No Way Out by Fern Michaels (great books for teens .TXT) 📗

you. You don’t remember what, but it scared you somehow. You needed to get away from the situation to sort things out.”

“Hector that’s exactly what’s going on.”

“Have you figured out any of it yet?” Hector’s curiosity was growing.

“Only that I still have occasional nightmares and migraines.”

Hector nodded again, sorting through what Ellie had just told him.

“Do you have a therapist?” Hector stopped himself. “I’m sorry, that’s none of my business.”

“Hey, I brought up all this psychological mumbo-jumbo, so don’t apologize,” Ellie reassured him. She also wondered if the conversation was getting too intense for an eighteen-year-old. But Hector was no average teenager. “Yes, there is someone I speak to a couple of times a month.”

“Has it helped?”

“You’re sitting in my house, aren’t you?” Ellie teased.

Hector looked around. “Yep. So is this all your stuff from where you came from?”

“No. I gave up my apartment and put my things in storage. I had to made it look like I was going away for a while, which is true, to a certain extent.” She looked around the living space. “That’s why it’s a little sparse. I had some of my photos blown up to give it some color and hoped that looking at them might trigger my memory. But I had taken those a year before the incident, so they’re not helping me recover my memory. Probably just as well. They actually give me comfort.

“Anyway, I’ve been thinking that just because I can’t or won’t leave the house, that doesn’t mean I can’t have a friend over. I love Buddy and Percy, but they’re not the best conversationalists. Though I do appreciate that they don’t talk back. Well, in all honesty, sometimes Buddy does.” Ellie smiled.

“I’m glad you think of me as a friend.” Hector smiled back.

“So much so that you are the very first person I invited in.”

Hector seemed surprised, but knew it had to be true, unless she was sneaking people in when he wasn’t around. “Wow. I am honored.” And he meant it.

“I couldn’t think of anyone else better than you, Hector. You have been a lifesaver. Probably in more ways than one.”

Hector started to blush. “Thank you. I enjoy working for you.”

“And the garden?” Ellie looked out the window. “It’s absolutely beautiful. I’m glad you suggested that seating area in the back. Last weekend, Jackson fell asleep on the swing with Buddy lying underneath. It was a sweet sight.”

“Jackson is a very good kid. I’m glad he has Buddy to play with. I felt really bad when I heard about Mrs. Haywood and the trouble she had with Mr. Haywood.”

“Yeah, that’s kind of a mess right now, but I think things will smooth over in a while.”

“Really?” Hector knew from some other kids at school that a divorce could be awful for everyone involved. Even people on the fringe.

“I think so. Just a feeling I have. Jackson had a good day with his father and grandmother. At least that wasn’t traumatic.

“He had a nightmare that night, but his mother thinks it was because he was upset when his grandmother dropped Mitchel off at his brother’s house.”

Ellie cut another piece of pound cake for Hector.

“It’s gotta be rough on a little kid.”

“It’s a lot to absorb and understand. When things like this happen, children tend to blame themselves. Why, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because they don’t have a lot of different reference points.” Ellie hoped she wasn’t too far over Hector’s head.

“Well, sure. It’s Mama and Papa, and family. School. Not a big universe to draw from.” Hector was rather astute.

“You are very impressive, my dear.” Ellie wasn’t lying this time. Those lies were saved for the big issues.

“It’s like playing a video game. You have so many players in a universe. The more players, the more you have to figure out how to deal with them.”

“I like your analogy, Hector.” Ellie took a sip of her coffee, which had gone cold. She drank it anyway.

“I know there are people who think that video games are a waste of time, but for me, it challenges my mind. You have to think and react fast.”

“And that’s why you’re so good at it,” Ellie reminded him.

“Yes, but you’re better.” Hector gave her a thumbs-up.

“I’ve had more practice.”

The back gate buzzed. It was Jackson arriving for his daily visit. Ellie walked over to the intercom. “Hey, Jackson! How was your day?”

“Hey, Ms. Bowman. It was OK. My mom made me walk with the new girl this morning. She’s all right, I guess. But she sure does talk a lot.”

Ellie laughed. “Most girls do at that age, unless they’re really shy.”

“I don’t think she’s shy. She was talkin’ up a storm both ways. To and from school.”

“Maybe she was excited. This is all new to her.”

“I guess.” He shrugged. Ellie buzzed him in. Jackson and Buddy ran to greet each other.

“I think that’s the longest conversation I’ve ever had with him.” Ellie watched from the window. “Hmm.”

“What?”

“This is a big day for me. I invited you for coffee. I had a conversation with Jackson that exceeded two sentences. I’m making progress.” She sat back down at the table and turned her chair so she could see outside and speak to Hector. “I love to watch the two of them play. Jackson has been great for Buddy.”

“I’m sure Buddy has been good for Jackson, too.” Hector checked the time on the microwave. “I better get going. I promised my mother I’d stop at the store for some Adobo. Thank you very much for inviting me. I feel honored.”

“You’re very special to me, Hector.”

“And you are to me. And my family. They appreciate the trust you put in me.” Hector resisted the temptation to give her a hug. “My father said it’s helping to build character.”

“And you’re helping me to build confidence.”

Hector stopped. “Seriously? You are awesome sauce!”

Ellie laughed out loud. “Thank you, Hector. Give my regards to your mother. Did you tell her you were coming here for coffee?”

Hector looked a little embarrassed.