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The next few months passed in a blink. The Haileys returned to their own home, which both Jesse and Katy hated to see. Brice was sent away pending his trial; set for September. Caps and gowns and graduation took place the second week in June, followed by graduation parties at the homes several of the seniors.
Jesse reminded Katy each time that these parties were not the party he had promised her. She would have to be patient because the time had to be perfect for her perfect party.
All apprehension was gone with Brice out of the way. The trips to the police station, giving depositions, filing charges, speaking to attorneys filled much of their free hours, but it also contributed to their comfort hearing what would likely happen to the culprit.
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On a Sunday in July, the Sullivans were sitting around the kitchen table.
“There’s still coffee in the pot; anyone for more? There are a few donuts leftover. Help yourselves,” Tom said.
"None for me, thank you." Doris got up and stretched. "I need to get up and move before I take root here in this chair. I want to check the garden anyway." She kissed Tom on the cheek and grabbing her cloth gloves from the nail headed out the back. The dogs eagerly joined her.
“Jesse, we need to have a talk.” He cleared his throat. Tom crossed and uncrossed his legs twice before he seemed to get comfortable.
Jesse could see that his dad was nervous and unsure how to begin whatever it was he wanted to say.
“Jesse," he began again. "You and Katy have been spending a lot of time together. I’ve seen how you are with each other." He cleared his throat again.
"Yes," Jesse said.
"Is there anything we should know about?”
"Like what, Dad?"
"Well, you've been spending a lot of time going to parties, and other things."
“I’m not sure what you’re getting at, Dad."
Tom cleared his throat a third time. "Let me begin again." He opened his mouth, but then shut it and shifted once more in his chair.
"Dad, if you’re wondering if we’ve had sex, the answer is no.” Jesse felt his face turn hot and knew it must be a crimson red.
“Oh, good." Tom was instantly relieved - not that they hadn't had sex - but that this conversation would soon come to an end.
"Katy is a good girl. She has been sheltered and it wouldn't do for you to talk her into anything she’s not ready for.”
“Dad," Jesse explained. “Katy and I have known each other for years and somewhere along the way we fell in love. We know we'll get married one day and then we'll have babies by the dozens, but not yet. Dad, she’s a lot smarter than anyone knows. She can see into the heart of a person and find the good buried there; even Brice. She sees beyond the bully and the spoiled brat. She sees a lonely and frightened kid desperate to gain his father’s love. But he's a father, who can't show love, and thinks giving things will make up for it." Jesse put his coffee cup down. "We talk a lot and I can see what she sees. I love her, Dad. I would never hurt her or do anything she is not ready for."
“I don’t know what to say, Jess.” Tom rubbed the stubble on his chin. “You have grown up so much. Just when did that happen? You are wise for your years and you have things pretty well covered. Just do me one favor. Think about consequences before you and Katy jump into anything. Your mother is worried that... God, this is hard. She’s worried you might get Katy pregnant. There I said it.”
“Dad, I’m not going to rush into anything. I respect Katy too much. Now can we change the subject, please?"
Jesse put his cup in the sink and went to his room.
Doris opened the screen door and came in removing her gloves. She and the dogs stood for a moment. Then she went to the sink and washed her hands. She wiped them on a towel. “Did you talk to him? What did he say?”
“Don’t ever ask me to do that again. From now on you do your own questioning.” Ted filled his cup with coffee that had now gone cold. “Yuck,” he said, sipping the disgusting brew. He poured the coffee in the sink. “I don’t think we need to worry about Jesse and Katy."
“What do you mean?” Doris whispered.
“He’s not a child any more. He thinks more clearly than anyone I know. More than some adults I know.”
