Things get better. Zach's father keeps his promise. Although he is still away at work for the next few months, he comes home more often than he used to. Zach convinces himself it is to be with the whole family and not specifically to keep an eye on him, but he knows his father well. Stanley is letting him know that he is checking up on him, making sure he hasn't run away again or brought home any undesirable friends. In truth, Zach has become scared of making any friends. He limits his interactions with others simply because it's easier that way.
"We have company joining us for dinner," his father informs him as Zach eats breakfast with his family one day. "A good friend of mine who just happens to be one of my bosses is moving to the area. He's taken a big step on my behalf, simply because I suggested the desire to stay close to my home for the better part of the year." He sits up straight as he addresses the group. "It's an honor. As such, we have a responsibility to make sure they feel at home here in this city."
He looks at Zach with his next words. "They have a daughter. She's a very lovely person. I'm counting on you to see to it she enjoys her visit tonight. Can you do that?"
'You will do that' is the phrase Zach understands from his father's tone. Keep a girl company. Of course, that's something he can do. It might be nice to speak with someone his age outside of school, to make a friend. He has permission, after all.
He would soon discern what his father really meant.
The couple that arrives seems to be a lively young pair about the same age as Zach's parents, with one child, the daughter Stanley mentioned before. Her name is Nina, and with long brunette hair, a pleasant face, and full figure, Zach can tell she is someone his father would consider a perfect woman-someone ideal to be seen with his son who has otherwise brought him such disappointment.
He makes friendly conversation with her during their meal, learning that she is one grade below him and would soon be transferring to the rival high school a few miles from his own. She has plans to attend beauty school, with dreams of learning the art of hair, nails, lashes, and professional makeup. Zach commends her for her ambitions. She seems pleased with the compliment and asks about his plans after the school year is over.
"Yes, I actually have enough credits to graduate a semester early. I…" He glances at his father who still seems deep in conversation in the next room. "I'm planning on starting college classes next semester at the university here in the city. I've been accepted early on the condition of passing all my current classes. I've even applied to scholarships already."
"Oh, how wonderful!" she cries out, bringing her hands together in modest celebration of the achievement.
"You're not going to take the semester off? Why not start in the summer or fall? Take a break for a while?"
He lowers his voice, not wanting to draw attention to the current conversation. "I suppose I just want to be away at school, have the experience of living in the dormitories. It's time I learn to be on my own."
"Zach is staying here while going to school," calls a heavy voice of the man suddenly listening in on the conversation.
Zach's stomach does a lopsided turn, and he looks up at his father. This isn't something they've talked about. He assumed he would at least be permitted to move out of the house and stay in the college dorms once he was eighteen.
"It's only a few miles after all." The man nods, confirming his own statement. "Yes. Zach is living here while he goes to college. You'll be able to see him more often that way, too, Nina."
Zach looks at his father as he pieces the conversation together in his mind. First of all, what he's saying isn't true. It's more than a few miles. The university he wishes to attend is the same university his sister is attending. In her case, it was unanimously agreed that the commute warranted the dorm experience. His father, especially, urged her to move out and learn to live on her own.
Zach is a special case. The man can't risk letting him out of his sight until the boy is further in his grasp, his control.
After the man locks his jaw and looks pointedly from Zach to Nina, who has been engaged by his younger brothers showing off their toys, Zach begins to understand. And when his father clears his throat and says with sharp eyes and raised brows, "Zach, maybe Nina would like to watch the television with you," he is convinced.
"Surely all this grown-up talk is boring to you young folks. We'll be in the kitchen a while longer with our drinks; no need to stay at the table." He takes a drink from his wine glass and smiles at his guests. He then turns to Zach and finishes, "Show her into the living room, will you? I'll tell the boys to go and play outside to give you some space."
It's not a request. It's a threat. Only Zach can see this.
Three months ago, he had agreed to do what his father told him. And right now, his father was making a demand. This was not his father simply asking him to entertain a young girl for the evening. He was instructing him to fall in love with her. But that wasn't all. He was to convince her to do the same.
Zach can't refuse. Not if he doesn't want the punishment that will surely follow. The thought makes his pulse beat faster beneath the collar of his shirt. His father said they had made a deal. And this was how Zach could hold up his end of their agreement.
Feigning a smile, acutely aware of the eyes of their dinner guests focused on him, he responds, "Yes, father."
"What a bright young man. To think he's going to be attending university at such a young age," their honored guest says. "Such drive."
"Such a dear boy!" agrees his wife.
"We're very proud of him," nods Zach's mother.
"It is so hard to let them go. Enjoy them while you can!"
They clink glasses, and Zach's father grins as though he has just struck the best deal possible. He was pawning him off to make good on a beneficial business relationship.
_____
"Would you...like to go to the movies with me this Friday?" Zach asks as he helps the girl into her coat. He can almost picture his father nodding behind him. That's right.
The girl beams. "I'd love to, Zachary! Oh," covering her mouth innocently. "Zach, I mean." Twirling back and forth, she waits for her parents to join her out the door.
The smile is stuck smeared across Zach's face. That's fine. If he keeps it there by force, he won't have to conjure it up later. Only a few moments more until their guests are gone and he can retire to his room. He can't help but picture Shane there waiting for him, ready to hear all his thoughts and worries.
He is aware of the fact that he is obeying like a fool. But he's scared. This is better than the alternative. He can't go through that week ever again. He'll go mad if he has to ever experience that kind of solitude. This, taking a girl out on a few dates, is something he can do. This is something he must do. It won't be forever. Only until he can get out. He'll find a way. He'll move into the dorms without permission if he has to. He'll figure something out.
_____
Ding dong.
"Coming!"
The door flies open to reveal the flushed face of his date.
"Um, you look nice," Zach offers with a smile.
"Thank you!" Her blush suddenly disappears as though she was anticipating the response. Spreading the fabric of her new skirt, drawing attention to her outfit, she awaits Zach's arm, which he offers.
Zach finds the movie to be more interesting than he thought he would. Then, after taking her for a root beer float, he escorts her home.
Nina takes Zach's hand in hers just a block from her house. Immediately, Shane is there in his mind again, slowly becoming more and more visible in his periphery until he's following along beside them, observing the girl's actions as well as Zach's reactions.
"Thank you for inviting me, Zachary. I just knew from the second I saw you that we'd get along. And you're so cute. Much cuter than the boys I knew in my old town. At first, I was so mad at Daddy for dragging me all the way out here just because of work. But now...well, I think it's fate!" Was she wanting him to say the same?
"You're welcome. And that's kind of you to say. I had a good time."
What is Shane doing right now? he wonders. The tobacco harvest was over long ago. Zach never did learn the next steps in the process. How long does it take for the leaves to dry out? How does its texture compare to freshly harvested leaves? What would it be like to smoke something made of that?
It's as if Shane is there beside him, laughing at his silly questions and telling him to come back to Shanan and find out for himself. He doesn't realize how lost in thought he is until Nina's face is in front of his own, brows raised.
"Don't you think?"
Had she asked him a question? It doesn't seem like she's looking for a real reply, only confirmation. He smiles at her, wanting to start on home before it gets dark. It's been getting darker earlier with winter so near. He misses the long days in the heat.
She doesn't reach for the door. She doesn't let go of his hand. She smiles and twirls her skirt slightly once more, almost in anticipation of something.
Oh.
A kiss goodbye wouldn't be so bad. But can he really put his lips against hers while picturing Shane there, watching? He needs to stop this. It's unhealthy. He needs the boy beside him to leave.
Gently, he kisses her cheek, then lowers his head. "Sleep well."