Something Like Spring (Something Like, #4)

by Jay Bell

McDonald’s. An outside table next to the playground. Jason felt like he was sixteen again, celebrating another foster care birthday or a rare day out as a treat from his caseworker. The one seated across from him had been his favorite. Currently she was unloading a tray. A salad and soda for herself, and for him— “French fries and a vanilla milkshake,” Michelle said, smiling broadly. “You still like that?” “Oh yeah!” Jason said, mouth already watering. His food budget had been tight lately, and he struggled to remember his last full stomach. “I got you a quarter pounder too, just in case. You aren’t a boy anymore.” Michelle looked him over in a way his mother used to. “I can’t believe you finally cut your hair!” Jason reached up to touch his bangs. His hair was still hopelessly messy, but the tips only touched his eyebrows now. “Steph, a friend of mine, she made me do it. Said the guys would line up around the block.” “And did they?” Michelle asked. He gestured to an empty sidewalk. “They must not have gotten the memo.” Michelle laughed. “So besides that, how are you?” “I told you all the important stuff on the phone,” Jason said, removing the plastic lid from the milkshake. “Everything was going good. I thought I’d really made it.” “You haven’t exactly blown it,” Michelle said. “Late rent isn’t such a big deal. Better than a massive credit card debt. Unless…” “No credit company is foolish enough to give me a card,” Jason said. “There’s only the rent. I guess I’m behind on...