Chapter Text
January 4th
“Come on, Paddy, come over for a movie. I’ll make some popcorn. I have some orange soda at my house too.” Rachel tried to nudge Patrick. “You had a bad game. It’s okay.”
“Rach, I lost the game.” Patrick laid on his bed, curled to his side, facing away from Rachel. He couldn’t face her. He couldn’t face anyone. No matter what anyone said, Patrick didn’t play well, and he hated nothing more than to disappoint people.
“You weren’t the only one on the ice,” Rachel mumbled. She was trying because she always did. Most of the time, she could snap him right out of whatever funk he was in, whether school, sports, or family-related. This time, however, no matter how many times or ways she tried to tell him that this loss was not his fault, he wouldn’t budge.
“My team counted on me and I let them down.”
“You don’t need to score all the time, Paddy.”
“Rachel’s right, you know.” Mrs. Brewer said, walking into Patrick’s room. Patrick turned over to look at his mother, who was carrying a pile of folded laundry into Patrick’s room.
“Mom, you said I should always try my best, and I didn’t play my best today.”
Mrs. Brewer sat down on the edge of Patrick’s bed. “Oh, my sweet boy, it’s only one game. You’re allowed to have a bad game.” She smiled softly at him. “Now get off your bed. You’re going to Rachel’s house and watching the movie. You aren’t staying here moping around the house over one game that really means nothing.” Mrs. Brewer insisted rather sternly.
“What if I screw up the next game and other games?” Patrick sat up, slumping his shoulders, looking down at the ground. He would never intentionally blow a game, but this was the worst game that he had played this season, and right now he questioned everything.
Patrick shot on goal several times during the game but came up empty each time. The team lost by one goal. Patrick had convinced himself that he lost the game for the team since he didn’t score.
Mrs. Brewer tipped his chin up to face her. “Patrick, stop doubting yourself over one game. You’re one of the best players on the team and you know why?”
“Why?”
“Because you care so much about your team. You never hog the puck. You’re always passing. Today, you played a more aggressive team. They just played better than your whole team. Your team had an off game. Not just you.”
“You think so?”
“Do you forget how much hockey I’ve watched in my lifetime? I’ve been watching your dad play hockey since he was just a few years older than you. I think I’ve picked up a thing or two about bad games.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Patrick murmured.
“Um, I know I’m right.” Mrs. Brewer responded matter-of-factly.
“Thanks, mom!” Patrick said and leaned into his mom as she pulled him in for a hug.
His mom always knew what to say. Patrick’s parents were high school sweethearts, meeting their freshman year and, of course, his mom went to all the home games. If the away games weren’t far, his grandparents would take her to the games with them.
Patrick got up and excused himself to the bathroom, splashing some water over his face, hoping he could snap himself out of this funk. He was one person and couldn’t win every game for the team, no matter how much he wanted to.
When he came out of the bathroom, Mrs. Brewer and Rachel ushered him out of the house and into the car.
He sat in the car, looking out the window. He really would have preferred staying home. He wanted to write David a letter and tell him about the game. He always felt better after he wrote David a letter, probably because he could say what he wanted unfiltered. Patrick couldn’t do that with Rachel because he didn’t want to upset her or anyone. He felt better making sure everyone else was happy above himself. It seemed like a lot for someone his age, but it made him feel better.
A few moments later, they pulled up to the convenience store, and Mrs. Brewer let them go in and pick out some candy.
“I’ve got the candy,” Rachel announced.
“I’ll help you.”
“No, I know what you need.” She insisted.
“Um, okay.” Patrick gestured toward the candy aisle. Patrick didn’t care. Rachel knew him well enough, and he wasn’t really in the mood to question her.
Patrick watched as Rachel made some selections until he noticed the magazine stand in front of him. Patrick started perusing through the ‘penpal connection’ section of one magazine. He was curious if David was still listed and couldn’t hold back a smile when he noticed that David’s name wasn’t displayed, thinking maybe he was happy having Patrick as a penpal even though it didn’t mean that Patrick was his only one.
Patrick was completely engrossed in the magazine when Rachel nudged him. “Anything good?”
“Just looking while you picked out candy. Whatcha get me?” Patrick tried to peek into her hands, but she held the stash tight to her chest.
“Nope, it’s a surprise now.” Rachel grinned. “Now go back out to the car. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Patrick placed the magazine back on the rack and headed toward his mom’s car.
“You and Rachel are much younger, but you two remind me of me and your father.” Mrs. Brewer turned her head back to face Patrick with a smile.
“It’s not like Rachel and I are going to get married. We’re not even boyfriend and girlfriend.” Patrick laughed.
“Stranger things have happened.” Mrs. Brewer turned her head back toward the steering wheel.
When they got back to Rachel’s house, Rachel set up a bag of microwave popcorn and poured two glasses of orange soda. Rachel placed a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table in front of them, with a glass on either side. Before she hit play on the DVD player, she picked up the brown paper bag which contained their treats from the convenience store and picked out one item that caught Patrick’s attention.
“A pixie stick?”
Rachel held the single candy item up in front of him. “So you lost today and didn’t score. You’ve always told me you do one pixie stick before a game. You didn’t do one today.”
Patrick thought about it for a moment and realized that she was right, but he didn’t know he told her that. His buddy Jimmie had gotten him hooked on pixie sticks to help him get energized before a game and today’s game was so early that Patrick had simply forgotten as he had overslept. His mom had asked him to set his alarm last night, and he didn’t.
“You’re right.” He responded at a much greater volume than he expected.
“I know,” Rachel smirked. “I got you an extra one. Sneak this into your bedroom and hold on to it next time you have an early morning game. I won’t tell your mom.”
“My mom would kill me if she found candy in my room.” They laughed.
“So I have three here and I’m only letting you take one home so Grape, Cherry, or Orange?”
“Cherry of course.”
“Good because I wanted grape.” Rachel said as she handed the cherry to Patrick.
They tore open the wrapper and tipped their wrappers together in a cheers motion before they tipped their heads back, pouring the sugary sweetness down their throats.
Patrick giggled as he enjoyed the rush of adrenaline zipping through his body. This was definitely what he missed this morning.
”Feel better, Paddy?” Rachel blushed.
“Thanks for your help, Rach. You always help me.”
This was definitely what he missed this morning.
“I’ll always help you, Paddy.”
Rachel picked up the bag from the convenience store again and dumped its contents onto the coffee table, revealing raisinettes, peanut butter M&Ms, and sour patch kids.
“You were in such a sour mood today, I couldn’t resist. She laughed and handed the box to Patrick.”
“I’m sorry. I won’t let it happen again.”
“Um, Patrick Brewer, you will...you always get so cranky when you lose a game. This won’t change.”
”I do not.” Patrick nudged Rachel with a smirk on his face.
“You do too.” Rachel nudged him back.
“Okay, maybe you’re right.” Patrick laughed. “So what are we watching?”
“Romeo and Juliet,” Rachel responded matter-of-factly.
“A girly movie?”
“I like to call it a romantic thriller, but yes since I had to put up with your attitude this afternoon, you have to sit through this movie for me.”
Patrick sighed, “Fine.”
Rachel turned on the movie, and Patrick picked up the bowl of popcorn and settled it on his lap. Rachel cuddled right into Patrick’s side, which was new, but Patrick didn’t hate it either. Patrick took his free arm and wrapped it around her shoulders. His buddies had told him stories about how they had gone to the movies with other girls and they sat like this during a movie, but in those situations, his friends had told him they were on a date. Patrick didn’t think this was a date. He hoped it wasn’t a date.
They stayed that way through most of the movie. Patrick was pretty sure he drifted in and out. He was pretty tired, but he knew enough about the movie that it was a love story and Rachel sang some of the songs throughout the movie.
He always liked to hear her sing. She had one of the best voices in the school chorus. This movie just wasn’t his thing.
When the movie ended, Mrs. Brewer picked up Patrick. They drove home in silence with his secret pixie in his pocket.
“How are you feeling?” Mrs. Brewer asked when they walked through the door a few hours later.
“Much better.”
“I knew Rachel would cheer you up.” Mrs. Brewer smiled.
“Do you mind if I go lay down? I’m kind of tired.”
It was kind of a lie, but he didn’t want to get into an entire conversation about Rachel. He was still reeling over the fact they had sat through a rom-com cuddled together. He hoped he hadn’t sent her the wrong message, thinking back to all the conversations with his buddies from school.
“Sure. There’s a letter from David for you on the counter.”
“Thanks, mom!” Patrick beamed and kissed his mother on the cheek.
He ran up the stairs toward his room, closing his door, and opened up David’s letter.
Dear Patrick,
First off, I don’t think it’s fair that you’re asking me to choose a favorite flavor of cheesecake because it really depends on the time of year or my mood, the time of day. It’s a whole process. Some days I’d prefer double chocolate, especially after dealing with some not-so-nice kids at school, but then sometimes I find strawberry cheesecake leftover in the fridge and I enjoy that for breakfast so...
So other sports...I like to swim and sometimes like to swim laps back and forth in our pool. Maybe the high school has a swim team. That could be fun, right? I like tennis too.
Guess what? Winter running is almost done. I hated it, but I did it. Thank you for talking me into it. My parents even came to watch me do the thing even if I came in the last place. Can’t say I didn’t try.
Are the kids nice at your school? Do you have a lot of friends? I bet you do because you seem so nice. I’ve never had a lot of friends so I guess I’m not nice?
Maybe I won’t need to disown you as a pen pal. “You Learn” is a really good song, but kind of dark. Don’t you think? Jagged Little Pill is a great CD. I like to listen to her when I’m in the mood to eat double chocolate cheesecake. I borrowed one of my mother’s wigs and turned myself into Alanis Morrisette for Halloween last year. That was a lot of fun! My mother has a huge wig collection and one of her wigs looked just like Alanis Morrisette’s hair.
I’m so sorry about your cat. I’d give you a hug if you wanted a hug if I lived nearby. I think that’s what friends do? I’ve never had a pet, but I’ve been around cats a time or two. Some of them make this really loud noise, especially when you run your hand down their back. It’s kind of weird. It’s like they’re growling or something.
Okay, let’s talk about girls. So it would appear Rachel likes you. Do you like her? You’ve mentioned her a few times, so I’m guessing you two are close friends? Do you want to go to the dance? Don’t go unless you want to. I’m not a fan of doing things unless you want to do them. So not sure that helped you, but, if you like her, go to the dance. If you want to dress up and hang out with your friend, go to the dance. Girls are obvious or sneaky. Rachel seems to be pretty straightforward. She knows what she wants. How fancy is this dance? Do you like to dance? Oh, have you ever slow danced with a girl before? I have so many questions now.
I’ve been to a couple of dances, but then I’d get bored and I’d find someone to make out with in the corner when the teachers weren’t looking. You probably wouldn’t do that though. I think you’d be the nice boy who pushed in Rachel’s chair and got her drinks. You seem like you’d be a good date.
I want to hear all about the dance if you go.
Your penpal,
David
January 6th
“Is today the day?” David asked with a smile so wide he thought his cheeks might explode.
Adelina nodded with a very enthusiastic smile. “Today is the day, Mijo.”
“Do you think he’ll like it?”
“Of course he will. He’ll love it.”
She tried to reassure him and she was probably right, but he couldn’t wait to hear about Patrick’s reaction. Waiting to hear back from Patrick was likely going to drive him crazy. He considered trying to find Patrick’s phone number, but that would be too creepy. He couldn’t do anything to blow their relationship. David had enjoyed Patrick’s letters too much to take the chance.
📦📦📦📦📦
“Thanks, Mrs. Jones for the ride home.”
Patrick waved his friend's mom goodbye after she dropped him back home from hockey practice. His parents were both working late today and weren’t able to pick him up in time, so his mom had planned for him to be dropped off at home.
He set his bag down and opened up the fridge. He was hungry and swore he could eat a horse if he tried.
As he debated if he just wanted to make himself a sandwich, the doorbell rang. Patrick didn’t make a habit of answering the door if he didn’t know who it was, but there was a van parked out front from Carole’s Cheesecake Cafe, and the person at the door was holding a package.
Patrick was more puzzled but very curious. Could someone from a popular bakery try to lure him into their van with a cheesecake in tow? Patrick had watched a few crime scene shows with his parents, and his mind was getting the best of him. The person at the door knocked again.
Patrick’s curiosity got the better of him as he opened the door. “Hello.”
“Do you know where I could find Patrick Brewer?”
Patrick hesitated for a moment, “Uh, that’s me.”
“Oh, wow.” The look on the driver’s face was one of pure surprise. “This is for you.”
“I didn’t order this.”
“No, this is from an uh….” The man looked down at his clipboard. “David Rose?”
Patrick grinned. “No note?”
“Nope, I was just told to deliver this. Sorry I couldn’t be more help. Enjoy the cheesecake.” The man handed the package to Patrick and turned to go down the stairs toward his van.
“Thank you,” Patrick shouted after the man.
He walked back inside and set the package down on the counter. Did David send him a cheesecake? Why? Just because they talked about cheesecake? Why would David do that? Patrick was going to sit down and write him another letter. He had just mailed one earlier that week, but he had to thank him.
Patrick knew he should wait till his mother got home, but he couldn’t. He wanted cheesecake, and if his mother yelled at him for spoiling his dinner, so be it. He opened the box and revealed what looked like the most beautiful strawberry cheesecake that Patrick had ever seen.
Patrick pulled out a knife from the drawer and gently cut a line down the middle of the cheesecake. It cut like butter. Patrick had watched his mother cut many cakes and the inside filling would typically fall apart, but as he cut a slice of cheesecake, everything stayed together. He picked out a spoon from the silverware drawer and took his first bite. He closed his eyes, savoring the taste. It was perfect, and the best cheesecake he had ever had. His mother had never made a cheesecake, but he wanted to convince her to try. He wasn’t sure if he’d like chocolate, but he needed more cheesecake, more often. So much more that he had eaten half the cheesecake when his mom walked through the door.
“Patrick Scott Brewer, what in the world is going on here?” Mrs. Brewer demanded, placing her purse down and bag down on the kitchen table.
Patrick’s eyes popped open in surprise as he looked at his mother with what probably appeared to be a very guilty grin. Patrick felt like he was five years old and got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, except now it was his knife in the cheesecake.
“Hi, mom!”
“Where did this cheesecake come from, and did you eat all this? Please tell me Rachel or the boys were here.”
“Would you believe me if I told you I ate it?” Patrick shrugged his shoulders.
“I’d say that I hope you saved room for supper. Especially your veggies.” Mrs. Brewer insisted as she cut a sliver of the cheesecake.
“Mom,” Patrick whined. She was stealing his cheesecake.
“You don’t get to eat this whole cheesecake and you never told me where this came from.”
“David sent it.”
“Your pen pal?” Mrs. Brewer asked, surprised.
Patrick nodded.
“That’s sweet. Why did he send it?”
“I have no idea, but don’t worry, I’m going to write him a letter after we eat saying thank you. This cheesecake is amazing!”
“Why don’t you get started on that letter? I’m not going to rush to get supper going now that you’ve eaten all this cheesecake, although I can’t say I blame you. It’s quite delicious.”
They laughed. Patrick breathed a quiet sigh of relief as he noticed his mother wasn’t so mad after sampling the culprit.
“Mom, I think you should make cheesecake.”
“You have a letter to write.”
“Come on, mom. Please?”
“I’ll think about it.”
January 11
Alexis had begged their mother to take her ice skating, and somehow Mrs. Rose had caved, especially when Adelina agreed to accompany them. David hadn’t skated for a while and the idea of getting out of the house and inhaling some of the cool New York air seemed like a good idea. The Rose family had thought about building an indoor skating rink when David was younger. David had started figure skating at a young age, but when he didn’t enjoy competing, Mr. Rose halted the construction. Had David begged and pleaded, his father would have proceeded with the project, but David didn’t. It wasn’t important enough. Looking back now, maybe he would have liked that skating rink, but he was happy enough to skate around the rink at Rockefeller Center.
David had done a couple of small-scale jumps as a voice glided along next to him.
“David?” a young girl about David’s age asked.
“Do I know you?” David asked the dark-haired girl.
“I sit behind you in English and math. I’m Jennifer.”
“Oh, right? You’re the girl who comes to class late all the time.”
“Um, yeah, oops!” Jennifer grimaced.
“Well, you might want to work on that.”
David vaguely remembered this girl from school, but she was prettier than he noticed.
“Rude.” She snapped.
“Just pointing out the obvious.” David crossed his arms over his chest.
“How about you show me how you did that fancy little jump?”
“This?” David asked as he slid along the ice and completed a double axel.
“Do you skate professionally?”
“Uh, no. It wasn’t for me, but I could have.”
“You’re pretty good. I can skate too, you know.” Jennifer mentioned as she reached over and stole David’s scarf, wrapping it around her neck, skating off.
“Hey, that’s Givenchy,” David yelled as he sped off himself. It took him a bit to catch up with her, but when he finally did, he was able to get a hand on his scarf, landing them right in front of the hot cocoa stand.
“You’re a thief!”
“Um, no, my neck was cold, and you had such a warm scarf. Thank you for letting me borrow it.” She smiled.
“You’re welcome?”
“Are you going to buy me hot chocolate now?” She asked, batting her eyelashes.
“Why would I do that?”
“Well, you should if we’re on a date.”
“This is a date?” Even though he had already kissed and fooled around with a few people, he had never been on a date before. All of his rom-com selections had almost prepared him for this moment, but it still kind of threw him off. He wasn’t opposed to the idea. Jennifer was cute, very cute. Dark, flowy hair, pink rosy cheeks, blue eyes the color of the sea.
“Me, you, alone….yep, I’d say it’s a date.” Jennifer gestured between them. “I’ll take a hot chocolate with whipped cream, please?” Jennifer asked as her cheeks blushed and a small smile crossed her face.
David could tell that she wasn’t wearing make-up, which differed from most of the girls at school. Most of the girls at school wore so much make-up that David swore they had just come off the runway at fashion week. David was used to girls wearing makeup, but somehow Jennifer’s natural look worked for her.
“Um, okay.” David walked over to the hot chocolate stand and bought them a couple of hot chocolates. He still wasn’t sure this was a date, but she seemed fun and it was only hot chocolate. Seemed safe enough. He had a little money in his pocket, as he had planned to get hot chocolate at some point that afternoon. David tried to survey the ice to see if he saw Adelina or his mom anywhere, and he saw them on the ice with Alexis, knowing she’d likely keep them busy for a while. They probably hadn’t noticed that David had gone off with Jennifer.
They found a little bench a couple of feet away from the ice skating rink where they sat and talked about school and life for a bit while they drank their hot chocolate.
“You’re different from what I expected.” Jennifer said casually.
“Okay?”
“Well, you’re cute, but I didn’t expect you to be so nice. I thought you’d be like all those other rich boys at school.”
“Nice? Most people don’t call me nice.”
“I won’t reveal your secret.” She laughed and leaned her head on David’s for a moment or two and then looked back up at David. “Come over to my house this afternoon. My parents are gone for most of the day. It’ll be just me and you. We can watch a movie?”
“Um, are you sure?” David was feeling much more hesitant. He didn’t hate the idea of getting out of his parents’ house, but he also didn’t love how nervous he felt around Jennifer.
“Yes.” She said matter-of-factly, following up with a smile.
When he walked back into his house a while later, a warm smile from Adelina greeted him.
“How was your visit with your friend?”
“Nice. Very nice.”
“I would say so from your expression. Do you like this girl?”
“I think so?”
“Good. It’s so good to see you smiling, Mijo.” Adelina pulled David’s head toward hers, kissing his forehead. “Dinner in about thirty minutes. Go get washed up. Your parents are both joining us for dinner tonight.”
That was a surprise. David rarely ate with his parents, never mind both of them. David had gotten used to not eating dinner with his parents, but it was nice when he could.
David walked into his room to find two letters from Patrick. He walked into his closet and sat down against the wall, his hiding space as he opened the first letter.
Dear David,
I’m jealous. Cheesecake for breakfast? I bet that’s yummy. My mom would never let me do that. It has to be cereal and eggs or toast.
I think you should do whatever makes you happy. My parents wanted me to try basketball one time, so I did and it wasn’t my thing. You tried track and you don’t like it. It’s okay. Have you asked your parents about swimming or tennis? You really should. Your parents won’t know you want to if you don’t tell them.
I live in a small town and I have a lot of friends, but it can still be lonely. I can’t talk to my friends like I can talk to you. Is that weird? Maybe it’s easier because I just send you letters? I wish you lived closer. I think we’d be good friends.
I do own “Jagged Little Pill.” Maybe we do like the same music! She’s from Canada. Did you know that?
Thank you for mentioning Bailey. I still miss him a lot. I still cry from time to time when he’s not sleeping with me at night. My parents framed a few pictures and let me put them in my room. I talk to his picture sometimes when I’m lonely.
By the way, I’d love a hug. Do you like to hug? I do, but the only people I hug are my parents and Rachel sometimes. That’s it. Rachel likes to hug.
Growling? The cat is purring, David. It means they're happy. You made the cat happy. I think you should get a cat. You’d probably take good care of it.
So I went over to Rachel’s house and we watched a movie, Romeo and Juliet, and she laid on me during the whole movie. It was nice. I kind of liked it. I decided to go to the dance with her. My friends will be there. I’m not sure if I want to go or not, but I don’t want to disappoint her either. She’s my best friend.
Make out? What does that mean? I do not know how to be a good date. I should probably ask my mom about that? I’ve never danced with a girl. Ugh, I have to do that too? I’ll have to ask my mom about that too.
The dance is in February around Valentine’s Day. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Your penpal,
Patrick
David couldn’t help but laugh at Patrick’s letter. Patrick had so much to learn about girls. David had to remind himself that Patrick was still younger and probably hadn’t had half the girl experiences David had. He wanted to tell Patrick everything, but would that be too much? Would Patrick want to hear about everything? He’d likely scare him away.
David placed the letter down next to him and picked up the second letter. This one was postmarked on January 6th, the date that they delivered the cheesecake. David tore into the letter.
Dear David,
You totally rock. I can’t believe you sent me a cheesecake. Thank you so much! It was so yummy. I might have eaten about half of it at once. Let’s just say my mom wasn’t too happy with me when she walked in right before dinner to find half the cheesecake gone. She didn’t stay mad at me for too long once she tried it. I don’t know why you sent it, but thank you! You’re so cool!
Maybe we’ll meet one day and we can eat a whole cheesecake together!
Your penpal who loves cheesecake,
Patrick
David couldn’t help but smile. He wished he could sit down and eat a whole cheesecake with him. He wished he could sit down and tell him about what’s been going on with Jennifer, but he wasn’t sure if Patrick would understand any of it. Had Patrick even kissed a girl? The subject hadn’t come up, so David assumed he hadn’t. Patrick seemed to just be learning about girls hesitantly. David never shied away from girls. He assumed most boys didn’t. David was younger than Patrick when he experienced his first kiss. He wanted to share all of his stories with Patrick one day and he wanted Patrick to share all of his with David if he felt comfortable. Even though he was younger, there was something about Patrick that made David feel safe.
January 26th
Patrick walked back into his house after a weekend hockey tournament and wanted to just go to sleep. It was just before dinnertime. He felt good, though. He put on his pajamas and made his way down to the basement where he settled in for a movie marathon of Mighty Ducks and Mighty Ducks 2. He wasn’t likely to get through both movies, but they were his favorite hockey movies and he was all in the hockey feels after winning three games in 24 hours.
Rachel had called to check on him, and they talked for a few minutes. He told her about the games and he could hear how excited she was for him. She went to all of his hockey games, supporting him just like his parents, but since the tournament was in Montreal, only Patrick’s parents traveled with him.
His mother called him for dinner shortly after the first Mighty Ducks movie. They had been away from home all weekend so Patrick didn’t expect much for dinner, but his mother surprised him with lasagna.
“How did you have time for lasagna?” Patrick asked, inhaling the aromas of cheese, sausage, and his mother’s homemade marinara.
“I had one in the freezer for occasions like this and you played so well, I wanted to celebrate that.” Mrs. Brewer smiled and walked over to Patrick, gently placing her hands on his shoulders. “I’m so proud of you, you know that, right?”
“I do. Thanks, mom.” His mother placed a soft kiss on his forehead.
“Oh, I was going through the mail earlier and found a letter from David. I think your dad left the mail in the truck last week and forgot to bring it in.”
“I must have been at hockey practice. I’ve been trying to check the mail daily.”
“You really like writing to David, don’t you?”
Patrick nodded as a smile crossed his face.
“What’s he like?”
Patrick’s cheeks warmed at the thought of David. “Well, we actually have next to nothing in common, but he makes me laugh. He doesn’t play sports, but we both like music. He’s an artist. He doesn’t like school.”
“Wow, you two are definitely opposites. Why doesn’t he like school?”
“He says the kids are mean.
“Did you ask why?”
“I didn’t. Do you think I should? He told me that the kids were making fun of him because he didn’t run like they did? He tried to join the track team.”
“Well, he may or may not answer, but I’ve seen the way you treat other kids and you’re always the peacemaker.”
“What do you mean, mom?”
“You always want to see everyone happy. You don’t like to see anyone upset. It’s a very noble quality, my sweet boy.”
“I wish I could talk to these kids at David’s school. He’s older than me so they probably wouldn’t listen to me, but maybe I could try.”
“How old is David?”
“13.”
“Oh, he’ll be in high school next year. Do you think he’ll stay in touch with you?”
“I hope so. He knows so much more about life than I do.”
“Oh?” Mrs. Brewer quirked an eyebrow.
“Um, girls, mom. Duh!”
“You know you can talk to me about girls.”
“Thanks mom.” Patrick smiled.
“Well, I want you to know you can talk to me about absolutely anything, girls, friends at school, anything. Never forget that.”
Patrick knew that was absolutely true. His parents always told him they would never stay mad at him, as long as he was honest. Regardless of the situation, they would love him, no matter what.
“I won’t mom.”
“Go wash your hands and I’ll plate up dinner.”
Shortly after dinner Patrick picked up David’s letter and laid down in peace on his bed.
Dear Patrick,
I’m so glad you liked the cheesecake. How about when I turn 16 and can drive to whatever little corner you live in Canada, I’ll come visit and we’ll eat an entire cheesecake together? That would be so fun!
You’ll be glad to know my parents are letting me off the hook on team activities. I finally convinced them I’m not good with group work and they let it go, which is surprising because they usually like to make me miserable. I almost wonder if something is wrong. Should I ask them? Now that I think about it, something must be wrong. They never let things like that go. Ugh!
Oh, how dare you ask if I knew that Alanis Morrisette is from Canada! Did I tell you my parents are from Canada? They escaped Canada to New York before I was born, so I may know a thing or two about Canadian music.
Tell me about your cat. What does Bailey look like? Do you have an extra picture?
Okay, so the making out thing...kissing a girl, over and over, within a short time-span of several minutes. It can be so fun when you kiss the right girl. Have you kissed a girl yet? You haven’t mentioned it. What about Rachel? Do you want to kiss her? Oh, maybe you’ll kiss at the dance?
So, I kissed a girl for the first time when I was 10. We were at a party with my parents and all the kids went to the basement with a bottle of tequila and played spin the bottle. I got kissed by a hot 14-year-old girl, Patrick. It was so good! We kissed a lot, a lot that night, but after that night she never talked to me again, which bothered me for a little bit, but I got over it. Kissing is amazing, Patrick. If you haven’t had your first kiss, please tell me when you do.
So speaking of girls, I don’t think I’ve told you about Jennifer. She’s hot and we go to school together. We don’t really do too much except hang out at each other’s houses. Maybe make out while watching a movie, which is always fun.
I’m going on about this, but remember you asked and now I’m like Pandora's box. You won’t be able to shut me up!
Your experienced penpal,
David
P.S. I’m counting down to the dance for you!
February 3
David woke up gradually before realizing his alarm hadn’t gone off. He turned over and looked at his alarm clock. It was 9 am. He was late for school and even missed a couple of periods. David jumped out of bed and looked out the window to discover a winter wonderland. It was snowing outside and, by the looks of it, rather heavily.
David glanced over at his desk and noticed a letter from Patrick, which he was pretty sure wasn’t there last night. Maybe Adelina found it and dropped it off when she likely shut off David’s alarm. She knew David liked his sleep and wouldn’t want to be interrupted by an unnecessary alarm.
David sat down at his desk and opened the letter:
Dear David,
Yes, let’s meet when you turn 16!! I can’t wait. Only a couple of years...no, three years. Boo!
Your parents sound like nice people. They are listening to you. If they say no more track, I think you’re good. I don’t know your parents, but that’s what I would do.
I attached a picture of Bailey. He was the best cat.
Okay, so you know a lot about girls and kissing. I’ve never kissed a girl. Kissing is a thing that doesn’t stop? You like it that much? I haven’t wanted to kiss any girls. What if Rachel wants me to kiss her? What if I don’t want to kiss her?
Your penpal who is afraid of girls,
Patrick
David freshened up and walked downstairs toward the kitchen, but not before Alexis ran up to him. “David, no school today. It’s snowing outside. Look Look!” Alexis shrieked.
“Um, ya, I see it.” David wasn’t fully awake yet, so his sister’s excitement was a little too much to bear. He would’ve contemplated going back to bed if he wasn’t ready to inhale the pancakes he smelled coming from the kitchen.
“Mijo, happy snow day! I made your favorite. Chocolate chip pancakes!”
They looked good. David opened up the fridge when Adelina held up a bowl. “Fresh whipped cream already made.”
“You’re the best!”
“Only the best for my David!” Adelina smiled and pinched David’s cheek. David absolutely hated it, but only because it was Adelina, he tolerated it.
“Do you want some juice?” Adelina brought over a pitcher of orange juice.
“Yes, please.”
Adelina freshly squeezed some orange juice for David. Oranges were in season and Adelina had always told David that fresh is best. Adelina did the grocery shopping in the house so she’d always buy the freshest, in-season produce. She’d typically shop at some of the small markets in town that shipped from other parts of the country.
David sat down and polished off four pancakes and a glass of juice. He was tempted to climb back into bed when the phone rang.
David picked it up, “Hello.”
“David, it’s me.”
“Jennifer?”
“Yeah, can you talk?”
“Do you realize what time it is?”
“Yep, I do. It’s 9:30.”
“And you think it’s okay to talk this early?”
“What did I wake you from your beauty sleep?”
“As a matter of fact you did.”
“You sound just as awake and obnoxious as ever.”
“You’ve never called me that before.”
“Now, I am. I like you and all, but you totally are.”
“Um, okay, I’m not sure where this conversation is going.”
“I want to see someone else.”
“Huh? It’s been like what, a month?”
“Yep, and I want to go out with Ronan.”
“Ronan, and you call me obnoxious?”
“David, he didn’t just yell at me for calling him at 9 am.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve liked him for a really long time.”
“Yeah, me too.”
David hung up. Ronan was one of those guys who looked great, had lots of money, and didn’t even want to be associated with you unless you had just as much money as him. If you had something he wanted, he’d get something better. David didn’t like him that much, even though they were very similar. People seemed to like Ronan more for some, and David couldn’t figure out why.
David looked up at the calendar and noticed it was only 9 days before Valentine’s Day.
“Who was going to be his valentine now?”
February 7th
Patrick had been dreading this evening for weeks now. He just wanted to stay home and watch television, maybe play a few video games. David had suggested that he shouldn’t go if he didn’t want to, but he had asked Patrick all kinds of questions about the dance. If Patrick went, he’d make Rachel very happy, and he’d have a lot to tell David. David stepped out of his comfort zone and ran track. Patrick could handle a few hours with Rachel and their friends. It had to be easier than joining a sport you didn’t like.
Rachel asked nicely, and when he told his mom, she lit up like a Christmas tree. She had gone out and bought Patrick a new suit. A black jacket with black pants, a white button-down shirt and a navy blue tie. He didn’t hate the suit. He certainly didn’t want to dress like this every day, but he didn’t mind it either.
Patrick spent most of the evening talking to his friends about hockey. Rachel had been dancing with her friends, and just when Patrick thought he was going to get away without dancing, Rachel came over and pulled him up.
“What are you doing?” Patrick asked.
“The Macarena. Come on.”
Patrick looked back and watched his buddies take off their jackets. Patrick slid his jacket off and threw it back at the table he was sitting at.
Patrick started studying the moves, quickly realizing that he was not coordinated enough for this dance, nor did he think he could get his butt to wiggle like the girls, but if his buddies were doing it, it was okay right? David could do this dance, Patrick thought. He at least wanted to ask. David seemed like he could do anything if he wanted to.
As the night wore on, Patrick made sure Rachel had drinks and snacks. David told him he’d make a good date. Patrick intended to live up to that expectation, so it wasn’t surprising when a slow dance came on and Rachel walked over to Patrick, batting her eyelashes at him, asking him to dance.
Rachel wrapped her arms around Patrick’s neck, and Patrick held onto her tiny waist. She leaned down on his shoulder as they swayed to the music.
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength, anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time, promise you
For you, I will, yes yeah, yeah
When the song finished, Rachel gave Patrick a hug and a smile, but quickly ran off to dance with her friends as “MMMBop” took over the sound system. At least he didn’t have to dance with all the girls.
Patrick sat back down at the table with his hockey buddies.
“When are you going to ask her to be your girlfriend, Brewer?” Jimmie asked.
Jimmie was the guy who introduced Patrick to pixie sticks before a game. He always seemed to have a few girls hanging around him. He likely already had a girlfriend.
“We’re just friends.”
“Dude, she really likes you.” He insisted.
“Stop, she’s my best friend.”
“Do you see the way the girls keep looking over at you and giggling?”
Patrick and Jimmie looked over at the girls and waved. The girls giggled louder.
“Isn’t that what girls always do?” Patrick shrugged his shoulders.
“Dude, you’re clueless.”
Patrick already knew that.
After a couple more slow songs later and it was late. His parents were likely waiting outside. Patrick tried to separate Rachel from her friends and by his own luck, his parents were waiting outside.
When Patrick walked back into his bedroom to get into his pajamas, he took off his suit coat and laid it over in his desk chair. He looked down to find a letter from David.
Once he finished changing and getting ready for bed, he laid in bed as he read David’s letter.
Dear Patrick,
Well, as far as kissing goes, if you find the right person, it’s a pretty fun experience. If you don’t want to kiss Rachel, don’t. You’ll know when the time is right. Your first kiss should be special. You’ll always remember the person you kissed first.
Did you go to the dance? I want all the details. What did you wear? What did she wear? Were you the perfect gentleman? Did you dance with her? Did you dance at all?
I don’t have a dance to tell you about, but I have a girl story of my own. Jennifer dumped me. I don’t even know why. I’m a little upset about it. Right before Valentine’s day. Who does that? She didn’t have a good reason either.
Your penpal who is NOT afraid of girls, but not liking them at the moment,
David
When Patrick woke up the next morning, his mother was working on eggs, toast, and pancakes.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” Mrs. Brewer said with a smile as she flipped a round of pancakes. Patrick always looked forward to weekend breakfasts if there wasn’t a hockey game. He’d have a hockey game tomorrow, so today would just be a quiet day. He was thinking about meeting up with some friends later to play some video games, but it was nice to just have a quiet morning at home.
He had thought a lot about David’s letter.
“Mom, what’s it like to be dumped?” Patrick asked casually.
Patrick wanted to understand what David was going through. Maybe these weren’t things that he should talk to his mom about, but it wouldn’t hurt to find out.
“Who was dumped?” Mrs. Brewer inquired as she whisked up some eggs.
“David sent me a letter and told me that his girlfriend dumped him recently. He seemed sad about it.”
“Aww and right before Valentine’s Day.”
“Yeah, he seemed upset.”
“Well, depending on how much he liked this girl, he may be suffering from a broken heart.”
“Have you ever been dumped, mom?”
“Well, Tommy Jones was my first kiss, and he did dump me for Peggy Sue. I was pretty upset, but then I met another boy.”
“Dad?”
“No, there were a few boys before your father.” Mrs. Brewer looked at Patrick and chuckled.
“Really?”
“At some point, you’re going to meet someone, probably several people who will make your heart go pitter patter, strange feelings in your belly. You’ll want to spend time with them and sometimes you’ll find someone else who makes you feel the same way or they’ll find someone else who makes them feel the same way. It’s a constant cycle till you find the one person you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with. Then that person makes you feel that way for the rest of your life.”
“And that was dad?”
“Yes, it was. We met when we were 15 and I don’t regret for a single moment the day I bumped into him spilling coca cola all over his sweater.”
“Is that how you met?”
“It is and at the time it was really embarrassing, but clearly your father wasn’t upset because he asked me to the movies later that week.”
“I haven’t met anyone who makes me feel anything at all.”
“Oh, my sweet boy, you will. You’re still young. You said David was 13?”
Patrick nodded.
“I didn’t have my first boyfriend till I was about 12.”
“Tommy Lee?”
“No, that would be Fred Jones. I will not bore you with my dating stories, but to answer your question, yes, getting dumped is not fun.”
“Remember how David sent me the cheesecake?”
Marcy nodded.
“I want to send him a package with Valentine’s Day coming. Maybe something to cheer him up?”
“Okay, what did you have in mind?”
“Well, he likes chocolate.”
“Friends can be valentines. I think a care package is a great idea, Patrick.”
February 14
David was sitting down at his desk, working on his homework, when Adelina knocked at the door. David looked over to find her holding a box.
“Mijo, this came for you. I thought it might cheer you up. Looks like someone is thinking of you.”
David’s eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open as he grabbed the box from Adelina’s hands. David looked down at the return address and couldn’t hide the smile he felt growing across his face. It was from Patrick. David found a pair of scissors and ripped the box open.
Adelina crowded his space, and David didn’t really mind. He was excited to share his friendship with Patrick with someone. His sister didn’t understand it and he didn’t think his parents knew about Patrick, not that they had any interest in any of his friends. They barely noticed when they shared the same living space.
David pulled out a box of chocolates. He couldn’t believe his eyes. “Adelina, Chocolate!”
“I’m guessing you two have written about chocolate?”
David contemplated for a moment and nodded. “Yes, the cheesecake conversation.”
Adelina laughed.
“Fruit slices? I don’t think I’ve tried these before.”
“You’ll like these, Mijo. I used to buy these for Isabella and Raphael when they were younger at Christmastime. They loved them.”
Isabella and Raphael were Adelina’s children, who were about 10 years older than David. They’d sometimes visit the Rose family during the holidays. David enjoyed their company. They’d bake and play board games with him and Alexis. It was like having an older brother or sister.
David’s eyes lit up when he reached in and found a letter.
“You really like writing to Patrick. You two have become good friends?”
“He gets me in a way that most people don’t, which is scary because we’ve never met. I want to meet him in person and we’ve talked about it, but what if he doesn’t like the real me?”
“Mijo, a real friend will like you unconditionally.”
“I don’t know if I really have any of those?”
“What makes you say that?” Adelina turned to lean her back against David, staring back at him. David could see the concern on her face.
“I don’t think I can talk to anyone as openly as I can talk to Patrick. Why is that?”
“At your age, kids are trying to figure themselves out. It’s a tough age. You’ll go to high school next year and things will get better, you’ll see.”
“You think so?”
“I do. I remember my high school days fondly.” Adelina smiled.
David believed her. She was the most sincere and honest person David knew. She always gave it to him straight, even when he didn’t want to hear it.
“I’ll leave you to your letter. Dinner is about 30 minutes away.”
“What’s for dinner?” David casually asked.
“Lasagna.”
“My favorite.” David beamed.
“I know.” Adelina grinned, dropped a kiss on David’s cheek, and left the room.
Adelina always knew what David needed. She knew all of his favorite meals and likely had been planning this for days because she just knew David would need the comfort of his favorite meal on Valentine’s Day.
David opened up Patrick’s letter.
Dear David,
I hope you liked the chocolates. I was talking to my mom about getting dumped and she says that it really sucks. I’m sorry that happened to you and wanted to cheer you up.
My mom and I picked out a few things after much discussion. I really like these fruit slices, but since I told my mom how much you loved chocolate she suggested these and since we couldn’t decide, we sent both. I hope that was okay.
Happy Valentine’s Day! My mom also reassured me you’ll find someone else who will like you, too.
So the dance was okay, Rachel and I slow danced once or twice and it was okay. My buddies teased me about kissing her, but I’m not ready. Is there something wrong with me? They tell me I should kiss her. You tell me not to rush into kissing her. I wish you were here and we could really talk about this. I don’t know what to do.
I wore a black suit with a white button-down shirt and a navy tie. Rachel wore a navy dress. She’s really pretty. She has long red hair, but she wore it up. She smelled good, too. I was a good date, just like you told me to be. I got her drinks and snacks. I even did this dance called “The Macarena” with her. Do you know that dance?
Hockey season is going to be winding down soon as the playoffs draw near. If I take a little longer to write, please don’t be upset. I promise I’ll write as soon as I can. I really like your letters, David. I hope you do too.
Your friend,
Patrick
Maybe now was the time to reconsider boarding school. His parents had suggested it to him a few years ago. He’d be going to high school next year, so it might be a good time to switch. Maybe there were some excellent boarding schools in Canada? Not that any of his friends would consider a boarding school in Canada when they could go to France, Italy, or Switzerland, to name a few, but Canada had one of the few people who David had grown to care about. He didn’t know if David and Patrick could be friends in real life, but David knew two things. First, he wanted to find out, and second, he wanted a fresh start, whether that included Patrick in real life.
Both of David’s parents were at dinner that evening. Maybe now was the time to ask his parents about going to school in Canada.
“Mom, Dad, can we talk about high school options?”
“David, we’ve started the application process for Basis.” His mother intercepted.
“What if I want to go away to high school?” David asked casually, waving his hands in the air.
“David, you’re excelling close to home.” David’s father interjected.
“Am I really? What if I’m not happy here?”
“You could socialize with kids a little more, but I’m not sure you’ll be happier anywhere else.” Mr. Rose replied.
“I want to go to school in Toronto.”
“What could possibly be in Toronto?” Mrs. Rose furrowed an eyebrow.
“It’s close to home and a fresh start. I could learn French.”
“David, have you thought about Switzerland?” His mother asked.
“I don’t know that I want to be that far away from home.”
“Basis will provide you with an excellent education.” Mr. Rose reminded him.
“I want to go to school in Toronto.”
“David, what aren’t you telling us?” His father asked.
David wasn’t ready to share Patrick with his parents. They wouldn’t understand that David had a penpal. They wouldn’t understand that David felt more comfortable with someone that he had never met before than the kids mixed with regularly. His parents had tried to force social situations on him, and he always made it work, even if they didn’t make him comfortable. He’d never tell his parents that because he didn’t want to disappoint them. In the back of his mind, he always hoped that he’d find his way into the inner circles at school. He didn’t understand why he didn’t have more close friends and why the person he felt closest to was younger than him and in another country. What was wrong with him?
“Nothing, it’s nothing. Can I be excused?”
“David, you didn’t eat much.” Mrs. Rose suggested.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Okay dear.”
David knew that he’d be hungry later, but he’d eat later. This conversation with his parents had destroyed his appetite and even made him nauseous. He had to get out of his parents’ space. There would be leftover lasagna, and David would be sure to find it later.
March 29th
“You have two games tomorrow?” Rachel asked, failing to hide her obvious annoyance.
“Yeah, it’s one of our end-of-the-season tournaments.”
“I never see you anymore, Paddy.” Rachel whined.
“Rach, I see you every day at school.”
“You know what I mean. We haven’t really hung out since the dance.”
“I’m sorry about that. My parents have been on me to practice more and if my teammates are out playing, I gotta join them.”
“Ugh, and then it will be baseball season.”
“You’ll be playing softball.”
“I’ll never see you.”
“Good thing we don’t play sports all year.”
“You’re going to want to stop hanging out with me because I’m a girl.”
“What does that mean?” Patrick scrunched his forehead.
“I can’t play on the same teams as you. You won't have time for me.”
“Rach, you’re my best friend. I’ll always make time for you.”
“Pinky swear?”
“Pinky swear.” Patrick placed his pinky in front of Rachel and she linked her pinky in Patrick’s as a smile replaced the frown on Rachel’s face. “I believe you owe me a monopoly rematch.”
“You’re on Brewer. Boardwalk is mine.”
“Good luck.” Patrick chuckled.
They played for hours, as they put each other in significant debt, laughing along the way. Rachel ended up with Boardwalk and Park Place, but Patrick got lucky and avoided the dark blue corner of the board for most of the game.
Rachel went home around dinnertime. Patrick checked in with his parents on what they were doing for dinner. His parents had thought about ordering pizza and putting in a movie for the night.
Patrick asked about the movie and his parents suggested they hop in the car and head over to the video store, picking up a pizza on the way home.
They stopped in the local video store, Rose Video, and for the first time in a long time, Patrick just stared at the store logo. He couldn’t help but think of David because that was his last name. Patrick knew that Rose Video was an enormous chain of video stores, thinking it would be funny if Rose Video came from David’s family, but it was probably unlikely. Patrick’s parents told him he could pick whatever he wanted rated PG-13 or lower, so he perused through multiple options, quickly passing by the cartoon movies. He wanted something sports-related and finally settled on Space Jams. Basketball wasn’t his thing, but he liked Bugs Bunny, so why not? His parents had given him some money, so he walked over to the cash register and stared at a picture behind the desk. CEO and Founder, Johnny Rose.
“Hey kid, can I help you?” The store employee asked.
Patrick placed the movie on the counter. “Who's that guy on the wall?” Patrick pointed.
The store employee looked back, scrunching his forehead. “Oh, just some rich guy from New York who owns all the Rose Video stores across the country.”
“Have you ever met him?”
The employee nodded.
The fact that this guy was from New York didn’t mean he was related to David. What were the chances really that David Rose was heir to the Rose Video empire? It just didn’t seem possible.
Patrick’s parents picked up the pizza and then went back to the house to put in the movie. It was cute. Patrick recognized one song from the movie as he and Rachel danced to it. Patrick remembered that Rachel quietly sang as they danced.
After the movie, Patrick went upstairs to his bedroom and sat back against his headboard as he wrote to David. He reread David’s letter first, as it had been a few weeks since it arrived. Patrick had just been so busy with hockey and homework that he hadn’t put together anything remotely coherent for David.
Dear Patrick,
You and I guess your mom, rock! I absolutely loved the candies for a few reasons. First, I’ve never tried these, and they were so good, and second, they came from you. It was really sweet. The chocolates didn’t last long. I might have eaten them in one night? And the fruit slices well, I forced myself to savor those, but I’m going to need more of both things. Oh, and my birthday is July 2nd in case you’re taking notes.
There is nothing wrong with you if you don’t want to kiss Rachel. Don’t do anything that you aren’t comfortable with. You’ll kiss her when the time is right if that’s what you decide to do. You don’t have to compare yourself to all of your friends. I think I’ve made so many of those mistakes myself. I had my first kiss at 10 and could share a lot of stories, but I’m actually afraid you won’t write to me anymore if you hear about my crazy life.
How’s hockey season going? Are you scoring goals? Thank you for letting me know it may take longer to write so I know you didn’t just abandon me.
I’m going to play tennis soon. My parents are signing me up for private lessons and I just found out there is a tennis team at my school. I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t know that. They wear white, though Patrick. Incorrect! I can’t wear white clothes. They stain easily; they drain the color from my face. Ugh!
So speaking of birthdays, isn’t your birthday next month? What do you want for your birthday?
Anxiously awaiting your next letter,
David
April 20th
David had started private tennis lessons and had become quite good. He also joined the school’s tennis team, even though he hated the pretentious assholes he was playing with, but the white uniform. He was having such a hard time adjusting to white. Fortunately, he approached his beauty consultant with his concerns and she showed him how to apply foundation to his face so that he wouldn’t feel so flushed out. It was times like this that he appreciated his mother’s fashion sense and skincare knowledge.
Okay, so maybe he didn’t hate the whole tennis team. He liked Angelica. She was cute, very cute with long flowy black hair and green eyes. She was on the girl’s team and would throw secret hidden glances David’s way, and he was pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to catch her staring, but he knew. He just never let her catch on. Maybe he didn’t want to tell her he saw them because maybe it would embarrass her and the looks would stop. He wanted to know why she looked at him. Maybe he could muster up the courage to say hello.
David snapped out of his reverie as he tried to focus on his current match.
Thwack! went the ball over the net as David had agreed to play with a boy that he had met at a Sunrise Bay wrap party in New York. He was from California, a couple of years older than David, and traveling with a tutor.
“Match point.” David yelled as he serves the ball.
“Not happening, Rose.” Jonah yelled back.
They volleyed back and forth till David slammed the ball over the net. Jonah struggled to get to the ball in time before it bounced a second time.
“Um, I think it just did.” David grimaced.
“You’re a worthy competitor. I bet you’re good at other things too.”
David didn’t know what that meant till Jonah leaned in and kissed him. The kiss took him completely by surprise.
David was thrown completely off his axis. He had never kissed a boy before, and he didn’t hate it. He actually liked it just as much as he enjoyed kissing girls. What exactly did that mean?
David didn’t know what to say or how to react. He knew he wanted to do more of that. Like right now.
“Um, hey, are you okay?” Jonah asked.
“Yeah, definitely okay.” David nodded. He was not about to tell this beautiful boy that he had never kissed a boy before.
“Can I kiss you again if we go somewhere private?”
“Yes, please, I’d like that very much.”
They picked up their gear and headed back to Jonah’s hotel room.
When David walked back into his house, his mother greeted him.
“Where have you been, my eldest child?”
“Since when do you care what I do?”
“It’s a mother’s job to be concerned about her child’s whereabouts.”
“That’s a first.” David muttered under his breath.
“Speak up, child.”
“Nothing. If you must know, I was playing tennis with Jonah.”
The look on his mother’s face almost turned into a devilish grin, and David immediately panicked about what she knew.
“What’s that look on your face?”
“David, he’s quite an attractive young man and if you want to spend your time with him, you should do so.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you don’t get out often enough. I encourage you to go out and be free and social with people your own age, whoever they may be.”
David wasn’t sure what to do with that information, but he knew he didn’t want to pursue this conversation any longer.
“Thanks. I’m going to go freshen up before dinner.”
After dinner, David settled down to write Patrick a letter. They hadn’t written to each other much over the past couple of months. They had just both been busy. David knew that Patrick had gone right from hockey to baseball season, and David had been busy with the tennis team. Even if they were writing less frequently, David didn’t want to lose this, and he was pretty sure Patrick felt the same way. David had saved Patrick’s last letter for when he had the time to sit down and focus on it. It had remained unopened for a few weeks on his desk, but he had time now as he sat down at his desk.
Dear David,
I didn’t know your birthday was coming up. I put it on my calendar so I won’t forget.
I want too many things for my birthday. Does that make me sound greedy? I want a game boy, a guitar, a new baseball glove.
I’m not going to kiss Rachel. I’m not ready yet. I actually told her that because I think she tried to kiss me the other day while we were playing monopoly. She looked sad, and I apologized, but she hugged me after. I think we’re still friends. She still calls and we still hang out together. Although I saw her hanging out with Stanley last week. She walked home with him instead of me. She’s walked home with me every day since we started school.
Do you have a new girlfriend? I bet you do. My mom made it sound like it’s easy to find a girlfriend. Tell me all about her.
Baseball season has started, and I like baseball so much better than hockey. I can’t tell my dad that because he grew up playing hockey. He watched baseball, but he didn’t play baseball. I think he wanted me to play lacrosse in the spring instead, but he let me try baseball and let me play when he realized I was good at it.
Can you believe it’s almost the end of the school year? What do you have planned for the summer? I’m probably just going to hang out with my friends, go camping. Middle school for me next year, you’re going to high school? That’s going to be so much fun. I can’t wait till I get to high school.
Your friend,
Patrick
Patrick was just so optimistic, but their lives were just so different. David wondered what his life would be like if he lived in a normal town with normal friends. Would he have even kissed anyone by now, let alone a boy and a girl? He thinks about all the experiences he’s had because of the people that he was associated with and wondered how different that would be if he lived in a small town. If he lived in a small town, his parents wouldn’t likely have as much money as they did, David wouldn’t have the clothes he does and he certainly wouldn’t have the luxurious house he lives in now. Would David be happier without all of what he has now? The idea of it was interesting. He wasn’t miserable with the life he had. He just wasn’t happy, and he wasn’t sure what it was going to take to get him there. Maybe money wasn’t everything, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to find out.
David wanted to do something for Patrick for his birthday. He had an idea and needed Adelina’s help to make it happen. She’d know who to ask if she didn’t know. The benefit to having money is that it was easy to spend. His parents had given him a platinum credit card. He didn’t abuse it but used it when he needed it and now he did. Patrick was fast becoming David’s closest friend, and he really wanted to surprise him with something that he didn’t ask for, but David was pretty sure he’d like. At least he hoped he wasn’t wrong about this.
May 29th
Patrick was getting into the thick of the baseball season. He was one of the starting players on the team and likely to make the all-star team that traveled. Patrick just missed it last year, so he hoped he would be picked this year. He would love the chance to get away and see unknown places.
Patrick had come home after a rough game. It wasn’t one of his better games. He had struck out twice, walked once, and a couple of base bits. Rachel didn’t go to the game, and she didn’t have one of her own. She hadn’t been paying as much attention to Patrick. She was still spending a lot of time with Stanley. He missed his best friend. He missed her a lot. Normally after a rough game, she was right there, but not today. She was not here to console him after a rough game on his birthday.
He heard a knock at the door as he walked out of the bathroom after a shower. Patrick heard his mother talking to some guy. He walked closer to the door to make sure that everything was okay, and the man was carrying what looked like a small animal. His mother looked very confused, and Patrick wasn’t sure what was going on.