It’s enough to break the tension.Wiping her eyes, Rachel starts to laugh.
"And you can call me Tyler.It’s what my friends and family call me."
"Tyler," she says, trying it out.It sounds good coming from her mouth."Well, good night, Tyler.Thank you for today.It helped.More than I can say."
"You were a tremendous help, too.You saved my parents’ house.We owe you big time."
"It’s nothing."
Silence overtakes the SUV.I don’t know what else to say.Seems like Rachel doesn’t either.Odd to think that three days ago, I didn’t know this person at all, but sitting here in the dark, I’m already thinking about what I should say the next time we talk.All because of some list.
"The list!"I exclaim, suddenly remembering why we’re together."We need to do the list."
"Um, there’s no ‘we’ here."I see Rachel’s hand move to the door handle.
"Okay, you need to do the list, but I can help.Or at least be a sounding board.An accountability partner."Jesus, I sound desperate.
Her hand stills for a moment."Why?"
I’d like to know that too."I need something to do."It’s about as close to the truth as I can bear to admit.
She stays facing the door.I have to strain to hear her voice."I’m not a charity case."
"I’m not treating you like one.I lie there alone every night, watching videos of other people live their lives.I feel like I have the opportunity to not just be a spectator for once.Will you let me not be a spectator?"
I’m practically begging.Truth is, I have no idea why this means so much to me.Something deep within my gut is telling me to pursue this.To make Rachel pursue this.
Rachel stares at me over her shoulder for a long moment.She lets out a sigh."Fine.I’ll think about it."With that, she opens the door and slides out."Thanks again for the ride."
She closes the door and crosses in front of the vehicle.I watch her walk to the end of the building and then disappear up the stairs.
Before I pull out, I send her a text.
Me: You get in ok?
Rachel: I’m in and locked.
Rachel: Thanks again.
Me: Thanks for coming.I had a good time.
Three dots wave for much longer than I’d like.
Rachel: Me too.Sewage aside, but that’s literally the story of my life.
Me: You’re a book person.You can just turn the page and start a new chapter.
I don’t know where those prophetic words came from, but I’m pleased with myself.
I’m only home for a few minutes when the temptation to start scrolling ClikClak comes back.I can let myself.I was out for a long time today, and I barely touched my phone.In fact, other than texting Rachel, I haven’t wanted to use my phone.
This is new.
"Wow, four days in a row on time?What’s the occasion?"Maliq Miller always seems to be watching the clock when it comes to me.
"Shut up, Miller.Who are you, the time police?"I slam my locker door shut a little too hard.If Rachel can start a new chapter, so can I.At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself.
"Hey, Crew, make sure you’re on time.Otherwise, Miller here will be up your grill every single minute of every single day."I feel the need to warn the new guy, Crew Benequista, who was moved up from our minor league affiliate to fill the vacancy left by Brandon Nix."Other than that, we’re a chill group."
