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Jesse made the right decision tonight, but he has two more years of high school, and beyond that, there are plenty of years where he might need an adult he can rely on. Someone he can ask for help, no questions asked. If I bring him to his mother’s or father’s house, he’ll never trust me again.
I can’t fathom a night where Jesse never leaves the spot behind the dumpster—or worse, never leaves the dangerous party.
“I’ll take you back to my house,” I agree. “I’m not your friend though.”
My comment punches him in the face.
I explain, “I’m your Tara. An adult who you can disappoint with your lies to your parents yet respects your decision when you call when you’re in trouble. I’d rather be disappointed in you and have you safe than you risk harm to yourself because you’re worried about getting punished. I promise you, Jesse, I will always pick you up when you need me, and I won’t tell anyone what happened. What you did tonight was stupid. It was also very brave. I’m glad you called me, and I’m proud.”
Despite the dark, I see his eyes are glassy, as the dashboard lights illuminate his face. He nods and sniffs back his emotions.
I start the drive back to Newbury. I’m not entirely sure it’s the right thing to do, but it’s the middle of the night, and this child needs a place to sleep. In fact, he passes out in the passenger seat beside me halfway into the drive, his heavy breathing a melody to the evening.
I nudge him awake when I park in my driveway, and he walks into my house like a zombie. Inside my house, he looks around with bloodshot eyes.
“You baked,” he remarks, looking at my messy kitchen.
“Yeah, I was”—thinking about your father—“bored.”
I lead him into my living room, and he falls onto the couch, completely dressed. His sneakers stink something rotten as I pull them off, and I almost gag when I remove his socks. Teenage feet are disgusting.
My favorite blanket lies on top of him, and he snuggles against one of my furry, oversize throw pillows. I plug his cell phone into a charger and turn the living room light off.
With Jesse in slumber, I head into my room and set the alarm for eight in the morning. He and I need to sleep, and I’m sure no one is expecting him home until nine at the earliest. I leave the bedroom door wide open in case he needs me, and it affords me a direct view of the couch so I know he’s safe.
A half hour later, I still can’t sleep. I take a pillow and throw blanket and walk into the living room. I lie down on the love seat, curl into it, and feel more comfortable, sleeping near him in the same room.
Thank goodness he called me tonight.
I just pray I did the right thing.
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
A few days later, I’m back on the ranch. Jesse and I haven’t spoken since I dropped him off a block away from his mom’s house. He wore clothes he had in his backpack and marched through his front door like the night before never happened.
I have a little guilt about not telling Rob, yet I’ve made up my mind. If it happens again, I’ll call in the big guns. I gave Jesse my word, and I will keep it.
“What did you do to my son that he’s being so respectful tonight?” Rob asks, walking into the kitchen as I load the dishwasher. “Look at you, cleaning the kitchen alone. I feel like I’m in the twilight zone.”
“Anytime someone exceeds your smallest expectations, you’re amazed. You don’t put a lot of faith in people.”
He laughs a deep, hearty chuckle. “You’re right.”
I scour the bottom of the only pan left in the sink. It has severe burn stains on it, so I put some elbow grease into it.
Rob bends down under the sink and takes out a silver canister. “Here. Sprinkle this on and let it soak a little.”
Leaning back, I sway my head to move hair away from my face and rest my wet hands on the edge of the sink.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“Bar Keepers Friend. Gets any stain out of stainless steel.” Rob does as he directed me and creates a paste of sorts with the powder and water. He takes the scouring pad from my hand, and the pan is spotlessly shiny in minutes.
I admire his handiwork. “And I thought I was the Mary Poppins around here.”
“You’re doing just fine in that department,” he jokes. “I’ll be outside. Need to get some work in before the sun sets.”
“Outside?” I ask as he walks toward the front door.
