A New Home (part 5) by Cyndi Woods

Part 5 A New Home

Several weeks passed and Roger walked Felicity home nearly every day. They talked about what they each wanted to do after high school, where they would like to live, what colleges they each wanted to attend, and many other topics. But one topic Felicity seemed to always avoid was the subject of her family. Roger had told her of his parent’s divorce and how they each got remarried. They were both much happier and they have been able to all get together for holidays and birthdays and other important events. He had also gained a step sister and two step brothers to add to his biological siblings. He was the oldest and was kind of the role model of the kid clan. Roger had been told by all the parents that he was a great role model for the younger children because he was good at so many things and he was a positive influence on them. On that particular walk, Felicity had stopped short and stared at him in disbelief. “Felicity,” he said with a quizzical tone to his voice. He noted that her gaze dropped slightly and she seemed to be far away in her mind. “That’s nice of them to tell you such wonderful compliments,” she said without looking at him. Then she began walking again but remained silent.
  
Roger wanted so desperately to draw her out of herself and trust him with what ever made her sad sometimes. He wanted to be more than just friends with her now but she didn’t give him any indication that she wanted anything more. He left the subject closed for the time being, but he wouldn’t leave it alone forever. He was hatching a plan. As the days went by and he continued to walk her home, he decided to put his plan into effect the next day.
  
They made the journey to Felicity’s house on that Friday and when they were approaching her driveway, Roger slowed his steps and lingered a bit. Felicity walked ahead a few steps before turning back to him. “you OK?” she asked kind of puzzled. “Yeah. I just… um…” he trailed. “You just, what?” she prompted. “Um…Uh…” he stammered. “Roger what is it?” she said chuckling a little. “Felicity… I would be honored if you would go to prom with me.” He said softly.
 
Felicity stood dumfounded. She blinked three times before Roger said, “Are you ok?” “I… I… don’t know what to say,” she whispered, tears beginning to spill over her lashes. A million thoughts whirled in her mind. Thoughts of a wonderful glamorous evening with Roger, the fight that she would have to face with her father to let her go, a Cinderella story night, the dress she could never afford to buy. All these thoughts tumbled over one another and her fears of embarrassment and humiliation won out. “Oh Roger” she started, “I… I just can’t go!” she blurted. Then to her utter disgust, she burst into sobs and ran the rest of the short distance to her house.
  
Roger stood in place and stared after her. He vowed then and there to find out what was going on in Felicity’s home life. He took long determined strides and walked to her house. Without pausing for a moment, Roger stepped up on the porch and knocked three times. After just a few moments, the door opened. Felicity stood in the doorway with tears staining her cheeks and glistening in her eyes. “Felicity please talk to me,” he pleaded. “Roger it’s just too difficult,” she said in a quivering voice. “Felicity I care about you, I want to help if I can,” he said honestly. “Oh Roger, I would love nothing more than to go to prom escorted by you. But I just can’t,” she told him.
  
“But why… just tell me why,” he wanted to know. “My… my father will never allow it. Besides, I don’t have a beautiful gown to wear,” she confessed. “Why wouldn’t your father let you go?” he asked. She knew her father wouldn’t be home until late tonight so she decided that Roger deserved to know the truth about her life. She took a deep breath and plunged into her life story.
 
After an hour of conversation, Roger had a better understanding of Felicity’s situation. Now he wanted more then ever to give her a wonderful and memorable evening by taking her to their senior prom. “I’m going to ask your father’s permission to take you to prom” he announced. Her stunned expression told him she didn’t think that would work. “Don’t you think he’ll find that respectful and then let you go?” he asked. “I don’t think my father would say yes to anything I wanted” she admitted. “Well I guess we’ll find out,” he said undaunted. “Roger I don’t think…,” he interrupted “If you are so sure he’ll say no, then there is no harm in me trying is there?” he said matter-of-factly. She sighed and remained quiet.
  
“Roger even if by some miracle he lets me go, I still don’t have a dress,” she said. “Well I’m sure the stores are loaded with dresses right now, after all, it’s prom season,” he said smiling. Her gaze fell again and she looked miserable. “Oh,” Roger said, seeming to catch on. “Your father won’t buy you one, will he?” he said seriously. Still looking at the floor she shook her head slowly. He sighed quietly but said nothing. “Well, I guess I’d better go before your dad comes home. I don’t want to give him any added reason to get onto you,” she looked up at him as he stood and she realized that she didn’t want him to go. Rising to her feet, she walked him to the door. Hoisting his backpack onto his shoulder, he looked at her again. “It’s gonna be ok Felicity. It will,” he said with assurance. Somehow, she believed him. “I’m going to come back tomorrow afternoon to talk to your dad.” He reminded her. She nodded nervously. Then without warning, he placed his hand gently on her cheek and wiped away a lingering tear with his thumb. ”See ya tomorrow.” And with that, he was gone. She gently closed the door, putting her fingers where his hand had just been. She didn’t know how she would sleep tonight.              


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