Winter Season

Ride and talk

Oscar closed his eyes. An engine started and headlights came on.

“Looks like someone came for you.” Bell smiled. Oscar looked at both of them, “we didn’t call her if that’s what you’re thinkin’ .” Bell was still smiling. She held up her cell phone, “I can prove it.”

For the first few miles, there was silence. Oscar knew he needed to say something but he had no idea where to start. He took a deep breath before saying, “thank you.”

Her voice was flat. “You’re welcome.”

He put his face in his hands, “please pull over.” She did. He turned to face her, “I have just found the love of my life. I’m not ready to lose you.” He paused waiting to see if she would respond. When she didn’t, he moved on. “I would like to think that I am a modern man; and that I can handle you being a cop. But when it all boils right down to it, you could be killed the first day on the job.”

“With as many school shootings that have been in the news, you have a chance of being killed on the job as well. As a matter of fact, each time you get in the car you are gamblin’ with your life.”

He gave a heavy sigh, “I know. But your job screams danger.”

“I have been actively looking for a job since May. Even in Hazard. There’s nothing I can do. There are nurses, truck drivers, and fast food workers. The end. And,” she paused holding up her finger at him. “I applied for some of those fast food jobs. Do you know what one of the managers at Dairy Queen told me, I’m over-qualified and I would have a good shot at getting his job and he didn’t want to risk that.”

Oscar looked stunned for a moment, “Ess, I’m sorry. I really am. But all I can see is you getting killed. I don’t want you to die. I know I’m being selfish.” He took another deep breath.

“If your brother would have been standing in the yard instead of being in the road, I could have died.”

“But I didn’t know about that. I didn’t see that coming.” He took another deep breath, “why can’t we live off my income?”

“I have no idea what your finances are,” she held up her hand. “And at this point, I don’t want to know.”

“My finances are good. I will be delighted to show you my portfolio when we get home.”

“I have been working since I was 10 at something to make money; a paper route, recycling cans, mowing, babysitting. I don’t know what to do with myself. I get up, fix you breakfast, clean up the mess. I fix you dinner, clean up the mess. Which I’m not complainin’ about that, I enjoy cooking. I enjoy seeing that look on your face when you come home to a hot meal. But what about the rest of my day? What am I supposed to do? There’s only so much you can search for on the internet. Only so many books you can read. Only so many movies you can watch. What then? Who knows if I would even get the job? These guys aren’t retiring until December.” She stopped, lowering her voice. “I’ve been out of the game for a long time.”

“So why the deadline if none of this is happening until December?”

“He wants to start talkin’ with his superiors if I’m interested. Grease the wheels if you will.”

“Look,” he rubbed his fingers through his hair. “I’m not going to lie, I’m scared.”

She took his hands, “honey, I understand that. Do you know how that makes me feel that you care enough about me to tell me that you’re scared?”

“I can’t be the one to tell you not to take this job. I will not have you resenting me.”

“And I know me, I would.”

“My reasons are selfish.”

“And I’m sure if the situation was reversed, I would feel the same way. Most cops have a really hard time in marriages. And I’m not going to lie; cops have a high percentage of domestic violence in relationships. The violence in general, the adrenaline, the always having to look over your shoulder watching for that person that is ready to kill you. There are people in this world that hate cops just because they are cops.

“I know, God I know.” He laid his head on the head rest of his seat.

Winter Season