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“…Amen,” Mr. Hanson said, finishing the prayer before the meal. The family lifted their heads and food and noise began circulating about the room. Jessica still hadn’t told anyone about that afternoon. She didn’t know who she should tell. Ike and Tay? Maybe. Later.
After the meal
was over, Jessica went up to her room and pulled out her journal. She needed to
sort out her thoughts.
September
11th, 2001
Dear
Journal,
Something
happened today. I was outside with Chris, we were really bored, and one of his
friends who was on vacation when we first got here, came. Chris called him
Blake, but it was Zac. I know it was. And then “Blake’s” little brother “Alan”
came out, but it was Mackenzie. I don’t know if I should tell anyone. And if
so, who? They probably wouldn’t believe me anyway. But I told Chris what
happened and what I thought. I think he thought I was whack. I don’t think I’m
whack. I’m going to have to get some time alone with “Blake.” I’m tired. I need
to think. See you later journal.
Love
always,
« « «
The shrill ring
of the alarm clock broke through Jessica’s thoughts. She slammed her hand down
on the top of it, shutting off the piercing sound.
“Stupid thing,”
she muttered, getting up and rummaging through her drawers for something to
wear. She got dressed and brushed her teeth and hair. She walked downstairs
barefoot and dropped down in her place at the table.
“Morning
Sunshine,” her mother called from the stove.
She yawned.
“Who’s
Sunshine?” Her mother chuckled, placing a plate of eggs in front of Jess.
“So what are you
doing today?” her mother asked, going back to the stove as Jessica started to
eat her eggs. Obviously she was the only other one up besides her parents.
“Oh, I don’t
know,” she said, “probably just hanging out with Chris.” And “Blake.” She
thought to herself. But no one needs to know about that just yet. Her
mom nodded.
“Don’t stay out
all day. You’re behind on your schoolwork.” Jessica made a face.
“‘Morning!” a
cheery voice called. Jessica scowled.
How could Avery manage all this cheer at- she looked at her watch- 8:30 in the
morning?
“Good Morning Avery,” Mrs. Hanson said dropping a kiss on Avery’s strawberry blond head and setting a plate of eggs in front of her. Avery ate slowly, taking a bite, and then taking a sip of orange juice. Eggs, juice, eggs, juice. Jessica watched for a few minutes disgustedly. Then went upstairs to start on her mountain of schoolwork.
« « «
That afternoon,
at precisely 3:15, Jessica was on her front lawn reading the science her mom
had assigned her. She was waiting for Chris and “Blake.” She knew for a fact
that they walked home together. A few minutes later, they came by.
“Oh, hey Jess,”
Chris said.
“Hey,” she said.
“Listen guys,”
Chris said. “I gotta go. I’ll see ya later.”
“Okay.”
“Bye.” Jess and
“Blake” stood in silence for a moment.
Finally, Jessica found the courage to say, “Zac?” It was a whisper, almost inaudible. He nodded.
“Jessie?”
Jessica nodded back. Zac slipped his hand into hers. She squeezed it, and he squeezed
back.