Escaping Heartbreak

by Regina Bartley

  “You lay down and try to rest. I will double check all of the doors and locks, and make sure everything is turned off. I’ll check on you again before I leave.”

  Just as I was about to walk out she called after me. “How did you get in? I locked the door when I came inside.” The fight that was in her voice before was no longer there.

  “The hide-a-key was still in the same spot it was eight years ago. I’ll put it back where I found it on my way out.”

  “Okay, goodnight Travis.” Though the sadness was still there, I could see the forgiveness in her eyes. And just like that we had an understanding. She may not forget what I said, but she didn’t hold it against me. I’d never understood why, but it’d always been this way. We’d fight and makeup almost in an instant. It was our thing.

  “Goodnight Saw.” I walked slowly out of her bedroom and down the hall. I knew everything was locked up tight in this place so there was really no point in checking. She knew too; just like me. She wanted to make sure that someone was here with her when she fell asleep. I knew it as soon as she looked at me with the sad eyes.

  After I had made sure that all the ground floor doors were secure, I tiptoed back to her room. When I stepped inside, I wasn’t sure if she was actually asleep. I walked over by her bedside and saw that she was out like light. There was a light snore coming from her, and she looked peaceful. I felt awful that I had to leave her, but I had to be home with Waylon. He was my first priority. I pulled the covers up around her and whispered goodnight, leaving her there sound asleep in her bed.

  The entire ride home was slow and somber. Everything that happened was rerunning in my head. I was disappointed that she didn’t let me kiss her. I could never do that again. No matter how bad the urge got. She was off limits.

  ELEVEN

  Sawyer

  The sun woke me up by six a.m. the next morning. My head hurt, my eyes hurt, and I was in serious need of caffeine. I must have already been asleep last night when Travis left. He was there with such good intentions that it was hard to stay mad at him. But then I thought about his throat cutting words and he was back on my shit list. For some unknown reason, I had to go and act all rational last night. I closed my eyes and remembered how close his lips came to mine. They were close enough that I could feel the heat of his breath brush my lips. I didn’t want him to know just how much I wanted him. He had to know that I was still angry. What was he even doing here at my place anyway? He had to have come back for some reason, and he obviously never got to tell me. Thanks to my fit. He had my cell number and was babysitting me at all hours of the night. That has Stuart Dane’s name written all over it. I was going to kick that boy’s ass.

  I threw back the blankets and headed straight towards the kitchen. Surprisingly I felt rested, despite the raging headache. In the glass cabinet by the refrigerator, was the bottle of Tylenol. Uncle Jake packed half of our medicine cabinet in one of my boxes just in case I needed it. I took two pills with a can of Mt. Dew. Why not kill two birds with one stone?

  After a quick shower, I felt better. I was ready to start the day out on a new foot. My only plan for the day was getting that tutoring job. Everything else could wait. As well as the crazy night before. All I wanted to do was put it behind me. He made me angry, but he also helped me a lot. We still had to talk about past events, but certainly not today.

  I tried calling Dane’s cell on the way to the school, but there was no answer. Once again I was left talking to nobody. He probably didn’t even check his messages. The beep sounded, “Stuart Dane Evans, I owe you one. I’m onto you. You think that I need somebody to come babysit me. That I need someone to take care of me. The least you could have done was sent someone I like, ugh!” I hung up the phone hastily, nearly losing it to the floorboard of my truck. I understood why he did it, and I’d probably apologize later. But for the moment, I was angry.

  I dodged two big potholes pulling into the parking lot of the school. This place was pretty rough. It was barely past seven o’ clock so there was hardly anyone there. I was hoping that I could beat the morning school traffic, and my mission had been accomplished. I parked close to the entrance doors. There was a large cloud covering today, and I knew it was bound to start raining soon. When I reached the doors, the sign was all messed up. The words on the door were supposed to read London Middle School, but instead read “on on iddle sool.” So many letters were missing. I couldn’t help but laugh. I mean could they seriously not scrape the rest of the letters off the door.

  When I pushed the visitor button next to the entrance, the lady buzzed me in. The doors opened I walked inside and straight to the office.

  “Can I help you?” the petite, blonde haired lady at the front desk asked me politely.

  “Maybe,” I smiled. “I was wondering if you still have a position open for a tutor.”

  “Oh yes, we do. Let me just get the Principal, Mrs. Harrison. She’ll be able to talk with you about it. One second,” she stood up from her chair.

  “Thank you,” I replied.

  She was barely gone a second. She walked back to her desk followed closely by a tall, thin woman wearing a navy blue blazer.

  “Can I help you?” The lady asked.

  “I am here about the position for a tutor. My name is Sawyer Evans.”

  “Nice to meet you Sawyer. My name is Eve, or Principal Harrison whichever you’d like to call me. I’ll answer to just about anything.” She was a good-looking woman. Her dark, short hair was slicked back and tucked behind her ears. She had a lean face and thin nose. There was way too much makeup on her face, but nevertheless she was still very pretty. I could see her being an intimidating Principal. “Why don’t you come on back to my office and we can discuss the position.”

  “Okay,” I followed her back to her office. I was feeling a little nervous.

  Despite her gray demeanor, she was a pleasant woman, and after a fifteen minute briefing and some paperwork. I got the job. I was so excited. It didn’t pay very much and it was only three days a week, but it would keep me busy. She also said that she could find some other odd jobs for me to do if I were interested. Some of which include, chaperoning dances, and helping out in the school library. Sounded good to me. The job didn’t start until three thirty that afternoon so I had some free time to enjoy the town a bit. I hadn’t really gotten out, except for the grocery store.

  When I got back to my truck, I called Uncle Jake. I didn’t think he was going to pick up. It rang several times. Finally, he did. “Do you know what time it is, Pickle?” His voice was deep and scratchy.

  “Shit, I am sorry. I do know what time it is, but I was so excited that I forgot. Were you up late playing the new ring game?”

  “It’s called Lord of the Rings, and no I wasn’t. Besides that game’s not new anymore. I’ve already beat it. You didn’t wake me up to talk about video games. What is it that’s got you so excited?”

  “I got the tutoring job at London Middle.”

  “Yeah,” His voice rose in excitement. “I knew that you could. That’s awesome.”

  “Thanks for recommending it to me. It will perfect. It’s only three days a week and it’ll be a great distraction.”

  “Distraction from what?” Oh crap. I had to learn to keep my trap shut. He never missed anything.

  “Uh, nothing. I didn’t mean distraction. I meant that it would keep me busy.” I was stuttering all over the place.

  “Nice try, now tell me what’s going on. We don’t keep secrets from each other.”

  “Oh yeah, what about the Oreos that you keep stashed in your bedside drawer?”

  “So that’s why my Oreos would come up missing.” She heard him snap his fingers on the other side of the phone. “You’re the Cookie Monster. I laughed at his mock outrage. “Nice try with the diversion too, but it’s not gonna work. Tell me what’s up. Don’t make me come up there?”

  I sighed. “It’s really nothing Uncle Jake.”

  “You’re a liar, liar pa
nts on fire. Spill it.”

  “Fine, but I don’t want you worrying. It turns out Dane is worrying enough for everyone. He has already sent in a reinforcement.”

  “Wait, go back and start from the beginning. I want to hear it all. I am putting on the coffee.”

  I didn’t want to talk about it with him. Especially at nine in the morning, but he would find out one way or another. He was annoying that way.

  I went into full detail about Travis, which got his attention. He asked a million and one questions. He only remembered him vaguely from a couple of summers he stayed with us at the lake house. Thank goodness. Of course, his real concern wasn’t until I mentioned my meltdown. And that was precisely why I didn’t want to tell him about it.

  “How long has this been going on?” There was concern in his voice.

  “I didn’t start having these feelings until I was alone here at the lake house. I’m okay though. I really don’t think we should be talking about it over the phone.”

  “You’re right. Why don’t you come home this weekend and you and I can sit down and really talk about this? There are a lot of things we could talk about. I think maybe it would do you some good, really talking about your Mom and Dad. Maybe having some memories stirred up, wouldn’t hurt. Maybe it would help you heal.”

  “I can do that.” I didn’t go as far as to tell him that I felt responsible for their death. I figured that we could save that one for our discussion.

  “I wish that you would have called me and talked to me about this. You know that no matter what time of day it is, I will be here if you need me. Just call okay?” His voice was tender and sincere.

  “Okay, I will.”

  “It’s been so many years since the accident. You can’t keep carrying this weight around with you. I’ll help you any way that I can.”

  “I know, I love you Uncle Jake. I need to go now.” I was rushing him off the phone before he got an emotional rise out of me.

  “I love you too Pickle. I’ll see ya Saturday, but call sooner if you need me.”

  “See ya Saturday. Bye.” I hung up quickly, ready to get away from our conversation and the emotions it was eliciting. So much for not thinking about things today. At least I’d get to see him Saturday. I could clean his house, and catch up on his laundry. I could even cook him supper. Something good would come out of my visit. Plus I really missed his hugs. Maybe talking to him wouldn’t be too bad.

  My phone flashed at me letting me know I had ten percent battery life left. We had talked so long that my battery ran down, that was great. I had yet to unpack my car charger. Looks like I would be making a trip back home after all.

  I pulled out of the parking lot headed towards Route 896. I swerved again trying to miss the two potholes that I knew were there. There was a sudden jerk as my tire connected with the curb. I skidded along the edge just long enough for the damage to be done. My tire had gone flat. “Damn it Sally. You can’t be doing this to me.” The sputtering noise was loud and the truck bounced all the way to a stop. Thankfully I was far enough out of the road that no one would hit me. My day started off going so well, then Uncle Jake wanted to bring me down, and now this. I had ten percent battery and no spare tire; just great. I was within walking distance back to the school so I’d just go back there and see if they had a number for a repairman. Or a phonebook and a phone.

  It was so muggy that morning with a storm rising. The thunder was already rolling and I knew at any minute I was about to get poured on. I looked up at the sky and wondered to myself why this was happening. Things weren’t the greatest when I was home with Jake, but they were a breeze compared to what I was dealing with since I moved out. Growing up and taking responsibility wasn’t as fun as I thought. As I was checking out the damage, I felt the first raindrop hit my arm and then again on my forehead. I jumped back in the truck just as the downpour began.

  I would have to use my cell. There were only two numbers on my phone of people who lived anywhere close. Those were Travis and Vince. I let my head fall loosely against the steering wheel as my body shook with laughter. This was just my luck.

  There was no way I was calling Vince. He would expect something in return. I had to just suck it up and call Travis. I reached for my phone. Please, let him answer, I prayed silently biting on my bottom lip.

  “Hello,” he answered with his deep sexy voice.

  “I need a favor.” I said in defeat.

  TWELVE

  Travis

  “Sure, what do you need?” I was sure there was a bit of shock in my voice. She had to be desperate if she was calling me. I put the phone on speaker because I was driving and the rain was ridiculous. Waylon was beside me in the car giving me crazy eyes. I shrugged him off. There’s no telling what he was thinking.

  “I have a flat tire.” I laughed. Again Waylon was looking at me like I was nuts. He was probably wondering who she was. “It’s not funny Travis. Quit acting like a…”

  “Hey woman, easy there. I have a kid in the car.”

  “I wasn’t going to say anything real bad, and why am I on speakerphone?”

  “I’m trying not to wreck.”

  “Oh,” she said in a serious tone. I didn’t think about my words before I said them, once again. “I’ll let you go. I’m sorry.”

  “No wait. You’re fine. Where are you?” I asked. “Never mind, I see you.” I passed her bright yellow truck right outside the entrance to Waylon’s school. “Let me drop him off and then I’ll be back to get you. Just one minute.”

  “Okay,” she said and then the line went dead.

  “Who was that?” Waylon asked.

  “Her name is Sawyer. She is a friend of mine.”

  “A girlfriend,” he snickered.

  “No,” I swatted at him in his seat. “She’s just a friend. Maybe she’ll want to be your girlfriend though. I can call her back and ask her. If you want.”

  “Shut up Trav.”

  “Have a good day at school, Buddy.” I held out my hand, waiting for him to smack it. He just gave me that –I can’t stand you look like he did anytime I picked on him. He shook the hair from his eyes and held out his fist instead. I pounded it.

  “See ya later.” He opened the door. “Don’t forget I have tutoring today?”

  “I know. I’ll remember.” He slammed the door. Things had been so complicated since it became just the two of us. It’s been harder than I could have ever imagined. Waylon gave me trouble every single day, but he was no worse than I was at his age. I could handle it. Thanks to me, he could at least have an education and food. He may not have much else, but he’d understand one day. I was gonna make sure that boy turned out okay. I loved him, and I wanted him to have a decent life without having to worry about all of these adult situations that he’s been thrown into. It wasn’t his fault, and I was going to make sure that he knew it.

  The cars honking behind me brought me back to reality. I circled around the parking lot and drove onto the road headed back to Sawyer, making sure to pull my car right in front of her truck when I got there. I had barely gotten my car in park before she jumped inside. She was soaking wet, dripping all over. My cloth seats would be sopping wet, but that was okay. She couldn’t help it. When it rained here, it was never just a little rain. It was always a torrential downpour.

  “I’m sorry. I’m soaking wet.” She looked down at the puddle of water that soaked the seat.

  “And freezing,” I added. I pulled out an old t-shirt I had laying in backseat. “Here,” I handed it to her.

  She looked at me only briefly, and then took my shirt. “Thanks,” she took off the shirt she was wearing. All the while, grinning like a Cheshire cat. I quickly faced forward, which made her laugh. “You’re not blushing are you Travis Lawson?”

  “Psh. No.” I so was. The way the water dripped from her hair down her breasts was doing crazy things to me. I had to adjust myself in the seat to keep her from noticing my growing pants.

  “Oh, by the w
ay. I didn’t hang up on you earlier. My phone went dead. Who was the kid that you dropped off at school?”

  “My brother. Which tire is flat?”

  “The passenger side, front. Is your mom at work or something?” She asked, still prying. Only very few people know about my situation and Sawyer wasn’t one of them. If we were to talk about it, I’d be out of my comfort zone –a place I’d rarely been. It wasn’t like we were on a -tell all basis. Not technically anyway. She had let me in a little, but some things need time and trust. This was one of them. I have my guard up when it involves Waylon.

  “Yeah, something like that. Do you know the size of your tire?”

  “Really,” she narrowed her eyes at me.

  “Ugh,” I growled. “I’ll be right back.” I shot out of my car and into the rain. I went over to her truck to check out the size of the tires. I ran back to my car as quickly as I could. I opened the door and jumped in. “That rain is cold.” I reached for the knob to crank up the heat. Sliding my hands behind my back, I grabbed my shirt and lifted it over my head, tossing it in the backseat. Sawyer’s eyes were staring at my chest, so I flexed the muscles causing my chest to jump.

  “Not funny,” she smacked my arm, and I just laughed. It was nice knowing that she had weaknesses too. If I hadn’t seen her breakdown with my own eyes, I’d think she was perfect. Hell, she was still perfect compared to me.

  The car jerked a bit when I pulled away from the curb. My little cavalier was old, but she was still holding on. Her black paint was chipped in spots, but I didn’t mind. The music was playing and drowning out our uncomfortable silence. I reached for the knob to turn it down. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Yeah,” she shifted in her seat to face me.

  “Why didn’t you call Dane or something? Why did you call me?” I glanced at her briefly. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you did, but I just don’t understand why? I thought after what I said that you would never talk to me again.” My hands were wound tight around the steering wheel.