Page 11 of Gifts

Since he seems to have a quick comeback for everything, I decide it’s time to say goodbye. “I’ll call you Monday with any additional information. Have a good weekend.”

I hear his smile return. “You, too, Keelie.”

Hanging up the phone, I look at the clock. It’s the last hour of the day and I don’t have any more appointments. On a whim, I pull up the student profiles for both Maggie and Beth.

I print off their addresses. Maggie doesn’t live too far from me.

The bell rings for the last hour of the day, so I shutdown my computer for the weekend. Tidying up my desk, I grab my jacket and bags and lock my office door.

When I walk by the office, I make up an excuse for leaving. Checking in on students outside of school isn’t exactly under my job description. “I have an appointment, so I’m sneaking out a little early. You can forward any calls to voicemail and I’ll check them this afternoon.”

“Sounds good. Have a good weekend, Keelie.” She smiles.

“You, too.” I sigh, wondering what the hell I’m doing, while at the same time wishing I had more on tap for the weekend. Maybe it’s time to get the kids involved in more. It’s good to stay busy.

*****

Asa

I’ve been sitting here for hours, and when something finally happens, I can’t believe my eyes.

My new favorite high school counselor pulls into the drive, parking her minivan right next to that shithead’s piece of junk.

I cringe when I think about what she’s walking up to and start my engine. Pulling forward the two blocks from where I was parked, I watch Keelie walk up to the door wearing another sweet outfit—this time a dress. In her high-heeled boots, she walks with purpose, and I can tell she’s already talking to the three standing at the front door—Maggie, Beth, and some guy who looks as credible as the expired plates on his car.

Keelie’s arrival just interrupted the hand off. I can’t imagine what would’ve happened had she seen the girls take something from a guy I’m sure is a dealer standing on their front porch. I memorize the license plate, make, and model of the other car in the driveway before I do the last thing I planned on doing this afternoon—make an approach.

After pulling the info of both of Emma’s friends, I decided to drive by and see where they lived. Turns out, my new house is in the same development as Maggie’s. After driving by Beth’s house first, I swung by here and happened upon both girls walking up. My kids are still in school, so I bet they should be there, too. From the sounds of their laughs, I’m guessing they aren’t sick.

Climbing out of my truck, I hear Keelie questioning what’s going on. “So, you’re both ill today?”

Not knowing which is which, one of the girls starts speaking quicker than a bunny on speed. “I think something’s, like, going around. We both must have had it. But … um … I’m feeling better, so I decided to come and check on Maggie.”

“And who are you?” Keelie looks up to the man caught on the front porch with his hands stuffed into his pockets. He can’t be over the age of twenty-one.

No one has the chance to answer as both girls and the guy look to me. When I walk up behind Keelie—she doesn’t know what’s about to hit her.

Putting my hand low on her narrow hip, she startles from the surprise of my touch. I take the last step as she turns her head toward me and her eyes go big. I ignore that and give her a warm smile as I pull her to my side. “Hey.”

She freezes.

I give her a squeeze and enjoy her body pressed to mine. “I was on my way home and saw your car. I thought we were meeting later, so I stopped to see what’s going on.”

Her frown deepens. “Later?”

“Yeah, later.” I turn to our three spectators. “Hi.”

“Um…” the brunette mutters.

“Hey,” mumbles the blonde.

I look to the guy and narrow my eyes as I offer him my right hand. “Asa. And you are?”

He looks uncomfortable, but finally takes my hand in a quick shake. “Ritchie.”

“Ritchie. Good to meet you.” I don’t let go of Keelie and look to her when I point out, “I thought everyone would still be in school.”

Keelie tries to push away from me but I hold tight as she throws a hand out in front of her. “I was just checking up on these two. It seems they’re often sick at the same time. I have no idea who Ritchie is.”

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