First Flight, Final Fall

by C.W. Farnsworth

“Thank you,” I tell him quietly. He walks alongside me silently for a few seconds. Then, “I was wrong before.” “Doesn’t surprise me,” I reply. “About what?” “You would know what to do with a kid.”

“Otto hung a sign that says, ‘Saylor Scott’s Inspiration’ above my locker,” Beck states. A reluctant grin tugs at my lips. “That’s kind of funny.” It’s also nice to know he didn’t totally erase me from his life the way I’ve tried to remove him from mine. “I thought so, too,” Beck admits. “Not that I’ll ever tell him that.”

“It means I want to date you. Be in a relationship. Whatever you want to call it. I want you, Saylor.”

Because the sight of Adler Beck walking into my living room is not one I ever expected to see.

“I came because I feel this way around you even when we’re just staring at the sky,” Beck continues.

“Like we could be doing anything in the world and it would still be as thrilling as skydiving.” I snort. “I will never go skydiving. Do you know how many people break their legs? I wouldn’t be able to play for months!” “I don’t want to go skydiving with you, Saylor. I want to be the person you rely on when you’re acting like you can do everything on your own.” His words remind me of my dad’s, and I push back the same way I did at the wedding. “I can do everything on my own,” I insist. “There’s a difference between wanting to and having to,” Beck replies sagely.