Looking After You

(35) Ages: 21 & 18

Ages: 21 & 18

“Promise you will call us when you get there and whenever you decide to make a stop so we know you are okay.” Denise reiterated for the fifth time that morning while following James down the staircase. Smiling with his duffel bag in hand, James turned to her once they reach the first floor.

“Mom, I promise.” He placed his bag on the floor before reaching out for his mother’s shoulder, gently pushing her back and forth. “I’ll call you every hour if you want but only if you promise to quit worrying.” After glimpsing a smile forming on his mother’s pink lips, he wrapped her in a hug and pulled her warmly to his chest.

“I think it’s so great that you’re taking Jenny to tour a University in Florida.” She commended as she pulled away from their embrace, a bright smile now taking up her face. “She could really use a break from everything that has happened.”

“Yep, it should be great getting away from everything and…everyone.” James continued nodding excessively while showing every one of his teeth as he smiled to hide the lies. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be taking Jenny away from everything that weekend. Instead, he was leading her right back to the person who broke everything. Letting Denise, Richard or Alison know of their plans wasn’t even an option. One brief mention of ‘Connecticut’ or ‘Keith’ would instantly put a stop to their covert road trip. The sound of small footsteps making their way down the stairs put an end to their conversation, much to James’ relief. They both turned to look at Jenny who was groggily making her way down the stairs with her sunglasses over her eyes, luggage in hand and a pout adorning her lips.

“Um, I’ll go get the coffee,” Denise said immediately after observing Jenny’s sluggish appearance and pat James’ arm before turning to walk towards the kitchen.

“Was it really necessary to leave at this ungodly hour?” She murmured in irritation before stepping onto the first floor.

Resisting her negativity, he continued smiling and grabbed the bag from her hand. “It’s just eight o’clock. You can’t sleep till noon every morning, Jenny.” He snickered while Jenny just glared in response before ripping her bag back from his hands.

“I’ll be outside.”

This new, cold and angry Jenny that had replaced the old, warm and loving Jenny was something everyone had slowly gotten used to. No one accepted her new attitude, and in no way did they prefer it, but they had come to expect it over the last few months. James made a promise to himself that he would bring her back, no matter how much he had to pretend it didn’t hurt when she gave him that look. The least he could do was bring her back after being partly to blame for her retreating into her shell.

“Is everything okay with you two?” Richard asked, finally stepping up and letting his presence be known. For a moment, James had forgotten he was standing there. Observing was something Richard did best. He would stand aside and become wiser by watching than anyone ever became by participating. The only time he joined a conversation was to make a joke or diffuse a situation. The last couple of months James had wondered if his father knew about Keith’s affair. After all, he was the first one to make a comment all those years ago, not that James had any understanding of it then. Maybe his father had known for much longer than anyone but he was just a lot better at staying detached than James was.

Nodding, James swayed back on his heels and tucked his hands into his pockets. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Jenny just needs to have some fun. It’s not good for her being cooped up in this house, having to stare at her home through a window every day.”

Richard nodded in understanding and continued stepping forward so he was standing just inches from his son. “You will remember what I said?” Cocking his head to the side, James arched his eyebrow as he attempted to recall something of importance his father had said. Richard placed his hands on either side of his sons face, pushing lightly so his lips pouted just enough to be humorous. “Just be smart.” Maintaining eye contact, he watched as James smirked and turned a light shade of pink in embarrassment. Sometimes it scared James how observant his father really was. Reaching up to Richard’s face, James copied his father’s act so they both had the same expressions; sunken cheeks and pouted lips.