Chapter 20: Confessions

“What's the matter, son?” Isabell Langston was worried.
“Nothing.”
“You've been acting so strangely lately. Out at all hours; absent-minded, even more than usual. Is it that girl you just met?”
“Oh, Mommmm!”
“Just askin'. Can't a mother ask?
“No.”
“Well, then. I declare. Just let a mother worry.”
Joe Langston didn't hear that last part. He was already up the stairs to his room. He kicked his SuperTron 10X joystick under the computer desk and flopped down on his bed. He didn't feel like studying. He didn't feel like reading. He didn't even feel like playing computer games.

Joe made up his mind. He got in his car. He drove straight to Miz Gryder's house. He parked in front. He got out of the car. He walked up to the front door. He took a deep breath. He rang the doorbell. Footsteps. The door opened. Miz Gryder stood there.
“Why, Joe -- Hello,” she said.
“Good afternoon, ma'am.”
“Can I help you?”
“Yes'm. Is Mary home?”
“Yes, just a moment.”
Miz Gryder retreated and a few moments later Mary stood there.
“Hi, Joe.” Mary smiled brightly. Then she frowned when she saw Joe's serious face. “What's wrong?” “We've got to talk,” Joe said.
“All right.” Mary felt cold.

He led the way. They walked down to the deserted school and sat in the bleachers at the ball park. Finally Joe broke the silence. “It's all wrong,” he said. Mary's heart sank. “I want to make it right.” Joe saw the look on her face. “You don't understand,” he continued. “Before, I was just trying to…and now…”

Mary's heart leapt. She turned to him and smiled.
“I love you,” they said.
They kissed, it seemed, for the first time.