A Boy She Loved

Loneliness For Two

The first week of summer went by uneventful. And very quiet. I mostly spent my time outside reading or walking down by the lake. But I made sure to avoid running into the popular crowd. I just wasnt feeling well enough to deal with them and the stress of my health. It was getting harder to breathe when I was up and moving about for long periods of time. A fact I hadnt even told my dad. He already worries so much I didnt want to add any more stress. I already felt like I was a burden. But mostly I was just feeling a little cheated I guess. I had been hoping to feel good so I could enjoy summer because what if this was going to be my last? I could feel the tears falling thick and fast upon my cheeks as I walked along the waters edge. The water splashing up and spraying the bottom hem of my sundress I continued to walk not paying attention to where I was going. Till I suddenly looked up and saw someone sitting on the edge of the dock. Squinting into the sun I was able to see it was David Taylor. Damn. Should I turn around and head back before he saw me? But before I could make up my mind he turned and looked my way. So I took a deep breath and continued walking. Suddenly feeling as little nervous the closer we were to each other. This is ridiculous. I had known him since we were in kindergarten. And I dont know why all the sudden it would matter what his reaction to seeing me would be.

"Hey." David looked up. "Whatcha up to?"

"Not much. You?"

He looks out over the water, "Im avoiding going home."

"Oh." I sat down next to him. "Me too but out of boredom."

He laughs. "Lucky you."

I studied David for a minute and then asked, "Are you okay?"

And his answer surprises me. "Not really."

"Why?" I then realize Im being really foward and I cant remember the last serious conversation David and I had. In fact I dont think we ever have actually ever just talked. So I quickly added before he could respond, " I mean, if you want to talk about it."

He sat there quiet for a few minutes then looked at me with his blue green eyes and they were filled with a pain I had never seen before. "My dad moved out. He left last night after a big scene with my mom and I."

"Im sorry David. Do you think he will come back?"

"I hope not." His voice was angry. "I know he is cheating on my mom even if she says he isnt."

I carefully thought about what to say next to him and all Icould come up with was, " Im really sorry."

He looks at me and slightly smiles, " Thanks Ivy."

After that we continued to sit there next to each other but silent. Both of us lost in our own thoughts but glad we were not alone. It was a very surprising twist to what I had thought was going to be just another boring day.

After awhile I began to feel faint and realized I hadnt brought my medicine with me. I needed to get home. The last thing I wanted was for him to see me sick and begin to ask questions. I stood up and almost lost my balance. Blindly I reached out to steady myself. I felt David's hand grasp mine.

"Hey," his voice was low and concerned. "Are you okay?"

I knew in any moment I wouldnt be but I tried to keep the panic out of my voice, " Yeah. I think Im just dehydrated is all."

He looked skeptical as he made sure I was steady on my feet before letting go of my hand. "Do you need me to walk with you?"

Now I was the one to slightly smile at him, "No. I can make it home by myself but thanks." Yet I wasnt sure if I was able to convince him enough so I could just quietly leave with no fuss. Not wanting anything to ruin the nice time I had just hanging out with him at the dock. Even if we had sat there most of the time in silence.

I took a step backwards from him and tucked a stray piece of hair that had escasped from my ponytail behind my ear and felt solid enough on my feet that if I left now I would get home okay.

"Really Im fine. Just need some water is all." I turned to start walking but paused. " See you David."

"Bye." He finally gave me a full smile and it made me catch my breath. I had never noticed how good looking he had gotten.

I started walking away feeling slightly confused at my sudden attraction to him and even more so by the desire to turn around to get one last look at him. What was that about?