Gooseberry Island by Steven Manchester Page B

that the Army was making me legs just like Optimus Prime.”
    David swallowed hard. He nodded but didn’t dare respond.
    “Jack loves the Transformers, so he was real excited to hear it. ‘Really, Dad?’ he kept saying. ‘Just like Optimus? That’s soooo cool!’”
    David placed his hand on Al’s arm. “You’re one of the best men I know,” he managed, though it sounded like he pushed it past a mouthful of cotton candy.
    Big Al smiled and then looked out the window, giving them both a break before they broke down and cried.
*
¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
*
    A half hour later, David walked out of the hospital, where he stepped off into the shadows and allowed himself to cry. He was willing to do anything to push off the elephant that was lying on his chest.
    Eventually composing himself, he pulled his father’s tattered note out of his pants cargo pocket and read it. Shaking his head, he crumpled up the note and threw it into the wind.
What bullshit!
he thought. He then felt for Lindsey’s letter in his other pocket.
Still there
, he thought, and left it right where it was safe.
*
¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
*
    Nearly a week passed before David dared to log onto Skype again. Lindsey was already connected—as she must have been each night since their last cyber date—waiting patiently. Her eyes lit up when she saw him. “Hey stranger, everything okay? I’ve been really worried. It’s been almost a week since…”
    “I’m sorry,” he said sadly.
    Her excitement faded, replaced by serious concern. “How’s work been?” she asked gently.
    He hesitated. “Okay, I guess. Same old stuff.” It was less than convincing, and they both knew it.
    “David, what happened?” she asked, looking like she was ready to cry.
    “Nothing,” he said. “Really, I’m fine.” But his voice was as distant as his mind. “Everything okay with you?” he asked, trying to deflect and avoid sharing any details of their recent missions.
    She sighed. “Fine,” she said. “But if you need to talk about anything then…”
    “Lindsey, honestly, I’m fine,” he repeated, this time much more confidently. “It’s been a stressful week, that’s all.”
    “You sure?” she asked.
    “I’m sure.” He paused, forcing a smile. “Let’s talk about us. I’ve really missed
us
.”
    Her excitement returned, and she smiled. “I have to admit, sometimes sharing the little bits and pieces of each other…a phone call every few days and the stolen moments over a computer screen…can be tough. I keep imagining a real fairy tale for you and me.” The pitch in her voice rose. “…that you would throw everything you need into a duffel bag and come to me, sweep me off my feet and promise me that we’ll be okay, forever. Although I know you can’t just yet, a girl can dream right?”
    “A boy can dream too,” he said, trying hard to appear just as excited.
    “Oh David,” she said, “I can’t wait for you to lean across the table at a crowded restaurant and plant a big, wet kiss on me.” She stopped and grinned. “Don’t you wish I was there with you right now?” she asked.
    “Absolutely not!” he snapped. “I’d never want you here, Lindsey.” He took a deep breath and softened his voice. “Anywhere but here,” he whispered. “I’d want to be with you anywhere but here.”
    “Are you sure everything’s okay?” she asked. “Remember, you said you’d never lie to me.”
    True
, he thought,
but I never said I’d share this nightmare with you
. He tried to clear his throat but could feel the elephant climbing back onto his chest. “Like I said, I just had a few tough days and I’m really tired.”
    “Should I let you go?” she asked.
    “Do you mind?” he asked, bringing a surprised look to her face.
    There was a pause. “Of course not. When can we talk again?”
    “Soon,” he promised, discreetly trying to calm his breathing.
    “Do you still like me, David McClain?” she whispered.
    “I more than like you, Lindsey Wood. I love