The Locals Series

Chapter 3: MADISON

Everyone drives pickup trucks in Athens-another of the 4,724 reasons I want to escape this town.

Friday morning, after visiting three garage sales, Adrian drives me back to the high school lot. I smile noting we are the last to arrive. Hamilton and Latham have lowered their tailgates, Salem, Savannah, Winston, Troy, and Bethany sit beside them or stand nearby. I'm barely out of the truck when Bethany calls for us to hurry.

“We found a house to rent," Troy's masculine voice greets as he squeezes Bethany, who is tucked at his side. Perpetually touching, she has her right hand tucked in his back pocket and her left on his chest.

I'm not shocked. They've been planning on finding a place to live together since junior year. Their parents support it, and they already act like a married couple. In our group of nine, they are the only two that dated each other through high school. I love my group of eight friends standing here with me, and can't wait to see what the years following graduation hold for us.

Recently, Senior Prom added a second couple to our group as Latham asked to escort Salem as friends. That night and the days that followed surprised them as much as the rest of us. They claim sparks flew, and they tried to deny them while holding each other. Considering they were kissing on the dance floor by the last song of the evening, they didn't struggle long against the pull they claim to have suddenly felt. I assume they had feelings for each other prior to the dance, but they emphatically deny it. I just find it hard to accept they'd been around each other for the past four years in our group then suddenly one night while dressed to the nines, surrounded by balloons and streamers, in the dim lighting of the high school gym, with music playing that BAM something ignited between them. I call BS.

I'm reminded of a recent conversation with Adrian. She stated our little clan seems to be infatuated with pairing up. When she claimed Salem and Latham were twitterpated with one another while batting her eyelashes, I claimed it's the circle of life in this small town; residents are born, grow up, graduate, marry, work, start a family, and die here. It's just another of the reasons I need to leave Athens, and the sooner the better. I smile know as I realize we quoted from Bambi and The Lion King.

My thoughts return to the present. Bethany's sweet smile conveys her love and utter happiness to begin life after graduation with the man of her dreams. “The living room is big enough to have you all over. You're welcome anytime to drop by and hang out."

“Well…" Troy draws out the word before whispering in Bethany's ear. She giggles and swats at his chest while a blush creeps upon her face.

“We all promise to text or call prior to showing up," I promise, hoping to avoid Troy announcing what they might be doing sometimes if we just drop in. Everyone nods in agreement.

“We'll throw a big housewarming bash when we get moved in the Monday after graduation," Troy announces. “And our house will be party central. No need to worry about getting caught in public with alcohol." He beams proudly.

Today is the day. Adrian gets to meet the realtor at 11:00 a.m. She gets the keys and will officially be leasing her store space. Weeks of paperwork and filing forms with the city and state led to this. I guess she's already a business owner on paper, but with keys in hand she can begin working on the physical space.

“Good morning," she greets me immediately, cheer clear in her voice. “Today's the big day."

“How are you feeling?" I ask, knowing her excitement must be at an all-time high.

“Eleven o'clock can't get here fast enough. I'm running out of things to keep me busy. I've cleaned my room, folded a load of laundry, eaten breakfast, walked our dog, showered, dried and styled my hair, but it's only 9:15."

“I'm on my way to town," I state. “Want to meet somewhere? I could distract you for a bit."

“Okay. Where?"

“The Blue Jays are practicing. We could sit and watch."

We agree to meet at the park; I need to be with her. I want to share in her excitement.

Adrian backs into a shaded spot beside my car. We meet at the rear and simultaneously hop to sit on her tailgate.

“I always feel like a stalker, a wanna-be girlfriend, and a p*****t sitting in my car watching them practice." I smile at Adrian before scanning the action on the baseball field.

“After four years, I'm sure everyone in town knows what a devoted fan you are of the Blue Jays." She squeezes my forearm. “I'm sure the newbies see the older players wave and call to you. They'll figure it out soon enough."

“I won't be able to get away with this at college this fall." I don't pull my eyes from the field and players. “I'll have class, and they have closed practices. I'm gonna have withdrawals." I wave at Hamilton as he runs a lap around the outside of the field. He's not surprised we are here. In fact, I'm sure the team would worry if I didn't pop in on practices. They'd probably text or call to check on me.

I hop off the tailgate, retrieve bottles of water from my backseat. Adrian holds my water bottle as I lift myself up onto the truck.

“Question," Adrian attempts to pull my attention her way for a moment. “Would you possibly want to work with me at the resale shop?" She quickly explains, “I know your many scholarships will cover books and courses, along with room and board. Everyone could use a little cash, right?"

I look at her with a big grin on my face. “Of course, I will. Just know I planned to do it for free until I need to leave for college in the fall. But since you are offering to pay me, I'll take your money."