February Love

Chapter Ten

I drove to the Old People's Home after school. On the way I stopped to pick up some donuts for Jared. He came to the Home 3 years ago. I too started volunteering around the same time. His memory about his past and his family is fading and the only face he remembers is of his son. Every week on the visitor's day, he waits for his son to show up. He doesn't remember that his son died years ago. 

"Hey Jared, I got you special donuts today."

"You are so sweet. I wish I had a granddaughter like you."

"Think of me as one." I smiled and kissed him on the forehead.

"Where is Donnie?"

"In her room I think. It was red day today."

Red day is a secret name shared by Jared and me. It is the day when Donnie is visited by her family. There is a lot of shouting and arguing on red day. Her son usually keeps asking her why she left the house on her own and she refuses to tell him. "I will see you before I leave." I said to Jared and walked towards Donnie's door.

"Can I come in?" The door was partially open and Donnie was sitting on the couch.

"Sure. How are you?"

"I am good. How did it go with your son?"

"A little less intense this time. I think he is giving up on his questions." She smiled. "How is the boy?"

"Oh, Hark? He is good too. We went out the other day, for a walk in the woods. It was very beautiful." I think I started blushing because Donnie's next question was no surprise.

"You kissed him, didn't you? I can recognize that look anywhere. I told you the very first time, you are smitten by him."

"He seems to be a nice guy but all I keep thinking about is the last time."

"Listen darling, I know what he did to you. He left you in the middle of nowhere but it doesn't mean you cannot give it another chance?"

"It was my first real kiss that night, Donnie. My first real date. He was my first real boyfriend. Before I left home that night, I decided that I would tell him that I loved him and he planned to tell me that he is leaving me. It could not have been worse."

"I never liked Harry. Although I have never met him, not that I am complaining, I don't think he is the best for you."

"Well you will have to serve your imagination because I do not plan to bring anyone except Sarah and Sam here." I stood up to leave.

"Just give it a thought. For me."

I smiled and left the room. The Home was a little messier than the other days. It took a lot of time to arrange things in their usual place and by the time I finished giving medicines, it was already 7:00 p.m. I had to go home, change and drive to Curby's for dinner. I rushed through the traffic and made it home around 7:30 only to find Hark sitting on the front stairs.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Hi. I just thought maybe we could drive together for dinner. I came on time as usual but there was no one home so I waited here."

"Yeah Julie has work and I had to run some errands. I will change in 2 minutes, you make yourself at home."

"Sure."

I could see that Hark was puzzled. It was almost like he wanted more explanation for my absence. But I could not give it to him. I did not want to give him an explanation for something that would open new doors of questions. I changed as quickly as possible and we drove to Curby's in silence. Throughout the dinner, I barely made any eye contact with him. It was better to leave it hanging than explain it. Later, he drove me to my house.

"Are you okay?" he asked me while turning off the engine in front of my house.

"Yeah, I am." I smiled at him. "Thank you for the ride." I kissed him on the cheek and walked out of the car.