Just a Friend by Pamela Humphrey

Author:Pamela Humphrey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Hill Country Secrets, Unrequited Love, Shattered Dream
Publisher: Pamela Humphrey
Published: 2018-01-10T00:00:00+00:00

December 22, 1977

SCHATZENBURG, TEXAS

Marla tucked under her favorite quilt ready for the day to be over. Her parents had reacted just as she expected, yelling, then silence. She’d ruined their Christmas and probably her own future. She slipped out of bed, picked up the letter off the desk, and read over it one more time.

Beth-

Having you as a roommate made my first semester at school better than I could have imagined. I’m so glad I met you. I think—and I hope you feel the same—that we’ll be friends for a long time.

Sorry I ran out in such a hurry. The last part of the semester was hard. Even Christmas break hasn’t been great. There’s something I should’ve told you in person, but I was too embarrassed. Remember how you thought I had the flu? It’s definitely not that. I’m pregnant.

I broke the news to my parents tonight during dinner. My mom screamed and yelled, then nothing. My dad hasn’t spoken a word to me. I guess I should be glad they haven’t asked me to leave the house.

I haven’t even told the father yet. He’ll be as happy as my parents are, I’m sure. Remember that guy I met at the Broken Spoke that night—the night I got home so late, the night you met Patrick. That’s the guy. I haven’t talked about him because I’m not even sure if we’re dating. I feel like a fool.

Dropping out of school is really my only option. I don’t want to leave you without a roommate, but I have to get a job. I refuse to raise this baby here in the small town where I grew up, not that my parents want me moving in anyway. Too many wagging tongues. I’m going to find a job, make things work.

I promise to write.

-M

She switched off the lamp and slid under the covers.

Tap, tap, tap.

She glanced toward the window. It’s 1am.

“Baby.” His drawled whisper startled her. If her dad caught Sticks sneaking around, he’d be dead.

She jumped out of bed and pulled on her robe. Peeking around the curtain, she put her finger to her lips.

He pointed toward the barn before slinking away from the window.

Marla pulled on her slippers, tiptoed through the house, and slipped out the back door. Outside, she picked her way through the grass to the barn. Slippers were a poor choice for walking outside in the dark. Inside the barn, she looked around, scanning the stalls for her late-night visitor. A bird call sounded in the hay loft. She rolled her eyes, sloughed off her slippers, and climbed the ladder. When she reached the top, she nearly fell backward. “Are you crazy? Put some clothes on!”

“Don’t be mad. Just wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m surprised.” She sat with her back to him, so he couldn’t see her tears.

Life was an ongoing party for him. She couldn’t keep the secret any longer. He deserved to know, but he wouldn’t like it. Marla was sure of that.

He sat behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

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