Page 69 of Drifting

Luke kisses my cheek before looking at Patty and Peter. “Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Tate.”

As we head toward the exit, Mom asks, “Those were Nick’s friends, weren’t they?”

I turn and glance back at them. “They became my friends, too.”

I don’t tell them how they all want to date me. I’ll leave that for later.

When we get in the car, it’s silent for a bit.

At last, I can’t hold back. “You do believe me that I didn’t turn in someone else’s paper?”

“I know I wasn’t around much to help you with your homework when you were younger,” Patty says, “but I do know you’re not a cheater. I don’t know who has it out for you.”

“I know who it is.” My hands ball into fists. “I just can’t prove it.”

In the rearview mirror, I see Peter’s eyebrows draw together. “Who is it?”

Shit, should I tell him? No matter when I say, he probably won’t believe me.

“You’re not going to like it,” I warn. “It’s your daughter and her friends. They haven’t been the nicest bunch. They put trash in my locker and had someone spill my lunch tray all over me the other day.”

“Hannah?” He shakes his head.

“This is payback.” I peer down at my hands.

“For what?” he asks, his forehead creasing.

“I made friends with a girl named Paige, then found out she’s been doing this girl Carrie’s homework for years. She’s the head cheerleader. I thought it was just Carrie, but Paige revealed she was doing Hannah’s, too. They bullied her into it. I got her to stop, so this is their retaliation.”

Shaking his head, Peter says, “I know I’m not home much, but I can’t believe Hannah would have someone do her homework.”

“I’m sorry, Peter, but your daughter’s not nice.” I cross my arms. “If you don’t believe me, ask Nick.”

This is going to be hard for Peter to understand. I think, deep down, he knows there’s a problem, but it’s easier just to ignore it.

“Patty, have you seen her doing stuff like… what Shelby’s saying.” He swallows.

“I won’t lie to you.” Patty rests her hand on his thigh. “She’s made it quite clear I’m not welcome. She hasn’t done anything physically to me, just verbally. I know Shelby came home the other day with something all down the front of her shirt, and I got an email from the school saying we’d be charged for new books. Some of her books got destroyed, but I didn’t know who it was.” She lowers her head but peers at him from the corners of her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I thought she was just acting out a little bit. I guess it’s time for me to step up. I’ve never told either of them no before. I’m going to talk to her.” Peter nods firmly.

I feel sorry for Peter. He has no idea what’s in store for him.

As we pull into the driveway, he says, “Oh, before I forget. Your mom said you have a bike, but it’s still in storage. Until you get it, if you need a car, you can borrow Hannah’s. The keys are hanging on the hook in the garage.” He turns and smiles at me. “Thank you for being honest about Hannah, and I’m sorry she’s part of what’s happening.”

“One thing I’ve learned recently is that being a parent isn’t as easy as it looks.” I give Patty a small smile. “You have nothing to be sorry for, Peter. As for the car, when it gets colder, I might take you up on that offer.”

As I climb out of the car, he kisses my mom.

Inside the house, I head right for my room and turn on my computer, searching for my English paper, but the file is gone.

“That bitch!” I scream as I punch my desk.

“That’s a good way to break your hand again. What’s wrong?” Mom asks, standing in my doorway.

“My file is gone. She deleted it completely off my computer.” I throw up my hand and pace.

“Do you think it’s Hannah?” She rubs her temple.

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