Then & Now

by Karen A. Leppert

  He buried his face in his hands. “What am I supposed to do now?”

  “I suppose we’ll have to wait for Sarah or her parents to call,” Mom said.

  “What if they don’t?”

  “We’ll deal with that situation if it happens. Right now, you have to be on your best behavior. Don’t call Sarah, don’t see her…do you understand?” Dad asked.

  Seth couldn’t comprehend his father’s directive. How could Mom and Dad expect him to give up so easily? He wouldn’t; he couldn’t. His demeanor must have given him away.

  Mom patted his hand. “Making Sarah’s parents angrier by defying their wishes, by mouthing off to them, is only going to make matters worse. Please control your temper. Take the punishment and maybe you and Sarah will be able to see each other again.”

  Tears welled up in his eyes. “Do you know what you’re saying, Mom?”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are worried about Sarah’s reputation, and I don’t blame them. It doesn’t take much for people to talk, and what happened this morning…in our backyard…for the neighbors to see…would have any parent concerned, even if their daughter is innocent. People love a scandal, and you and Sarah just gave them one.”

  “Your mother’s right. You need to calm down and accept Mr. and Mrs. Matthews’s punishment. Okay?”

  “Yes.” He buried his head in his hands to fight back tears. He had a terrible feeling things would never be the same.

  SARAH

  Sarah sat in the back seat of the truck glaring at the backs of her parents’ heads and contemplating what might happen next. They hadn’t spoken a word since leaving Seth’s house.

  Dad didn’t pull in the driveway. Instead, he pulled up to the curb and turned around to face her. “Get in the house and stay there. Do not call or see anyone until we talk. Understood?”

  “Yes, Dad, but won’t you even let me—”

  “Your mother and I have to open the store. We’ll talk about this tonight.”

  Sarah knew not to argue with them, so she got out of the car and went into the house. Kathy and Molly waited at the door.

  Kathy grabbed her in a frantic hug. “We’ve been worried sick about you! Why didn’t you come home last night? Mom and Dad are furious.”

  Sarah slumped on the couch. “Seth and I fell asleep in the hammock in his backyard.”

  “You’re in so much trouble,” Molly said.

  “You think so?” she snapped. “I’m going to my room. If anyone calls, I can’t talk to them.”

  “Even Seth?” Molly asked.

  “Especially Seth, but I doubt he’ll be calling anytime soon.”

  The reality of her words hit hard. Sarah went to her room, threw herself on the bed, and sobbed until she fell asleep. She awoke at noon, surprisingly hungry. She made a huge bowl of double chocolate chip ice cream and watched TV. Kathy checked on her often.

  Just after five thirty, a car pulled into the driveway. The store didn’t close for hours, so it surprised her when Dad came through the door calling, “Sarah.”

  “I’m right here, Dad.” She tried to sound casual; she’d done nothing wrong and wanted her behavior to reflect her innocence.

  “Pack your bags. You’re going to camp with Katie, where she works as a counselor. Here’s a list of items to take. Your mother’s getting the supplies we don’t have here. We’ll leave tomorrow at noon.”

  “What?”

  “Sarah, there’s no sense arguing. Your mother and I have decided this is the best solution in light of the situation.”

  “There’s no situation! You haven’t listened to my side of the story, and you’re already handing down a punishment. That’s not fair.”

  “I don’t care what you think. We’ve been telling you our concerns for some time. Last night confirmed them.”

  “Nothing happened, I swear. Can’t we at least talk about this? I’ll agree to anything you want…just not this. Please, Dad.”

  “No. Your mother and I have made our decision. Now go to your room and pack.”

  “Can I call Katie and ask her about this camp?”

  “Yes, but you’re not to discuss what happened last night. That’s our business.”

  Sarah wanted to ask if they would let her say goodbye to Seth but thought better of it.

  “Sarah, we’re going to have so much fun,” Katie said.

  “I hope so.”

  “I’m surprised you want to leave Seth for that long a time.”

  “My parents think it would be a good idea for me to see less of Seth this summer. You know how they can be.”

  “Too bad,” Katie said. “Well, we’ll make the best of it. There are cute guys there. Who knows, this might be the best summer ever.”

  “I doubt it, but I’m glad you’ll be there too.” Nearing tears, she ended the conversation and started packing.

  Her parents came home long after the store closed.

  “Where were you?” she asked.

  “We talked to Mr. and Mrs. Mathis,” Mom answered.

  “Was Seth there?”

  “No, we asked that they meet us at the store. We explained everything, and they agreed with us.”

  Sarah didn’t believe them for one minute, but she didn’t argue with them for fear of causing more trouble.

  “You and Seth need a break. This camp will help make the separation easier, and there will be less temptation to see each other,” Dad explained.

  “There’ll be no temptation because I’ll be hours away. With soccer camp after the counseling job, that’s practically the whole summer. You can’t do this.”

  “Yes we can,” Mom said.

  “Fine,” she whispered. “Can I say goodbye to Seth before I leave?”

  “Your father and I will let you know tomorrow.”

  Tomorrow. The day had been so long, Sarah couldn’t imagine what the next six weeks would be like.

  GOODBYE

  SETH

  After work, Seth debated going to the lake and getting drunk but headed home instead. Even though his parents hadn’t punished him, he didn’t want to press his luck and, even more so, didn’t want to be seen cavorting around town. Eyes and ears.

  Dad greeted him at the front door. “We have to talk.”

  Mom motioned to the sofa. “Seth, sit down.”

  “Just tell me what happened.”

  “Okay, but let me finish what I have to say and then we’ll talk this out. You’re not to leave this house tonight, do you understand me?”

  This is bad, really bad. “I promise. Just tell me, Dad.”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Matthews have decided to send Sarah to a summer camp for the next five weeks. She had already signed up for a soccer camp the week following. Apparently, one of her friends is a counselor at this camp every year and arranged it so Sarah could go as well.”

  “No fucking way!” Seth headed for the door.

  His father caught him by the shirt collar and threw him on the sofa. “Son, don’t make me do anything we’ll both regret.”

  “This is so fucked up.”

  “Watch your language,” Mom warned. “If you think we’d let you go over to Sarah’s house in this frame of mind, you’re crazy. Her parents won’t allow you to see her anyway.”

  He shook his head in disbelief. “Six weeks.”

  Dad placed his hand on his shoulder. “Mr. and Mrs. Matthews want you and Sarah to take a break from each other; to date other people.”

  “Is that what they said? Take a break?”

  “They think some time apart is a good idea considering what happened last night, that you’re too young to go steady.”

  “I can just hear Mrs. Matthews saying that. I hate her. She never thought I was good enough for Sarah.”

  His mother moved beside him on the sofa. “It doesn’t matter who said it. This is the way it is.”

  Tears welled in his eyes. “This isn’t fair, Mom. Sarah and I love each other. We didn’t do anything wrong. Can I at least talk to Sarah before s
he leaves?”

  “I’ll call Mr. and Mrs. Matthews tomorrow morning to ask if I can take you over there.”

  “What if they say no?”

  “Then you’ll have to respect their wishes,” Dad answered.

  The following morning came and went without Dad reaching Mr. and Mrs. Matthews. He finally went to their store. They said no. Dad had tried to reason with them, saying he would bring Seth over and guarantee he’d be on his best behavior. It didn’t matter. They still refused.

  Dad looked dejected. “I’m sorry, Seth, we tried.”

  Seth had planned for this. He already had his keys on the table at the front door. He only had to grab them and run. And that’s what he did.

  Just before he pulled out of the driveway, Dad jumped into the passenger seat.

  Seth pushed the gas pedal. “Dad, don’t try to stop me.”

  “I don’t intend to,” he said and tried to calm Seth on the short ride over to Sarah’s house.

  When they turned onto Sarah’s street, Seth felt on the verge of tears.

  Dad laid his hand on Seth’s shoulder. “Get a hold of yourself. You don’t want to upset Sarah, do you?”

  “N-no.”

  Seth parked up the street from Sarah’s house and waited. When she came outside, carrying luggage, he hopped out of the truck and ran down the street yelling her name. Sarah turned, dropped the bags, and ran to him. They met halfway.

  Dad caught up with them, warning, “Remember what we talked about.”

  Sarah fell into his arms and buried her face in his chest, all the while sobbing and apologizing. He wanted to see her…needed to see her.

  “Hey, now.” He took her face in his hands. “You didn’t think I’d let you leave without saying goodbye?”

  “But my parents said you couldn’t come over.”

  “Let’s not talk about that. I’m here, that’s what counts.”

  Seth pulled her closer and covered her with kisses, fighting to control his emotions, fighting back tears.

  “Seth, I’m so sorry. They won’t listen to anything I say.”

  “I know.”

  A deep need to commit her to memory overshadowed his anger and fear. He wanted to take in everything about her: the sweet smell of her hair, the fullness of her lips, the touch of her hands on him.

  Several neighbors were cutting lawns, washing cars, or walking their dogs. Seth didn’t care, but he did care where Sarah’s parents were, and he knew he didn’t have much time.

  “I love you, Sarah. Everything’s going to be all right.”

  “I love you too, Seth.” She wiped her eyes and managed a smile.

  “Listen to me. Let’s just do this…take these six weeks and get them over with. Your parents will come around in time. They have to.”

  Sarah nodded.

  He whispered in her ear, “Remember last night? I should have made love to you, right then and there. We were fools, Sarah. What a waste! Look where it got us.”

  “You’re right.”

  Dad laid his hand on Seth’s shoulder. “Seth, Sarah…”

  Mr. Matthews approached and addressed Dad. “I thought I told you not to bring him here.”

  “I couldn’t stop him. I’m here to make sure Seth behaves himself.”

  “You call this behaving?” Mr. Matthews motioned to the neighbors who had stopped their chores to watch.

  “Look, George, it’s bad enough Seth and Sarah aren’t going to see each other for most of the summer. Lily and I think that’s a little harsh, but we respect your decision, and we’ll make Seth abide by your rules. Can you just give them a minute to say goodbye? Look at them.”

  Mr. Matthews pointed to them and whispered, “This behavior is what got them in trouble to begin with.”

  “I’m not sure they got in any trouble. Seth and Sarah say nothing happened last night, and I have no reason to doubt them,” Dad countered with controlled anger.

  “Stop it, will you!” Sarah yelled. “Daddy, please give me a minute to say goodbye to Seth.”

  Mr. Matthews glared at Seth. Seth glared back.

  Dad whispered, “Easy, son.”

  Mr. Matthews nodded. “Don’t make me regret this, and I expect you to remember where you are.” He looked at the neighbors and then at Dad. “I trust you to keep him under control. Five minutes and I want him out of here.” He turned and walked back into his house.

  Sarah turned to Seth. “Our plans for this summer are ruined.”

  “Let’s not focus on that right now. We only have a couple of minutes. Kiss me, Sarah.” Seth bent down to kiss her.

  “Tell me you love me,” she pleaded.

  “I love you so much it hurts.”

  They kissed until Dad interrupted them, saying, “It’s time to go, Seth.”

  Seth nodded. “Sarah, please don’t cry. I’ll be looking in the rearview mirror, and I want to see you smiling. Okay?”

  “Yes,” she muttered, and they exchanged a final kiss.

  Seth walked backward to the truck, never taking his eyes off Sarah.

  “Do you want me to drive?” Dad asked.

  “No, Dad.” Seth sat in the truck, tears streaming down his face. He turned the truck around and drove away, watching Sarah just as he had promised. She smiled and blew kisses. He waved out the window until they reached the corner.

  “It’s clear, Seth. You can go.”

  “I know, Dad. It’s just so hard to leave.” He looked in the mirror one last time. Sarah ran toward the car, waving and smiling. He could tell she was crying too.

  SARAH

  Standing in the middle of the street with tears streaming down her face, Sarah was vaguely aware of the neighbors staring at her but didn’t care. She focused on Seth, whose truck idled at the corner, his hand waving goodbye. She forced herself to smile as he had asked. The brake light went out, and his truck slowly turned the corner. He was gone.

  She refused to move, frozen in a defiant stance. How could this be happening? She had asked that question over and over. Six weeks without Seth. Not to mention she didn’t know if her parents would let them date when she came home.

  Reluctantly, she turned and headed toward Dad who waited by the car. “I hate you!” She sobbed and fell into his arms.

  Dad stroked her hair. “I know you do, Sarah. Someday, I hope you’ll understand.”

  “Never!”

  “It’s time to go. We have a two-hour ride ahead of us.”

  Silence filled the car like a heavy fog until they reached the halfway mark to their destination.

  “Sarah, you have a choice. You can be miserable for six weeks, or you can make the most of it. Katie likes this camp. Please try to take this time to meet new people, try new things. You might be surprised.”

  “Dad, I’ll try, but I won’t change my mind about Seth.”

  “I know. That wasn’t our only reason for sending you to camp. Your mother and I feel some time apart would be good for both of you. You and Seth were moving too fast.”

  “Dad, I swear Seth and I didn’t do anything.”

  “I believe this time you didn’t do anything, but you must think your mother and I fools not to notice how close you two are getting. Can you honestly tell me you and Seth haven’t been tempted?”

  “No, but we’ve learned to control ourselves.”

  “I’m proud of you, but how long can you do that? You’re only seventeen. You and Seth haven’t dated that long. Can’t you understand our concerns?”

  “Yes, but sending me away is too harsh a punishment.”

  “If you were to stay home, you’d be tempted to sneak off and meet Seth. And I’m sorry, Sarah, I don’t trust him to obey our wishes. He’s impulsive. Look at how he came over today even though we explicitly told him not to. I honestly believe distance will help you adhere to the punishment.”

  “It won’t help us; it will force us. There’s no way to see Seth now.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Okay, so what happens after
the six weeks are up?”

  “That depends. We aren’t doing this to hurt you or Seth, but you’re too young to be in a serious relationship. I guess we want to protect you from getting your heart broken.”

  “Dad, you don’t really think you can prevent that, do you?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m going to try. This time anyway.”

  With a huff, Sarah decided to drop the subject. Though she understood Mom and Dad’s reasons for sending her away, she didn’t believe it would make a difference. In fact, she thought it would only bring her and Seth closer together. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

  DOING TIME

  SARAH

  Camp resembled high school: boys and girls flirting and lots of parties. Seeing girls and boys hooking up made her heart ache for Seth even more.

  While a few boys had flirted with her, Sarah had made them aware she had a boyfriend by keeping her ring in full view all the time. After the first week, everyone seemed to know who wanted to hook up and who didn’t. Sarah definitely belonged in the “who didn’t” club.

  Katie was another story. “I’m so ready for a change,” she announced before “lights out” one night. “Kyle and I have been fighting. I just know he’s been partying a lot, and you know what that means?”

  When Kyle parties, Seth parties.

  “I’m done worrying over what Kyle’s doing and am going to have my own fun.” And she did, partying with several boys over the next four weeks.

  Sarah, on the other hand, became friends with a boy named Will. He reminded Sarah of Johnny, with one exception. He didn’t want to date Sarah and for a good reason. Will was gay. That made the “being friends” part easy.

  They went practically everywhere together. The late-night parties were so much fun with him. He had a great sense of humor and often involved Sarah in outrageous shenanigans.

  “I’m sure glad you’re here, Sarah,” he said one night when they walked back to their cabins. “Everyone thinks we’re together, you know.”

  “Yes, but that’s okay. The boys leave me alone, and the girls leave you alone. We don’t have to explain anything to anyone. We’re perfect for each other.”

  The weeks after training were busy, rising at six in the morning and spending the day either preparing food or counseling their campers. Even though “lights out” was at ten o’clock sharp, the campers seldom went right to sleep. Settling everyone down took time and patience and, of course, there were always homesick children who suffered more at night.