She returned to her humming and staring.
I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, but she didn't seem to feel it. I paused in the doorway and gazed back at her. She looked so small and alone, left only with her memories and haunted by her regrets and losses.
That would never be me, I pledged. No one will keep me from my love.
"Well?" Cary said after I got into the truck and we started away. "Did you get what you wanted from her?"
"Yes," I said. "What was that?"
"An answer to a question."
"What question?" he asked, glancing at me. "Laura?"
"Something only a woman would understand," I said.
"Oh brother. That stuff again."
"Yes, Cary, that stuff again," I said and pressed my forehead against the window as we bounced over the road and onto the main highway. Cary accelerated, blowing air out of his tight lips and shaking his head.
"It's all because of him," he muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing," he growled and tightened his shoulders as he turned himself away and drove faster.
When we got home, I thanked him and hurried toward the house, Cary right behind me.
"Robert called," Mommy said as we entered. Cary looked at me and then ran up the stairs, pounding the steps so hard, the entire staircase shook.
"Thank you, Mommy. I'll be right in to help with dinner," I said and went to the phone.
"Where were you today?" I asked as soon as Robert said hello.
"I had such a headache this morning, Mom thought I was coming down with the flu or something. She said I had a little fever and gave me some aspirin and told me to take the day off. Normally, I'd have to be chained to the bed, but things haven't been too normal. Did you miss me?"
"Of course. I wouldn't have asked if I hadn't."
"How are you doing? You looked so distracted after school yesterday. I hardly had a chance to say a word and I don't think you heard anything I said anyway."
"It's all right, Robert. I've just had so much on my mind with finals and stuff."
"Stuff means me, right?"
"Yes."
"I still love you, Laura. You can refuse to answer my letters, grunt after everything I say in school, but I won't stop loving you."
"I know. I don
't want you to," I said,
"Really?"
Of course. How do you feel now?"
"I'm getting better fast," he said. "I'll be in school tomorrow. Laura, can't we see each other soon?"
"Yes."