Gap Year 2

It was hard to hear yourself think in the cafeteria. Students wafted in and out, trays clattered, items were dropped, and voices echoed off the tile floors and cinder block walls. Will shook his head.

"Sorry, I didn't get that," he said.

Murray, who had a first name but nobody used it, said, "Denise is trying to get your attention."

Will looked behind him and saw Denise Patterson smiling and waving.

"Be right back," said Will.

Within a minute or so Will was back and seated.

"What's the deal with you and Denise?" asked Murray.

Will emptied the bag of potato chips into his maw and said, "We're going to prom together."

Murray squinted and shook his head. "You're dating Denise?"

"No, man, we're just friends. We've been friends since grade school. Her folks and my folks are friends. Since neither of us are dating anybody, she suggested we just go together," said Will.

"So what was that all about," Murray said thumbing toward Denise.

"Pizza," said Will. "She suggested we get pizza tonight to kind of get used to each other again so prom isn't weird."

Murray appeared to consider this. "Actually, that's a good idea. So, just friends, no romantic entanglements or entrapments, just you two in a tux and a dress with happy parents."

"Yeah," said Will, "it got mom off my back."

"Speaking of which," Murray said, "are your parents really okay with you not going to college? I mean, you're near the top of the class and the only one in the top tier not going."

Will rolled his eyes. "I told you: I'm going to college, just not this year. I really need to put some money away. I'm going to work a year of construction. My dad is hooking me up. I'm just taking a gap-year, nothing more."

"My folks would have a cow," said Murray. "They wouldn't trust me to follow up."

"No such problem there. I talked to dad about it first and he was all for it. So, I did the smart thing and let him broach the topic with mom. That made it a lot smoother," said Will.

They were quiet for a moment, though the racket from the others still made their ears ring. Finally, Murray said, "I don't know if I could do it. It's going to be really lonely here. You'll be the only one left behind. Doesn't that bother you?"

Will sighed and said, "Yeah, it will probably suck for a while, but you can get used to anything. And, it's only a year."

Murray and Will walked to their lockers to prepare for their afternoon classes. Nearly four years ago the two had been assigned adjacent lockers and found their class schedules were nearly identical. Even with so very little in common as that, they became fast friends.

Murray elbowed Will as they closed their locker doors. "There goes Mrs. Cross," said Murray. "Think she ever smiles?"

Will leaned against the locker and watched Mrs. Cross recede into the distance, her brunette shoulder-length hair swishing to-and-fro as she walked. She was young, thin, athletic looking, and very prim and proper. She was missing only the cat-eye glasses on a chain for her schoolmarm look.

"Of course she smiles," he said.

"And you know this how?" asked Murray.

Both fellows slung their backpacks over their shoulders and began marching. "She's my neighbor," said Will. "My folks have her over every Friday night for dinner and drinks. She's really nice."

"You never told me that!" said Murray, slack-jawed.

"Remember Bennie Grange?" said Will. "He lived in the house behind me. Our back yards abutted and we used to play football, soccer, whiffle-ball, everything in our combined yards. Broke more windows than I can count."

"Yeah, so what?" replied Murray.

"So, Mrs. Cross and her husband moved in last summer, though I've not seen Mr. Cross for months. I think they're separated," said Will.

"You don't know?"

"She doesn't talk about it, and I don't pry. Actually, I say very little. Mom and dad do all the talking," said Will. They stopped at an intersecting hallway. "I gotta go this way," said Will.

Murray thumbed in the other direction. "This is me. Later."

Friday night rolled around and Mrs. Westcott shouted from the kitchen when she heard the back door open. "Will? You're late!"

"Sorry, mom," said Will. "I hung out with Murray for a while."

"Well, get cleaned up," Mrs. Westcott said. "Actually, come in here."

Will made his way into the kitchen. Mrs. Westcott did not approve. "For goodness sake, you could get dirty walking down a clean hallway. Mrs. Cross is coming for dinner. Go shower and put on a nice shirt--with buttons--so you're presentable for dinner."

He started to object, but Mrs. Westcott gave one of her looks that made it clear no argument would be persuasive. Will smiled, kissed his mom on the cheek, and said, "Okay."

The table was set for four, Don and Mary Westcott, Annie Cross, and Will.

The Friday night tradition, begun the previous fall, became a staple for the four of them. Mary Westcott cooked something simple like a stew in the crock-pot, and Don and Will always cleaned afterwards.

"I don't know how you do it," said Annie. "I'm exhausted after eight hours of school. I can't imagine doing sixteen hours in the ER after a full week."

Mary raised her water glass, she never drank before going into the hospital, and said, "I try to get some rest while these two are out during the day." She waved her glass vaguely at Don and Will. "And, they're good about letting me sleep on Saturday afternoon when I get back."

"She's been doing it a long time," said Don.

"Twenty-two years," Mary said with a shrug.

"She only slowed down long enough to have him," said Don pointing his fork at Will.

Will laughed. "Even then, she didn't slow down much if you ask dad."

There was easy laughter before Annie turned to Will. "Not long now," she said. "Will it be strange to finally be done with high school?"

Will shook his head. "In a way it feels like it's been over for a while. My friends all have a bad case of senioritis, and all they talk about is where they're going next. It seems like some of them are already gone."

"And you?" asked Annie.

The Westcotts all looked at each other.

"I guess we never discussed this," said Will. "I'm taking a gap-year. So, I'll be right here. I need to put some money away and dad was able to hook me up on a couple of construction crews. It's good money and good experience. Of course, growing up with a general contractor probably didn't hurt."

"No college," said Annie looking concerned.

"No college yet," replied Will. "I'm going. I have things I want to do and things that interest me. But I don't want to live hand-to-mouth while I'm there. And considering what I want to major in, taking a little break might be a good idea."

"And what is that?" asked Annie.

"I'd like to be involved with the next generation of drug development, curing cancer, maybe using CRISPR to fix genetic diseases in the womb, reversing diabetes, that sort of thing," said Will.

"My," said Annie. "What kind of degree gets you that?"

"Bioengineering, Ph. D. In pharmacy, maybe even a medical degree. I don't think I'll know for sure what direction I want to go until I get there. That's why I'm not worried about taking a year off. I'm going to be at this a while. I could probably use the break," he said.

"And," added Don, "maybe he'll be able to put some meat on those bones."

Will snickered. "Yeah, old man, the last time we wrestled we almost had to call an ambulance."

Don grinned. "Yeah, the little bastard is getting strong."

"What about you, Annie?" said Mary. "Your first year of teaching is nearly over. What will you be doing this summer?"

"I'm going to be helping at a realtor's office. They need somebody to proofread, update listings, sort through photographs, and other office stuff," Annie said. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Big change from teaching freshman English," said Mary.

"I know, and that's good," Annie said. "I'm think I'm with you, Will. I could use a break, too."

"Did you get a new car?" asked Don.

Annie Cross shook her head. "No, it's a hand-me-down from my father. They visited last month, saw the condition of my car from college, and drove down the next weekend with one of their cars. So, it's new to me, but still a hand-me-down."

"Well, I'm glad you got an upgrade," said Mary. "I was worried a couple of those cold mornings last winter when your car was struggling to start."

"Oh," said Annie, "you could hear that." She laughed. "I thought I was going to have to ask for a ride a couple of times, but that old beast started eventually."

"Anytime you need a lift we're here for you. Aren't we, Will," said Mary.

"Um, yeah," said Will. "No trouble at all."

When dinner was over, Don and Will cleared the table, and Mary changed into her scrubs. Annie caught Will's eye and said, "Will? Can you walk me home?"

Don said, "I got this. Kiss your mom good night and take Mrs. Cross home."

"Come here, you," said Mary.

Will kissed his mom on the cheek before opening the sliding glass door for Annie. It was a warm spring night and the two walked first through Will's back yard and then through her's. Annie opened her patio door and turned to Will.

"Why don't you come in for minute," she said.

The patio door opened to the kitchen and beyond there was the small living room. The open layout of the kitchen and living room was separated by a loveseat. A reclining chair was positioned in the corner and a Siamese cat lay sprawled on its seat. It stretched and yawned as the two sat on the loveseat.

"Hello, Joey," said Will. "Miss me?"

"He misses all the treats you slip him when you think I'm not looking," Annie said.

"Ah, you saw that," said Will.

Annie turned to Will and said, "I did know you weren't going to college in the fall. That much was the scuttlebutt in the teacher's lounge. But, I didn't know why until tonight."

Will looked sheepish when he replied. "I've not told many people. I got tired of everybody telling me I'm nuts. So, I just let the subject drop if it comes up."

"Well," she said, "I've not snooped into your files, that would be unethical, but I've talked to some of your teachers. They think you are a very promising student. And, they were a little surprised you didn't ask any of them for letters of recommendation."

She looked away. "I don't know if I have any right to judge. Are you sure you're making the right decision?"

Will was quiet for a moment, collecting his thoughts. After a few false starts, he finally began. "I would rather you not share this with my folks," he said. "I do believe I've made the right decision. A lot of thought when into it. Like I said, I don't know which direction things will go, but I'd be a fool to start this process tired. I feel like I've just finished one marathon and I don't want to start another one right away. I mean, a lot of my friends who are leaving for college look a little worn-out to me."

"So it's not about the money," she asked.

"It is absolutely about the money. But, it isn't just about the money. Here's the part I don't want you to share with my folks." Will leaned in. "Even if I was a rich kid and could do anything on a gap year, I wouldn't spend six months in Europe living in youth hostels and riding the trains. I like hanging out with my mom and dad. I like doing construction. I get up every morning at 5:30 AM, I'm on the job-site at 7:00, and we work until dark. I'm absolutely dead tired by the end of the day, and I've never been more rested in my life. Does that make sense."

Annie sighed. "It might." They she allowed herself a small smile. "Why not tell your folks?"

"Because I don't want them to worry I'm scared to leave home, or that they're somehow holding me here. I like being with them, but that's not why I'm staying," he said.

"I can understand that, though you might not be giving your folks enough credit," said Annie.

"Maybe I'll tell them after," said Will.

"Is construction the right answer, though? You could take some classes locally," said Annie.

"After last summer I was in the best shape of my life. I was well-rested, and my grades improved because I could concentrate better. This is good for me. And I'm thankful my folks are so supportive."

"You are very mature for a teenager," said Annie.

"Not for long," replied Will.

Annie looked confused. "You're not reasonable?"

Will laughed. "No. I'm not going to be a teenager much longer. I turn twenty in January."

Annie appeared to be very distracted for a moment. Then Joey broke the trance.

"Brawww!"

Annie's cat jumped onto the loveseat and began rubbing on both of them.

"Somebody's hungry," said Will. "I'll let myself out."

"Goodnight, Will."

"Goodnight, Mrs. Cross."

Annie stood next to the lawn mower and pulled the rope again. Still nothing. She checked the choke, adjusted the throttle, and peeked into the gas tank again not knowing what else to try. Several pulls later she screamed in frustration.

Will was sleepily eating his breakfast when he heard the scream. In an instant he was on his feet and running out the patio door toward Annie.

"My God, Mrs. Cross, are you okay?" said Will.

Annie, startled by his sudden appearance blushed slightly, embarrassed by her outburst. Instead of apologizing, though, she kicked the lawnmower's engine.

"Fucking thing is going to be the death of me!" she said, and she kicked the machine again for good measure.

"Careful! You'll break your foot if you keep that up," said Will.

Annie folded her arms across her chest and choked back a sob. "I don't know anything about lawnmowers or home maintenance or cleaning gutters! Mike was supposed to help. I can't do this by myself!"

Will stepped to her and wrapped his arms around her. Her tears came easily now.

"You can't expect yourself to know all this stuff if nobody's shown you. And where did you get that piece of shit lawnmower, anyway?" he asked.

Her voice was muffled slightly with her head buried in his shoulder, but her reply came with a small chuckle. "It came with the fucking house."

Now it was Will's turn to chuckle. "If that's the lawnmower I remember, that damn thing never worked."

She slipped away. "Great. Now I need to buy a lawnmower."

"No, you don't," he said. "It will only take me a few extra minutes to mow your lawn when I mow mine. Please. Let me do this for you."

It looked for a moment like she was going to cry again, but she just leaned to him, kissed his cheek, and said, "Under one condition."

"Name it," said Will.

"You call me Annie."

Will slipped back into the house and met his dad at the patio door.

"What's up with Mrs. Cross?" asked Don.

"The lawnmower she inherited with the house is crap, dad. We need to get it away from her and send it to a small engine repair shop. In the mean time, I'll mow her lawn when I mow ours," said Will.

Don nodded. "Okay. I'll bring the truck around later with the trailer. We can drop it off this afternoon."

"Thanks, dad," said Will. Then he hesitated.

"Something else?" asked Don.

Will looked down. "She's all alone, dad. I think it's getting to her."

"Well," said Don, "you're being a good friend. That's all we can do for now."

It did indeed only take a few extra minutes to mow Annie's lawn. Running the string trimmer was more of a project. Annie could only watch from the window as Will made his way around her property. When he finished, she called him in.

"I don't know how to thank you," she said. "Please, sit, take a load off. Would you like something to drink? How about some water?"

"That would be terrific," he said. "But, are you sure you want me sitting in here? I mean, I'm kind of rank with sweat."

She handed him the glass and said, "You won't hear complaints from me." Annie touched his hand as she sat next to him on the loveseat. "I want to apologize for cursing earlier. It wasn't very ladylike."

Will shook his head. "It was completely justified. That lawnmower has always been a piece of shit. And, please don't be mad, I enjoyed seeing you let loose for a minute."

"Well, I'm glad I provided you some entertainment!"

"Don't be like that," he said. "You've been under a lot of pressure, put in situations that are not your fault, and you needed something cathartic, some way to feel like you could fight back. Kicking the lawnmower was not on my bingo card, but it worked for you."

She could only smile. "Yeah, stupid lawnmower."

"Look, dad and I are going to throw it on our trailer later today and have a fellow fix it. But, as long as I'm here, I'd like to do your yard work. It's no trouble, really. I like doing it," he said.

She reached for his hand again and held it this time. "I couldn't ask for a better friend," she said.

After a few moments she released his hand, stood, and walked toward the front of the house. Will sat up straight and said, "Stop."

She turned to him. "What is it?"

Will stood and looked to the floor. "Where did you just step? There was a squeak," he said.

"Oh," she said. "Here?" Annie stepped on a spot and the floor squeaked again.

Walking to the place where Annie stood, Will pressed his foot on that spot. "That's not right," he said. "I need to get dad to help me check something. I'll be right back," he said.

Don and Will appeared a few minutes later.

"Sorry, Annie, it's probably nothing, but Will thinks there might be a problem," said Don. "Can we just take a look in the basement?"

"Yes," she said, "of course."

The three descended the stairs and Don said, "Show me the spot."

Will paced a few moments before pointing to a beam. "Here. This is the spot."

Don pulled a long screw driver from his belt and poked the beam in several places. Wood splintered and fell to the concrete floor at their feet. Insects could be seen in the damaged beam.

"Fuck," muttered Will.

"Language," replied his dad. "But, yeah, fuck."

"What? What is it?" asked Annie.

Don looked to Will.

"You've got termites," said Will. "I know this house. I've spent countless hours in it walking around, playing games, hanging out. I knew that squeak was new."

Annie now appeared to panic. "What do I do? How do I fix this?"

Don put a hand on her shoulder. "We got you. I'm going to make a quick phone call, okay?"

Annie could only nod her agreement.

Don turned his back to the others and dialed. "Jerry, Don here. I know it's Saturday but I need you to check something for me. Yeah, looks like it. We need to find out how bad it is. Here's the address."

Annie reached for Will's hand again. Now nearly in tears, she said, "What's going to happen to my house?"

Will leaned to her and whispered, "Nothing. We're going to take care of it."

Don returned to the group. "My friend Jerry is an exterminator. He owes me a bunch of favors. Every time I find an infestation he gets the work. So, I'm not going to feel too bad about rousting him on a Saturday. He should be here in a couple of minutes. Will, why don't you go upstairs and meet him at the door."

As Will climbed the stairs, Annie turned to Don. "I don't know what to say. I'm so embarrassed. I don't have money for this right now."

Don smiled and said, "None of this is going to cost you anything. I think Will caught this early, and I'll call in a couple of favors to get the repairs done. So, no worrying, okay?"

Annie could only shake her head. "Okay." Then, after a time, she said, "Will is really something, isn't he?"

Don chuckled. "We think so."

Jerry Crouch arrived in the basement with his gear and immediately began muttering.

"Maybe you two should wait upstairs. This might take a while," said Don. "Hey, Jerry, mind if I stay for a few minutes to do some measurements?"

Joey met Will and Annie at the top of the stairs. Even the cat knew something was off.