This choice: Debra has a serious talk with Chris • Go Back...Chapter #61Debra bikes over for a serious talk by: Kirafair   Debra’s slumber that night was neither deep nor peaceful. Her lack of experience with interpersonal relationships meant her brain was overthinking everything. Ultimately, she feared Chris would break up with her after yesterday’s horrendous performance by her.
When she finally awoke Sunday morning, the first thing she did was check her cell phone. The absence of any texts from Chris only fueled the lingering dread she felt. He was always so good at sending an encouraging message or a photo.
Debra could feel herself lapsing into self-loathing. Past taunts from her nemesis Sloane Underwood and others saying “you’re nothing” and “you’ll always be alone” chipped away at her newfound confidence. While munching away on a bowl of cereal, she said nothing and stared at the kitchen wall.
Cynthia Jackson took note of her son’s detached expression as she prepared to leave for her realtor job. “Is everything okay?”
Debra swallowed a mouthful and mumbled a reply “That depends on if Debra will forgive me”
“Stop being so hard on yourself. Of course she will. I’m pretty sure this won’t be the last time you two have a disagreement. If you ask me, just apologize, talk it out and everything will be fine”
Debra nodded and resumed eating her cereal. Wise counsel as always from Chris’ mother. A nearby fluttering sound caught her full attention. Cynthia was checking that an umbrella was functioning properly. Satisfied it was, she noted.
“Supposed to rain all day. If you want, I’ll be glad to drive you over later. I should be back around 4 PM”
Debra nodded absentmindedly. She'd been in the habit of bicycling over to her old house on Sundays. It made plenty of sense to accept the offer. Although she had never done so, riding for an hour in the rain would probably suck. On the other hand, she didn’t want to wait until this evening to see Chris. It felt like every minute of delay brought her closer to Chris breaking up with her.
But it would be less than ideal to talk over the phone. Debra was all too aware she wasn’t the best at identifying the hidden meaning in someone’s words or body language. The disaster yesterday was proof of that. She was unsure what to do and hated feeling like this. The old Debra was always indecisive, and she wanted to never be like that again.
She contemplated riding over anyway. Debra was determined to show Chris how important he was to her. Bolstering her decision, she recalled learning about some ancient myths in school this year. Relevant to her situation was the “hero’s journey” where the man would undergo great physical trials to prove his love to a woman. Bicycling in the rain wasn’t comparable to swimming across the Hellespont from Greece to Turkey but it was the best she could do.
However, there was another reason she wanted to be there in person. She needed to confirm a growing suspicion regarding their identity swap.
*****
Chris hadn’t called or texted Debra back because he still felt terrible for even suggesting they maintain the swap into the next school year. It felt like an entirely selfish move on his part. He’d really come to adore being “Debra” but it was her life and she was entitled to it.
As he helped make breakfast for the Burns family this morning, Chris reflected sadly there wouldn’t be too many mornings like this left. Her two younger brother’s fooling around helped to slightly improve his somber mood. They were competing to see who could use their utensils to create the silliest face on their pancakes. Chris would even miss the antics of the two mischievous boys.
The family discussed the plans for the day while eating. The brothers had played in a baseball league this summer and today was the end of season awards ceremony. Ken had volunteered to take them and hang around during the subsequent party at a local gymnasium. Anna stated her plan to go grocery shopping and then turned to look at Chris.
“Any plans for you today?”
Chris sought to keep his emotions in check. “I don’t think so,” he answered casually. He was successful with regard to the boys who continued to wolf down their meal. Less so with Ken and Anna who exchanged a concerned glance. Chris spoke little for the remainder of breakfast. His immediate plan was to focus on his chores and then figure out how to placate Debra. After cleaning up the kitchen and folding a load of laundry, he finally got a moment to check his cell phone.
There were a couple unread text messages from her cousin Tara and the girls in the Nerd squad but Chris ignored them to zero in on the one from ‘Chris’. He let out an audible gasp upon reading
‘I’m biking over. See you soon’
He rushed to the living room windows to scan the front yard. There was no sign of Debra as the rain fell in a steady drizzle. He checked the phone again, finally taking notice the message was 30 minutes old. Best case scenario, she would arrive in about 30 minutes. The worst case, well he didn’t want to think about that.
‘Damnit Debra. What the hell are you doing?’
*****
Debra spent the time during her ride scripting out how she was going to apologize and their subsequent conversation. Though the drizzle lashed at her face, she couldn't care less. This endeavor would hopefully prove to Chris how much she loved him. Each piston stroke of her legs brought on more fatigue, but she pressed onward. It was actually exhilarating. Debra would never have imagined she’d come to enjoy physical activity this much. It made her feel strong. She gripped the handlebars tightly and pedaled faster.
*****
Ken got the boys ready and they soon departed. Chris split the next half hour between finishing some laundry and nervously checking the front yard for any signs of Debra. Anna observed ‘her’ pacing back and forth and asked
“Is there something wrong honey?”
Chris clutched the phone tightly against his bosom. With a sigh, he answered “Chris texted that he’s biking over to see me”
Anna was initially surprised. “In this weather?”
He rolled his eyes and nodded. Chris was just about to turn away from the window when movement in the distance caught his attention. He studied it for a few moments before letting out a great sigh of relief. “He’s here!” he exclaimed. Chris hesitated for a second wondering if he should wait inside and act nonchalant. Such a notion was quickly dismissed, and he bolted out the front door onto the porch.
The cool damp weather struck a jarring blow. He wasn’t very well dressed for it at the moment. The Teal sleeveless blouse and White mini skirt looked really cute when he picked it out this morning but did little to ward off the cold. Nor did the strappy sandals with a 2 inch heel. Instinctively seeking to conserve body heat, Chris stood with his legs squeezed tightly together and wrapped both arms across his chest.
Debra pedaled up the driveway as if nothing was out of the ordinary. At least she had a modicum of good sense to put on his Wheaton soccer rain slicker before setting out this morning. However, it only protected her arms and torso. Flecks of mud intermingled with her hairy legs. The Black compression shorts only enhanced her musculature. Chris found it hard to tear his eyes away as Debra dismounted.
He wanted to be mad at her for doing something so stupid. But when the first words out of her mouth were an apology, his anger vanished. The fact Debra rode for an hour through the rain was incredibly touching. One might even say gallant.
“Take your helmet and slicker off and come inside” he commanded.
Debra did so quickly and the moment she was done grasped both his hands. “Please don’t break up with me” she pleaded earnestly
Chris looked deeply into her eyes and saw real fear there. Actually, the thought had never entered his mind. If he was a lesser person, Chris could have used this to his advantage. Sloane Underwood probably would have in a similar situation. But he was nothing like that.
Without ever looking away, he squeezed her hands tight “Never” A look of relief swept over her face, so he decided now was the time to address her previous concern. In a whisper lest Anna inside overhear, he added
“Just so you know, I was never worried you would kill yourself. That part of you is gone. Forever.”
*****
Chris’ steadfast expression and encouraging words felt like a huge burden was lifted off her shoulders. Impulsively, she placed her left hand behind his head and pulled him for a long kiss. The movement of his lips and probing with the tongue made her feel a thousand times better. There was a discernible passion in his kiss.
When they eventually pulled apart, Debra still had things she needed to figure out. She touched her forehead to his and whispered. “Thank you for saying that. I think you have more faith in me than I do. But may I ask why you suggested we stay like this into the school year?”
Chris looked away “Forget I ever asked” he muttered
She wasn’t sure but got a sense he didn’t want to talk about it. In a heartbeat, he changed the subject “Let’s go inside and get you warm. Do you want some tea? Wait, I know. How about some chicken soup?”
He started to tug Debra inside when she protested “I’m muddy and wet. I can’t go in”
Chris ignored her. “Mom” he called out “I’m bringing Chris in to get him some hot soup. Don't worry, I’ll clean up any mess”
He escorted her to the kitchen table and then retrieved a big fluffy towel for her to dry off.
*****
Anna Burns’ heart was filled with joy as she watched this all unfold. She collected her belongings and asked “I’m heading to the grocery store. Can I get you two anything in particular?”
They both declined and as she headed to her car, Anna took a second to text Cynthia Jackson an update.
*****
Debra had not anticipated they might end up being alone in the house. But she could recognize an opportunity when it presented itself. This would be an excellent time to talk. And confirm a hypothesis.
What happens next?
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