Page 14 of June: Jess' Story

“You could stay…if you want,” he says to me. But I don’t want. There’s a pull here,oddly, but I think back to the last time I came. When I watched him silently pour his heart out to the ground beneath him, and I don’t want to intrude on that. This is his special place.Their special place.

I gently shake my head, and I can’t tell with his beard, but I think his face falls slightly. “I’ll see you around, Alex,” I say and walk down the small hill.

When I get to the car, and slide into the driver’s seat, I take a moment to admire him.What? No.Not admire. Just look. I was justlookingat him. And then he turns and looks at me. And my cheeks feel hot.The fuck?

I don’t think he can really see my facial expressions from this distance, but I give a sort of smile and a wave and I pull out of my parking spot. Glancing back in the rear view, I watch him watch me drive away.

December 26, 2016

Amy

I’m guessing yesterday was a bad day? Merry (late) Christmas.

Jess

It was one of the worst bad days.

Sorry to hear.

Good day or bad day for you?

It was an okay day. I was surprised I didn’t hear from you.

Sorry.

No need.

Okay.

Let me know if you need anything.

A vacation.

Ok…

I’m not literally asking you for a vacation. Calm down.

Ha, okay.

Was that “ha” out loud?

You know what, I actually think it was.

Oh my gawd. That means today is a good day because I made Alexander Palomino laugh. No matter what.

Happy to be of service.

Thank you. Truly.

I should be the one thanking you. For showing up.

No need.

February 24, 2017

Jess

Today has been the worst day.