Chapter Text
It’s been five years since Roy last saw Mullet Fingers— really saw him. He’s seen glimpses out of the corners of his eyes, but that doesn’t count. He’s had fish in his shoes, but that doesn’t count. He’s seen him in his dreams, but that doesn’t count. Beatrice has facilitated communication between the two boys, but still refuses to tell Roy where her step brother is. Although Roy’s accepted that he’ll never actually see him again, he still hopes that, when he turns around, he’ll be face to face with the blond boy again. Thankfully, his dad has made true on his promise, and they’ve stayed in Florida for a while.
Roy and Beatrice are now in their final year of high school and are still working out their plans for the future. Beatrice recently signed to play soccer for Florida International University, but she’s not sure what she wants to study. Roy is torn between staying local and going to a school back in Montana. Though he’s grown to love Florida, he does miss Montana every once in a while. If he goes away, though, he knows he won’t even get to dream about seeing his old friend again, which is really holding him back.
He sat in the stands by the soccer field, pretending to do homework while he waited for Beatrice’s practice to end. It was their arrangement for Roy to drive them both to and from school, his parents only letting him if he agreed to do homework during the girls’ soccer practices after school. Lately, though, he hadn’t been able to focus on anything for long, getting distracted by the impending deadline of college commitment.
He felt his phone buzz in his pocket and took it out, seeing a text from his dad.
We need to talk when you get home.
Oh no , he thought. That doesn’t sound good.
He gave up on homework, putting his notebook and pencil in his backpack and playing games until Beatrice came to get him. He didn’t feel fully present on the drive home, nervous about what his dad needed to talk about. He dropped Beatrice at her house first, and when he got to his, he stayed in his car in the driveway for a few minutes before going inside. His parents were sitting on the couch in the living room, waiting for him. He walked slowly to a chair, trying to read his parents’ expressions.
“We have some news,” his dad began. Roy stayed silent. “I know we said we’d stay here permanently, but I’ve been offered a much better job in Texas and, with you going to college soon, I thought I’d take it. Your mom and I will move in July. You’re welcome to come with us, if you want, or you can stay with someone here until you go to school.”
“Okay,” was all Roy could say. He looked from his dad to his mom, who were both trying to gauge his reaction. “I have something to say, too,” he finally added, making an impulsive decision. “I’m gonna go to Florida International.”
Before, if he decided to go out of state, he thought he’d at least be able to come to Florida over the summer to see Beatrice—and maybe even Mullet Fingers—but if his family’s moving, he needs to stay.
Mr. and Mrs. Eberhardt were both slightly shocked by their son’s announcement, but excitement quickly trumped the shock. They both got off the couch to hug him, telling him they were proud, then went to the kitchen for dinner.
After dinner, Roy went to his room and got on his computer, officially committing to Florida International University. He immediately texted Beatrice, who responded instantly with excitement.