Page 12 of Saving Micah

He has moved closer to me and wrapped me up in his arms. He settles back on the headboard of my bed as my head rest on his chest. He smooths my hair down as I listen to his heart beat a steady thud.

“I’m sorry Zant,” I tell him. I want to say more but I hope he understands why I’m apologizing. Even if I don’t.

He whispers, “It’s ok. We are both ok. There is nothing to apologize for.”

Chapter 6

Zant

But I never told you

What I should have said

No, I never told you

I just held it in

{‘I Never Told You’ -Colbie Caillet}

We sit in her room, on the bed, until Mrs. Lucy calls us for supper. We both straighten up and make our way to the dining room. I help Micah set the table while Mrs. Lucy and Mr. Davis bring the food in. We all laugh and joke around as we get everything ready and sit down to eat. This is what family is supposed to be. These nights make me miss my mama.

“Zant.” Mr. Davis gets my attention, “I could use your help with getting something fixed on my boat after supper if you don’t mind.”

I nod my head at him as I put the last bite of food in my mouth. “Yes sir,” I tell him, “whatever you need.”

I’m more than grateful to him for how he always helps me with things so it’s never a problem for me to help him with anything he needs. He has taught me a lot over the years. Way more than Roy has ever thought about teaching me.

Roy has taught me only one thing.

How NOT to be.

Once Mr. Davis and I carry the dishes to the kitchen for the girls, we get out of the way and head outside.

“My tail lights on my boat trailer aren’t working good. I need you to help me figure out what’s going on. They were working when I pulled out last weekend to go test the boat out at the lake.” Mr. Davis explains as we get out to his shed that he keeps his jet foot boat under. It is a really nice boat. I’ve been fishing with him several times. We catch catfish on the Mississippi and Homochitto Rivers during the spring and summer. He has taught me everything that he knows about fishing and I find it very relaxing.

“Ok. Do you know what could be wrong with them?” I don’t really know anything about lights.

“It’s probably just a blown bulb or water damage but, I figured you could help me figure it out.” I just nod. I’m beginning to think that he wants me out here for something totally different.

We work for about thirty minutes before the question comes.

“Is there something going on with you and Micah?” He asks the question without looking at me. I really didn’t expect him to be so blunt though.

“What do you mean, sir? We are best friends.” I answer him honestly but, I am going to feel him out. I do not need him to hate me when he finds out that I love his daughter.

He looks at me then. “That’s not what I meant. Let me be clear. Have you told Micah that you love her?”

If the look on my face does not show my shock, then I am better at facial expressions that I give myself credit for. With a dry mouth, I ask him the only question I can. “How did you know?”

“Son, this isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve seen a boy in love. I have been a boy in love. I know it when it shines so bright in my face. You love my daughter. I know you always have. Am I right?”

I just nod my answer.

“And I am assuming you are not telling her because you want to keep your friendship and you are worried about when high school is over and you both go to college.” He says it in a questioning tone but I know it is a statement.

“Am I wrong for that, Mr. Davis?” What is the point in denying anything. This man has known me my whole life. He has seen me beaten and bruised. He has witnessed me cry over both of my parents. My mother is gone. My father is a monster. Who will help me if he doesn’t?

“No son.” He sighs but I know more is coming. “I understand. You guys are still young. I know that Micah feels the same way. She may not understand her feelings like you do. She has not lived the life that you have. She has only had love to surround her. She doesn’t comprehend the emotions that come with someone that is evil. She doesn’t know how to appreciate love that could just disappear.” He is looking me in my eyes. I know he is speaking the truth. I know everything he is saying as well as he does.

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