Page 7 of Fractured

“Yeah. She’s a year older than me. She’s pretty smart. She’s going to college to be a nurse.” There’s more pride in his voice than normal for a kid who is ‘just talking’ to the girl.

“Well, shouldn’t you see if there’s something you can work toward that’d keep a hot nurse interested?”

“Well, I’m never going to be a doctor, if that’s what you mean.” He snorts.

“There are plenty of other professions that interact with nurses. But, if she likes you, I bet she’d be happy to see you go after anything that interests you.” I hold on to the ball momentarily, trying to make a point. “Come on, man. If you could have any job, what would it be?”

“I don’t know. I thought about being a firefighter. Seems cool. I just don’t know anything about it.” He shrugs, more serious now.

“I can help you find out.” I’m hoping I’ve had a breakthrough here.

“Hey guys, Ms. McReedy is here to pick up Gavin. Why don’t you two come in, and you can exchange contact information and plan a time to get together again?”

Looking toward Gavin, I see a single short nod of the head.Whew, I guess I passed the first phase of this inquisition.“Sounds good, Sandra,” I say, walking alongside Gavin as we cross the cracked pavement.

I gaze back over at him, finding him smirking, carrying the basketball under his right arm. Looking straight ahead, he drops his voice to a near whisper. “Shame you aren’t on the market, old man. Ginger has a nice ass.”

* * *

Back in my car, heading for home, I have to keep from laughing to myself.Good Lord, that kid. I need a drink.I was in no way prepared for the likes of Gavin McReedy. I pat myself on the back for getting through this day. I need to see what I can do to assist this kid. Show him someone out there cares about him and his future. But I need to be careful how I show my support… he already suspects I’m a ‘perv.’ Maybe Jake can get me some contact info for his buddies at the fire department. I bet Gavin could do a ride-along or something. They could give him the low down on what’s required to join the department. And those guys won’t put up with any of his shit. It’d be like mini boot camp for him.

Slowing for the light, I contemplate future outings with Gavin. Something tells me he won’t be into soccer. He seems committed to basketball. But I could toss it out there. Maybe I can score tickets to a VCU basketball game. I need to take this slow, find out how his grades are and carefully offer help with assignments. If he wants to pursue a career with the fire department, I’m sure his transcripts need to be competitive.

As the light turns green, I notice a True Green lawncare truck to my left. Sandra had said Gavin was fifteen. Too young for a work permit, but I could probably interest him in a job doing some landscaping with my dad. If he doesn’t have anything on the weekends, I could bring him to help mow the lawn, trim hedges or edge the lawn. I know my dad doesn’t really need help.Hell, the only thing he does all day is work on that damn lawn and watch the news and weather.But I think bringing the two of them together could be good, and earning an honest day’s labor might give Gavin some much-needed spending money without it appearing as a handout. I just need to warn Dad about that mouth before he gets there.

Pulling my car into the garage, I turn off the ignition and sit quietly for a moment. I’ve truly had a blessed life. I had wonderful, devoted parents who provided for my every need. They gave me the chance to play soccer and eventually go to medical school. It doesn’t matter that my marriage didn’t last. Dad’s right, that endingwasprobably for the best. If only there was still a chance for me to have a successful marriage and kids.Well, not that kid.

I try to picture myself tossing a ball back and forth with my own teenage son. Leaning my head against the headrest of my car, I close my eyes and take in the sight. Laughing, sparring with one another as we play one on one in the driveway. Off to the side, I notice a young girl of about ten years of age creating chalk drawings with a younger sister. I can’t help the smile that crosses my face. Just as I decide to open my eyes, pour myself a scotch, and call it a day, I notice a beautiful brunette come out to join the girls on the concrete. She lowers herself to the ground, picks up pale pink chalk, and proceeds to draw hearts on the little one’s cheeks.

Laughing at myself, I question where my mind has gone and wander into the house. Grabbing my celebratory scotch, I head to the bedroom for a shower. I take a drink of the amber liquid and begin to sputter as it goes down a little too quickly. Bending over the sink, I splash some water onto my face and look into the mirror. An empty expression greets me.Make up your mind, Barnes. You can’t have it both ways.

* * *

Refreshed from my shower, I sit with my leftover Italian food and a glass of Merlot, trying to rid my mind of self-doubt. I stare aimlessly into the dark kitchen while eating my dinner in isolation.Is this better? Is this better than taking a chance?Before Katarina, I wouldn’t have questioned my choices, but now…

Admitting I’ve lost my appetite, I throw the remainder of my meal in the trash and rinse my glass. I might as well hit the hay. Ascending the steps, I trudge to my bed and lie back on the crisp, cotton sheets. Staring at the ceiling, the earlier pictures dance in my head. But the young girl is no longer the cherub making chalk art on the drive but a small girl seated in a metal chair. A breathtaking brunette wearing a white lab coat squats down by her side, reassuring the child she’s going to be all right.

Question is, will I?

Chapter Four

Kat

“Hey, Mel, come on in.” I’ve wondered how long it would take for her to drop by. It’s been five days since Jake was here, and while I haven’t awakened wearing strange apparel, I’m no closer to figuring out what happened to me. I’m sleeping better now. I’m sticking to Benadryl, which often has me waking a bit hungover, but I prefer this to wondering what I’d been doing the night before.

Hugging me tightly as she enters, she asks with notable concern, “How ya holding up, Kat? I thought I’d bring you some dinner.” She walks toward the kitchen holding a bag of something which smells divine.

“What’s that?” I chase after her.

“It’s Luigi’s Penne ala Vodka. I also have salad and bread. Sound good?”

“Sounds and smells perfect. You’re a goddess.”

“I have my moments. So, Jake told me about what’s been going on. Are you feeling any better?” she asks timidly.

“Well, nothing else odd has happened since I saw him. I’m sleeping a little better, but then again, I take two Benadryl, and it knocks me out. I don’t wake up until after 9:00 a.m. each morning. But I don’t have anywhere to be so…”

Grabbing a couple of glasses from the cabinet, I fill one with water and place it on the table by the bay window. “Do you want water?”

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