Page 106 of Love By The Falls

She tilts her head. “We haven’t seen your boyfriend around town in a while. Is everything okay?”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I say, looking down the hall for Jacob. I get a sense that perhaps Mrs. Jackson told him to take his time coming to the kitchen.

She pats my hand again. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, honey. You have your parents and all of us to look out for you and the baby. Jacob can use a few extra lessons. I know you’re doing your best, but that boy’s got a thick skull.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Jackson.” Her words are meant to be kind, but the pity behind the words angers me. “He’s a smart kid. Distracted, but smart.”

“That’s what I say,” she nods.

Jacob finally comes down the hallway, textbook and pencil in hand. I sigh in relief. “Don’t you worry, Charlotte. Ignore them negative Nellies and go about your business.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Jackson. I will.”

Pleased with her efforts, Mrs. Jackson pats her son’s cheek and leaves us to work.

“Hi, Ms. Tanner.”

“Hello, Jacob. What are we working on today?”

“Algebra.”

“Well, you’re in luck because that’s my favorite subject.”

“You say that every week.” He smiles and opens his textbook to chapter five.

*

A few hours later, I’m walking around a second-hand store when my phone rings. It’s Caleb. My heart races as I wonder about the coincidence of my mother mentioning him the same day he calls me.

“Hello?”

“Charlotte, it’s Caleb.”

“Yes, I know. How are you?”

“Fine. How about you?”

“Uh… good.” It’s awkward, I don’t know why. It’s never been that way between us. But I’m a little annoyed that he hasn’t called, and well, I guess I haven’t, either. “How’s work?”

“Busy.”

“Yeah me, too.”

I look around the store, trying to think of something to break the silence.

“What are you doing?” he asks first.

“Me? I, uh, I’m browsing at a thrift store.”

“Clothing shopping?”

“No. Not really. I threw out Charlie’s crib and other baby stuff, so I’m looking around for some items. How about you? What are you up to?”

He doesn’t respond, and I worry the line dropped. “Hello?”

“Yeah, I’m here.”

I stop walking through the aisle and listen to his breathing on the other end.

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