I was singing under my breath, walking back and forth on the edge of the curb as if it was a log over water. I was pretending Brutus and Nero were on each side, like in The Rescuers when they guarded Penny. I wasn't paying attention until I turned to come back and Caleb was standing there, hands in his pockets, hair in his eyes, college-smile on his face. It's spring break for him and Easter for the rest of us. We're having a block party since the snow is finally gone.
Whatcha doin', Bridgie?
Waiting for dinner. Lochlan said he was going to make hot dogs for me so I have to wait a little bit. They had the hamburgers but not hot dogs ready. I don't like the hamburgers.
Why not?
They have onions in them and they're bumpy and really big. I like hotdogs because I can put mustard on them.
You can put mustard on a hamburger. I can make you a smaller one.
No you can't, silly! Only cheese and ketchup. Oh, and pickles. And Lochlan's already making me a hot dog but thank you anyway.
Okay. I can wait with you. What song were you singing?
Closer to the heart. It's really old.
A couple years. Loch teach it to you?
Yes.
Yeah, he likes Rush.
He says he'll take me to see them at their concert if they have one here.
That sounds fun.
Yes. How is school?
He laughs. Why do you ask?
Because that's what all the grownups ask when they see you. I think it must be an important question.
School is hard. I want to be a lawyer so I have to get really good marks to get into law school.
Another school?
Yes, it's like a specialty school.
Oh. So are you getting like B's and A's?
Something like that.
Lochlan is going to go to circus school. He wants to be able to do everything so like ringmaster and tightrope-guy and elephant-rider and clown with juggling. And fire. He wants to juggle burning things too.
Is there a school for that?
I don't know.
What about you? What will you go to school for?
I'm going to be a grownup first.
Yes, but what job will you have?
Storyteller and also Lochlan's assistant.
Oh so business school with a minor in creative writing?
No, circus-assistant school. I can already write stories so I don't have to learn that.
Just then Lochlan hollers my name and tells me to come and eat.
Caleb turns and looks back at the group manning the food tables and then smiles again. You better go get your hot dog.
With mustard. It's just gross if it doesn't have mustard.
Next time I'll make you a little hamburger, okay?
Okay but none of the bumpy things. One like McDonald's, okay?
Oh, you want a pressed patty instead of fresh ground beef.
Whichever the flat ones are. And no onions.
I'll remember that.
Hey, Caleb?
Yes?
Will you be finished lawyer school before I finish circus assistant school?
Yes, I would think so.
Okay good.
Why?
So you'll have more free time to come and watch Lochlan's act. He's going to need a very big audience to be famous.
