found the branch. Easing herself a little lower, she planted both feet and then let go with one arm as she gripped a handle on the underside of the platform.
The trip down was terrifying. Twice, she lost her footing and nearly fell. She wondered if she would be able to build up the courage to do it again tomorrow night. She’d have to. Once I know I have Terrin wrapped around my little finger, I’ll ask him ever so sweetly to make a rope ladder or something to help me climb. And just to make sure, tomorrow night when we’re all alone up there, I’m going to do something for him that will make him want to be with me on that platform over and over again. Jazeen, honey, you aren’t getting Terrin back.
Folding the chair, she tucked it under her arm and hurried to Terrin’s patio. After setting it back in place, she heard a car pull into the driveway. Turning, she ran into the woods and kept running until she was sure she was out of sight. Looking back, she saw a light come on in a window of Terrin’s house. Heading north, she continued through the woods for a while before turning left, working her way toward the row of houses. Finally seeing the houses, she turned north again, keeping them in sight and walked until she reached Calibar Street and headed for home.
* * * *
Jazeen finished reading the book a little before midnight. She opened the messaging app—nothing from Terrin. After shutting the tablet down, she plugged it into the charger and set it on the nightstand. Rolling out of bed, she changed into her pajamas and brushed her teeth. Exhausted, she climbed into bed and pulled up the covers and drifted off to sleep.
Jazeen ran through the grass, giggling wildly. Milla was right behind her, arms reaching out toward her.
“I’m going to get you!” Milla said.
Jazeen squealed and looked back over her shoulder wearing a huge grin. Her foot caught on a rock and she fell forward, hitting the ground hard and sliding on the grass. She screamed and then cried.
Milla scooped her up, turned her around, and sat on the grass with Jazeen in her lap. She wrapped her arms around her and held her, kissing her forehead.
“Are you okay?” Milla asked.
Jazeen tried to answer between sobs, but gave up, crying harder.
Milla held her close and rocked her back and forth. “I’m sorry, Jazzy. I’ve got you. You’re going to be okay.” She kissed Jazeen on the cheek.
Gradually, Jazeen settled down, her sobs becoming an occasional spastic gasp.
Finally, she said, “I’m okay now, Milla.”
Milla smiled and kissed her again. “I’m glad. I love you, my little snuggle-bug!”
“I love you, too, my big lovey-bug,” Jazeen said.
Milla stood, hugging her little sister to her chest, and carried her toward the house.
“Let’s go in and get you into the bath. If you have any scrapes, we’ll wash the grass and dirt out of them. Then it will be time for pajamas and bed,” Milla said.
“Will you read to me?” Jazeen asked.
Milla kissed her cheek. “Of course I will. It wouldn’t be bedtime without reading to my snuggle-bug!”
Jazeen giggled. “I love you, Milla.”
“I love you, too, Jazzy.”
Jazeen gasped and sat upright in the dark. She had been maybe five or six in the dream. Was it real? Had we really been that close? As she replayed the dream in her mind, she began to cry. It felt so real! Laying down again, she settled in and went back to sleep.
* * * *
After breakfast, Jazeen walked to the mall. She had filled out the job applications and wanted to return them as soon as possible. The manager of the pretzel store put her application under the counter without reading it and went back to mixing dough. At the mobile phone store, the manager glanced at it momentarily before saying, “I’ll message you if something comes up.”
Discouraged, she continued to the drugstore.
“Hello, Jazeen. It’s good to see you again,” the manager said with a smile as she approached. “I see you have your job application ready.”
Surprised by his welcome, she was glad he remembered her. She held out the application. “I know you don’t have anything right now, Mr. Harper, but please keep me in mind if something comes up,” she said.
Looking over the application, he said, “You know, most of the young people who come in for a job application never come back. Sometimes they come back weeks or even months later. That’s why I never say I have an immediate opening.”
“I don’t understand,” Jazeen said.
He smiled. “I’m looking for the ones who come right back without the expectation of an immediate job. They’re the ones who are serious about wanting to work. When can you start?”
Jazeen looked at her watch. “Right now, if you want,” she said.
Mr. Harper chuckled. “There’s some paperwork to take care of first. If you have thirty minutes, we can knock that out and I’ll send it off to human resources. If they approve it, you can start next week.”
Jazeen smiled. “Monday? I can do that.”
“Hopefully. Human resources is closed on the weekends. If they finish your paperwork by tomorrow night, you can start on Monday morning. If not, it will be Tuesday,” he said.
“That’s fine. I’m available,” she said.
“Okay. Come with me, and we’ll get the paperwork done. We start our employees at minimum wage, but if you work out, you could get a raise as early as three months from now.”
* * * *
Jazeen had walked around the mall for a few hours picking out new clothes. If she was going to be working full-time next week, she needed a wardrobe, not just a few outfits. Then, bags in hand, she headed for her hotel. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and she was feeling optimistic. Things were starting to go her way. She had money. She had a job. She was sure Terrin would be feeling better today. He’d find her letter, and everything between them would be straightened out. This was a turning point, she was sure. Reaching her room, she put her shopping bags on the dresser and picked up her tablet. There were two new messages—one from Mr. Collins, and one from Serna. She opened Serna’s first.
Jaz,
Sorry, Terrin’s still out. Poor guy must be really sick. Don’t worry, he’
ll probably be back tomorrow.
Serna
Disappointed, she opened Mr. Collins’ message.
Dear Jazeen,
We have received your scholastic records from the university. Everything is in order. You have more than enough credits to graduate. Dr. Ardent has forwarded your paperwork to the school board. We should have your diploma in a few weeks.
Congratulations,
Darren Collins
PS—I saw Terrin today. He looked extremely happy. Now that you are out of your parents’ home, I guess you two are able to spend some time together. Good luck. I hope things work out well for you. Remember, call me if you need anything.
Jazeen stared at his message as her stomach began to flutter. She read Serna’s message again, and then re-read Mr. Collins’ message. Something was wrong. Someone was lying to her. Serna was one of her best friends. Surely she wouldn’t lie to her. On the other hand, why would Mr. Collins lie? What possible motivation could he have?
She stared at the tablet, switching back and forth between the two messages. Finally, she looked at her watch and then began composing a message to another friend, hoping she had her tablet on.
Gailen,
Are you in the lunchroom now?
Jaz
She waited, staring at the screen.
A new message popped up.
Jaz,
Yes, I’m at lunch now. Where are you?
Gailen
Jazeen took a deep breath and typed.
I need your help. Can you see Terrin and Serna from where you are?
A moment later, the reply came.
No, not from here. Do you want me to look for them?
Jazeen typed
Yes, but don’t be conspicuous. I don’t want them to know you are looking for them. Just casually move around until you can see them.
It seemed an eternity before Gailen replied.
OMG! I found them. I’m sitting a few rows away. Jaz, Serna is all over Terrin. They’re sitting together, pressed up against each other. They are talking, smiling, and laughing. OMG, he just kissed her! What is going on? Do you want me to go over there and kick Serna’s ass?
Jazeen’s heart sank. Too angry to cry right now, she typed a reply.
Gailen, don’t go over there. There was a misunderstanding. Terrin thought I dumped him. Serna was supposed to help me patch things up, but instead, she stole him.
Gailen’s reply came quickly.
When we get off the bus this afternoon, I’m going to drag her ass into the woods and beat the crap out of her.
Jazeen smiled. Amid her sorrow, it felt good to have a friend who truly was her friend.
Don’t bother. She isn’t worth it. Neither is Terrin. They deserve each other.
A moment later, Gailen replied.
Where have you been? Where are you? Everyone is asking about you, but nobody knows anything.
Jazeen shook her head and then replied.
It’s a long story. I dropped out of school. I’m living in Sharpstown now. I don’t know how long I will be here, though. I had plans that included Terrin, but obviously they have changed. Let’s get together soon. I’ll tell you all about it. Oh, and for what it’s worth, Serna knew all this. Obviously, she decided to keep it to herself while she stole my boyfriend.
Gailen’s reply came a moment later.
I don’t care what you say, I’m going to kick her ass! Even if you tell me not to, I’m going to do it if only for myself.
Jazeen laughed as she read the message.
Don’t waste your strength on her, Gailen. Seriously, she isn’t worth it. Let me know when we can get together. I’ll be starting a new job at the drugstore in the mall early next week. For now, I am free whenever you are. Once I start my job, I’ll be working from 10:00AM until 6:00PM weekdays. Maybe we can get together for dinner.
Gailen replied quickly.
Okay, I’ll leave her alone, for now. But I’d sure love to go over there and split her lip open with my fist, so she can’t kiss him for a while. Dinner sounds great. Let me know when and where. I’ll be there. I’m sorry about Terrin. It sucks, but you know what? His sorry ass doesn’t deserve you.
Jazeen hoped Gailen really would leave Serna alone. Gailen was the captain of the school kickboxing team. With that thought, she hoped Gailen wouldn’t beat the crap out of Terrin.
As she put her tablet down, she considered her past choices in the friendship department. She had considered Serna to be one of her best friends. Why? Because she was always eager to hang around with her and Terrin. In retrospect, she realized it was Terrin she had wanted to be with. Gailen was her friend, too, but she had never been especially close to her because Gailen didn’t like hanging around with Serna. Clearly, Gailen was a better judge of people than she was.
She smiled. The optimism she had felt earlier was back with renewed strength. Serna could have Terrin. Oh, yes, and Terrin could have Serna, and she knew exactly how she would tell him. Right now, though, it was time for lunch.
* * * *
Jazeen stood on the platform enjoying the view and the gentle breeze. She glanced at her watch. Terrin would finish dinner soon, and then he’d climb up here. A twig cracked far below, and she leaned over the railing to look for him. A moment later, she saw him walking, carrying a patio chair. Serna was beside him, hanging on his arm. I shouldn’t be surprised, she thought.
She watched as Terrin set the chair under the tree. He held Serna’s hands as she climbed onto it. She reached up and barely managed to grasp the branch. Jazeen chuckled softly before backing away from the railing. Climbing up the trunk, she sat on a branch that hung just at the edge of the platform.
Several minutes later, Serna struggled onto the platform, gasping for air. As she lay there, face down on the wooden deck, Terrin pulled himself effortlessly onto the platform. Kneeling beside Serna, he gently rubbed her upper arm. “Are you okay?” he asked.
Before she could answer, Jazeen swung down from the branch and landed on the deck. She smiled at Terrin’s surprised expression. Serna rolled to her back, but she was still breathing too heavily to say anything.
“Well, if it isn’t the two love birds,” Jazeen said. Terrin opened his mouth to say something, but Jazeen cut him off. “No, don’t bother explaining anything. I just stopped by to tell you something. I hadn’t expected Serna to be here, but it’s just as well that she is. Now I can tell you both together. You have my blessing. You two belong together. You deserve each other. Oh, and you can forget all those things I said in my letter. I was wrong about you.”
Terrin looked confused. “What letter?”
“The letter I left up here for you two days ago,” Jazeen said.
Terrin looked around. “I haven’t been up here for three days. Where is it?”
Jazeen looked to the railing where she had left it, and then realization struck. Looking down at Serna, she said, “Maybe you should ask your girlfriend where it is?”
“What are you talking about?” Terrin asked. “This is the first time Serna has been up here.”
“Really? Tell me something. Did she ask you to bring that chair for her? How did she know she would need a chair to reach the first branch?” Jazeen asked.
Terrin stared at her for a moment, and then turned to Serna. Serna looked away.
Turning back to Jazeen, he said, “So what? How would she even know you had left a letter here for me?”
“Because I told her, moron!” Jazeen yelled.
Terrin looked back to Serna. “Did you take the letter?”
Serna, no longer gasping for breath, sat up, but she would not meet his gaze.
“Serna, where is my letter?” he demanded.
Still looking away, she said, “I tore it up and threw it away.”
He turned back to Jazeen. “What did the letter say?”
Jazeen laughed. “Nothing you need to know. Thank you, Serna. You actually did me a favor and saved me some embarrassment.”
T
errin turned, slipped over the side of the platform, and began climbing down.
“Terrin, sweetie, wait!” Serna shouted.
“Go home, Serna!” he shouted from below.
Serna glared at Jazeen, and then cautiously slipped over the side. Her face was a mask of pure panic as she tried to get her feet set on the branch below. Then, just before disappearing, she said, “Bitch!”
Jazeen laughed. Going to the railing, she watched the pair climb down. Terrin was already dropping to the ground while Serna was just a few branches below the platform, struggling to make her way. To Jazeen’s surprise, Terrin was waiting for her.
Serna was two branches from the bottom when her feet slipped. She screamed as her left side slammed into the branch. The branch gave a bit and snapped, dropping her onto the branch below. Her left leg caught, flipping her over. Falling the last two meters, she landed on her shoulder with a thud and a scream of pain. Groaning, she struggled to her feet, holding one arm to her chest with the other.
“Are you okay?” Terrin asked.
“I think I’ve broken something,” Serna said after a moment.
Terrin picked up the chair and walked quickly away.
Jazeen smiled. He hadn’t been waiting for Serna; he was waiting for the chair. Serna looked up briefly before limping slowly away after Terrin.
Jazeen went to the center of the platform and laid on her back. The sky was still blue, but it was deepening. For months, she had wanted to see the stars here with Terrin. Now, she thought, it would be much better seeing them alone.
A familiar sound slowly grew until Jazeen stood and looked around. The lights of Angus’ airship were visible in the darkening sky. She smiled and waved. Soon, the ship was overhead, and the rope came tumbling down.
“Well, now,” Angus said as he pulled her over the railing, “fancy finding you here. I went to your house on my way home from my last trip, but you weren’t there. Then, tonight, I went back, and you weren’t there again. I knew something wasn’t right, so I played a hunch.”
Jazeen beamed at him. “I’m glad you did. I was worried I might not see you again for a long time.”
“Ah, so you missed me,” he said with a chuckle.
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I have missed you,” she said as she bent down and kissed him on the cheek. Smiling, she turned and began pulling up the rope. After coiling it, she stowed it in its compartment, then walked confidently into the wheelhouse. Without breaking stride, she took up position at the wheel. As Angus stepped inside, she increased RPMs and pushed more pitch into the propellers. The ship accelerated, and she pulled back the elevator slightly to gain altitude. “Where are we going?”
