Free Shadows by Amber Lacie

let
Kayla down and I shouldn't have behaved that way. I don't know how
to handle this." My mom just nods her head at me. She waits for me
to keep going, but I'm not sure what else to say.
    "Sweetie, what is Theron?"
    "Um, He's Theron. He lives with his grandma.
He's helping take care of her after she had a heart attack." I give
a brief rundown of Theron barely brushing over any details. I'm not
sure what she would think of his upbringing and his grandmother's
estate.
    "No, Evelyn. I asked what he is, not who he
is. I'm not blind. He's incredibly gorgeous. I'm assuming from his
mannerisms and the way he looks at you that he's capable of taking
care of you or at least he wants to. What is he to you? Kayla said
you only just met. She seemed shocked that he drove you to the
hospital. Robert had no clue who he was either. I know you guys
talk enough for him to know if you had a boyfriend. So, my question
is what is he? Is he your boyfriend? I want to make sure he's not
taking advantage of you." Taking a sip of her tea, she gently sets
her cup down on the table. She's staring straight at me. I knew
eventually she was going to ask about him, but I was hoping it
wouldn’t be today. I twist my hands in my lap and look up at my
mom. How do I explain Theron?
    "I can't explain it, Mom. He came into the
laundromat and I was instantly drawn to him. I mean sure he's good
looking, but when his hand brushed mine it felt like electricity
coursed through my body. I don't know how he ended up at the bar
last night. I was standing outside and I could feel goosebumps
crawl up my body. I lost my balance and he caught me. My body is so
drawn to him. I'm like a moth to a flame." Shaking my head to clear
my thoughts, I look at my mom and she's smiling back at
me.
    "I met your dad when I was fifteen. He was
working at the hardware store in town. He was seventeen at the time
and a senior. The rumor around town was he was a bad boy. He was
always in some kind of trouble. My mom was picking out new
wallpaper for her bedroom, when I saw him. He took my breath away.
I couldn't explain it at the time, but if he would have asked me to
run away with him right that second…I would've. He asked me out on
dates a couple times, but my dad always told him no. He told him he
needed to be able to take care of me. Working at a hardware store
part time didn't pay well. Phillip got a job working at a garage.
At first, he was basically responsible for keeping it clean, but
the old man who ran the garage took a liking to your dad. He taught
your dad everything he knows. After a couple of months, Phillip was
working full time and pulling in decent paycheck. He asked me to
accompany him to a movie. I was allowed to go and it was the best
night of my life. Your dad was such a gentleman." Smiling
wistfully, she takes another sip of her tea. "My heart was beating
so hard in my chest I'm sure he could have heard it. That night
when he dropped me off at home he kissed me. My whole body felt
like it was on fire. We were inseparable after that. Once I
finished high school, we got married. Phillip ended up taking over
the garage and eventually we had your brother. I've never said
anything before, because I know it doesn't happen for everyone.
But, Evelyn, I've had fireworks. I still have them. If Theron is
your fireworks, go for it. Just please be careful. Fireworks are
beautiful, but they can burn you.”
    I always knew my parents loved each other, but
to hear my mom describe it is something else.
    “ So…about my invitation, it's
still open if you want it."
    "Um, Theron offered to take me to get some
fresh clothes and stuff. I'm not sure where I am going to stay
tonight. I'm glad to know, if I need to, I can stay here." She pats
my shoulder as she stands to finish the dishes. I sit there for a
few more moments before I feel my skin prickle. I know he's behind
me. It's not just the goosebumps on my forearms giving him away,
but my chest instantly feels lighter. My lungs cool