The Life Of Aaron Prescott

[19] Sally and Bill

The Life Of Aaron Prescott
Journal Entry Nineteen; March 5th

How should I not be glad to contemplate
the clouds clearing beyond the dormer window
and a high tide reflected on the ceiling?
There will be dying, there will be drying but there is no need to go into that.
The lines flow from the hand unbidden
and the hidden source is the watchful heart.
The sun rises in spite of everything
and the far cities are beautiful and bright.
I lie here in the riot of the sunlight
watching the day break and the clouds flying.
Everything is going to be alright.

-Derek Mahon

A A R O N

Lindsey was sitting on the bench, her face in her hands, elbows on her knees when I found her. Lindsey's shoulders shook lightly as she cried quietly to herself.

She was dressed in white sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt, her hair tucked into a wild bun, some strands of hair sticking to her forehead from sweat. She must have gone for a run to try and clear her mind before she called me.

I still had my apron on from work, my notepad and pen clicked together as I walked towards her. "Lindsey?"

Lindsey lifts her head, eyes rimmed red, tears falling onto her cheeks, "Aaron?" She sniffles and her shoulders are still shaking. I'm right in front of her now.

I place both of my hands on her shoulders, as if to stabilize them. "It's me, I'm right here."

"Aaron," she croaks again. "I can't-" Lindsey stops short, a sob leaves her lips.

I rub my thumbs over her shoulder blades to try and calm her. "You can what, querida?"

Lindsey's breathing is starting to get shaky. "I can't- breathe."

"You can," I say.

Lindsey shakes her head. I take my right hand from her shoulder just to take her chin with it. "You can," I repeat. "You will, because I'm going to help you. Okay? Just breathe with me."

I inhale. Exhale. I do this three times before Lindsey starts to join in. She places a hand over her heart, counting to ten underneath her breath.

When we both stop and her breathing evens out, I remove my hands from her shoulder and face.

"Are you okay?" I ask. "Do you need anything?"

Lindsey shakes her head, wiping away some loose tears underneath her eyes. "No, to both of your questions."

I nod. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Lindsey sighs. "Not right now. I need to just not think about it for a little bit, let it sink in."

Nodding again, I start to look around me and think of something I can do to get Lindsey's mind off of her dad.

I could take her to the beach, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to take anyone else there. I haven't even told Ryan about the place let alone take him there.

Ryan has work tonight and I'm pretty sure Mason is on a date with Rose. We could go to Jordan's but I don't think his parents would appreciate Lindsey coming over so late.

So, that doesn't leave much else but the bench. Or maybe...

"Lindsey," I smile. "Are you in the mood for some ice cream?"

***

There's no one but an older woman sitting at one of the wooden tables when we arrive at the ice cream truck.