Laurels Literary Magazine Fall 2014 | Page 57

WENDY: Oh, why not. (Picks up the book and page.) PETER: Ooh, that’s a pretty nasty wound. I’m afraid all I got is duct tape. Wait. Never mind. Mr.James took my backpack. WENDY: I may actually have something. (Pulls some scotch tape out of her purse. Carefully, she repairs the book and puts the page back in its place.) There. I’ll give happily-ever-after another go. PETER: I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. WENDY: It’ll be tough. PETER: But it’ll be worth it. And don’t let Stanford get to ya, either. They wouldn’t have wanted you if you didn’t have what it takes. WENDY: I guess you’re right. You’re pretty clever for someone without a mother. But I just hope you don’t miss out on life, living as you do. PETER: Miss out? What is there to miss out on? WENDY: Oh, so much, Peter. Ever thought of having a family? PETER: Only ever in make-believe. Short-lived nightmares if you ask me. (His phone rings again. He checks his text.) Aw, man, I gotta go. I’m late and she’s angry. Never knew anybody so jealous. WENDY: Peter, wanna come by sometime next week during break? Mom’s going to be busy with her “spring cleaning” and I think it would be fun; we could go to the beach with some of my friends. PETER: Are you sure? I don’t wanna impose. WENDY: Naw, that’s fine! I might be able to help you get those grades up in time for graduation. Long as your girlfriend doesn’t mind. 55