“So, you said you’re wanting to be an electrician?” the man asked.
“Yeah,” I said.
“That’s a good trade. I can’t do electrical myself because I find it way too complicated. You must be pretty smart.”
Despite myself, I smiled. Mom had never said anything bad about my career choice, mostly because I didn’t choose to go into firefighting like Dad had. I considered it, but I knewthat Mom wouldn’t be able to handle the stress of it, especially after how Dad died.
Still, I wanted to do something that was tied to him. The fire that killed him was an electrical one. It was some kind of old wiring that should have been replaced a long time ago. If I went into this field, at least I could help people not make the same mistake.
“I hope you like electrical work, kid. Where are you going to school?”
“Nashville.” I thought I’d been excited before, but I knew now that I would be counting down the days.
“There’s a lot of good work there. It’s always growing. What’s your name?”
“Dean.”
“Well, Dean, I’ll give you my card, and if you make it through electrical school and need some work, give me a call.”
I slowly took it and read his name. Mom had taught me not to turn my nose up at honest work. I didn’t know this guy, but it couldn’t have been a bad idea to have connections.
“Thanks, Clyde. I’ll see you around.”
“Keep your head on straight, kid, and I’ll see you in a few years.” He nodded and walked away.
I was starting to think he was right.
I stood there for a long time thinking over everything that had just happened to me. The mixture of devastation and anger that was swirling low in my stomach was something I never wanted to feel again. I wasn’t sure if I could.
Things had been more fun when I was just messing around with Julie. It was the second I opened up and asked for more when it all went wrong.
Maybe things were better when I just had fun. Not because Julie was right, but because I didn’t have to feelthiswhen someone turned me down.
I always thought I would have a love story like Mom and Dad did. But if this was what it felt like, then it wasn’t for me. Being something else sounded better. I could protect myself from pain, disappointment, and embarrassment.
The news of me asking Julie out would probably spread fast. People would be laughing for a long while, but they didn’t know that I had bigger plans. Plans outside of here. Once I was in Nashville, I would have a new chance to be who I wanted to be.
And that guy was someone who would never get rejected like that again.
1
GRACE
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor:Guys, it’s getting a little quiet around here. Does anyone have any news for me?
Comments:
Kerry Winsor:Uh, hello?@everyone
Mollie Wilson:What do you want us to say? We JUST had a TV crew here and got our library renovated. It’s gonna be a little quiet ...
Kerry Winsor:I’m just used to the constant news! It kept me alive!
Kerry Winsor:So, when are you having another baby?
Mollie Wilson:When I’m not covered in spit up ...