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Tawni rushes through her front door. She is ready to join Chris, Katie, and Tommy at the park. “Hey Dad, I’m going to the park with my friends,” Tawni says fast. She tosses her backpack under the kitchen table—its usual resting spot. “Okay—see you at 6 for dinner. Give me a call if you need a ride,” her dad says. He’s looking down--trying to train Rusty, their puppy, to take treats nicely. “Thanks!” Tawni shuffles to her room and digs her favorite t-shirt from the pile—a soft old Led Zepplin shirt and pulls it on. She kicks off her converse and slips into some flip flops. The shirt is a secret signal to Chris; at least that’s what she’s thinking. He plays drums and John Bonham is his hero. She wants Chris to know that they hold something in common—a conversation starter.
A quick look in the mirror, and she is bolting for the door, toward the sunshine. It is Friday at 4pm on the nicest day they’ve had yet in May. The snow is melted and the trees are greening. She heads toward downtown, toward the park. Tawni spots Katie and Tommy—they are sitting on a picnic table, their feet are on the bench. Their hair is glowing in the sun. It’s strange to see everyone in shorts again, she thinks. Tawni looks for Chris—no sign yet. She gives a little wave to Katie and Tommy as she approaches. “So nice out,” Katie says drawing out the ‘so’ for emphasis. “I wish it could be like this all the time.”
“Yeah,” Tawni says as she takes a seat on the table next to Katie. Tommy has some music playing on his phone—it’s quiet on the little phone speaker, but she can hear Bob Marley which makes it feel like a summer’s day. With these friends Tawni felt like she could say anything—they can all hang out without doing anything special. Talking was easy with them—she didn’t have to pick her words as carefully as she had with friends in the past. She had nothing to prove. “Where’s Chris?” Katie smiles conspiratorially as Tawni ask this. “He’ll be here soon—he’s bringing Jasper the dog and a Frisbee.” Tawni knows that Katie suspects she really likes Chris. “So, maybe you should ask him out.” “I don’t know yet . . .” Tawni trails off. Katie smiles and leaves it at that.
She sees Jasper first—his big ears bounce above his head. He is carrying a neon green Frisbee in his mouth. Chris is jogging, trying to catch up with Jasper. Jasper launches himself toward the table and shakes off—he’d obviously hit the ditch on the way over. Katie yelps and Tommy is laughing. “Hey,” Chris says to Tawni with a smile. “What’s up?” Tawni smiles back and her cheeks grow flush. “Cool shirt!” Tommy launches the first Frisbee throw for Jasper. They all laugh at how excited the dog gets—how every part of his body and mind are focused on one thing: Frisbee
Chris pulls Skittles from his backpack. “Want some?” He holds out a palm full for Tawni. She goes to pinch a few orange and purple ones—her favorite—and her finger tips brush his palm. She is a little nervous, but it feels good. Jasper runs up when he sees Tommy’s hand held out—the same way he gets treats. Katie asks “can Jasper have Skittles too?” Chris closes his hand and they all laugh. It is a perfect afternoon—just hanging in the sun, watching the dog, and talking about music. Tawni is now really sure she really likes Chris. The time passes so quickly—and their conversation feels playful—like they are creating their own language. He knows so much about music, but he doesn’t brag about it. She teases him about liking Lady GaGa, but he claims she’s a genius.
It’s six. It is still warm and light out and she doesn’t want to leave. “Hey guys—I gotta go.” “Just stay a little longer,” Katie pleads. “Sorry,” Tawni frowns. “Have a good night—maybe, if you want, catch me on Facebook later,” Chris says a little sheepishly. “Yeah,” Tawni says with a smile and gives an exaggerated wave to her friends, smiles at Chris, and pats Jasper on his wet head. She turns toward home and walks the sidewalks thinking about this warm afternoon and her finger tips brushing Chris’s hand.
