“I Only Wanted to be Close to You,” Replied Jake, Shoving His Hands Into His Pockets

“I only wanted to be close to you,” replied Jake, shoving his hands into his pockets. “We

walk around each other so often, I thought…”

“What did you think?” cried Abby. “That we would suddenly become ‘normal’ like Dad

and Mom?”

“I don’t know,” shrugged Jake, lowering his eyes. “Please, don’t be angry.”

Abby brushed her long black hair away from her face and sighed heavily.

“We aren’t my parents,” she said, patiently. “We never will be. All we have is our

friendship. It’s all either of us are capable of, and I don’t want to ruin it, do you?”

“No, I don’t,” answered Jake, in a quiet voice. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”

“Now that that’s settled,” sighed Abby, “I have to go shower and change, or I’m going to

be late for work.”

“Does this mean I can’t hold your hand, anymore?” he asked in troubled voice.

“Not if you’re going to take it the wrong way,” she warned him.

“I won’t,” promised Jake.

“Then, I guess it’s all right,” conceded Abby. “I’m glad we can look so objectively at the

situation.”

“Very objectively,” he muttered, with a small frown.

The ex-convict watched in silence as Abby disappeared into the house, leaving him alone

with his thoughts.

Already running a little late, Abby skipped breakfast, and drove to work, her mind still on

Jake and the camp out. When she entered the tackle shop, Dennis showed her the

appointment clipboard.

“And,” he added, “Mr. York is coming today for another lesson.”

“Doesn’t that man have a life?!” cried Abby, as Mr. Winkler greeted them from across the

store where he had been checking inventory.