As I was getting ready for school, Atticus came in to talk to me. He seemed to be very happy about something.
"Why are you so happy, Atticus?" I asked.
"I'm just happy to see how much you're improving, son." He answered.
"I had to... no... I needed to."
"And why is that, Jem?"
"Because after Scout nearly got killed, I realized how much she meant to me, she's my little sister, and I couldn't protect her… I felt like a failure of a brother, so I'm making up for it by trying not to be too hard on her." I answered.
"Jem, look at me," Atticus commanded. "You're not a failure, you knew something was up and you did what you could to keep your sister safe… you don't have to blame yourself for that anymore."
I looked at Atticus face; he was smiling gently, which eased my regrets. "Thank you, Atticus…"
Atticus got up, and looked at my desk. The poem I wrote a few days ago was sitting there, and he was giving it read.
"That was an assignment for school." I explained.
"This is really well written, Jem," Atticus complemented. "Where did you get your inspiration?"
I blushed, and looked down at the floor in embarrassment.
"Spending time with Julie…" I admitted.
Atticus just smiled and he placed his hand on my shoulder. "Do you like her, Jem?" Atticus asked.
This question had been asked three times already, but unlike before, I was now sure of my answer: "I like her a lot."
"That's good, son." Atticus responded. "Have you told her yet?"
"No sir, but I plan on telling her the poem next week."
"It's none of my business, but I think you should wait another month before you tell her." Atticus suggested.
"Why?"
"Julie might not be ready for a relationship. I think it's best if you got to know her better, before you tell her." Atticus answered.
Atticus was wise beyond his years, if you ask him a question, he'll give you an honest answer; it was one of the things I respected about him.
"If that's what you think I should do, then I'll do it." I said. I decided to listen to him, as he had never been wrong for as long as I could remember.
"Good," Atticus got up, and headed towards the door. "You better get some breakfast, before it's all gone."
I smiled, and I hurried to the kitchen, where I waited for Scout and Dill.
It was the weekend. Atticus had to go to a meeting, and he told me to keep an eye on Scout and Dill while he was out. Sam and Emily went along with Atticus, and Julie was spending the day with Maudie, so that only left me as the only person to look after them. If I was younger, I would have complained, but since I actually liked their company, and it was enjoyable to watch them flirt, I really didn't mind that much.
"So Dill," Scout said. "I heard that you written a poem."
"I reckon I did." Dill confirmed. "Why do you ask?"
"Can you tell me?" Scout asked. "I want to know what your mind came up with.
This is going to be one hell of a show. I thought. They knew I was sitting here, but they didn't care, and to be honest, I was curious in what Dill came up with, as he stood up all dramatically, and he started reciting his poem:
"Am I the man that you love?
If that is true I am more,
Something beyond and above
The man I was before.
Like a god, with my head above the trees,
I can walk with a god-like stride.
With a step I can clear the seven seas,
When I know you are by my side.
Like a god, with a mountain in my hand
And my arm thrown around the sky.
All the world can be mine on my command
When you're near and I hear you sigh.
When you're near and I hear you sigh,
There is no sweeter song I know
With a heart full of hope I fly
Higher I go! Stronger I grow!
Like a god, I can tear away the mist
From the sky if you want it blue.
In the wake of the mist, like a goddess you'll be kissed
By a god in love with you."
"Only you would come up with something like that." I stated.
The poem was actually really creative (And they coincidentally became lyrics for a song two decades later), but I couldn't imagine Dill writing poems.
"Why thank you, Jem," Dill said, bowing. "My inspiration came from how much I care about Scout."
Scout seemed to like hearing this; I swore that these two were made for each other, and I began to think that Sam was right, and that 'they are stuck with each other.'
"Well, aren't you a sweet one Dill." Scout winked.
"Okay lovebirds, you gonna kiss or what?!" I teased.
"If you don't try to kill me." Dill joked.
"I don't want Scout after my head for the rest of my life." I retorted. Scout threw a sports magazine at me, and I let it hit me, and I also let slide down my face.
"In all seriousness, I really don't mind, just don't get too excited." I said, honestly.
Scout and then proceeded to kiss Dill straight on the lips (Usually it was the other way around), and I just let them enjoy each other's company, and they start talking about a future wedding or something.
"So, who would be our best man?" Scout asked.
"Jem, of course." Dill answered.
"I got you covered, but that means that Dill has to be my best man at my wedding." I responded.
"That's fair." Dill said, smiling.
I got up, and ruffled Dill's hair. "Can't wait till you become my little brother."
"Thanks, Jem." Dill responded.
Scout just rolled her eyes, and I went to where she was.
"You got yourself a good feller, Scout." I said, getting down to her height.
Scout just smiled and said, "Glad you think you so too, Jem."