Take My Breath Away

by Lari Smythe

  * * *

  To say I couldn't sleep would be a gross understatement, but I didn't care—Izzy was back in my life and I would never make the same foolish mistake again. Sure I was tired, but true to her word Mom was up early and we spent the better part of the day planting flowers. All the while I was putting the dear proof screen over them I kept thinking if Izzy were here, we wouldn't need it, but then, how would I explain that to Mom.

  I convinced Mom to let me cleanup after lunch, so she could water the newly planted flowers. I'd just finished up when there was a tap at the backdoor.

  "Come in," I called, tossing the dishtowel over the oven handle. I froze when I saw Alex and Cathy walk though the doorway. "Hey guys, what's up?"

  Cathy nudged Alex.

  "Yeah, well I just wanted to say I was sorry about jumping to the wrong conclusion, I—"

  "No way, man, that was my fault." I glanced at Cathy for some indication of what she might have said, but when our eyes connected, she tilted her head inquisitively. "Really, I just got carried away with the news. I didn't mean anything by it—Cathy knows that."

  "That's cool." He glanced at Cathy for approval. "Well, we just stopped by—we're headed to a movie."

  "Just the two of you?"

  "Not exactly—"

  "Mom's out in the car," Cathy said. She stepped forward and gave me an awkward hug. As she stepped back, she slipped something into my hand.

  "Well, I'll see you later." I didn't move until the door closed. Honestly, I was afraid to look at what Cathy had given me. Finally I opened my hand and stared down at the folded gum wrapper. Already? Seriously? I unfolded the wrapper and read, 'The park, south of Devil's Backbone, sunset.' Crap, I have no idea where that is.

  I went outside and approached Mom in need of discrete directions. She grew up here, she'd know. "Hey Mom, have you ever heard of Devil's Backbone?"

  "Sure, it's just north of town. Was that Alex and Cathy?"

  "Yeah, they stopped by to apologize for the other day."

  "I hope you apologized too."

  "I did. We're cool. Listen, Alex mentioned something about a park near Devil's Backbone—some of the guys were going to try a little fishing later."

  "Oh, that's a nice park, we had picnics there when I was in school. Just go up through town and turn left on Lappans Road—you can't miss it."

  "So it's okay if I go?"

  "Take your jacket it's supposed to sprinkle."

  "Cool, well I should probably get ready." I raced upstairs to my room—quick swipe of deodorant—brush teeth—oh what the heck, I took a quick shower. Hopefully Mom wouldn't notice.

  Mom was still sprinkling the flowers when I came down and headed for the Jeep. "Your fishing gear is in the shed."

  "Right." Fortunately the shed was still open so I didn't look a complete idiot. I quickly grabbed my gear, gave Mom a kiss and headed toward the Jeep.

  "Don't be too late—we have church in the morning."

  I stopped and looked back—I hated lying to her. "Mom, I—"

  Her smile said she knew exactly who I was going to meet.

  "Thanks Mom, you're the best."