Just in Need of a Friend

Chapter Six

“Dad!” the young woman exclaimed.

“Ah, Melissa!” Henry was greeted with a hug. “When did you get here?”

“I arrived about an hour ago. You weren’t home, so I figured I’d settle myself in, and I’ve already started a roast for supper tonight. I hope you’re okay with it.” Melissa brushed her brown hair out of her face, and helped her father take off his light spring coat.

“Oh, how nice,” Henry’s voice sounded so thankful. “Now, Melissa, I’d like you to meet this young man whom I’ve just met today. Such a nice boy. He came to see your mother with me today.”

“Hello. I’d introduce myself as Melissa, but you already know my name, but I have the feeling that with all the talking you’ve done with my father, he hasn’t asked your name yet.”

Melissa extended her arm to shake my hand, and I met it halfway. Her hand was soft and warm. “I’m Jay,” I said shyly.

“It’s nice to meet you Jay,” Melissa said with a smile. “Would you like to stay for a cup of tea or hot chocolate? I’ve already got the water boiled.”

“Oh, I…umm…” I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I looked at Henry as though to ask permission to not go to school for a while longer.

“Oh, Jay has to go to school today. He’s already missed the whole morning.” Henry answered for me.

“Oh, please. Dad, how many times did I skip school? An hour longer wouldn’t be too much of a difference.”  Melissa said defensively, then turned to me with slight concern on her face. “Unless you wanted to go to school Jay.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind not going right now, but I don’t want to intrude.” I replied, easing her worry.

“Okay, he can stay,” Henry said quickly. “But hurry up and get inside before I change my mind.” He waggled his finger, then laughed and patted me on my back.

“Ah, yes, sir!” I pretended to be scared that he actually would kick me out, so I threw my shoes next to his, flung my jacket onto the coat hanger, took off down the hall, around the corner, and then poked my head back at them with a scared look on my face.

“Haha!” Henry laughed hard and tears began to form in his eyes. Melissa stood there giggling, as well.

Once Melissa and Henry had calmed down enough and made their way into the kitchen that I had appeared to have been standing in, we sat around a small table.

“That was the best laugh I’ve had in ages!” Henry said, smiling widely. “Thank you.”

I threw my hands up and explained, “You started it.”

After the kettle finished re-boiling, Melissa got up and prepared a blueberry tea for Henry and herself, and a hot chocolate for me.

“Here, Jay,” she said as she handed me the mug.

“Thank you.”

She had topped the hot chocolate off with whipped cream and drizzled chocolate syrup. I removed all the whipped cream, accidentally getting some on my nose that Henry pointed out to me. He couldn’t stop giggling all throughout drinking his own tea, that he unintentionally spilt some on himself. We all had another good laugh at that. Much of the conversation was Melissa talking about her life and job, while Henry asked her the questions. I sat there observing, listening to their conversation, enjoying the father-daughter bond. I wish I had a bond like that with my father. I’m sure if my mother were still around, then she would’ve had that kind of bond with me.

After nearly an hour, a bell was heard.

“What’s that noise?” I asked curiously.

Henry listened to the sound being emitted from somewhere, then looked like he realized what it was. Sighing, he said, “That’s the school bell.”

I glanced at the watch on my wrist and realized it was the end of the school day.

Melissa had a face of slight regret on her face when she realized, as well. She spoke softly when she did. “I’m sorry, Jay.”

“Oh, I don’t mind at all,” I explained. “I’m already caught up on all my work, and I would’ve had supply teachers all day letting us work on assignments that we’re behind on.” It was a lie, yes, but they wouldn’t know.

I could see that Henry was shocked at my comment. “They would allow you to work on previous assignments? Not in my day, they would give us another stack to complete. Good on you for being caught up, young man.” He nodded approvingly at me.

I smiled back him to keep with the lie, but realized I should be leaving soon. I’m sure they were going to have a nice meal together.

“Well, I think I should get going now. My father might be wondering where I am if I don’t return get home soon.” I told Henry and Melissa, and began to get up. It was another lie, but I didn’t want to intrude on Melissa’s visit with her father.

“Oh, okay,” Henry stood up to walk me to the door. “Thank you for everything today,” he said.

Melissa followed her father’s lead by standing up, and following me to the door.

“It was nice to meet you today, Jay. My father doesn’t get the chance to see many people, but I can tell that you’ve made today very special for him. Thank you,” she told me, smiling sweetly.

I slipped my jacket back on and squeezed my feet into my shoes while being watched by Henry and Melissa.

“Thank you for letting me stay, and I may see you around sometime, Henry. And Melissa, I will probably not see you often, but I do hope to see you again.” I said to the both of them, and stepped out of the door I had opened.

“Goodbye,” they said in unison, waving to me until I was out of sight.

As I walked home, I realized how tired I had become, so once I got home, I went straight to my room. After placing the book I had bought earlier on my dresser, I shut my blinds and quickly fell asleep after crawling into bed. There was nothing, but blackness.