Page 5 of Trucker
I chewed.
“What do you mean?”
“Well.” She bit her burger. “He doesn’t want to go because it’s a different school than mine. Which makes no sense because he’s worked so hard to earn that offer.”
I smiled.
“He wants to go into video game designs and the best place for that accepted him.” She continued. “I mean, sure. We won’t see each other every day. But we can do weekends and some over nights—we have ways now.”
I sighed.
“He’s scared,” I said.
“Of what? That I’m going to cheat?”
Shaking my head, I unwrapped my burger to pull it apart and added some ketchup before assembling it again.
They’re so young.
“I don’t think that’s why he’s scared.” I explained. “I think he’s not used to being so far away from you. Usually, if he missed you, he could just drive over. He could surprise you at school—now if he wants a hug, he’s going to have to wait and wait?—”
Lena hung her head.
“Try not to be too hard on him.” I patted her head. “He’s young and he loves you. I think he has no idea how to stay close to you especially from so far and that’s weighing on him.”
Lena sighed.
“I didn’t see it that way.” She told me.
“That’s why you have me.” I told her. “He’s just not used to being so far away from you.”
“You think so?”
“He’s a man, Lena. He’ll never say it outright.” I paused to chew. “We always try protecting our pride and ego or whatever you call it. There are a lot of changes coming. Major ones.”
“Bishop doesn’t like changes.” Lena smiled, admiration on her face. Remember how long it took him to accept his nickname?”
I chuckled.
Kaos started calling Bishop Kid. It was a name that stuck, and he didn’t take to it for some time.
“Now think about this whole school thing.” I continued. “New home, new classes, teachers, faces. And the days when all of that overwhelms him all he can do his suck it up. He can’t run to you.”
“Some of that did dawn on me.” She admitted in a small voice.
“It’ll be fine. I think the two of you have your heads on right. You’re strong. You’ll see.”
“I’m glad we had this talk, uncle.” Lena nodded. “I think I get why he’s so hesitant. I don’t want him giving up his dreams for me or anyone else. We have to make this work.”
I nodded.
“But as hard as being long distance will be, this will be good for our relationship.” Lena didn’t sound convince. “I hope.”
“Oh, that’s a thought.”
“And good for his career. And it’ll only be for two years. I mean, my program is three years, his is two—but it will be hard.”
I nodded.
