I didn’t see him when we’d pulled into my driveway. I was in the front with Tommy while Dad slept in back. I’d dozed off, but woke when the car stopped. I looked over, and there Mark was, getting out of his parked car.
I felt a rush of comfort when I saw him, like I was home, like I was safe, like the world made sense again. And he was so kind to be here, to know that I would need him. When we’d last stopped for gas, I’d called him. It’d been midnight so I shouldn’t have. But the world was suddenly dark and scary, and I’d wanted to hear his voice. He’d been tender on the phone.
It was dark, but would be light soon. I couldn’t see Tommy’s face in the dark. I sat still for a moment, as did he. I didn’t know what to say. It felt wrong being here with him, especially after all that had happened with the Challenger. Tragedy made me want to hold on to the people I knew well. I’d felt the same way when my grandpa died.
Dad was moving around in the backseat. In the sideview mirror, I could see Mark walking toward us. I reached over and brushed Tommy’s hand with my own, quickly. He turned toward me, but I moved away and opened the car door.
I hugged Mark, not saying anything.
He held me tight, kissing the side of my forehead. I wouldn’t turn my head toward him. I heard the doors of the car open, and I let him go.
“Hey, Mark,” said Dad, shaking his hand. Tommy got my bag out of the trunk and handed it to me. I didn’t look at him, but I reached for the bag. He held on.
I pressed my lips together and glanced up at him, pleading with my eyes for him to let it go. I could sense Mark standing behind me. Tommy released the bag.
Mark grabbed it from me and flung an arm around my shoulder. The early morning was cold and still. My street was empty and dark except for the occasional harsh lighting of a street lamp.
Dad gave me a kiss on the cheek, which startled me. “Bye, Annie.”
“Dad?”
He looked at me, concern in his eyes.
“Thank you for taking me, Dad.”
“I’m sorry it didn’t turn out like we thought,” he said.
I kissed his cheek then, startling him. “Bye, Dad.” I walked to the door with Mark. I didn’t look back, but heard the car drive away.
Mark came in and pulled me down on the couch with him. He lay down along the length of it with me against him. I leaned into him, trying not to think about anything at all.