Page 38 of Feeding Hope
Filling in the blanks, I said, “You’re worried about having a dress to wear?”
Would what I was about to say totally screw up everything? Money wasn’t a problem for our family. My parents gave me a generous allowance each week, and I never spent it. However, I really wanted to take Lyrical to the dance, so internally I braced myself for her to be angry.
“Could I give you a Christmas present and buy you a dress? I promise I won’t go overboard,” I rushed out. “Please. I’d really like to, and I’d really like to go to the dance with you.”
A tear fell as she shook her head. “I can’t, Jesse. Please understand. I would love to go with you, but it would feel like you were buying me. I’d feel obligated to you, and I don’t want that. Besides, I don’t belong at the dance, let alone with you.”
“That’s bullshit, Lyrical. I understand you’re proud, but don’t let that get in the way of doing something you want to do.”
“We’re too different, Jesse. Your parents won’t approve.”
She wasn’t wrong there. My mother definitely wouldn’t approve, and my father always went along with my mother’s wishes, but I wasn’t letting it stop me. Lyrical was the first girl I really wanted to spend time with.
“We’re friends spending time together. Let’s enjoy it. It’s one date, Lyrical. Give me one dance, and if you’re really uncomfortable, we’ll leave. Please?”
I was getting to her. The more non-threatening I made it sound, the more she wanted to say yes, but she was so wrapped up in the differences between us.
“Please say yes, Lyrical,” I repeated.
Her head turned back in my direction, her expression sad. She closed her eyes, exhaled deeply, and then opened them again. “I think it will be a disaster, but… okay.”
“Good,” I replied softly. I pulled my hand away and sat back in my seat, giving her some space. “What time do you get off work on Saturday?”
“Four.”
“I’ll pick you up, and we’ll go shopping.”
The look on her face turned nervous, already regretting she’d said yes. “Okay. Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime. And I mean that,” I rushed to add. “No more walking home in bad weather, even if I have practice. I’ve got plenty of time to run you home and get back to basketball practice or whatever. Night either. I’m happy to pick you up at work and take you home. It’s not safe.”
“You’re way too nice, Jesse Forbes.”
I saw she wouldn’t take me up on the offer, so I needed to show up and insist before she could refuse.
“See you tomorrow, Lyrical.”
I reached behind my seat and grabbed her bag.
“Thanks.”
This time the appreciation was shy but happy. I waited until she had safely entered the building before pulling away from the curb and heading home.
A chemistry report awaited me tonight, but I knew it would be a struggle because I was already imagining our date on Saturday, determined to make sure she was the prettiest girl at the dance.
Chapter Five.
Lyrical – Sixteen Months Later.
“Jesse?”
“Hey, Lyrical. I just got out of chemistry.” There was a pause. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work right now?
When I spoke, my voice broke. “I had to come home.”
“What’s going on?”
“Mom’s gone.”
