Page 67 of Cocky Origins: May and Jerald Cocker

MAY

By the time we arrive at my home, of course it’s very late. No time for dinner together. But that’s alright. I’m just happy I was along for the ride.

Jerald’s mother bids me goodbye, “May, my dear, we enjoyed your company!”

“Thank you ever so much for bringing me, Mr. and Mrs. Cocker, it meant the world.”

“Now don’t forget to keep our little secret,” his father smiles.

“Cross my heart!”

They wait in the car as Jerald walks with me. “What secret?”

“It’s not a secret if I tell!”

The door opens, and we hide our disappointment. Here is Mother with one of her nice dresses on, Father in clean slacks and a pressed shirt, not far behind.How long had they been waiting, I wonder, forgiving them for stealing my moment alone with Jerald.

They greet him with a friendly welcome, tell him he looks well and everyone is glad to have him back in Georgia. Mother has enough sense to know how much I miss him. “Fred, let’s say hello to Ray and Frances!”

Jerald gives me a lopsided grin as our parents, both sets, happily chat outside of the car. But at least they’re way over there.

He’s staring at my lips as he asks, “Can I call on you tomorrow?”

My heart is louder than my, “Yes!”

“What time?”

“I have church in the morning.”

“I’ll be there. Can I pick you up?”

“Oh,” I glance to our folks. “I always go with my parents.”

“Alright then. How about I take you out after? Say a real restaurant for lunch? I’m sure we can find one open on a Sunday. Can’t claim to have another picnic ready by tomorrow, what with it being this late and my getting used to things.”

“Are you sure you want to?”

He frowns, “Want to what?”

“See me tomorrow. You must be very tired and—”

“—Never wanted anything more in my life.”

We gaze at each other, a kiss not far away. Tomorrow we’ll be alone. This look is saying he’ll kiss me then, and how.

Footsteps approaching drag his gaze from my lips. “Mrs. Kearns, Mr. Kearns, it’s awful late and I better be heading off.”

His mother calls out, “Why Jerald, that’s what I just said to you. Didn’t you hear?”

His father chuckles, walking around the car to get behind the wheel, “I think he had other things on his mind.”

My face goes red, only not from embarrassment.That kind of teasing won’t sit well with my folks. They like Jerald, but I’m their daughter. That’s a layered heap of trouble, in their minds.

“See you at church tomorrow?” he politely asks them, but their lips are tight, manner curt and guarded. Jerald glances to me, tips his white sailor’s cap, and strolls along.

Father’s limp is pronounced as he hurries me inside, shutting the door and pacing.

“Fred, now calm down.”

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