(Jasper)
Rutherford spends every day this week building the tree house for us.
Hudson says it's a pre-cut kit he bought from a lumber yard, but I wasn't expecting anything like this. I thought it would be a tiny makeshift shelter we could duck under when it rains. Instead, Hudson's dad is building something big enough that even he could lie down inside. Sometimes he brings a few guys to help, but when they're around, I stay out of the way.
When we're not helping with simple things on the ground, Hudson and I explore the woods, wade in the creek, take turns reading, or just lie on the grass staring at the sky without talking. It feels peaceful. Safe.
My mom doesn't seem to care that I'm gone all day. She used to leave me alone for a couple of hours a few times a week, but now it's every single day, and longer. Something feels different in the house, but I don't know what it is. I'm afraid to question anything because I don't want to lose Hudson.
Friday arrives, and the tree house is finally finished. Hudson's dad is letting us climb up for the first time. Hudson makes me go ahead of him in case I slip. I climb carefully, my heart pounding with excitement.
Mr. Rutherford built it partly in the tree, but not so high that it's scary. A railing runs across the front and two plastic chairs sit outside. When I push open the door and step inside, my mouth falls open. Hudson's does too.
"Wow, Dad, this is awesome!"
Mr. Rutherford smiles from behind us. "I wanted it to be a place you two could use for years, even as you get older."
I don't know when he carried everything up here, but one wall has a small table with two chairs. The other side has a cushioned mat on the floor beside a window with a hatch. It's open now, letting a warm breeze drift in.
"In that tub," he says, nodding, "you'll find sleeping bags, flashlights, and a lantern. For camping out or just hanging around."
Hudson throws his arms around his dad, and I get pulled into the hug too. My throat tightens painfully. Why can't my dad be like this? Why can't he love me like this? I wish I could be adopted by the Rutherfords and never have to go back home again. Then my mom's face flashes in my mind, and guilt twists inside me.
"Thank you, Mr. Rutherford," I manage when the hug ends.
"You're welcome. I'll leave you boys to have fun."
Hudson stands in the doorway while his dad climbs down. "Thanks, Dad. You're the best."
After he's gone, Hudson and I grin at each other and pull the sleeping bags out to lay across the thick camping mat. He brought his backpack with our book and some snacks. We spend the entire day reading, talking, and just enjoying the space.
When it's time for me to head home, we put everything back.
"My dad is home tomorrow… I'm not sure when I'll be able to come back out here."
Hudson frowns. "He's not going to hurt you again, is he?"
I hope not. "No. I won't give him a reason to."
Hudson hesitates before pulling two clunky devices from his bag. "I brought these… but I wasn't sure if they'd get you in trouble. They're two-way radios. They work from here all the way to your house. Do you think your dad would let you keep one?"
I still haven't told my parents about Hudson. "I don't know…"
"I'll leave one in this tub. If you need me, you can come here and radio me. And maybe you can take it home once you talk to him?"
"Okay," I say, though dread settles in my stomach.
"When you get here tomorrow, call me on it, and I'll come meet you." He shows me the buttons.
Hudson climbs down the ladder first, waiting at the bottom until I join him. I hug him a little longer than usual, afraid of what tomorrow might bring.
"Bye, Hudson."
"Bye, buddy."
---
SATURDAY MORNING, Dad and I work outside. He lectures me for not memorizing five scriptures this week. To punish me, he makes me skip lunch and stay in my room learning them. I try to choose short ones to make it easier.
I have a photographic memory, but scriptures blur in my mind. Maybe because I hate doing this. Most of the verses don't make any sense to me, and half the time they just make me ask more questions.
It is only after I recite all the scriptures to my dad that he finally lets me go into the woods. I run as fast as I can to the tree house and radio Hudson to tell him I am there.
We spend the whole afternoon together while he teaches me how to play Settlers of Catan at our little table. We eat snacks and laugh, and for a few hours I forget everything else. I make sure to leave before suppertime because I do not want to give my dad any reason to be angry.
I am setting the table for Mom when Dad comes in.
"What were you doing all afternoon" he asks.
"Exploring in the woods."
Dad gives me that stare that makes my stomach twist. "Your mom said you have been spending all your time out there. Are you playing alone"
He already knows the answer. He wants to see if I will lie. I have seen this expression before.
"I have been hanging out with a boy I met. He is my friend."
"Is he a Christian"
"I… I d-d-don't kn-know," I stutter, stepping back even though I know it will not protect me.
"Go to your room and stay there. I will be in later to punish you." He sits down at the table as if he did not just crush my entire day.