Tuesday - 3/1
PARK
J.J.: So, do you see, like, everything from up there?
JACK: Well, I wouldn’t say everything. I do see a lot, though.
J.J.: You know Mom’s planning on moving to D.C.?
JACK: Now, that I did see. Let me guess, that’s what’s on your mind?
J.J. nodded and sighed.
J.J.: Look, I get that things change, and I’m a grown man. It’s not like I want to hang out with Mom all the time or anything, but…
JACK: But it’s nice to have her around when you do.
J.J.: Exactly. And yeah, I know there are tons of ways to stay in touch when she’s not around, but…I just don’t like the idea that she’s moving halfway across the country for some guy. It’s not like I expect her to never be with guys again or anything, but still…
JACK: It’s a lot to adjust to. J.J., Frankie cares about your Mom a lot. He and I haven’t always seen eye-to-eye on things, but I know how much he cares for her.
J.J.: And you’re okay with her moving on with him?
JACK: Like you, I don’t expect her to be alone for the rest of her life. And despite some of the issues we’ve had in the past, if she had to move on with somebody, I’m glad it’s Frankie.
J.J.: I’ll have to take your word for that, I don’t even know the guy.
J.J. sighed.
J.J.: I want Mom to be happy, I really do.
JACK: I know you do. I also know that change isn’t the easiest for you. But, J.J., I also know how far you’ve come over these last several years.
J.J.: I’ve been trying, anyway. I’m not always great at it, but I’m trying to be the guy I most want to be.
JACK: All you can do is try, and from where I’m sitting, you’re doing a pretty good job.
J.J.: Thanks.
He sighed again.
J.J.: Like I said, I want Mom to be happy. If this is what’ll make her happy, I guess I should listen to the guy I most want to be and be supportive of her.
JACK: You know, your Mom will always be here for you, even if she’s not here physically.
J.J.: Yeah, I know. Guess I should talk to her.
JACK: I’m sure she’d like that.
J.J.: Thanks for being here, Dad.
JACK: Anytime, man. I’m always here.
Jack touched J.J. on the heart.
SALEM UNIVERSITY
Tabitha meowed and Allie looked up from her textbook when there was a knock at the door. She walked over and opened it to find Roman on the other side.
ALLIE: Grandpa!
ROMAN: Hey, Allie. Mind if I come in for a minute?
ALLIE: Sure! It’s nice to see you!
ROMAN: You too.
Allie and Roman hugged, then Allie shut the door behind them.
ALLIE: This is an unexpected surprise. It’s nice, though. Now you can finally meet the newest member of our family.
Allie picked up Tabitha.
ALLIE: This is Tabby, short for Tabitha.
ROMAN: I remember you mentioning her, it’s good to meet her properly.
Roman gently petted Tabitha, who nuzzled his hand.
ROMAN: You mind if we sit down for a minute, darling?
ALLIE: Sure.
Allie put Tabitha on the bed and gestured to her desk.
ALLIE: You can use my desk chair, if you want. Sorry, I don’t have many chairs here.
ROMAN: Oh, that’s all right.
Roman and Allie sat down.
ALLIE: So, what’s going on?
ROMAN: Well, I came to talk to you about something.
ALLIE: Oh? What’s going on?
Roman sighed.
ROMAN: Your roommate, Manny, when’s the last time you saw her?
ALLIE: Early this morning when we were getting ready for classes. Why?
ROMAN: I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but…Manny was found out by the Pier earlier today.
The color drained from Allie.
ALLIE: What? Tha-that doesn’t make any sense. There must be some mistake.
ROMAN: Believe me, I wish there was. She was wrapped in a plastic bag and had bruises all around her throat. I’m sorry, darling, but she’s gone.
Allie covered her mouth with her hands.
ALLIE: Oh god!
She let out a sob. Roman moved over to the bed, put his arms around Allie and let her lean into him as she began to cry.
ROMAN: I know, sweetheart. I know.
He kissed the top of Allie’s head and held her.
