Page 27 of XO

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My father places some new magazines on my study desk and sits on the side of the bed, a hand cupping mine. I note the dark circles under his eyes and the new lines forming. His jet-black hair is bearing signs of gray, a recent and rapid development over the last month.

“How are you today, sweetheart?” he asks. There’s a forced effort to smile.

“Much better. I’m ready to go back to school.”

He shakes his head. “Doctor said you have into next week off. I’ve already contacted your teachers.”

Good old dad, always organizing my life.

“You look tired,” I say, feeling like the roles need to be temporarily reversed. He’s always looking after me, but right now, I can see he too needs some nurturing, although he’ll never admit it.

“Just got a lot on my plate at the moment. Nothing to worry about, boo-boo.” He pats my hands and delivers a genuine smile. “I’ve got to run some errands and get you some more medication. Will you be okay for a couple of hours?”

I chuckle because I feel ready to run a marathon. Well… at least stroll through one. “I’m fine. Go, do your thing.”

Dad leans forward and kisses my forehead before heading to the stairs. He calls over his shoulder, “I’ll bring home some Arby’s for lunch.”

“Don’t forget the garlic bread.”

“Have I ever?” His voice fades, and I hear the front door close behind him.

I text Mom.

Me:Did you speak with Dad? He still seems out of sorts. Text back, please.

I wait, and at least twenty minutes pass without a response. Typical. Always too busy for family. Snuggling into the comforter, I close my eyes, and I start dreaming of Arby’s garlic bread when I hear a commotion followed by a knock. I turn to my door, heart pounding because it’s only me at home. No one’s in the house, but I wonder if there’s someone at the front door. Too bad if there is, they can come back. Snuggling back down, there’s another startling bang, this time louder and followed by my name.

“Rosie! Let me in.”

I bolt upright to find Jacob cupping his face from the sun to peer through my window. “What the heck.”

Flipping off the bedsheets, knowing my hair is in all sorts of disarray, I pad to the window and slide it up until I’m face to face with a smiling Jacob.

“How did you get up here?”

He points to the giant tree at the side of the house, which has a thick, sturdy branches over the veranda. “I tried the front door, but it’s locked. So, this was the only option.”

“You’re crazy.”

“How long is your dad out?”

“A few hours, at least.”

His beautiful chocolate eyes twinkle in mischief. “Plenty of time,” he says while expertly climbing through the window like a professional burglar.

My stomach somersaults. “Plenty of time for what?”

He stands straight and pulls a script from behind his back. “To learn our lines. We missed rehearsal day.”

Yes, we did. Something to do with bleeding like theTexas Chainsaw Massacre. “Why aren’t you at school?”

He shrugs. “I was. I figured this is more important, so I left.”

Boys like Jacob Lynch will only break your heart, Rosie.My father’s words play over before I shove them aside.

“You left school to rehearse with me for a play that means nothing to you? You can get into trouble for this.”

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