katie porter
- november 20, 2020 -

I STRETCHED MY ARM OUT across the kitchen bar. This advanced psychology class was kicking my ass more than I ever thought it would. Three months into that damn psych degree and I was suffocating under all the homework.

            Grabbing my phone, I shot off a text.

            Katie: Professor Torrez is honestly kicking my ass.

            Jack Daniels: The guy comes off harsh, but he's a huge softy. Don't tell him I told you that though.

            I tapped my fingers against the edge of my computer, but nothing was coming to my brain for the paper. Squinting at the screen, I huffed and swiveled the chair around. Kevin jumped from the couch and ran over. Sitting in front of me, he started to whine.

            Laughing, I bent down and rubbed him behind the ear. He started panting before he jumped up and pranced around the room. I glanced down at my watch and sighed. I'd been staring at that computer longer than I thought.

            I probably had time to take a small walk about Kensington with Kevin. As soon as I grabbed the leash, that's when the barking and jumping started. I laughed, clipping it to his collar. We trotted down the steps and I took one glance at my car on the way.

            Jackson and I had taken it to get the dent out of the side, but I still hadn't driven by myself quite yet. I knew I could if I wanted to. Probably. I just figured that I would when the time came. I would have many opportunities to drive in the future, plus I liked to walk.

            First, we stopped by the bakery to say hello to Sophia and Marianna. They were more than thrilled to see Kevin and so was he. They fed him a treat as we went over the schedule for the next couple of days. Elisha and Max were supposed to be back soon, but I told them it was no hurry.

            Kevin was a delight and the shop was covered. They deserved some time alone together. The bakery had been occupied all over their time for months now. The three of us almost had to actually run them out of town just to get them to go.

            "Are you fighting this weekend?" Sophia asked, filling one of the display cases, "Derrick said, Kathrine's been working on a killer hook shot."

            "Kathrine's got another think coming if she thinks she's going to knock me out." I smiled, "Of course, I'll be there."

            Marianna smiled, "I don't bet on fights, but if I did, I'd probably put my money on you."

            Laughing, I grabbed a cookie, "As much as I appreciate it. That wouldn't be the wisest decision. I just got back into boxing. I'm still a little rusty. I talk a good game, but it could all be different once you're in the ring."

            Waving, Kevin and I left. We took the park that rounded the back of the apartment complex. As soon as he hit the grass, Kevin dropped down and rubbed his face into the ground. I laughed.

            My phone started ringing with Walking On Sunshine and I answered. Laughter and barking almost too loud for me to hear Elisha on the other end.

            "Hey," she said, "everything's going good, I'm assuming?"

            I had to sit on a nearby bench and catch my breath. Almost instantly, Kevin crawled underneath and panted, "Yeah, just took Kevin out for a walk and stopped by the shop."

            "That's great, how are the classes going?"

            I shook my head, "Elisha, they're fine. You can't keep calling. I'm good, Kevin's good, and the shop is good. Spend time with your husband."

            She laughed, "I am! He's the one that told me to call."

            "Were you talking about it though."

            "Okay, maybe I was."

            "Exactly," I went into a fit of laughter, "Stop calling and have a good time. I'll see you real soon!" I didn't even wait for a reply when I hung up.

            I stood and smiled, "Come on, Big Guy. We're almost home."

            We continued through the park, stopping a couple times for people to pet him. Every time he'd jump and wag his tail as any good puppy does. He was bigger now, but I highly doubt he knew that.

            Jack Daniels: Sending you loads of support. You can send me your essay when you're done if you want. I'll look it over.

            Katie: Isn't that almost cheating?

            Jack Daniels: No. I'd just go over it for you. It's called using your resources. 😊.

            Katie: I'll think about it.

            Jack Daniels: Why have an English professor as a friend if you don't exploit them every once in a while.

            Katie: Who knew a professor would be such a bad influence 😉.

            Jack Daniels: You say that like it's a bad thing 😉.

            Laughing, I shoved the phone back into my pocket and rolled my eyes. Who knew we'd become so close when we met? I couldn't really imagine where I would be if I hadn't met Jackson when I did.

            I think about that night and the water tower a lot. His words lingered in my mind every time I went to lay down at night; 'I really like you, but I want you to find yourself'.

            And he's kept his word. Not once had he tried to kiss me since or ask me on a date. Sure, we've hung out and done normal date things, but they weren't dates. But it was still nice knowing he was there when I needed him.

            The last couple months had been soul searching for me. I wanted to see Jackson. I did. But I agreed to find myself first and I think I'd done a pretty good job up to now. Started a psychology degree, got back into boxing, and became an assistant coach for some of the college ice skaters.

            I twisted the key in the lock of my mailbox with Kevin sitting and whining next to me. I don't think he wanted to go back to the apartment only to watch me stare at the computer again. Grabbing the mail, I stood and sifted through it. Much easier than trying to do it while going up the stairs.

            My breath caught in my throat when I came to a fancy envelope with my name scrolling across it in neat, gold lettering. I ripped open the letter and when I pulled out the card, I almost dropped it all together.

            It was a heavy, deep blue cardstock with painted purple and pink flowers in the corner. More gold lettering filled the space and it made me want to laugh.

IN THE CELEBRATION OF

Caleb & Melissa

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH

KENSINGTON COMMUNITY CENTER 2PM

            I started to walk to the apartment and Kevin trotted beside me. I don't even remember getting through the door, but I did and plopped down on the couch. I simply stared at the wall in front of me. After everything that happened, they were not only getting married, but they wanted me to sit in the crowd and watch?

            Laughing, I had to cover my mouth. It wasn't funny, but it really was. I had to wipe a tear from my eye and take a deep breath to stop the fits of laughter that kept coming on. Oh, man could I have used a drink at that moment. I guess I found my plan for the evening.

            My thoughts wandered to Jackson and I smiled. How much longer was I going to wait? I knew he said he'd wait, but how long would he wait exactly. If Caleb and Melissa could be happy under the circumstances, couldn't I?

            As I stood from the couch, I ripped the invitation in half and tossed it onto the kitchen counter. I threw a jacket over my shoulder and grabbed my keys. Times tested us all, but you know, sometimes she was a cruel bitch.