Page 38 of Fervency Love

“Maybe it’s because of the lyrics. They’re close to my heart. Or, at least, they used to be. I wrote a song or two myself.”

“You wanted to record a mixtape?” I’m intrigued by this, but Ve looks embarrassed.

“Yeah, well, we did a bit of that.”

“Wow, that’s awesome! Do you still have it? Can you rap something for me?”

“No way. Not going to happen.”

“That’s a shame. You have a beautiful voice. It would have been so cool.”

A shy smile appears on his face.

“Want to sleep at my place tonight?” I ask.

“There’s nothing I would want more, but I think Dad’s going to throw me out if I don’t return home another night.”

“There’s no telling when I’ll be alone again,” I say, making my sweetest pleading, inviting face.

“Jesus, the way you look at me makes me hard. You know that, don’t you? I have to say, you are pretty convincing. Let me see what I can do.”

Five minutes of talking to his dad later, he returns, sporting a wide grin.

“It’s done.”

“How did you do it?”

“I told him we’re going to a party and will be back in the morning.”

“Great! Let’s go.”

On the way we drop by the market and buy dinner. We settle on French fries. My favorite dish.

The first thing I do when we’re home is call Grandma. I tell her I’m already home and promise I’ll go to sleep right after I eat dinner. She wishes me a good night and hangs up.

I turn the fryer on, and we sit on the balcony. Ve lights a cigarette and leans against the railing, while I fold my legs and wrap my arms around them. I like watching him. Jesus, what don’t I like that’s connected to that boy? Only those moments he acts weird. But I can live with them, as long as what I feel for him rewards me every moment of uncertainty and discomfort.

Chapter 20

Abby

I’m exhausted after volleyball training. The only bus I could catch from school drove straight to the main station. I get out and check my options. I’m too drained to go on foot. A double-oh-seven arrives. It stops by my house, but then, out of the blue, the “cavemen” appear and board the bus. They’re my crazy neighbors, going around drunk all day and generally acting like firecrackers about to explode. She always pees in the elevator and wears nothing aside from an old nightgown. And her hubby, smashed out of his head, tried to cut up my uncle and dad with a knife once. They chased him off, and he never tried that again, but I’m still scared of the two. I skip the bus and decide to wait for another. As I start walking to a bench to take a seat, I see Roger stepping out of the vehicle. He sees me and comes over to say hello.

“Hey, Abbs! You haven’t changed a bit! Though, no. Something did change. You’re even more gorgeous than you used to be.”

I flush and pat him on the shoulder in a friendly gesture. Right at the same instant I notice someone else approaching. It’s Ve.

“Hi, kitty cat,” he says and kisses me wetly. His tongue finds mine, and the two break into their dance. When he’s finished, Ve pulls away. I can see Roger’s unease.

“It was nice seeing you, Abbs. See you around!” he says quickly and leaves, avoiding Ve’s smug stare.

“I can’t leave you on your own, can I? Someone always shows up around you.” Connor starts his usual game.

“Ve, it’s Roger.”

“Yeah, your ex.”

“That’s right: ex. And there was another ex after that one, so drop it.”

---