Page 25 of Head Over Skates

Cyrus beams up at me, smiling with ketchup on his chin. I chuckle and turn to sneak off campus before I get busted.

I'm sprawledout on the couch at home, trying to unwind after the insanity of this morning. Some nature show is playing in the background while I scroll through my phone. I'm just starting to relax when an incoming call from Shannon pops up on my screen.

My shoulders tense reflexively. Conversations with Cyrus's mom are about as fun as a root canal. I debate letting it go to voicemail, but with a sigh, I swipe to answer.

"Hey, Shannon, what's up?" I say, aiming for a casual tone.

"Don't you 'what's up' me, Owen!" Shannon snaps. "I know you took Cyrus fast food today."

Crap. Busted.

"It was just a burger, no big deal," I say casually, trying to downplay it.

"It IS a big deal. I've told you a million times not to undermine my rules like that."

"Come on, Shannon, the kid was thrilled. Didn't you see how happy he was?"

"That's not the point! You can't just swoop in with treats whenever you feel like it. I'm his mother. I make the rules."

I run a hand through my hair in frustration. "Look, I was just trying to do something nice for my brother..." I start, but Shannon cuts me off.

"Well, your 'nice' gesture caused a huge problem. Cyrus got into a fight today because the other kids were jealous and tried to take his fries."

Aw crap. I sit up, guilt hitting me square in the gut.

"A fight? Is he okay?" I ask urgently.

"He'll be fine. But this is exactly why you can't pull crap like that, Owen," Shannon lectures.

I slump back against the couch, worry swirling in my chest. I was just trying to do a good thing for the kid.

Shannon's still railing at me through the phone. "I can't have you confusing him like this. It's too disruptive."

"I'm his brother. I'm just trying to be there for him," I protest.

"Well, maybe he'd be better off if you weren't," Shannon snaps, then as if she’s forcing herself to speak calmly, sighs and adds quietly, "I think it would be best if you didn't see Cyrus for a while."

Ouch.

"This isn't fair, Shannon. He needs me. Maybe if we find him a new school…" My voice cracks slightly.

"Stay out of it, Owen. I'm his mother. Let me do my job."

I slump forward, elbows on my knees, and head in my hands. Arguing is pointless—she's made up her mind.

"At least let me help out financially if you won't let me see him," I plead.

"Absolutely not," she says sharply. "We're doing just fine on our own."

"Come on, it could really help with clothes, after-school activities..."

"I said no! This is exactly why you need to back off. I can handle my son without you throwing your money around."

I sigh heavily. She's way too stubborn and proud to accept any help. Meanwhile, I'm stuck here feeling completely useless.

“Listen, Owen, I need to get off the phone now.”

“So that’s it? Just goodbye forever?”

---