Chapter Five of Off the Beaten Path

Chapter Five

Morning light shimmered through the windows lining the back wall of the classroom. Kate cupped her chin in her hand as she watched small dust particles float and fight their way toward the wooden floors. She absentmindedly traced the top of her desk, marred by uninspired students who had engraved their initials and other graffiti onto it. She had been here for almost two months, but she still hadn’t completely given herself over to the time zone and it was beginning to take its toll. What little sleep she did get was hijacked by the boy from the past. She wished she could lay her head down on the desk and float off with the dust particles into sweet dreamless sleep. Listening to Mr. Dougall drone on and on only deepened the feeling to the point where it became almost impossible to keep her eyes open. She closed them for just a moment but the feeling was too sweet and she had to shake her head, willing herself awake.

“What are you doing?” she heard Kenzie whisper from behind her.

“Nothing,” Kate said, snapping to.

Mr. Dougall finished giving the class their math assignments as the bell rang. Kate stood to leave class but Kenzie touched her arm and held her back.

“What was that all aboot?” Kenzie asked as Kate shook her head, not understanding her question. “Yes, that’s what I mean, the shaking the head yea then nae. What on earth were you doing?”

“Kenzie,” Kate sighed, “I am having a lot of strange dreams lately.”

Kenzie frowned, “No wonder you said you were up late worrying about yer boyfriend from home.”

“Former boyfriend!” Kate corrected. She thought she had made that clear this morning when she met up with Kenzie on the street in front of the school. It was nice to actually walk into school with someone instead of the lone approach she had made the last few weeks.

“All right, former boyfriend. It’s no wonder you almost fell asleep in class.”

Kate took a deep breath.

“You're right, I just about dozed off back there.” She looked at everyone leaving the classroom, “We’d best go or I’ll be late for Science. Where do you go next?” Kate asked as they moved out the door into the bustling hall.

“History. Are we on after school?” Kenzie called over her shoulder as she turned down the hallway.

“Yes, but I can't stay long,” Kate called after her remembering her promise to Mrs. Shaw to care for the kennels.

Kate shouldered her backpack and headed for Science class. As she walked, she tried to remember what the little boy from her dream last night looked like. He was young with brown curly hair and old-fashioned clothes. She was just beginning to piece together his picture as she rounded the corner and collided with Gavin.

“Whoa, hey now,” Gavin said as he caught her, “Are you all right?”

She nodded.

“I wasn’t sure if you were here today. I heard about yer boyfriend,” he said.

“Former boyfriend!” Kate corrected once again a little bit harsher than she meant to. “Sorry, didn't mean to bite your head off. I am just shocked at how fast news travels though the school.”  Actually, she was horrified, this being only her third class today.

“Well, I just figured you might have stayed at home,” he said.

Kate privately wondered. Did everyone know what went on in everyone’s life?  She stood there for a moment, lost in thought. She glanced up at him as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, completely uncomfortable with the situation.

“I am sorry,” he said with his head bowed, scuffing the floor with his foot.

“Thank you, Gavin,” she said, touching his arm making him look up at her. “Who told you?”

“Oh, Kenzie and I are old friends and she has a hard time keeping anythin' quiet.” They started to walk. “She is pretty shy until she gets to know you and then there is this whole other side.” He fell silent as they walked.

After a few turns down different hallways she asked, “Do you have Science with me? I know that I should know this by now, but I just yesterday figured out where and when my next class is, without my schedule,” Kate said.

“Yes we do. Actually, I sit right behind you,” he smiled.

His eyes sparkle when he smiles, she mused to herself.

“Well that would explain why I don’t see you. I try not to be real obvious when looking around. I've seen Tavey and Boyd and Vika there, but if I turned all the way around, I think Mr. Corkin would notice.” They laughed and walked into class.

As they entered the classroom, Mr. Corkin caught her eye.

“Ms. Thorn, see me after class.”

The rest of the class let out an ‘Ooh!’ at the implied trouble Kate was in.

“Now settle down. We’ll have none of that, and while we're at it, why are you books still in yer packs?”

Kate walked to her desk and smiled at Gavin as she sat down. She took out her book and was getting her pencil out when Gavin leaned forward and whispered. “You will be coming with us for tea after school.” It was more of a statement than a question and as tired as she was, Kate felt goose bumps rise on her neck from his breath. She didn’t turn around but nodded big enough so he could see. “Great,” he whispered, his R’s rolling in that oh-so-Scottish way.

Wow! Goosebumps? Really? Immediately she felt guilty. But why should she feel guilty?  What should she feel guilty about? She decided then and there that she would shed her guilty feelings and get on with her new life. She wouldn’t be long, she reminded herself; the dog kennels were calling.

The class flew by and before she knew it the bell had rung and she was packing her bag.

“Ms. Thorn,” Mr. Corkin said.

She took a deep breath and headed up to his desk. She saw Tavey behind Mr. Corkin running his first finger across his throat and pointing at her.

“That will be enough, Mr. McAnespie,” Mr. Corkin said without turning around.

“How did you know...?” Kate asked, pointing at Tavey's retreating back.

“I have been a teacher for many years Ms. Thorn. I just know,” he smiled as Gavin escorted Tavey out of the room. “Besides I saw his reflection in the window, but let’s keep that our little secret. I like the students to think I know everything.” He leaned across his desk. “But you on the other hand, know a wee bit more than I do aboot self-defense.”

She smiled and dropped her head.

“Now it's my turn to learn a bit. My knowledge comes from several years ago and obviously there have been some vast improvements. Would you take some time and look over the self-defense syllabus I have been working from?” He handed her a small folder. “I need to know what is outdated and what really doesn’t work. I would love your input on what can stay and what definitely should go. Perhaps we can meet Friday after school and go over them. I will say, when I found myself on the floor the other day, I was pleasantly surprised. That is exactly what I want our class, mostly the lasses, to be able to do.” He smiled at her and sat down.

As she took the folder, she saw Mr. Corkin standing over a bruised and bloodied woman. His hands in fists at his sides and a grim look on his face.

“I knew from the moment you came into my class that you would be interesting, and not just being an American and all. I knew the students would learn something from you. I just didn’t know what.”

A strange feeling fell over her as she hugged the folder to her chest and exited the room.

Gavin met her in the hall as she walked out of the classroom. “So you have to stay after school on Friday?” he said.

Kate smiled in spite of herself. She liked Gavin. He was cute and had a wonderful smile and he was interested in her. And he obviously had a calling to eavesdrop, what was not to like?

She nodded, “Yes that’s right. I am a trouble maker and I have to stay after on Friday.”

“That is so not good,” he said. “Me and the mates are going to the Castle on Friday.”

She laughed. “It’s not like that. He wants me to go over some new moves for the next defense class.”

“I see,” he nodded. “Since you threw him on the ground, he's paying you back,” he teased.

“No, I don’t think that’s it. Do you think that’s it? I wonder if that’s it. I just thought he was wanting a refresher on defense techniques.”

They started to walk.

“Do you think he’s trying to get me back?  Really?” she rambled on, distracted by this new line of thinking. They walked a little further.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“Wherever you are. I have lunch and I thought I would hang 'round and find out what Mr. Corkin wanted, so I'm free.” She smiled and let him walk her to World Lit.

Talking to Gavin had charged her batteries, and the rest of the day flew by. All Kate could think about was going for afternoon “tea.” She tried to convince herself it was to get to know the other kids, “the mates” better, but deep down she knew it was to get to know Gavin better.

As Kate departed her last class of the day, she saw Kenzie and some of the others gathering at the end of the hall. Kenzie waved to her and Kate waved back. She scanned the crowd, unconsciously looking for Gavin. When she didn't see him, her spirit fell. What kind of person would she be if she was longing or flirting with another boy while her boyfriend/ex-boyfriend was in a hospital bed in critical condition? Could she be that cold? Of course Josh's status as boyfriend was in limbo. After a month with no contact from him, was she still to consider him her boyfriend? Did he consider her his girlfriend? After the kennels, she would get Jennie on the line and maybe together they could sort it out. But for now she would get to know everyone a little bit better and that began with names.

“Ready?” Kenzie asked, meeting her half way. “It's just a short walk.” She looked around at the others. “I think everyone is here, except Gavin. He went ahead to get us a table.”

Kate looked at the others in the group. She recognized most of them from the defense class; she just couldn’t remember all their names.

“So, the American be joining us today?” Vika said, her blue eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Is that all right?” Kate asked.

“Sure, I suppose iffen I’d said no you’d be putting the hurt on me,” she said.

Kate shook her head and smiled, “Oh no!  I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“Kate, she's taking the mickey out of you.” Kate looked lost. “She is teasing you. They do have that where yer from, right?” Kenzie smiled.

Kate nodded. “I’m sorry. Vika, is it?”

Vika nodded with a grin. Kate noticed her red lipstick matched her red sweater perfectly.

“I just feel so stupid about the other day with Mr. Corkin and then not knowing everyone very well, it’s just a bit... awkward.” Kate attempted to explain.

“As soon as you put Mr. Corkin on the ground I thought, 'Now there is a girl I must know,'” Vika said.

Kate blushed.

“Besides, from what I have heard, I’m not the only one who wants to get to know you better.” She said twitching her eyebrows.

“There she is, me new salvation,” Lanie said, putting her arm around Kate’s neck.

Kate stood as still as she could trying not to get her hair entwined into Lanie's multiple piercings. Lanie seemed to be one of the more tomboyish girls in the group and if trained correctly, could give her a run for her money.

“New salvation?” Kate asked, tilting her head away from Lanie, but remaining still.

“That is correct. I’m needin' some new moves to be puttin' on me baby brother and you look like someone who can teach me.” Her heavy accent made someone sound like 'somewhat'.

Kate remembered Lanie had mentioned a little brother that she liked to torture.

“I’m not so sure I want to be responsible for getting your little brother hurt,” Kate said, relaxing.

Everyone laughed.

“Little?” Vika said. “Her brother is bigger than Mr. Corkin, probably bigger than Mr. Dougall.”

“He is only twelve months me junior, but he’s as big as a bull.” Lanie leaned closer to Kate’s ear and Kate definitely heard the click of a tongue stud, “He can be real ornery and cruel sometimes, I need something to protect myself,” she quietly confessed. Louder she said, “Maybe I would like to put the hurt on him once or twice just for fun. You understand me now?” Kate met and held her eyes, then nodded. Lanie's quiet confession gave her an insight into the real girl behind all the piercings and reminded her that looks can be deceiving.

Kate felt lighter than she had in days as they left the school courtyard for the street. The route they took was generally the same route she used to walk home. As they passed one of the delis that lined the street, she spied her dad at a window table having a sandwich. He was looking out towards the road, trying hard not to be obvious and not succeeding. She rolled her eyes. If he wanted to check out the group of kids she was with, it was fine with her. Just please, she prayed, don’t follow me. He never moved from his chair. Which worked out well for him since they crossed the street at the next intersection and entered the restaurant.

From what Kate had heard about the Elephant House, reputed to be where the Harry Potter books were mostly written, truth or fiction she did not know, she was expecting something a little more upscale than the reality. The truth came as a small bistro with two separate rooms graced with scuffed wooden floors and festooned with mismatched chairs around, equally scuffed, dark wooden tables. A deli style counter, from which wafted the tantalizing smell of warm pastries and breads, mixed with coffee and herbal teas, lined one wall of the first room. Bar type seating was available in the front window, offering a view of the street, and her dad. The back room sported windows with a view of Edinburgh Castle.

They entered the 'queue,' another unique word for her, to order food. There was a little confusion when Kate tried to order chips and was told they ‘dint’ have any, when she could clearly see bags upon bags of chips on the rack behind the counter.

Finally Vika pointed to the chips and said to the clerk, “I think she means those crisps behind you.”

Ah. “Crisps,” Kate mouthed to herself, making a mental note.

“Of course! I’m sorry. I misunderstood,” the counter clerk apologized.

Kate paid for her food and followed Lanie, Vika and Kenzie into the back room. Gavin was there, lounged in one of the seats at a table by the window.

“Let Kate have the window seat,” he motioned to Mairi who was sitting at the window, “so she can see the castle from here, since she won’t be joining us on Friday.” Mairi rolled her eyes and vacated the seat. She stood and tried her best to grab the seat next to Gavin on the other side, only to be beat out by Boyd. Sheepishly she wandered to the only remaining seat farther down the table opposite of Boyd and proceeded to glare at Kate.

The conversation was lively, constantly shifting and changing participants as quickly as topics. In short order, Kate learned that Mairi had eight siblings, four brothers and four sisters, of which she was the youngest. Lanie, of course, had one brother, younger but larger, that picked on her. Vika had two much older half-brothers that didn't live at home, and a reasonable father who reined in her overly protective mother. Duncan had two sisters which sandwiched him in. Boyd was the miracle child of an older couple, and as such was an only child. Tavey had four brothers, and he boasted being the second to the oldest. Frazier had an older sister and underneath all that wild curly dark hair was a very cool, laid back male, unfazed by most things. Kenzie had a younger sister and her mom was a very devout Catholic. Gavin was almost an only child, but after many years his parents had twin boys, old enough to walk, but still in diapers. She also learned that most of this group had been together since childhood. Kate felt very welcomed being let into their tight circle. She was enjoying herself way too much when she checked her watch and was shocked at the time.

“I gotta go!” she said jumping up.

“What’s the rush, love? You just finished yer food,” Frazier said.

Kate picked up her pack and started to get her trash.

“Leave it. I’ll get it for you,” Gavin offered.

“Thanks! I promised someone I would be at their place at four and I’m going to be late. Goodbye everyone. Thank you for inviting me. See you tomorrow!”

She scrambled to collect her backpack, pushed her chair in, and then bolted to the door. She glanced back to see her recently vacated chair occupied by Mairi.

She hustled home and changed her clothes, grabbed Chili’s leash and dashed to the door, and nearly collided with her dad coming in.

“Where're you going in such a rush?” he asked.

“The kennels,” she answered, still moving but turning to speak to her dad.

“I was wondering if you had forgotten about that. I know that time can get away from you when you are having a good time.” He looked at her with that fatherly I’ve- been-there-before look.

“I know that I’m running a little late, but if I run a little, jog a little, I can make up the time.”

“Want some company?”

Kate smiled as she continued edging toward the door, “That would be really nice but I think I need to move faster than you are comfortable with.”

He put his hand on his chest. “Oh that was harsh, but I wasn’t talking about me. There is someone outside waiting for you.”

Kate’s heart leaped into her mouth. Gavin?  He must have followed her home. She kissed her dad goodbye and rushed out the door. She bounced down the steps and saw Kenzie sitting on the bench outside.

“Kenzie? What are you doing here?”

Kenzie stood up. “I came to see what or who was so important that you had disappeared so quickly and mysteriously.”

“I, ah...” Kate started to reply as Chili nosed his way under Kenzie's hand.

“Who is this?” Kenzie asked, bending down to pet him.

“This is Chili. I told you about him the other day. Actually, I am on the way to the kennels that boarded him to help the owner out and I’m late.”

“Do you want some company or is it not allowed?” Kenzie asked.

Kate was grateful for the hand of friendship Kenzie was offering and decided it would be nice to have her there for her first time alone. “Yes, I think I would like some company, but we have to hurry!”

The front room of the kennels was dark and very quiet when they unlocked the door. A strong smell of ammonia mixed with animal assaulted her nose as they walked in. The moment Kate turned on the lights, a wave of riotous barking began. They both jumped, laughing at themselves as they closed the door behind them.

“Scared of a little barking?” Kate asked.

“No, just scared of loud barking,” Kenzie answered. Something in the back of Kate's mind pinged. But she didn't have time to mull it over.

Kate, with Kenzie close behind, walked to the rear and unlocked the back door to the dog runs. She let Chili and the big dogs out first and then opened the little dog yard. She turned to the kennels themselves. They were a horrendous.

“I never knew big dogs made such messes,” Kenzie wrinkled her nose. “They sure make the most of a small space, don’t they?”

Kate smiled and nodded, “The cages aren’t normally like this. The Shaw’s are usually here during the day to let the dogs out.” Kate looked at Kenzie with her wrinkled nose and smiled. “I’m sure you are sooo glad you came.”

Kenzie laughed. “You donnae think I’m gonna help you with this,” she said, pointing to an overly disgusting cage. “I just said I would come keep you company. I never would have come if I knew it involved cleaning that!”

Kate rolled her eyes. “Oh come on Kenzie! You just pull the paper out and wad it up like this and put it in the bin.” Kate demonstrated, “No problem.” She stopped what she was doing and looked up at Kenzie.

“What?” Kenzie asked. “I told you I don't do,” she waved her hand at a dirty cage, “that.”

“No it's not that. Can I ask you something?” she said.

“Sure.”

“What's the deal with Mairi?  She has been glaring at me for like two days now.”

Kenzie took a deep breath and looked at the floor. “I, ah, well, you see,” She started.

“Never mind. I shouldn't have asked. I didn't mean to put you on the spot.” Kate apologized.

“No, that's not it. It's just that I have a hard time talking about people. It just doesn't seem right when they are not here to defend themselves. I guess it's my mum rubbing off on me. But since it's not that big of a secret,” she looked up at Kate. “Mairi has a huge crush on Gavin. Of course Gavin has no idea. But, when Mairi gets something in her head, it takes some real doing to get her to let it go. Last year she had a thing for Tavey and it was a real problem. He liked to lead her on and then make her look foolish in front of everyone. It was awful. Gavin was the one to put an end to it and that's when Mairi set her sights on him.”

“I get it, and since I am the new kid, Gavin is doing his welcome to the neighborhood thing and I am stepping on her toes.”

“Gavin's a really good guy, one of the best. He's been me best mate since he arrived and I know him like I know me own self, and I can tell that he doesn't even recognize that Mairi likes him.”

“But if we tell her what he is doing, then she will let it go and there won't be any problem.”

“Yea there is,” Kenzie answered.

“He's just like you said, one of the good guys.”

“No, not that.” Kenzie pointed, “There's someone at the door.”

Kate followed her raised hand. There was a shadow across the front door window.

“It must be someone who wants to pick up their dog,” Kate said.

“Or it could be someone who just watched the two of us enter,” Kenzie said.

“Ya that’s probably it. Just a concerned citizen or a policeman,” Kate said.

“Or its just some 'dude' who saw us come in here alone,” Kenzie said.

“Oh, would you just stop it. I’m sure whoever it is, we can handle it. But just to be on the safe side, stand to the side of the door and get that broom,” Kate said pointing to a broom in the corner.

Kenzie grabbed the broom and hid behind the door. Kate slowly peered out through the curtains, and saw the outline of a large man.

“It's definitely a guy,” she whispered to Kenzie

Kate motioned for her to hold the broomstick higher. Just as she was reaching for the handle, it turned. Whoever it was, they were coming in.

“We are closed,” she said in a loud voice as she stepped back.

The door opened and the mystery man walked in.

“Well then, you should lock the door,” said Gavin.

“What are you doing here?”  Kenzie wailed, broom still in hand.

“What are you going to do with that?” Gavin said pointing at the broom.

Kenzie made an overhead slashing motion with the broom.

“I see. Hitting poor unsuspecting people?” he accused. “I just followed you here to make sure you were safe.”

“You followed us?”  Kate and Kenzie said together, cutting him off.

“Yea, sure I did. I saw Kenzie here taking off just after you left, I figured she was joining the new girl going, who knows where, and I was curious and a little hurt I wasn't invited,”  he glared at Kenzie, “so I followed you.”

“Why then didn’t you catch up and walk with us instead of scaring us half to death?”  Kenzie batted him with the broom.

“More fun the other way.”  Gavin smiled shrugging his shoulders, “I think I would make a great detective.”

“If you live that long,” Kate huffed.

“What are we doing here anyway?” Gavin asked.

“Mrs. Shaw, one of the owners, asked me if I would help them out for a few days cleaning and feeding the animals while Mr. Shaw is in the hospital to have some test done. This is the kennel that kept our dog when we first moved here and he was in quarantine. The owners are really nice and my dad and I have gotten close to them, so I’m doing them a favor,” Kate rambled.

Gavin nodded, “And yerself?” he looked a Kenzie, “who doesn’t even like to get her hands dirty making a sandwich, is going to help clean these kennels?”

Kenzie raised her broom again. “Don’t make me use this on you again, Gavin Ashby. Of course I wasn’t going to help, I just came to keep Kate company. Which brings us to you.”  Kenzie motioned with the broom, “What brings you all the way down here. I know for a fact that you donnae live anywhere around here.”  She jabbed him with the broom.

“I already told you, I was hurt and a bit curious,” Gavin started.

“Killed the cat,” Kate finished. They looked at her like she was crazy. “Curiosity killed the cat. It’s an old saying… it’s an old saying where I come from,” she said looking back and forth between the two of them, “which right now, feels like another planet.”  Kate grabbed the broom from Kenzie and headed to the back of the kennels, “Come on, I have to start on these kennels.”

Kenzie sat on a chair but Gavin grabbed a trashcan and followed her behind the counter. Kenzie looked at Kate with raised eyebrows, then looked at Gavin with the trashcan. She raised and lowered her eyebrows several times. Kate rolled her eyes. She showed Gavin what to do and between the two of them, the cleaning and feeding took no time at all. As Kate put the last dog in the kennel she noticed Gavin looking at an old picture on the wall.

“What’s that?” Kate asked.

“Just an old newspaper photo, looks like a small boy but I can’t figure out where he is standing. It looks like it's outside a familiar building, but I don’t know which one,” he trailed off.

Kenzie looked over his shoulder, “Doesn’t look like anythin' around here.”

Kate looked over his other shoulder. She felt the room tilt as she saw a man taking a picture of the little boy. She was just on the verge of remembering when it drifted away. She struggled to bring it back, but it was gone.

“I think that’s a picture of Mr. Shaw,” she speculated. “We are done here. I’ll get Chili and we can go.”

They locked up and headed toward the Gardens. Gavin took Chili’s leash from Kate and ran ahead with him.

“What is that all about?” she asked Kenzie motioning to Gavin.

“I think he is trying to make a good impression on you.”

“Why?” Kate asked.

Kenzie punched her in the arm, “cause he likes you. Americans can be so daft sometimes.”

He liked her?  Kenzie thought so and she claimed to know Gavin pretty well. She was flattered; she was blushing.

“Kate, I know you are worried about this Josh boy, who you’ve made clear to me is not yer boyfriend, but is there really anythin’ you can do for him? You can pray and you can call his family, but what else, really?”

Kate simply nodded, her thoughts still on Kenzie's prior statement. What was the deal with Gavin, anyway? Maybe he liked Kenzie and she was reading it all wrong?

Kenzie continued to look at Kate, checking if her words of comfort about Josh were having any effect. They walked awhile in silence, enjoying the night air.

Gavin was waiting for them as they reached the other side of the garden. He handed her the leash.

“Chili has way more energy than I do. I never thought about getting a poodle but he is starting to grow on me.” Kate smiled and petted Chili, catching Gavin's eye briefly and seeing her smile echoed there.

“This is me. I’m just up the street there,” Kenzie said. “Gavin, are you going to make sure Kate gets home all right? We wouldn’t want anythin’ to happen to her.” She paused folding her arms across her chest. “Now that I think about it, Kate why don’t you make sure Gavin gets home all right? I know you can take care of yerself.”

They all laughed.

“Good night, Kenzie. Thanks for coming to the kennels with me,” Kate said.

“Happy to be there to keep you company while you did all the dirty work,” Kenzie replied, as she started up the street.

They watched Kenzie walk up the street. Kate turned to Gavin. “You really don’t need to walk me home. I am just up the close and Chili won’t let anyone bother me.” They stood there awkwardly for a moment then she began again, “I have to go, I have Math homework. Thank you for actually helping with the dirty work.”

“Ah, it wasn't anythin'. I was happy to help,” he replied.

“I will see you tomorrow?” she said, not quite a statement, not quite a question.

“You can't avoid it,” he said.

She waved and headed up the street. She wanted to look back to see if he was watching, but resisted the temptation. As she rounded the corner, she saw in a window reflection that he was. She found herself smiling all the way home.

She entered the flat to the smell of basil and garlic. “Yes! ‘The Food Doctor' is in!” she said and then thought to herself, a perfect end to an almost perfect day.

He poked his head out of the kitchen, “Jennie called.” He motioned to the desk. “Said she will have her computer logged in and is waiting for you.”

“What time is it there?” she asked.

“Noon-ish, they had a half day at school so she's home early.”

“Is it all right?” She motioned to the set table, not wanting to ruin all his hard work.

He nodded.

She picked up her laptop and logged in. Jennie's face popped up immediately.

“Kate?” She heard her friend's voice from the other side of the pond.

“Oh my gosh Jennie, it’s so good to see you and hear your voice,” Kate said, not realizing until that moment how seriously homesick for her best friend she was.

“Kate, how are you doing? I know you heard about Josh. I am so sorry.”

Kate had to smile, same old Jennie, talking a mile a minute.

“I wish I could have been the one to tell you, but I was sworn to secrecy. And then there was that wreck and she was there and I couldn’t tell you. But all I wanted to do was talk to you.”

An uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach formed, as her friend continued to talk.

“Oh Kate, I hope you can forgive me?”

“Whoa, whoa, slow down, Tex,” Kate interjected. “What are you trying to tell me?  I heard that Josh was in an accident and that he is in a coma.” There was a long pause and Jennie moved out of the cameras view. “Jennie… Jennie get back here. Don't you dare try to run away. Jennie are you still there?”

“Oh Kate, I am so sorry.” She heard her friend's voice through the computer speakers.

There was another long pause and Jennie came back into view, holding a tissue. Kate added a knot in her throat to the lump in her stomach.

“Jennie, what’s wrong? What are you sorry about? Did Josh...?” Kate's voice quavered.

“Yes he did,” Jennie answered.

“Josh is dead?!?!?” Kate was stunned.

“No! Josh isn’t dead, but I’m sure you will want to kill him when I get done telling you what I should have told you a long time ago. Oh why did I listen to him? You are my friend not him.” She said the last with distaste.

Kate shook her head, “Jennie slow down. I know this will be hard on you but take it from the top. And GO SLOW!”

Jennie took a deep breath, and spoke slower, “Josh has been taken to a regular hospital room. He woke up last night, or your yesterday, or your today, tomorrow, I don’t know, it’s been about nine hours.”

“So he’s going to be all right?” Kate sighed with relief.

“Yes, for now. Kate, I thought you knew. He wasn’t alone in the car. Lilly was with him.”

Now Kate was confused, “Lilly? Lilly Davidson, Lilly? ‘Oh-Josh-you’re-so-funny’ Lilly?”

“Yes, that Lilly,” Jennie answered.

“Why was Lilly in Josh’s car?”  Kate didn’t want Jennie's answer, but knew what it was.

“For about the last two weeks Lilly and Josh have been seeing each other,” Jennie twisted her hands.

“What? They were doing-a-project-together-for-World-Science-seeing-each-other, or...?” Kate paused for Jennie to answer.

“Ugh! Gosh, I wish I wasn’t your best friend right now. I don’t want to hurt you but you need to know. Josh and Lilly have been a couple for the last few weeks. Oh, God knows I tried to tell him that he needed to tell you, that it wasn’t fair to leave you hanging.” She paused, it was Kate's turn to disappear from view. “Kate are you still there? I am so sorry. Please don’t hate me.”

Kate could hear the anguish in Jennie’s voice. She thought about Lilly with Josh and her skin crawled. The last time she saw Josh he had professed his undying love to her. That she was the only one for him. The only one he wanted in his life. He had held her so tight the night before she left, she thought that embrace would last a lifetime. And his sweet kisses would be the only ones she would taste till her dying day. She believed him. She believed in them. Tears came unbidden to her eyes. Josh and Kate together, forever. Forever...what a load of crap. And Lilly Davidson! What was he doing with her? She closed her eyes trying not to think about what he was doing with her. Her eyes popped open looking around the room to get the mental picture out of her head. She saw Chili out of the corner of her eye and the picture of Josh and Lilly was replaced with one of Gavin running the streets of Edinburgh with him. She wiped the tears from her eyes and leaned back into the camera's view.

“Kate, are you okay?” Jennie asked.

“I will be. All day long I have been worried. Worried that Josh wouldn't wake up. Worried he would wake up but not be fine. I hung onto the idea that Josh was still mine, that he was at home pining away for me. I don’t know why, it’s been about three and a half weeks since I have heard from him. Which in hindsight makes sense now. How ridiculous is that?  I have been so alone and so lonely while his sorry ass was out with Lilly Davidson. What an idiot.” Jennie tried to cut in. “But today a group of kids asked me to go out with them after school. They are quite a mixed bunch of nuts, our kind of people, you'd like them, but one of them is a pretty cute guy named Gavin. I found myself looking at him, even when I wasn’t meaning to. I felt so horrible. I mean, here I was looking at this really cute guy and bang, guilt bomb because Josh was in the hospital.”

Jennie smiled, relief flooding over her face, knowing that her friend opening up to her, meant she was forgiven. “So you met a cute guy, wait, a really cute guy. Details Buff,” she used their nickname for 'best friends forever,' “I need details,” Jennie pressed. The change in discussion meant that everything between them was business as usual.

“No wait. What happened to Lilly? Is she hurt?”

“Yes. But she only had minor scratches from the glass. She had her seat belt on. For some reason, Josh didn’t have his on.”

“I know why he didn’t have his on. Were they parked by the big tree or driving by it?” Kate asked knowing the answer.

“I don’t know. We all assumed they were driving by it, and Lilly won't say.”

“That’s the clincher. They were parking,” Kate nodded to herself knowing all of Josh's moves.

She saw, on the computer screen, her dad peek around the corner from the kitchen.

“Not that I would know anything about that. You know that Josh was too crazy for me,” she said, louder than she needed.

Jennie picked up on the change of her voice immediately, “Hi Mr. Thorn. We sure do miss your spaghetti and meatballs,” she hollered.

“Jennie, you are my best friend in the whole entire world. I miss you so much.” She really wanted to reach through the screen and hug her. “What do you think your chances are for you coming over for Christmas break and staying with us, please, please, please?”

Kate and Jennie laughed, as they always did, and Kate felt a great weight lift off her shoulders as she realized that she really didn't have the feelings she used to for Josh. And obviously he didn't for her either.

The rest of their conversation was all about school and Gavin. Kate decided that she really needed to get to know him better, but so far, and Jennie agreed, he was definitely a person of interest. They ended their conversation with a promise to never keep anything from each other again. No matter how horrible or weird. Kate realized she would have to tell her about the dreams she was having, but that was a conversation for another day, possibly a real face-to-face conversation. Jennie said she would save her money for a plane ticket and she would get a passport ASAP. Kate knew that it would take several phone calls and Mug Chats from her dad to Jennie’s parents to persuade them, and to iron out the details, but in the end, Jennie would be joining them for Christmas. She ended the conversation happier than she'd been in many days.

It was a normal dinner just her and her father. They had a lot to talk about. He needed a blow by blow of her afternoon tea with the kids from school. She told him about how Kenzie had come with her to the Shaw’s' and how Gavin had showed up and actually helped her clean the kennels. She could tell that he was relieved that she was making friends. She truly felt that he thought if she was happy, he could let himself be happy too.

Walking to her room, she saw the reflection of a light play off the wall of the hallway. As she neared, the light took on the familiar shape of the crystal Josh had given her. She entered her room, walked to the window and took the crystal down. She looked at it for a moment then spun and snatched the picture of her and Josh off the dresser and proceeded to rip the rest of the ones of them off the wall. She put it and the crystal in the bottom of a drawer of her dresser under a stack of sweaters. She hopped onto her bed and pulled out her math book. She opened the book and worked on the designated problems of the day, all guilty feelings of Josh diminishing.

Somewhere between questions eleven and twelve, she dozed off.

A massive crowd filled the streets of Edinburgh. Small children ran around and amongst the adults. Their clothes were old fashioned and the buildings were very dark and dirty looking. Some of the adults carried signs and all of them carried some sort of pack with what looked like sleeping bags. There was one man who had a look bordering on panic.

“Andrew! Andrew!” he yelled. A nice looking woman joined in the call and soon there were others. “Andrew! Andrew!” After sometime, a couple of young boys ran to the older man. He grabbed one of them in a quick hug then held the boy at arm's length and pointed at him and the others. Kate could not hear what they were saying, but she supposed that he was telling the boy how worried he and the others were. The boy nodded and then looked straight at Kate and winked.

Kate's eyes popped open. That boy. What was it about him?  She rolled over and closed her eyes.

Kate found herself in the O’Callaghan’s Kitchen.     

"Andrew, you are not in trouble," his father said, "I don’t want you worrying aboot something that you really shouldn't."

Andrew nodded his head and kept silent.

His father continued, "There have been many men at the shipyard that have lost their jobs, but you already know that."

He paused and Andrew nodded his head.

"Mr. Stewart lost his job today.”

Kate and Andrew exchanged worried glances about Andrew's best friend.

“Billy already knows," his father added.

Andrew's father continued, “Some adults are going to march over to the capital, Edinburgh, to let the leaders of our country know that there are those here in need of help. It is a long walk and I don’t know exactly when I will be back."

Andrew looked from his mother to his father, with an expression of puzzlement and worry.

"Have you have lost yer job?" Andrew asked, concern in his voice. It was obvious that he was worried, and he was apparently unsure of what this all meant.

"No,” his father replied.

Andrew let out a big breath, gathered his thoughts, and spoke, "Could I, I mean would it be possible for us to come along?"

His mother shook her head, "Andrew, I need you here with me to help with your brother while yer father is gone."

“Couldn't Mrs. Stewart help you? She will be here. She could have me bed while I am gone. It would be much more comfortable for her," Andrew pleaded.

There was a knock on the door. Andrew's father got up to answer it. Billy stood there in the failing light.

"Good evening, Mr. O'Callaghan," he said

"Good evening Billy, come in." Andrew's father stepped back to let Billy in.

"Do you mind if Andrew, Kate and I talk for a wee bit?" Billy asked.

"No, son, go ahead.”

Kate stirred in her sleep and wondered where these dreams were leading her.