520 Closer (2/2)

I glanced at Noah's bag that was resting on the hallway floor with all those jerseys. \”Yea. I can do that.\”

Mr. Atkins handed the phone over with Jeremy's contact information already open. \”You go ahead. Mary and I will be in the office if you need us, okay?\”

I nodded, then pushed the call button. The pair left me alone, giving me space as the phone rang.

\”Hello.\” Jeremy answered after three rings.

\”We made it home.\” I told him.

Jeremy cleared his voice. \”Jake. Hi. How was the drive?\”

\”Not bad. Quiet.\”

\”You didn't sleep on the way home?\” He asked, sounding curious.

I couldn't explain myself so I kept it simple. \”No.\”

\”Oh.\” He paused. \”How did you like the game? We won.\”

\”I know. I saw. It was a good game. You played well.\” I tried conversing calmly, but for some reason my heart started to pound.

\”Did you like the seats?\”

\”It was an awesome view.\”

An awkward silence filled the gaps of our conversation.

Finally I came up with something to say. \”Thanks for the jerseys.\”

\”You're welcome.\” He coughed. \”I thought it was only fair that my own brother had a jersey with my name on it.\”

\”And the Atkins?\” I asked.

\”Uh. I didn't want them to judge me for only getting you something. Plus, I feel like you wouldn't accept it if you were the only one that got it.\”

\”Hmm.\” I agreed with a hum. \”You know...\”

He waited patiently.

I worked up the nerve to tell him what's been on my mind all night. \”You know, you don't have to spend all this money. I don't want to guilt you into spending money to get into my good graces. I'm not that mad anymore.\”

\”You're not mad?\”

\”It's too tiresome to be mad all the time.\” I sighed.

I heard a short chuckle. \”Jake. I'm not doing this to 'buy' your forgiveness. I just wanted you to have a good night. A perfect first time experience.\”

\”It was good.\” I assured him.

He paused. This time it was my turn to wait.

\”I want to replace some of your bad memories with happier ones.\” He declared. \”I can't do much about the past, except feel guilty. It's not about forgiveness from you.\” He sighed. \”I just...when I think about my childhood and how much I feared that woman; I can't imagine you going through the same. What makes it worse, is that I had Dad. He may not have been around all the time because of his time in the minors, but you-\”

\”The past is the past.\” I told him. \”I honestly rather forget. I'm happy now.\” Happy where I am physically and mentally. \”I don't really understand you and Jack. I'm still confused. A little hurt. But no longer angry.\”

\”Jake-\”

\”I know someone who didn't get the closure they wanted when dealing with their family issues.\” I told him. \”We aren't super close and that's okay. We aren't too distant either.\”

\”Do you think I can close the gap?\” He said suddenly.

I frowned. \”The gap?\”

\”To be closer. We can work on it.\” He said confidently. Then he started to rush. \”Alright. It was good to see you. And to have you here. You better get to bed. Goodnight.\” Then nothing. He hung up.

I looked at the phone. I guess...he didn't want to give me a chance to say no. That felt...kind of good to know.

\”Are you done?\” Mr. Atkins asked, coming out of the office.

\”Yea.\” I handed him his phone back, still looking at the piece of technology as if it was Jeremy.

\”What do you think about getting a phone of your own, Jake?\” Mr. Atkins asked.

Startled, I looked up at his face.

Mr. Atkins patted me on the head. \”We can talk about it tomorrow. It's late. Why don't you go get some sleep. We have a busy Saturday too.\”

I did what he suggested, passing out as soon as I laid down on my bed.