AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Jay-Jay joins us as Jake spins me around. Then we go back to jumping around like it’s the cure for every problem in the world.
“It’s not raining anymore. We should show her the place,” Jay-Jay roars over the music.
Out of breath, I lower the volume.
“What place?”
Jake looks astonished.
“You want to show her, buddy? You never bring anyone out there.”
I shrug and hold my hands out.
I promise I didn’t use any of my voodoo spells.
Jay-Jay jumps again. “Yeah.”
“Okay then. Ms. Russell, grab your coat and shoes.”
“Where are we going?”
He winks. “You’ll see.”
I’m apprehensive, but I’ve always been curious by nature, so I race them to get ready.
Jay-Jay wins.
Stepping out back, the yard lights switch on, but the closer we get to the trees at the end of the garden, the darker it becomes. I can’t see a thing.
Like they can read each other’s minds, I feel the warmth of two hands take mine on either side.
“You need to be careful in here, Claire,” Jay-Jay warns, sounding like a wise old man.
“Yeah, watch your step,” Jake agrees, but I couldn’t fall if I tried. They’re both holding onto me like I’m learning to walk.
Another couple steps in, and they stop. Looking up, there’s a clearing in the trees, and in the darkness shine thousands of stars.
My mouth falls open.
He wanted to show me this.
Well, so long, heart.
Jay-Jay tugs at my sleeve and points at the sky. “See the really bright star up there?”
I nod, too astounded to form words. “That’s my mom.”
A sob chokes me, but when I look over at Jake, he simply nods and smiles.
“We couldn’t see the stars at our old house. Dad said it was because of the lights from the city.”
That’s why he moved.
He built a damn house because his son couldn’t see the stars.
“Look, Claire, there’s another bright one right next to mom. I think that’s your friend.”
There goes my flimsy composure.
