The Big Fish by Madison Henley (the first e reader txt) 📗

never. I just…I know that Georgia is going through a rough patch right now and I wanted to help.”

 “Well, you can’t help me dearie.”

 Reginald sat up in his bed and sipped his water. His features seemed to soften.

 “But thank you very much for the card. You can sit it on my nightstand along with the rest of my get well cards."

Reginald laughed and Keliah awkwardly smiled when she realized there weren't any cards on the nightstand. She stepped back and pressed her back against the door, nervously shoving her hands in her blue jean pockets and popping back and forth on her heels.

 “Well, um, it has been a pleasure meeting you but I think I may have bit off more than I can chew. Thanks for seeing me.”

 Keliah began opening the door when Reginald called her back.

 “Wait! You can stay a little longer if you'd like. I don’t get a lot visitors up here besides Georgia and news reporters. It’d be nice to have some new company besides watching baseball games.”

 “You sure? I mean I don't want Georgia—Ms. Kerouac, I mean..."

"It's fine. I insist."

 Keliah pulled up a chair and sat at a reasonable distance from Mr. Kerouac.

 “So, tell me about yourself.”

Keliah licked her lips.

“I uh, I’m Keliah. I’m a sophomore—“

 “Sophomore? Did you skip a couple of grades?”

 Keliah stared down at herself.

 “No.”

 “If you say so. Continue.”

Keliah paused.

"Is it...because I'm short or something?"

"That might have something to do with it. And your freckles kind of knock a few ages off of you."

Keliah scratched her head, blushing.

 “Um, I am an English major. I was originally a PolySci major but it was actually your daughter that made decide to change."

"So, you think my daughter's a good teacher?"

"The best...and I'm not just saying that because you're her father. She's really great."

"That's always good to hear. I knew my daughter loved helping people. So just how old are you really? You look too young to be in college.

"Well guess that's a good thing. I'll be twenty next August. You're right. I am pretty young to be in college."

"At least you're getting ahead of everyone else."

"One way to look at it."

Keliah hated being so young. Her birthday was right in between the mark to enter kindergarten or stay in preschool for one more year so she entered kindergarten as a four year old. She was excited because she loved learning and wanted a challenge but now it had come back to bite her in the ass. She had to wait two years just to be with Professor Kerouac. Stupid Governor changing rules. A lot could happen in two years. Like Georgia could run off and get married to someone else.

Negative.

"I hate to ask but, what are the doctors saying?"

"Nothing good, I'll tell you that. Lung cancer. Georgia told me for years to quit but that's what we did in my day. We ate like kings, smoked like trains, died at fifty and we liked it. Besides, I feel like I've done all I can do. I raised my beautiful daughter, seen her grown up. I just wish I could've seen her get married, have some grandkids would've been nice too."

Married?

"Oh, is she seeing someone...if you don't mind me asking.".

Keliah quickly interjected.

"Georgia seeing someone? God no. Georgia is more of an independent person. She likes being alone and it probably will stay that way."

Keliah wrinkled a brow. That wasn't the plan she made out for them.

"Maybe things will change. You never know."

"Yeah let's hope for the best. I want my Georgia to be happy."

I can make her happy.

"And she will be Mr. Kerouac."

Keliah sat in the chair and talked to Mr. Kerouac for hours discussing the olden days and how Georgia used to play soccer just like Keliah only she was a goalkeeper and how Georgia dreamed of teaching students because as a child she felt that teachers didn't do their job right and she wanted to further the education. Georgia was a big softy. Keliah knew it but it was nice to hear personal things about Georgia too. Keliah usually didn't get along with elderly people, they were always so snappy with her. But Mr. Kerouac was different. He was sweet, kind, and funny. Keliah had laughed so hard that she had already cried three times. Her body was tingly and she had a permanent smile on her face. She loved meeting nice people and having a good time with them. It's the few good people in the world that keep you sane.

Keliah stood up, stuffed her hands in her jean pockets and rocked back and forth on her heels. Several nurses had came in to do different procedures on Mr. Kerouac and Keliah was just...there. Finally after they left, Keliah spoke.

"Mr. Kerouac it's been a pleasure meeting you but I must go now."

"Of course! Thank you for the visit though. I will tell Georgie you stopped by."

Keliah smiled at the nickname before she realized the actual context it was being used in.

"Oh! No, that won't be necessary. This can just be our little secret."

Mr. Kerouac winked at Keliah before Keliah grinned and shut the door on her way out. She took the elevator down to the ground floor and took a cab back to school.

"Mer, I'm home. I know you missed me."

Keliah unlocked the door to her dorm to find it dark and Meredith-less."

Where the hell