Page 27 of Cocky Origins: May and Jerald Cocker

He sighs, “That’s a load off. You’ll be turning eighteen soon then.”

“I really don’t think you understand you’re no longer a teenager, Jerald.”

“I’m fairly aware of it.”

“What I mean is, in my father’s mind you’re a man!”

Holding my look he says, “I am a man.”

Lily waves to me, “Hi May!”

I wiggle my fingers, and mutter, “She did that to see Peter. Funny how he didn’t want to sit with her. He can see Hank any old day.”

Jerald hums a bit and says an amused, “Sure kept Lily wondering.”

Surprised, I ask, “You don’t mean to say he did that to make her wonder?”

“What would I know about such things? I’m just an old fart!”

Eyeing him I nod my head, “So that’s how it’s going to be.”

Adjusting his cap, he smirks, “Certainly not with a smart girl such as yourself.”

“Are you teasing me? Because I am smart. I may not be a Congressman‘s daughter, nor know anything about politics, and maybe I hate numbers, but that doesn’t mean a thing.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Oh you!” I push at his chest and we rock too much. He throws an arm out to steady me.

“Whoa now. Stay still.”

“You okay Jer?” Hank shouts.

“Just moved a little too quickly is all! We’re fine.” Everyone on the wheel is watching us as the basket slows to normal. Jerald takes hold of my hand, and puts it over his heart, his voice becoming personal. “Feel how you make my heart race.”

I laugh, and gaze at him thinking, oh my… I’m in for a ride, it seems.And none they sell tickets for here.

If they did, the line would be for miles.

15

JERALD

Peter encourages Hank, “You can do better, you know you can!” while we stand around the game. He’s to throw a ball through a hole in a wooden clown head. The distance is great enough that it’s a challenge. But my brother is set on winning a rag-doll for Gertie.

Just like she did last night, Sable’s made sure we have something to eat, passing around hotdogs and soda pop as soon as they walked up.Marvin juggled more than he could handle. But that’s what he seems to enjoy.

May wipes ketchup before it drips on her chin, smiling at me with her mouthful.

“Taste good?” I ask.

“Mmhmm!”

“I’ll get it this time,” Hank grumbles.

Gertie is chewing her thumb nail on account of she wants that rag-doll but doesn’t like to see him get worked up over the possibility of failing. She’s a sweet girl, and I can see why she and May are close.

Hank throws the ball.

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