He goes back and then left, heading over a small rise and stopping in front of the pond. It’s not much of a pond as ponds go, not even fifty feet across, though that’s big enough that kids swim in it during the summer, and it’s oddly deep; Earl built a small dock with a diving board. Jessup goes out on the dock. There’s no breeze, the water still. It’s peaceful. It wouldn’t translate to a photograph, but with the trees around the pond and the high grass circling the water, bits of snow here and there, it’s got its own beauty. He wouldn’t mind being out here with Deanne on a warm day, the two of them in swimsuits.
He winces. To bring Deanne here?
He pulls out his phone.
you up?
Stares at the screen. Wills the thought bubble to come up, but there’s nothing. Puts it back in his pocket. He sees a small rock on the corner of the dock, grabs it, spins it in the palm of his hand. Nice and flat. Good weight. Pinches it between his thumb and index finger, wings it over the water, watches it bounce once, twice, three times, four, before wobbling a bit and popping up into the air, knifing under the water when it comes down.
His phone buzzes.
yeah. can’t sleep. so mad
sorry
not at you. at my dad
oh
did he really tell you you can’t see me anymore?
yes.
. . .
. . .
I had a big fight with him and my mom last night when he got home. he was such an asshole!
what did you say?
I told him I love you
The words make Jessup thrill, an electric pulse running through him. He wants to shout it out, testify, wants to call it out to the world, wants to hold her and kiss her and whisper into her ear. He settles for tapping his thumbs on the screen.
I love you too
She replies with the heart emoji, and then kisses, and before he can respond she texts again:
where are you?
Jessup doesn’t want to answer. Not honestly. How does he answer that question honestly? Asks it right back instead.
where are YOU?
still in bed
hmm. pic?
! ha! no.
please
no. use your imagination. where are you?
He can’t ignore the question a second time.
church
. . . the . . . what’s it called?
Jessup?
Jessup?
what’s it called
blessed church of the white America
oh