Drift by Patrick Jones

Author:Patrick Jones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

“Dad, I swear I don’t know anything about it!” Billy shouted. His words echoed off the walls of the limousine taking them to Tucker’s funeral. “We hang out at the mall, that’s it.”

“Then what was he doing up on that mountain road?”

“I don’t know because I wasn’t there. Look, Dad, why would I do that? Why would I ruin a good thing? Do you think I’m that stupid? You know I’m smart, right? I’m your son.”

Billy’s father nodded, smiled, and then went back to his phone.

“I can’t believe he messed this up for us,” Billy said to Shane and Ryan as they stood outside the Church of Prosperity, the biggest mega-church on the island. With the sun beating down on them, they began to sweat in their black suits, but none of them as much as Billy.

“What a selfish tool,” Ryan offered.

Billy didn’t reply. His thoughts were already elsewhere. Adila stood with her mom and other servants.

“Brah, it’s steaming out here. Let’s get inside,” Ryan said. “Maybe the sooner we’re in, the sooner we’ll get out. I got stuff to do.”

Billy pointed toward the church. “You guys go in. I’m waiting for someone.”

“You going to say something to Tucker’s dad?” Shane asked. “Tell him we’re sorry. You’ll take the lead, as always.”

“If I see him, I sure will.” Billy’s eyes scanned the sea of white faces in black suits until he spotted the person he was looking for. Not Tucker’s father but Adila.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Billy whispered to Adila’s mother. “I know that many of my—I mean, you get to know someone working for—I mean, with them. So, I’m sorry.”

“Thank you, young man,” Adila’s mother said softly.

“My name is Billy Cain. Tucker was a friend of mine.” Billy kept talking so he could continue walking with Adila and her mother. When Adila arrived at the pew where most of the other servants sat, Billy followed close behind.

All through the service, Billy didn’t look at the closed coffin but at Adila’s closed eyes. He tried to remember their color. He wondered if she took off her glasses when she kissed. As the preacher spoke of the richness of the next life, Billy thought of his. As the service ended, Billy watched Adila’s eyes produce a tear. Billy concentrated and squeezed one out himself.

When the service was over, Billy walked outside with Adila and her mom, his arm on her mom’s arm. He walked them all the way to their car, a blue-and-rust Impala. Showing his good manners, Billy opened the door for Adila’s mom and then walked over to do the same for Adila.

Billy stood next to her and whispered. “After a few days, you and I should get together.”

Adila took a step back. She covered her face.

Billy reached out and touched her hands. “Don’t worry. I can make it okay.”

Adila pulled her hands away and slapped Billy’s face.

“Don’t you know who I am?” Billy said. He smiled large to fight off the pain and shock.

“Yes, but more than that, I know what you are.

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