The Write Place

Under The Fruiting Tree: Chapter 30 – The Write Place
Under the Fruiting Tree: Novella Table of Contents – The Write Place

Jason and Amanda lay on top of a green Pontiac station wagon.  Jason wore his tux, laying on the hood next to Amanda.  Amanda wore a stunning light blue dress, her arms cradling her head.  The corsage dangled from her wrist. The moonlight, reflecting marvelously off her dress, fixed Jason’s eyes on her.

“Quite the party,” said Jason as his eyes drifted off into memories of the night. 

“I’ll say.  Even the cops decided to show up,” Amanda replied.  “Thomas was so drunk he couldn’t find his keys,” Amanda said, rather frustrated at what was a routine occurrence.

“That means nothing with Thomas.  He wouldn’t even if he was sober,” said Jason shaking his head. 

“It got pretty crazy there even before we left,” Amanda responded. 

“Don’t let that ruin your evening,” Jason said, rolling onto his side.  “It was good before that.  All that drinking, and all the “lewd” stuff as my dad would call it.  And the fuzz, and people getting arrested as we were driving away,” Jason allowed a brief pause to hang in the air.
“You know I’m starting to think it really was a good thing we left early,” Jason said, rolling onto his back once more to gaze at the clear night sky.  “Aside from the turn the festivities look, I wouldn’t want to miss this for the world.”

“This?  Us?  Or the night sky?” Amanda asked, turning her head and locking eyes with Jason.  He looked at Amanda, reading how she was fishing for the right response.

“Yes,” Jason grinned. “But especially the former.”

“Yeah.  The night wasn’t all bad.  You’re quite the dancer,” Amanda said looking at Jason.  The two shared a knowing smile.

“Thanks. Coming from an expert that means a lot,” Jason said with a wide grin.  

“You settle on where to go yet?” Amanda asked in a soft voice dripping with interest.

“Well, I was thinking about the drive thru,” Jason said to a roll of the eyes from Amanda.

“Then after you graduate?  Still considering where your dad teaches?” Amanda asked. Jason’s body tensed, then he took a deep breath.

“Yes you would enjoy hearing what I plan on doing with my life,” Jason said, both nervous and pleased at the interest the young woman directed towards him.  “I decided against it.”  Jason broke eye contact to shift his gaze on the stars.  His voice betrayed his emotions, somewhat resigned and somewhat anxious. Amanda shifted anxiously herself, looking back and away from him to the stars several times.

“All right,” Amanda said. Her disappointment hung heavy in the air.  “I was hoping you’d stay close.”  Sorrow saturated her voice as she spoke.

“I just could stand to get away from my dad.  I know you talked about leaving too.  May do well for you, that’s your decision,” Jason added in a rather unconvinced voice.

“I can understand that.  Home is not a place I found yet but, I found you,” Amanda said as her eyes welled with tears.

“I know.  I found you too.  I know I get a free ride since my dad teaches there but…  He’s just strict; stuffy.  Thinks he’s doing the right thing, sure but he’s strict,” Jason replied letting out a heavy sigh.  “I know it sounds odd saying strict, when I will get away to the military.  But I decided on going into the Marine Corps.”

“Didn’t realize you were serious about it.” Amanda replied with a tired voice.

“Guess I didn’t either.  Not until I really thought about it. Decided where I didn’t want to be.  It’s the kinda thing I’m looking for,” Jason said.  “I don’t want to go to a place I don’t want to be just because it’s free.  I think I can make a difference there.  The calling, the brotherhood, the nobility of such a sacrifice.  Feels like my home at least for now.”

“What about us?” Asked Amanda with a voice. She felt the incredible rush of worry and sorrow for things now out of her hands.

“We can keep up.  There’s not much going on right now.  It doesn’t have to end; I can call you.  You can go somewhere nearby.  I know there’s a base near at least one college you considered,” Jason added in thought.

“I guess,” Amanda said, unconvinced even of her short words.  Jason let out an audible sigh.

“Not enthused?” asked Jason, more seeking confirmation than asking a question.
“No, no I am not,” Amanda answered, stress evident in her voice.  She choked back tears, trying but failing to protect both of them.
“Me neither,” said Jason.

“Then why? Are we just at the end, just like this?” Amanda asked, her voice muffled as she tried to control herself.  She held back heavy tears waiting for Jason to respond.

“No, no we don’t have to end our relationship.  People have gotten through this before.  I don’t have to go too far, you don’t have to either,” Jason answered, becoming emotional himself.

“You don’t get to say where they put you,” Amanda said.  “What if there’s a war?  What if they send you to some other country?”

“I’m afraid too.  I understand your fear.  Amanda, not everything has to end like it did for your parents.  That’s what this is about right?” Jason said in a calm voice turning to face Amanda again.  He reached for her hand.  Amanda hesitated for a moment, before putting her hand in his.

“This is just another chapter.  Just another chapter in the story,” Jason said.  “Feel what you feel.  I’m not telling you not to struggle with this.  I am not telling you, you cannot be upset by this.  Know I haven’t given up.  Not on you and not on us.”

Amanda smiled gently.  “That’s what I really needed to hear.”  Amanda scooted herself over across the hood of the car into Jason’s arms.  They gazed up at the stars under the apple tree.  Small red bulbs had appeared on the tree’s branches as the beginnings of its fruit began to form.