“He had plans to join the army but his parents talked him out of it,” Joane went on. “Instead, he went to college and became a teacher’s assistant in disabilities. He’s amazing with kids. But I know he wants more than just that. He wants a family, out here in the country, and a simple life. Which is cool if you like that. But I like the city.”
Why was she even telling me this? It wasn’t like it made any difference on what the man did with his life.
“I’m not ready to be tied down, and it’s going to hurt him to know the truth. But I’m not good enough for such a sweet man. He’s gothis whole life ahead of him, and so do I.” She took a deep breath, like the entire world was on her shoulders. “How he hasn’t figured out what’s going on is beyond me. But he’ll be better off once I’m out of the picture. “
I tilted my head to the side slightly, now that she had my full attention.
“I know the lifestyle he wants to live. He wants someone he can dote on, day and night. Someone he can rock to sleep, even.”
She turned to face me, giving me a sad smile. “He loves a certain type of person, and I’m not into that, at all. You probably don’t even care, and I have no clue why I’m even telling you.”
I lifted a shoulder, not sure why she was telling me instead of just talking to Jasper about it instead.
“Of course, you probably have no clue what I’m even talking about.” She shot me an apology look. “You like, not even eighteen yet. Way too young to know what Jasper’s into, relationship wise. Which is good. Someone like you shouldn’t know about BDSM stuff. You’re the perfect type of person he should go after. What he wants, actually. Someone who is so lost, that they need a helping hand to find their way. Someone who can have the entire world, but content with simple things. Someone just like you.”
She fell into silence as Jasper finished mowing. He gave Joane a bright smile and a wave, which she returned with a little wave of herself.
I think this was one of the best times to not understand a word she was talking about. I was one hundred percent certain that Jasper didn’t see me as anything more than the neighbor kid.
“Hey,” Jasper said, pushing the mower towards us before stopping. The machine was turned off, and his shirt, like so many other times was sweaty. Mowing the two lawns did not look like fun, and I was more than happy to let him take care of that. I’d stick to making cold drinks and warm cookies. Although, I didn’t do either this time.
“Hey babe. Are we still going to see a movie tonight?”
He looked as tired as I felt today, but Jasper still nodded. “Just give me time to get a shower.”
“No hurry. I’ll keep your grandma company while you get cleaned up.”
“Wanna join, Koda? The movie, I mean.”
With wide eyes, I quickly shook my head. Joane didn’t seem too pleased with me being offered to tag along.
“Trace could come too, so you wouldn’t be like the third wheel or anything.”
Again, I shook my head. No thanks. I only went anywhere with Dawn.
“Trace won’t go,” Joane huffed, standing up and dusting off the butt of her pants. “Even with a tag along.”
“Koda’s not a tagalong, and neither is my brother.” Jasper squinted his eyes at her. “You know my brother is welcome sometimes when we go. It keeps him out of trouble that way.”
“Maybe I’d just like to spend time with you without a third joining,” Joane huffed, her entire attitude changing within seconds. “I’ll just head home instead. I’ll call you later, Jas.”
Jasper didn’t stop her, letting her walk away. Most of the time, from the books I’ve read, the man always chased the girl. Same thing happened in the movies. He’d chase, say sweet words, she’d cry and all would be forgiven.
“She’s not all that bad,” Jasper sighed, taking a seat on the step his girlfriend had been sitting on. “She’s an only child, and doesn’t like to share with me well. We’ve had so many fights where she thinks I’m picking my brother or other friends over her.”
Well, to me, it sounded like she was making the right choice over her life, at least.
“I don’t think we’ll last much longer, which is okay. She’s…not into the same scene I’m into.”
Well, maybe their breakup wouldn’t be the end of the world for either of them, I thought.
I could only offer a shrug.
“I’m not worried. This house,” he nodded towards his grandmother's house, “is taking a lot more work than I expected. And Trace hadn’t been that much of help, despite his reasoning to come here to get away from our parents a bit. But he starts school soon so it’ll just be me when I’m not working.”
I pointed at him, hoping he could read my mind well enough.
“Where I’m working?” I nodded, glad he understood.“At a special needs school with preschoolers currently. It’s not what I wanted, but it’ll pay the bills until I find something else. I don’t mind it, and the kids are adorable with all their quirks.”
