Shawn never told Kelsey of his lunch plans for the following day.
He didn't hear any of her subtle hints that Gabe had told her anything about their conversation either.
Maybe Gabe was a little trustworthy to keep private manners private.
But it didn't make him feel any less nervous about meeting one of her friends for a talk that Shawn was regretting he had even agreed to.
The only thing he could be at ease about was that Liz would not be home to rat him out.
If he planned this quick enough he could be back home before either of them returned from school.
When the black Mazda pulled into the driveway, Shawn was watching by the door.
He walked out trying not to seem too suspicious as he looked around, wondering if Kelsey was on good terms with the close neighbors.
Once he opened the passenger side door and sit inside he was greeted immediately.
"Hey there. How you feeling today?"
"I'm alright."
Gabe nodded as he backed out of the driveway and onto the road, "So, there's this nice cafe I like to go to. It's got a brilliant view."
"I barely know anything about this town."
"Do you like it so far, though?"
"Yeah I actually do. It's very different up here...and that's a good thing."
"I understand that. I'm actually from Canada and during my...wild years I had made it down here. First to Portland. It's on the coast. I know it's not a big move like you just made but the difference in people and... society definitely was."
"So what got you to this area?"
"...my wife. She was from here. Just under God I credit her as my reason as a successful human being. God sends us people sometimes, you know?"
"How long have you been married?"
"Going on seven years. Hopefully I can be blessed with a son this time. She told me this was the last try we got."
Shawn laughed, "You said you had three daughters right?"
"Oh do I. A 6 year old and two 4 year old twins."
"You sure you're ready for four girls?"
"Don't even say it! Dear Lord I can't handle much more princess stuff."
"So she's pregnant now?"
"Yeah. We'll be able to find out...about my boy in two weeks. But if I am graced with another girl...as long as she's healthy I guess that's all that matters."
Shawn nodded, a little jealous at the thought of Gabe's growing happy family.
He didn't really have an understanding of what exactly that was.
Two people that got along...was that really possible?
Even with families that were together, like Kelsey's parents. They didn't seem happy.
"Here we are! Tim Hortons. I love this place. Canadian owned. View of the Penobscot river. Great coffee. What else could you ask for?"
Shawn was relieved to see Gabe hadn't taken him to an over fancy cafe like he had imagined.
It almost reminded him of a pancake house or a truck stop.
Inside was large light colored tiled floors, yellow painted walls and tables.
They stood at a glass counter as the lady took their orders; greedily Shawn gazed at the dozens of sugary treats inside.
He kept his order light to a grilled panini and coffee but Gabe had insisted on them splurging on his favorite dessert called timbits, which as strange as it first sounded, was simply donut holes.
They sat near the back of the restaurant at a table that did indeed have a wonderful view of the river.
"So. We've talked about me the whole way here. It's your turn now."
"My life story is embarrassing and don't necessarily have a happy ending like yours."
"As embarrassing as being a homeless drug addict? Come on now. I'm the last person that's going to judge."
"Well...uh... I can't say I was ever to that point but I smoked weed and drank. My mom left my dad after me my sister and dad got into this bad car wreck when I was 16. My sister went with her and I stayed in Virginia...not of my choice but I guess it was her way of giving him a... prize to make the divorce run smoother."
"Were you closer to your dad? Maybe that's why."
"No," Shawn actually laughed, "Not at all. To say it's been a rocky relationship would be stretching it. I am fully convinced my dad hates me. Maybe my mom does too. I never really heard from her after the wreck."
"Hate is a strong word."
"Yeah, well, you don't go around using someone as a punching bag if you don't have hate for them in some way."
Gabe nodded, "I'm sorry to hear that."
"... Kelsey's told you none of this?"
"No, she hasn't... I'm assuming Kelsey knows of your situation well?"
"Yeah...kind of. I don't really go around telling a bunch of my personal problems to people."
"You called me and we only met once."
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry for that."
"You don't have to apologise for reaching out. I gave you my number to use it."
"... I thought Kelsey might had confided in you more."
"About?"
Shawn shook his head, plopping a donut hole in his mouth to silence himself.
"It's okay. It's just us here..."
Shawn proceeded to drink his coffee in conflicting silence until his eyes caught Gabe's which almost seemed to dip into his psyche.
"...How would you know if all someone feels for you is pity?"
Gabe grinned, "I don't know your whole situation but I think I can grasp part of what's on your mind. I was in the same...boat we'll say. When I met my wife she was a nurse. I thought it was just in her...job title to take care of the less fortunate. But let me tell you one thing... someone will not nurture and look out for your well being just for their own satisfaction."
"What if they just want to feel good about themselves?"
"It shows. You can tell genuine love."
"Does your wife try to act like your mom or, like a mom?"
"Well, she is one but absolutely. And I love every minute of it... I see where you're going with this... I'll tell you what I do know about Ms. Kelsey. She's never brought another man to church and she's definitely never asked for prayers so full heartedly as she has...um... recently. Maybe she's acting like a mom because she was and is scared. She don't want to say it. She wants to seem strong. Inside, every mom is scared to death."
"...She showed it when I was in the hospital."
"She would have to be a fortress to not show it then."
"...So... I never got to finish asking you what you...if anything happened to you...you said you died?"
"Well, I think we're going to need more coffee if I am to do that story any justice."
Shawn looked at the clock on the wall and noticed it was already past three o'clock.
"...is that what got you into church...or your wife?"
"... You're searching for something aren't you Shawn?"
"No... I just... I don't know..."
"I understand. Sit tight. Coffee and conversation can do wonders for the mind."

Where are you? Are you okay?

Please tell me if you left you took your phone!

Shawn please I'm worried.

I'm calling the hospital.

Call me please.

Did I do something wrong?

Sorry. I'm okay. I'm almost home. I didn't hear my phone.

Shawn smiled to himself as Gabe pulled into the driveway and the front door opened.
"Just a piece of advice my friend; don't make a lady worry more than they have to. She might be happy to see you're okay or whoop you."
"Yeah, thanks, knowing her it might be both."
"Pastor?!" Bellowed Kelsey as she slid to a halt at his window.
Shawn's head jerked to Gabe as of this was the first time he was seeing him.
Did he just hear right?
"Uh, thanks for everything," said Shawn before stepping out of the car.
"Hey there Ms Kelsey. Sorry, me and Shawn was just having a guys afternoon while you were at school. We should've told you but it was pretty spontaneous."
She nodded slowly, watching Shawn walk around the car to her.
"That's...okay. I... somebody should have their phone turned on."
Gabe laughed, "Don't be too hard on him. It was my idea and we were having too much fun to bother with technology. Hope to see you both Wednesday!"
She glanced to Shawn shortly, "I'll see you...take care."
Another word wasn't spoken until Gabe had backed out of the driveway.
"Don't you dare scare me like that again."
"Sorry! I didn't think it would be such a big deal. Where would I go?"
"For one, all I could think about was you having another seizure."
"I'm sorry," he sucked a sharp breath in and wrapped his arms around her in a soft embrace, her face resting up against his chest, "please don't worry about me so much...are you crying?"
He tried to pull back but she kept her arms gripped onto his back.
"And I thought you left... I-I thought you were mad at me. I thought you were gone. I thought talking about you going to church run you off."
"Hell, Kelsey, where would I go?" he sighed as the only answer he got was her shaking her head at his chest.
"Can we go inside...there's people staring."
This received a small choked chuckle out of her as she finally let her small hands release the back of his shirt; she wiped her eyes as they walked inside.

"Man, you're lucky I don't kick your ass. You almost gave her a heart attack...yeah okay! Just walk away! I'm not talking or anything! Have fun with your gross make up sex!" yelled Liz from the couch.

"She's so charming," said Shawn as he shut the bedroom door.
"She stopped me from getting in the car...this is not funny."
"Sorry," Shawn made sure to wipe any trace of a smile from his face as he looked to her sitting on the edge of the bed, "So...how about a deal?"
"...Why? What?"
"It's not bad. Calm down." He sat down beside her, "how about I agree to go to church with you Sunday if..." He paused for a long time both from nervousness and enjoyment from the scared yet anxious look on her face.
"If...if what?"
"If you let me take you out afterwards."
"On a school night? Where?"
"Telling you is not part of the deal."
"Did you and Gabe plot something."
"No, actually this is all my idea."
"Better not be some extravagant restaurant or something because you think you owe me."
"With how long you've known me what makes you think I'd want to go somewhere fancy? You don't have to. I know you got school and more important stuff. If not... I'll just...stay here. I thought it was time we did something nice... together."
"But you're not going to tell me what it is?"
"Nope. Like I said not telling you is part of the deal."
"Fine. Leave me in the dark... again."
"Really? You keep arguing with me and your guard dog is going to attack me."
She laid her head on his shoulder, "Shut up."








© ScarlettFranklin