The End of the Rainbow (Hudson 4)

"I can't pretend I knew all that. Summer. After I spoke with him. I looked it up in one of my books and learned about it. It was made popular by a man named Orson S. Fowler who claimed that it enclosed more floor space per linear foot of exterior wall than the usual square or rectangle. He said it was more efficient in building costs and prevented heat loss, increased sunlight and ventilation and eliminated dark and useless corners. I can't wait to see it," he added.

I stared at him. His eyes were lit with interest and excitement.

"I think it's just wonderful that you have such a passion for architecture. Harley."

He smiled.

"I'm really a passionate guy. "

The waitress brought our food, and we started to eat. I didn't realize how hungry I was until it was set before me. Harley laughed at my gobbling.

"What? Oh. I look like a pig, huh?"

"No," he said. "I just enjoy watching everything you do. Summer."

I felt myself blush.

"Because you're with me, I don't feel afraid of anything," he added.

I nodded.

"But when we get there, Harley, I've got to call my parents." "Sure," he said. "Let's get there though."

After we ate, we were back on the highways. It was still quite warm and humid. but I started to enjoy riding on the motorcycle as I became more and more accustomed to it, to the way Harley moved his body to make turns and shift gears. I soon felt as if we were attached, my body quickly reacting to every twist of his.

When we turned off the main highways, we passed many nice farmhouses and went through quaint villages. In some places, people took Great notice and interest in us: in others, they barely glanced our way. I suppose it depended on how often motorcyclists went through their towns or passed their homes. We rode for hours and hours, stopping once to rest just outside of New York state near a wide stream of water. Harley found a shady spot under a sprawling old oak. We had decided to buy some sandwiches and cold drinks and turn our lunch into a picnic.

"Funny," he said sprawling on the grass and looking up at the sky, "back home, we hardly ever did anything like this. I don't mean barbeques and afternoon parties. I mean just you and me having lunch outside, maybe down by the lake. It feels good. relaxing."

I smiled and unwrapped our sandwiches, handing him his. We both sat silently for a while, eating and looking at the water that rushed by over the rocks and around the bend.

"I keep wondering what I'm going to feel when I'm face to face with my father for the first time. Do you think we'll look like each other?"

"You'd have to look something like him."

"Yeah, but some people look so much like either their mother or their father. Amber looks like she was cloned from her mother, for example."

"What about me?"

"You look a lot like your mother, but you have your father's eyes and those little freckles." he added laughing. He turned serious for a moment and looked out at the water again. "I guess if someone's your flesh and blood, you've got to be a little alike. It won't be like meeting an ordinary stranger. right?"

"Hardly." I said. but he still looked very nervous about it.

"He wanted me to come. I guess he must have thought about me from time to time. right? He probably got involved in a whole new life and just didn't know how to come back. Maybe I've got a half brother or half sister out there. Maybe two of each!"

"You might." I said. "He didn't mention any other children though, did he?"

"No. But maybe he thought he shouldn't."

"You said Suze was his woman, but he didn't call her his wife."

"No, he didn't, but he could have been married and divorced or... lost his wife. House painter." he muttered. That figures. right? I mean that he does manual labor, works with his hands. I work with my hands."

"You're very intelligent too. Harley. You're not just same laborer."

He raised his eyebrows and shook his head at me.

"The only reason I graduated was because of your help. Summer."