A Time of Anarchy: Mayan's Story by Roberta Kagan

Author:Roberta Kagan [Kagan, Roberta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Roberta Kagan
Published: 2014-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

Things should have been awkward between Cricket and May, but they weren’t. Now that Cricket had declared his feelings for her, May began to accept her own feelings for him. It was a relief to return to the apartment knowing that Red would be gone for at least a week, maybe more. In fact, the atmosphere was lighter, almost like a party. The ever-present cloud of uncertainty and fear had dissipated the moment Red closed the door that morning. And May loved the liberating feeling of freedom. It was as if the sun had filtered through the apartment windows for the first time, bringing a bright and radiant light that illuminated her soul.

That evening May and Cricket walked to Cleve’s for hamburgers. Different than Red, Cricket was willing to leave his motorcycle at home and walk, enjoying the sunset and the smoky odor of burning leaves. Cleve came out of the back of the restaurant and gave May a hug. He told May how much the entire staff missed her, and he refused to charge the couple for their food. The cool autumn night settled in slowly as they watched through the restaurant window.

“I love the fall,” May said. “I love the freshness in the air.”

“You know, I’ve always hated the fall because it meant winter was coming. But this fall is different. This year it’s special.” He smiled at her and his eyes glassed over. “This year it’s wonderful.”

“I overheard Red say that you are supposed to keep watch over me, right?”

“Yeah, the gang got themselves into some shit with another gang, and Red thinks you could be in danger.”

“That scares me.”

“Don’t let it. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Because Red asked you to?”

“Partially, but more because I like you… A lot.” He looked directly at her. “You’re a good kid, May.”

“Thanks, Cricket. Just a good kid?”

He smiled wryly. “That’s all it should be between us.” Then he looked down at the wooden table top. Several people had carved their names and various sayings into the wood. “But it isn’t all there is. There’s a whole lot more,” he whispered.

He took out a cigarette and offered her one. She took it and they sat, silently smoking.

They were quiet on the walk home. After the sun set, a chilly breeze blew off the lake, foreshadowing a cold winter. Even though she wore the leather jacket Red had given her, May felt the wind go through her, and she shivered. Cricket didn’t speak, but he took off his leather jacket and put it over her shoulders.

“Aren’t you cold?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” he said. His coat fit loosely over her jacket, and all the way around her small frame. He pulled it closed so that she could hold it together. “Is that better? Are you warmer?”

“Yes,” she said, and she felt very warm on the inside, as well as the outside.

He stopped to take a cigarette out of his pocket.”You want one?” he asked, and as he did, he looked into her eyes.

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