Hey, Jessie

The Last Kiss

Ryan grunted as Arturo practically pitched the heavy packing box at him. Trey and his friends had jumped when Mr. Anson, Jessie's new step-father, offered to pay them $20 each and a 6 pack of Bud to help pack and load the U-haul truck. In reality, Eddie and Arturo were doing most of the work while Trey tried to console a nearly hysterical Robin.

After handing the box to Mrs. Taylor, no, Ryan corrected himself, Mrs. Anson, Ryan walked slowly back to the empty house. He wandered around Jessie's room, dragging his finger along the wall as he walked the perimeter, trying not to think about Jessie leaving. The loud honking of the U-haul jolted him out of his reverie. He headed outside and stood on the curb as Trey and Mr. Anson got Robin into the truck. Mr. Anson then paid off the teens, gave his wife a quick kiss, and drove off.

Mrs. Anson pulled Ryan into a big hug. "Don't be so sad," she said. "Arizona isn't that far away. Maybe you could come visit once we get settled."

"Right," thought Ryan. "It might as well be fucking Australia for all the chance I have of ever going there." But he just smiled politely and returned the hug.

Turning to Jessie, he tried to smile. "Hey, Jessie," he started, but was unable to speak past the lump in his throat.

Jessie surprised everyone by giving him a hug and a hard kiss. "I love you, Ryan Atwood," she whispered.

"Keep him safe. Please." she pleaded, looking over at Trey. She hugged Ryan again and then ran to the car without looking back.

Ryan watched the old Pontiac as it headed down the street, blinking hard to rid his eyes of unwanted tears. He lowered his head and stared at his feet, expecting to be razzed by the teens leaning against Arturo's Mustang. Surprisingly though, Eddie simply handed him a beer with a look of respect and Trey draped his arm companionably across his shoulders.

"C'mon, Stud," he said. "We'll get you laid. It'll make you feel better."

***********************************************

Ryan watched Sandy's retreating back with the usual teenage mixture of amusement and irritation. "So that was the Sex Talk," he thought to himself. "I wonder what Sandy would say if he knew I've been using condoms since I starting having sex in the 6th grade." He laid back on his bed and contemplated the ceiling. "What the hell was he talking about anyway? Babbling about sex and love like they mean the same thing or even belong together in the same sentence. Sometimes he sounds just like Seth. Maybe instead of nodding my head I should have told him the truth, sex is something you do to feel good and love-love is a just lie people say to justify hurting you."

~finis~