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After seeing Jaden today, I hope with all I have that he doesn’t force me to discipline him for trying to cross a line I cannot cross.
13
JADEN
Watching Blaire leave with her daughter and ex-husband sends my heart racing. I want to run after her and tell her we can find a way to be together. But I don’t. I sit with Mom and spend time enjoying our Sunday brunch together.
“May I take these plates?” a familiar voice asks.
I look up and there stands Candace, my classmate.
“Hey, Candace. I didn’t know you worked here.”
“Yeah, I just started this week. I needed some extra money for books and stuff. You know all the other things a partial scholarship won’t cover.” She smirks.
“Yes, I know. That’s why I work at The Oasis.” I slide the empty plates to the end of the table for Candace to put on her tray.
“Jaden, who is this pretty girl?” Mom pipes in.
“Oh, this is Candace. She’s one of my culinary classmates.”
“It’s nice to meet you, dear.” Mom smiles and pats Candace’s arm.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Lugo.” Candace smiles as she stacks the dirty plates on the tray. Before she turns to leave, she asks, “Jaden, are you free for coffee some day this week after class?”
My mom clears her throat and smiles at me. I don’t have an interest in anyone other than Blaire. But I don’t think having coffee is really a date. So, I look at Candace and say, “Sure. We could go over notes from class.”
Candace’s face lights up. “Great. How’s Wednesday for you?”
“Sounds good. The coffee shop on campus?” I ask.
“Yeah. Right after my last class at two?”
I nod as she steadies the large black tray on both her arms and walks away from us.
“She’s cute, Jaden,” Mom says, then sips on the rest of her coffee.
“Yeah. She’s nice.” I shrug and think, but she’s not Blaire.
A few minutes later, I ask Mom, “Are you ready to go? You’ve got me all day, so what’s next on the agenda?”
“It’s a beautiful day today. Let’s go to the park and go for a walk. You can tell me all about Miss Turner, Candace, your other classmates, and classes.”
“Okay, Mom. Whatever you want.” I smile and stand from my chair. Walking around to her side of the table, I hold her chair for her to stand.
At the car, I open the door for her, and she smiles wide as she gets into the car.
“What, Mom?”
“I’m so proud of the young man you are, honey. That’s all.” She pats my arm before I close the door and walk around to the driver’s side.
Sliding in behind the wheel, I turn the key and start the car, then drive us to the neighborhood park near our home.
While at the park, Mom and I slowly walk the mile-long trail, then stop at the building which houses snack and drink vending machines. I get us each a pack of crackers and a bottled water. Taking a seat on one of the wooden benches close by, I lean back and stretch my legs out in front of me.
Mom touches my arm and pinches it.
“So, Jaden. Tell me all about Miss Turner.”
