Two Thursdays after I leave Huck the note homeschool group meets at the state capitol building in Santa Fe for a field trip. The building is round instead of square. It is the only round capitol building in the whole United States. We gather on the front steps as everyone arrives. Some parents join us for the day. Others drop off and head into Old Town to have an adventure of their own.
The New Mexico state flag waves high above the building. It is bright yellow with a circular red sun symbol in the middle of it that has lines pointing out in four directions. Mr. John blows the hair back from his forehead and starts a head count. “Ok. Looks like we’re just missing Carl and Emma. We’ll give them a few more minutes.”
I’m standing with Jojo. But she is in a deep conversation with Liza about horses. “I just don’t like animals that are bigger than me.” Jojo says. But Liza is not having it.
“Oh no. They are very gentle loving animals.” Liza protests. “You just have to show them who is boss. You should come to my place sometime. I’ll show you. You too Keda. Do you like horses?” She leans over and pats my hand.
“Huh. Yeah. I mean I have never ridden one. But I’d try.”
“Ugh. Fine.” Jojo says. “If Keda goes. I’ll go. But you gotta show us everything Liza.”
Liza claps her hands with delight and launches off into planning our visit. I tune out her voice and glance over at Huck. He’s reading a plaque by the front entrance. Besides saying a quick hello when we arrived. He’s barely acknowledged me. Go over there. I will my feet to move but before I can take a step Emma and Carl jump out of a car. And we all head inside for the tour.
Our tour guide tells us the history of New Mexico and the state building. We learn all about the state symbol and flag and we even get to see the room where our senators and representatives debate and vote and pass important laws and policies. Mr. John keeps his comments to a minimum and it is nice to be learning from someone else instead.
After our tour we sit outside in the sun and eat our lunches. Mr. John makes us write a list of questions and reflections. Then he facilitates a short discussion about what we saw. Midway through the discussion I have to pee. I get up and throw my lunch away. I head inside to use the bathroom. When I step back out Huck is there. Filling his water bottle up at the fountains. But when I look. I can see his water bottle is already full. Water overflows onto his hands.
“Hey.” I say.
Huck jumps a little. “Hey. I was um. Just getting some more water.”
“Oh.” I feel my ears get hot. He wasn’t waiting for me. “Well stay hydrated.” I hear myself say as I turn around to go back outside. Why. Why did I say that?
“Wait. Keda.” Huck is right behind me again. Close. “I uh. Well here.” Huck shoves a note into my hands and then practically runs out of the building ahead of me.
I unwrap the note. My toes tingle.
Dear Keda
My favorite Billie Holiday song is “Easy Living.” And yes. I’d like to hang out sometime. I’m shy too. Sorry I took so long to write back.
Huck
890-555-6107
And my legs tingle. And my face. And I tuck Huck’s note into my pocket. And keep it there. For the rest of the day.