Picket Fences – March 2021

As the sun sets on the beautiful bayside town of Benicia, a cool evening breeze signals to its residents that the workday is over. Closing her office for the day, Angela heads home. She gets a text message through her car’s speakers from Payton, “Mom, I just want to let you know I won’t be home for dinner, I’m studying with a classmate. I love you.”  As Angela pulls into the driveway, she notices Bruce’s truck. A combination of relief and anxiety swirl in her stomach as she wonders what she is coming home to. Walking through the doorway, she is surprised by the sound of Bruce’s favorite blues album. An Original ’67 LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS Something Blue she got him for his birthday. The aroma of his legendary steak that he thinks he cooks so well leads her into the kitchen, where she finds him in his jeans and a white T-shirt. “Hi,” Angela says softly, “I’m glad you’re home.” Throwing the towel over his shoulder and turning toward her, he says, “I am too, and I love you, it just hurts that you didn’t trust me.” “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want to involve you, or Payton,” Angela says, looking down at the floor. “You and me… we are a team Angela you cannot put us in harm’s way and not tell or give me a chance to protect you… to protect us,” Bruce responds, taking her hand and pulling her in close for a passionate kiss. Angela lets him take her into his arms, “no more lies, promise me.” Bruce says “I Promise …. I promise” Angela says knowing this is a promise she may not be able keep. The couple, enjoying each other for this moment, forget about the steak grilling on the stove top and lose themselves in their love for each other.

Payton pulls into the East N Street Trailer Park and heads to trailer slot 30, parking his car across from the trailer along the retaining wall. He gets to the front door and sees it is ajar. Pausing for just a second, he walks into the trailer, turning to survey its outdated furnishings. “Hello?” Payton says. Hearing a faint sound behind him, Payton turns to look, and there stands Xavier Leavenworth with a box of cupcakes from One House Bakery. “You came,” Xavier says, smiling at Payton. “Did you think I wouldn’t? ….It was so hard to not speak to you at the gym,” Payton says, looking at the box of cupcakes. “I wanted to celebrate your birthday,” Xavier says. “My birthday is next week …you aren’t coming to my party?” Payton asks, knowing the answer. “Well, you see …I don’t think I can come —” Xavier stops short as a headlight casts its glow through the window. “No one comes down this far,” Xavier says, squinting through the blinds. “They’re coming this way,” Payton responds. “Quick, get in the bedroom closet,” Xavier says. Clutching a cupcake, Payton squeezes into the tiny bedroom closet, not daring to breathe. Unsure of what’s going on outside, all he knows is nothing good will come from being discovered here.

To be continued…