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JACKSON
TWO YEARS AFTER THEY MET…
Sitting on the creeper, I stare at the tire in front of me. Another day, another break job. Rolling the creeper slightly to my right, I reach for my electric drill, then roll back to remove the lug nuts one by one. Once the tire’s removed, I place it under the chassis for added safety. After the jack gave out last week, I’m taking every precaution I can think of. The last thing I need is four tons of metal crashing down on me. Or is it?
“Jackson, make sure you check those rotors real good. Mrs. Kramer said her car just started shaking the other day; it only happens while braking.”
I’ve been working with my father every day since I graduated from high school. But no matter how many jobs I do for him, he feels the need to remind me of the simplest tasks.
“Jackson.”
“I heard you. Check the rotors, just like I always do.”
Looking down at the smudges of grease on my hands and black dirt under my fingernails, I can’t help but think about what a drastic change my life took. I should be finishing my first year of college right now and focusing on football. Not sitting on a hard piece of wood with wheels under it while sweating my ass off in these stiff blue coveralls and being told the same thing repeatedly, like I’m some sort of idiot. There’s no way in hell I can live the rest of my life like this.
“Jackson?”
“What?” I snap. I’m so tired of hearing my father call my name a million times a day.
“Watch your tone.” The look he gives me puts me back in my place. “Where did you put the keys for that Altima?”
Reaching in my pocket, I pull out the set he’s looking for. “Sorry. I forgot to hang them up when I was done with the test drive.”
My father shakes his head in disapproval as he takes three steps toward me to collect the keys. He’s obviously frustrated with me but jokes on him because I feel the same way.
Next to me, my phone buzzes on the oil-stained concrete. Tapping the screen with my finger, I see it’s another text from Rory. She’s in town for the weekend and keeps trying to make plans. I’m having too big of a pity party right now to be around her. Plus, she’s got her boyfriend with her. Seeing her with someone is just another slap in the face. Another thing I’m missing out on in life. My phone vibrates again, and I don’t even bother to look at it this time.
After work, I head home and straight for the shower. The best part of my day is washing all the sweat and grime away. By the time I’m finished, my mother has a plate of food waiting for me on the table. Except dinner isn’t the only thing waiting for me in the kitchen.
“Jackson, look who stopped by.” Rory and my mom are catching up while my father relaxes in the living room with the baseball game on. My mom gives Rory a hug before heading toward my father. “I’ll give you two some privacy,” she calls over her shoulder.
Alone in the kitchen, the two of us only stare at each other. She looks good, and I can smell that vanilla spray she loves so much wafting off of her.
“Did you have a busy day?” Rory’s green eyes are boring into me and her left eyebrow is cocked.
“Every day is busy. Having an actual job is a lot different from college. Maybe if I got to sleep in until noon and only had to take a couple of classes every other day I’d have time to text you back.” I open the fridge door and grab one of my dad’s beers. “What are you doing here, anyway?”
“I made an early dinner for my grandparents, and now they’re watching Jeopardy. My dad isn’t home yet, and Paul has a paper he needs to turn in by midnight. So I figured I’d walk down here and say hi.”
“Hi,” I manage, after chugging more than half of the beer.
“Ok then. I’m not the only one in town this weekend. Lyndsey and a few others are home as well. We were all thinking about getting together at the quarry tomorrow night. Feel like going?”
“No.” I snort.
“Jackson, what the hell is your problem?”
“Look, I’m tired, and my dad is making me work a half day tomorrow so we can catch up. Sitting around talking about how awesome college is and hearing about all the fun you guys are having is the last thing I want to do with my time off.” Rory says nothing. “It just doesn’t sound like a good time to me.”
“So this is how it’s going to be when I come home now? You’re just going to ignore me and refuse to answer my texts because what? We have nothing in common anymore, so there’s no point in hanging out or being friends?”
“Yeah, maybe it’s for the best.” I can’t make eye contact with her because I’m lying.
“How much longer are you planning on feeling sorry for yourself?” Rory stands and makes her way toward the door. “So what if you can’t play football anymore? Find a new dream. Or don’t and live miserably for the rest of your life.”
The old screen door creaks as Rory pushes it open and walks away from me.
“Fuck!” I yell while throwing my now empty beer can in the sink.
