#spring 08

- I really miss you, my girl..

Before the end of April, the story was done. Even though Morgan felt she could have written two hundred pages more, she had agreed to write a short story for The Rainbow Alliance first. However, before she shared her work with Lindy, the first person who got to read it was, of course, Joshua.

Joshua quietly read the pages Morgan had given him.

She tried to give him all the time he needed to read as she kept tidying up around the house.

Eventually, Joshua lowered the pages and stared at Morgan through teary eyes. "This... this is me..," he said softly.

“No, it’s okay,” James said, “I appreciate the intention…” He sighed, “I would love to hang out some more, but I need to get back before people start looking for me. It was good to meet you. And thank you for being such great company for my grandmother.”

“Oh, the pleasure was all mine. And it was good to meet you, too. I’m going to stay here a little longer if you don’t mind.”

“No, please do,” James said. “Bye, Dante.”

“Bye, James.”

- I really miss you, my girl…

…

*delete*

Joshua shook his head, "No. No, please don't do that. This is amazing."

"Seeing everything written down in a story like this makes me feel... I don't know... seen? I guess? And I'm not used to being seen..."

Morgan smiled widely, "And you are so deserving of that!"

"I do have another question to ask you..." Morgan said as she stood up.

“Because..!” Sadie shouted but then hesitated. She couldn’t tell Finn about the severity of James’ issues; she knew that.

“Because there are some things they don't know about… And I do…” She said more calmly, “There are certain things he can talk to me about, but not to them. I can’t go into the details of it all because that would betray his trust, so you’ll just have to take my word for it…”

“It just bugs me…” Finn said.

“Yes, that’s clear,” Sadie replied, still feeling agitated.

“I’m sorry, Finn, but I can’t win here anyway; I’m either a bad girlfriend or a bad friend, and for tonight I’ve made my choice. Now, you’re welcome to stay here and sulk, but I’m going to finish my essay.” She angrily turned her attention to her screen again.

“Oh… okay… umm, I’ll give you my number…” she said as she came up to the door James had already opened for her.

“There’s no need for that,” James said. “This was fun, but I won’t be calling you. Please go now.”

“Wow,”  the girl said, “And here I was, thinking you’re a nice guy. Guess I was wrong…”

“At least I’m honest,”  James said, “Bye.” And he closed the door.

Dan sighed, a concerned look in his eyes. “Yes,” he said, “I should go. Will you guys lock up?

“Of course,” Seth said, “But I desperately need to take a leak, so I’ll walk with you,” he laughed.

“I’ll be right back,” he then said, turning to James and Sadie.

“Hey...” Sadie said softly, putting her hand on James’ shoulder. “Hey...” He whispered back, still looking out the window.